Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. I am advised by the Director-General that no tenders were awarded. To address the safety of staff and utilizing the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was procured through a quotation process. Masks, gloves and sanitizers were bought to the total value of R188 794.

2. The Department advised that standard supply chain management procedures were followed with no deviation and further that all procurement procedures followed the relevant National Treasury prescripts.  

3.  In light of the above, it seems that no statement is required; but should circumstances require a statement to be made, I do so.

-END-

Reply:

 

1 (a)

Taxpayer individual	FY_2015	FY_2016	FY_2017	FY_2018	FY_2019	FY_2020
Current_Year_Return	4 827 959	4 721 183	4 704 719	4 832 388	4 896 582	4 174 319
Old_Year_Return	1 308 214	2 055 927	1 788 207	1 642 393	1 892 757	1 208 070
Total	6 136 173	6 777 110	6 492 926	6 474 781	6 789 339	5 382 389

1 (b)

Tax Type	Actual 2014/15	Actual 2015/2016	Actual 2016/2017	Actual 2017/2018	Actual 2018/2019	Actual 2019/2020
Employees Tax	344 508 431 931	376 176 139 489	410 829 910 456	446 274 167 825	477 503 062 436	518 242 315 966
Employees  Tax Refund	-656 619	-11 780 364	-23 020 983	-0	0	0
ETI Credit Granted Against Payment	-2 450 071 285	-3 999 574 019	-4 595 098 741	-4 095 757 274	-3 564 122 029	-4 150 348 513
ETI Credit- Refunds	-1 492 538	-63 648 080	-61 110 359	-220 788 445	-947 993 912	603 878 868
PAYE	342 056 193 490	372 101 137 025	406 150 680 373	441 957 622 106	472 990 964 494	513 488 088 585
Interest on Overdue Tax: Individual	961 608 288	1 177 316 828	1 378 825 754	1 950 291 288	1 745 876 240	1 539 852 562
PIT Admin Penatly Tax	478 382 997	519 475 641	466 141 781	595 809 471	794 257 165	660 084 696
PIT Assessment Tax	8 904 145 338	10 127 476 560	12 252 686 156	15 404 896 170	13 873 604 107	13 508 246 188
PIT Provisional Tax	21 960 745 346	26 101 480 544	28 640 569 890	29 795 850 581	34 934 982 092	31 337 460 943
PIT Refund	-20 475 084 345	-20 747 184 861	-22 964 837 321	-26 801 336 863	-30 510 886 144	-31 363 927 525
PIT	11 837 797 625	17 178 564 713	19 773 386 258	20 945 510 646	20 837 833 461	15 481 716 864

2 (a)

Taxpayer individual	FY_2015	FY_2016	FY_2017	FY_2018	FY_2019	FY_2020
Companies	909 555	886 304	992 857	1 004 116	1 341 419	1 226 619

2 (b)

Tax Type	Actual 2014/15	Actual 2015/2016	Actual 2016/2017	Actual 2017/2018	Actual 2018/2019	Actual 2019/2020
CIT	186 636 020 665	193 385 299 773	207 027 292 710	220 238 556 048	214 388 388 377 089	214 984 363 608
CIT Admin Penalty	17 316 924	11 524 956	999 163	559 882	951 197	24 433 686
CIT Assessment Tax	10 447 512 425	10 827 296 647	12 198 961 590	11 804 711 753	12 993 743 440	12 758 800 290
CIT Provisional Tax	184 897 124 092	190 587 195 684	204 761 897 589	218 612 829 088	220 838 532 302	217 443 799 717
CIT Refund	-10 732 346 757	-10 759 398 997	-12 993 896 501	-13 587 950 231	-22 389 301 719	-19 324 507 691
Interest on Overdue Tax: Companies	1 698 766 574	2 233 656 821	2 595 530 097	2 826 509 856	2 342 325 589	3 463 834 423
Royalties	304 647 407	455 024 662	463 800 771	581 895 700	602 126 281	618 003 183
Tax Credits Certificates	-	-	-	-	-	-
VAT	261 419 105 799	281 084 824 365	289 077 227 960	297 997 586 561	324 765 977 900	346 747 694 248
Diesel Refund Off Set	-	1 108 025 243	1 274 885 672	860 141 007	1 223 782 365	2 092 452 806
Domestic VAT	286 840 372 013	296 287 812 461	320 111 119 134	335 419 329 227	377 508 869 004	397 188 847 188
VAT on Imports	136 570 055 698	150 744 532 766	149 265 484 253	152 788 760 372	175 184 585 320	179 987 356 577
VAT Refunds	-161 991 321 912	-167 055 546 105	-181 574 261 099	-191 070 644 045	-299 151 258 789	-232 520 962 323

Reply:

1. (i) An overall average of 137 576 beneficiaries per month. Regional breakdown is illustrated in the table below.

(ii) An average of R 1.44 billion per month or R5.77 billion over the four month period. Regional breakdown is illustrated in the table below.

2. The four-month holiday (non- payment) for skills development levy contributions (1 per cent of monthly payroll) made by employers, began on 1 May 2020 and ends on 31 August 2020

May returns (202005) is only due on June 7, 2020 and is therefore not yet available.

Reply:

(a) The number of applications received is 2244,

(b) The number of applications approved across all provinces province is 72

Outcome	EASREN CAPE	FREE STATE	GAUTENG	KWA/ZULU NATAL	MPUMALANGA	Unknown	WESTERN CAPE	Grand Total
Invalid	76	30	803	91	13		148	1161
Unknown	3	3	25	8	2	465	5	511
Partially allow	4	7	234	13			35	293
disallow	2	1	139	28			7	177
Allowed	2	2	49	13			6	72
Withdraw			27					27
Reject			2					2
Accept			1					1
Grand total	87	43	128	153	15	465	201	2244

(c) Unfortunately we cannot provide the rand value at this point of time, as the cases do not show for which period/tax year the request was. An extract for the journals from our core systems would have to be requested and this will take some time.

Reply:

Directions on e-Commerce were gazetted on 14 May 2020 (gazette no 43321).

The directions provide clarity on what goods may be transacted and the protocols which must be observed by retailers, courier and delivery services used by e-commerce retailers.

A copy of the Directions may be accessed from the Department’s website.

-END-

Reply:

The number of names added to (a) Part A and (b) Part B of the Child Protection Register in each year since its establishment

Year	2004/5	2005/6	2006/7	2007/8	2008/9
	4 442	2 610	3 593	1 965	3 636

Year	2009/10	2010/11	2011/12	2012/13
	1 956	1 348	4 474	4 477

Year	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17
	3 874	2 879	3 050	7 607

Year	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20	Total
	3 206	9 153	7 313	65 583

 

(b) Part B: Persons found unsuitable to work with children

Year	2011/12	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16
	45	260	212	87	99

Year	2016/17	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20	Total
	281	23	509	144	1 660

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION:

1. The Department of Science and Innovation has not awarded any goods or services exceeding R500 000 (tenders) at this stage. All the Covid-19 related purchases have been below R500 000, procurement was done through quotations;
2. Not applicable;
3. Not applicable;
4. Not applicable.

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

1. Procurement in excess of R500 000 per case is considered as a tender, hence no single tender was awarded in respect of COVID-19 to date;
2. None;
3. Not applicable;
4. Not applicable.

Reply:

a) We estimate that 492 386 employees will benefit from the tax subsidy of R500 per month. The table below is breakdown per province.

Province	Total Number
EASTERN CAPE	23 658
FREE STATE	12 063
GAUTENG	260 264
KWA-ZULU NATAL	60 586
LIMPOPO	9 390
MPUMALANGA	17 963
NORTH WEST	10 124
NORTHERN CAPE	4 935
WESTERN CAPE	93 403
Grand Total	492 386

b) 10 223 companies have thus far made use of the wage subsidy for employees earning less than R6 500 per month. The table below is a breakdown of this figure per province.

Province	Grand Total
EASTERN CAPE	548
FREE STATE	360
GAUTENG	4 890
KWA-ZULU NATAL	1 144
LARGE BUSINESS CENTRE	192
LIMPOPO	120
MPUMALANGA	258
NORTH WEST	155
WESTERN CAPE	2 556
Grand Total	10 223

Reply:

(a)(b)(c) The president announced that SARS will fast track VAT refunds and we have not received any specific requests for such.

SARS has since made amendments in terms of the number of returns that we can expect in a specific cycle to allow vendors qualifying for refunds to submit a return monthly instead of every two months thus enabling a quicker waiting period for refunds.

The turnaround time for refunds compared to same period last year has decreased by 4.4 days.

Reply:

​​ The Department of Home Affairs has a constitutional obligation to provide equitable and quality service to the population of the Republic of South Africa residing in both rural and urban areas. The Department through its footprint development and optimisation strategy adopted a multi-channel strategy to deliver its services and this strategy utilizes the combination of traditional distribution channels (Physical Infrastructure), non-traditional channels (Mobile Units), partnerships with Public and Private organizations and the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver on its services as well as to improve Geographic access to its service and quality of services the department delivers. The department established its distribution channels through the utilization of a scientific method to assess the provision and location of its services which includes the Geographic information system that assist the department to determine the optimal number and locations of traditional channels it requires to meet the service delivery needs of the population residing in both rural and urban areas.

• The provision of the Department’s distribution channels is determined by the Accessibility models that the department utilises in order to determine optimal locations to establish its facilities.

• The Department is currently conducting a geographical accessibility study which commenced in April 2019, to assess the provision and geographic locations of its service points in relation to where people live and work with the ultimate goal of improving geographic access to its services. The findings of the project are used to develop the department’s access model which will clearly outline the geographical areas which are under-served, poorly served and well-served by the department’s available footprint.

• Furthermore, the DHA Access Model will provide the number of service points that are required to provide optimum levels of services and access to beneficiaries, potential optimum, sites for new facilities and areas that should be given priority. The Department of Home Affairs will utilise the DHA Access Model to:
•  Set targets for reducing distances that people travel to access our services
• Assess what is affordable for fixed offices and what can be done by mobile or other means to extend access and affordability
• Consult with provincial and local authorities on their spatial development frameworks to identify sites that are suitable for DHA facilities, coordinating planning and investment in new facilities.

• The implementation of the Department’s Access Model will commence during 2020/21 financial year. The department utilises geographic information system software to also assess the provision of its service points as well as the total population that are covered by its service points. The preliminary DHA Access Model shows that the department requires approximately 261 front offices and 183 mobile visiting points to deliver optimal services to the population as depicted in the table below.

• The Department has dedicated offices, in the form of mobile units, which are used to visit communities to render services. These mobile offices are managed by Mobile Office Managers and all tools of trade required are kept in those mobile offices.

• Furthermore, Stakeholder Forum platforms enable the Department to reach out to far flung communities by having community leaders in the persons of the Ward Councilors, Ward Committees, Community Development Workers (CDWs) to bring us needy, undocumented community members, who would require documentation in all its forms, by informing them of the documentation requirements for them to know what to bring when requiring Home Affairs services. The regular Stakeholder Forum meetings, in conjunction with the Departmental officials, that are held bi-monthly, craft Itineraries for different Wards, or localities with dates, and times, stating the requirements, or supporting documents that must be brought along by the clients.

• Programs are distributed to our stakeholders, including Speakers and ward Councillors, during Stakeholder Forums before the actual day of rendering services to a particular area to allow communities to prepare themselves in advance. Our Mobile Offices also play a meaningful role by visiting such communities to sensitize them about our visits and also place our programs at prominent areas for public consumption.

• The Department does not have a prescribed set of visits. Visits are normally informed by the volume of clients who require services at a particular place. Ward councilors normally accumulate the information on the services required by their communities; this will then inform the Department when developing community visit programs with regard to the number of visits to a particular area.

• The Department has put in place the Service Delivery Charter that provides the turnaround times for services it delivers in all its offices. The Service Charter also provides the redress mechanisms that are put in place in order to address the services that are not delivered within turnaround times as stipulated in the Service Delivery Charter.

• These mechanisms including the Department’s contact centre and the complaints and suggestion boxes that are placed within all front offices of the department of home affairs. The details of the contact centre is provided on the Service Charters that are displayed in all front offices where clients are able to call the contact centre and enquire about their applications. The contact centre of the Department of Home Affairs, given the status of the application has the capacity to resolve complaints and cases to the finalisation of the application.
• Furthermore, queries and complaints that are logged through the complaints and suggestion boxes in all front offices of the Department are attended by District Managers: Operations, and they implement appropriate remedial actions to address the situation. Premier/ Ministerial complaints are attended at Head Office through Provincial Manager’s office.

END

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

1); (2) The work to finalise measures and guidelines is still in progress and meetings between myself and the Minister in the Presidency ongoing. The guidelines will be completed and first presented to the Cabinet for consideration before it is implemented.

(3) (a) The Department developed ‘Cost norms and standard for the provision of infrastructure for State and Official Funerals’ document that is aligned to the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual. The manual was sent to the Presidency for input and sign-off. However, the Department already started to implement the limits and caps on costs for State and Official funerals. Once Cabinet has approved the new funeral policy, it will be applied.

(4) (a) The total number of funerals that the Department paid for in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial years is 15.

(b) The amount that was spent on each of the funeral is:

FUNERAL	DATE	AMOUNT SPENT
Mr Kgositsile	03/02/2018	R9 000 349.00
Ms Madikizela-Mandela	14/04/2018	R35 731 835.85
Mr Skweyiya	28/04/2018	R28 967 791.37
Mr Modise	28/06/2018	R11 440 661.84
Mrs Sobukwe	25/06/2018	R9 836 239.80
Minister Molelwa	06/10/2018	R4 798 163.30
Mr Mtshali	21/10/2018	R2 904 426.89
Ms Msimang	26/10/2018	R752 221.70
Mr Msimang	15/12/2018	R1 296 275.10
Mr Khumalo	26/02/2019	R863 942.10
General Maphoto	26/06/2018	R880 891.95
Mr Vincent Dube	07/09/2018	R497 651.00
Deputy Minister Hlongwe	21/09/2019	R972 237.53
Dr Richard Maponya	22/01/2020	R211 338.00
Dr Joseph Shabalala	23/02/2020	R391 230.00
TOTAL		R105 640829.02

(5) (a) (i) I was informed by the DPWI that the expenditure had not been subjected to all the necessary due diligence which apply within the Department for it to be correctly categorised.

FUNERAL	ACTUAL EXPENDITURE	5(a)(ii) DEVIATION	5(b) DIFF BTWN QUOTED AMOUNT AND ACUTAL EXP
Mr Kgositsile	R9 000 349.00	None	None
Ms Madikizela-Mandela	R35 731 835.85	R16 781 441.17	R1 980 614.48
Mr Skweyiya	R28 967 791.37	R4 162 078.90	R3 320 152.07
Mr Modise	R11 440 661.84	R3 870 198.50	R77 165.00
Mrs Sobukwe	R9 836 239.80	R160 813.30	R124 315.00
Minister Molelwa	R4 798 163.30	None	None
Mr Mtshali	R2 904 426.89	R53 130.00	R364 975.50
Ms Msimang	R752 221.70	None	None
Mr Msimang	R1 296 275.10	None	None
Mr Khumalo	R863 942.10	None	None
General Maphoto	R880 891.95	None	None
Mr Vincent Dube	R497 651.00	None	None
Deputy Minister Hlongwe	R972 237.53	None	None
Dr Richard Maponya	R211 338.00	None	None
Dr Joseph Shabalala	R391 230.00	None	None

 

Reply:

Yes, there is a signed lease. According to the current CPA Chairperson, Ms Mantsha Mosito, the lease was signed by her predecessors before she became the chairperson in 2012. The Department has established from Mr Ryan Sabatier, who signed the contract on behalf of a family company that the lease was signed in 2010, to run for a period of 15 years and will expire in 2025. Mr Sabatier left the company under the control of his father, Mr Peter Sabatier. Both Ms Mosito and Mr Ryan Sabatier confirmed that Mr Peter Sabatier has started to breach terms of the contract. He is no longer paying rent and is sub-letting the farm. Both acts are a violation of the signed contract.

It was reported in the 2018-2019 CPA Annual Report that this CPA was not fully compliant with the Act. During the 2019-2020 financial year, the Department undertook to train 900 Communal Property Associations across the country to assist them to be complaint with the Act, of which this CPA was also targeted since the current committee has been in office since 2012 and are beyond their term of office. The Limpopo PSSC invited them for training in October 2019, however, the committee failed to attend the training.

The Department is continuing with the training to ensure all CPAs are compliant with the Act and undertakes to ensure that this CPA will be assisted.

Reply:

1. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has not distributed food parcels to needy persons as this is the mandate that was undertaken by the Department of Social Development (DSD). DALRRD received food sponsorships from willing partners within the Agriculture sector during this COVID 19 outbreak. The distribution of such sponsored food items was agreed upon with the relevant sponsor, based on their prioritised areas in collaboration with DALRRD.

(a) The food parcels that were sponsored by volunteers within the Agricultural sector were distributed in accordance with the sponsors’ preferences.

(b) DALRRD did not distribute food parcels except those that were received from sponsors of food items [Golden Harvest donated 5 000 fruit and vegetable packs to communities in the Western Cape].

(c) The sponsored packs had fruits and vegetables.

(d) There were no costs to DALRRD as these packs were donated.

(2) What is the name(s) of the service provider(s) that was contracted to provide food parcels in each province;

REPLY:

There were no service providers contracted by DALRRD to provide food parcels in provinces.

(3) What are the details of the plans her department has put in place to ensure that more needy persons receive food parcels, especially in light of the national lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic;

REPLY:

Though the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was not directly involved in the distribution of food parcels DALRRD has been monitoring the availability and stability of supply for food in the food value chain and together with its State Owned Entities (SOEs) monitoring the prices of the basic food items using the 28 item Basic Food Basket and the 35 item zero rated food basket. DALRRD has further re-prioritised funding of up to R1.2billion to support small-scale producers that are in production of poultry, vegetables and fruits, livestock and field crops.

(4) Whether her department took any steps to liaise with and mobilise civil society and businesses to assist her department with hunger relief initiatives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW852E

REPLY:

Before the pronouncement of the lockdown by the President the DALRRD Ministry established Task Teams between the Sector Industry partners (from production, processing and retail), its SOEs and Senior Officials in the DALRRD. The Task Team was established to ensure food availability and food price monitoring occurs more frequently than usual. The process of monitoring food availability and stability is being conducted through an End-to-end Agricultural value chain tracker developed in partnership with Industry partners, which is a 24 to 48-hour reporting cycle, this was to address the challenge of panic buying by consumers who would end up using all their money. The prioritised funding to support small-scale producers is specifically in support of COVID 19 as the department has its usual support programmes such as Ilima/Letsema, CASP, LandCare, Land Acquisition Grants that are intended to support all producers.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

Background

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has informed me that it was in the early stages in the process of appointing a service provider prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic, after the SANDF stated that their strategic borderline infrastructure is in a bad condition.

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on 15 March 2020 on the Covid-19 pandemic and the simultaneous declaration of a National State of Disaster

In accordance with Section 27(2) (L) of the Disaster Management Act, No 57 of 2002, I, issued a directive on 16 March 2020 for the emergency securing of the South African Border Posts.

Recognising the Ministerial Directive a site visit was held by DPWI and DOD officials on the 17 March 2020 at the Beitbridge Land Port of Entry resolved that:

• The borderline fence was surveyed and it was evident that there entire fence line is won and parts are not structurally sound
• The focus area for the borderline infrastructure installation will be 40kms (20kms on either side of Beitbridge)
• Consideration that the existing service provider had a BOQ activities of a fence line and scheduled rates.

DPWI informed me that several options to meet the set deadline were discussed under emergency criteria.

The National Treasury’s Instruction Note No. 08 of 2019/2020 Emergency Procurement Covid-19 in paragraph 3.5.1 (i) provides for the invocation of emergency procedures.

The Department informed me the emergency procurement process that entails the appointment of the required service providers through a negotiated procedure that was approved by National Bid Adjudication Committee (NBAC).

As the Minister, I have requested the Auditor-General to investigate whether due process was followed.

To reply to your question, see the refly below

(a) The Department informed me that the DPWI’s emergency procurement process to appoint the service provider was used as indicated above.

(b), (c) The motivation or reasons for appointment are as follows:

• • • Recognising the declaration of the National State of Disaster, and the subsequent Ministerial Directive on this matter it was deemed prudent to invoke the Departmental Emergency Procurement processes that entail the appointment of the required service provider through a negotiated procedure that has prior approval of the duly Accounting Officers’ delegated authority being the NBAC
    • The service provider is currently appointed at the Beitbridge Land Port of Entry (LPOE), which is closest to the proposed Beitbridge borderline fence project
    • The contractor is experienced and holds a CIDB grading of 8CE
    • The contractor is already established onsite, and there will be no financial implications for establishment.
    • The consideration that the existing service provider had scheduled rates.

(d) The Department informed that the contractor’s track record is as follows:

WCS No	Client Description	Project Description	Status Description
048176	DPW – LPOE	Department Of Public Works: Land Ports Of Entry: Ramatlabama Bray And Makgobistad: Maintainance And Servicing Of Civil Mechanical And Electrical Installations.	Service Completed
048182	DPW-LPOE	Swartkopfontein Gate Port Of Entry: Maintenance And Servicing Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical And Electrical Installations.	Service Completed
048183	DPW-LPOE	Dpw: Kosi Bay Port Of Entry: Appointment Of Contractors: Maintenance And Servicing Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical And Electrical Installation	Service Completed
45604	CORRECTIONAL SERVICES	Repair , Maintenance And Operations Of Water Sewerage Service	Final Delivery Stage
047935	DPW – LPOE	FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, SERVICE CONTRACTS : Maintenance And Servicing Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Infrastructure And Installations	Service Completed
049251	DPW – LPOE	Skilpadshek: Bcocc: Maintenance And Upgrading Of Bui Ldings, Civil Infrastructure, Electrical Installations And M Mechanical Equipment.	Service Completed
049254	DPW – LPOE	Mahamba,Bothashoop And Emahlathini Poe. Bcocc: Mainte Nace And Upgrading Of Buildings,Civil Infrastructure,Electri Cal Installations And Mechanical Equipment.	Service Completed
049255	DPW – LPOE	Bcocc: Maintenance And Servicing Of Buildings,Civil,Electrical And Mechanical Installations And Infrastructure.	Final Delivery Stage
052500	DPW - LPOE	Maintenance And Servicing Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical An D Electrical Infrstructure Installations	Construction Stage
052734	DPW – LPOE	Land Ports Of Entry: Groblers Bridge And Stockpoort: Appoint Ment Of Consultants: Maintenance And Servicing Of Building, Civil Mechanical And Electrical Infrastructure And Installa	Construction Stage
052982	DPW – LPOE	Bray, Makgobistad And Swartkopfontein: Maintenance, Servicin G And Repair Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical And Electrical Infrastructure And Installations	Construction Stage
052983	DPW – LPOE	Ramatlabama, Kopfontein And Derdepoort: 36 Months Maintenanc E, Servicing And Repair Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical And Electrical Infrastructure And Installations	Practical Completion Stage
053365	DPW – LPOE	Maintanance,Servicing And Repairs Of Buildings, Civil, Mechanical And Electrical Infrastructure And Installations	Construction Stage
054631	DPW – LPOE	36 Months Repairs, Maintenance And Servicing Of Buildings, C Ivil, Mechanical And Electrical Infrastructure And Installat Ions	Construction Stage
055769	DPW – LPOE	Beitbridge Borderline Base: :Sandf 40km Borderline Fence Infrastructure And Installation On The Borders Between Rsa And Zimbabwe	Construction Stage

(e) No, the contractor is not a preferred service provider. The Department has many projects, with several service providers.

(f) The DPWI informed me that scoping and pricing were prior to the appointment.

(g) The Department informed me that scoping was done at the site visit held by DPWI and DOD officials on the 17 March 2020 at the Beitbridge Land Port of Entry. The pricing was done using the Bill of Quantities as the pricing strategy.

Reply:

1. (a) Entsika was appointed as part of the consortium which had technical agricultural experts to analyses the agricultural projects.

(b) The Land Bank did not submit a proposal from the advertised bid.

(c) (i),(ii) See Annexure A.

(d) Cabinet approved the Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation Policy for publication in the government gazette for public comments which ended on 3 March 2020.

2 No. Commercial viability was used as one of the criteria for selection of stimulus package projects.

Reply:

(1) (a)(i) A total of 10469 learners were recruited for the War on Leaks Programme. It should however be noted that 1445 learners were lost to attrition.

(ii) A total of 148 water agents and artisans are currently employed on a permanent basis by national government departments and entities, municipalities and private companies.

(b) The learners were trained as follows:

• Water Agents - 4671
• Artisans and plumbers - 1292

(2) There are still 3117 learners remaining in the system who are expected to complete the programme in 2020.

Attempts were made to attach learners that completed the programme to municipalities but the uptake from the municipalities has been limited. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is exploring various opportunities to place learners that have completed the programme as follows:

• Absorption through regional bulk infrastructure projects to facilitate water conservation;
• Absorption through water services infrastructure projects for advocacy, communication and basic leak detection;
• Engagements with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) through the District Development Model;
• Engagements with NEDLAC to assist with job opportunities.

Reply:

1. Yes. The Department embarked on a process to identify CPAs with properties that are leased to third parties. According to the records of the Directorate of Communal Property Institutions in the Department, there are 505 properties currently leased from CPAs. A service provider is in the process of being appointed to verify this information, amongst other things.

2. Yes. Communal Property Associations are established in terms of an Act of Parliament, to acquire, hold and manage the property on behalf of the members of beneficiary communities. The Department has identified challenges in the functioning of these entities, and therefore, a strategy has been developed to tighten governance systems and other areas that need scrutiny to ensure that CPAs as land and property holding entities are compliant with the regulatory requirements, efficient and functional. Currently, there is no researched evidence which confirms that CPAs are not the best model for communal land ownership.

The Department constantly reviews its legislation to address challenges and enhance its efficacy. The CPA Amendment Bill that was passed by Parliament in December 2018 (currently awaiting assent by the President) provides for the establishment of the Office of the Registrar of Communal Property Associations with the relevant human resource capacity at both national and provincial levels to enforce governance and compliance with the Act.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land reform and Rural Development does not have any specific programme to support commercial goat farmers.

Reply:

(a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is not aware of this project.

(b),(c) Falls away.

Reply:

With regard to water supply to the residents of Mnquma, the Department has committed to the following medium to long term interventions:

(i) Medium term intervention: R64 million is allocated as Drought Relief through an allocation of drought funding under Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG). Drilling of boreholes by an appointed contractor is in place to equip boreholes in Teko Kona for water that is to be piped back to Butterworth. The Covid-19 Intervention Plan is also under implementation with an allocation of 169 water tanks and 6 water tankers within the Mnquma Local Municipality area.

(ii) Long-term intervention: Ngqamakhwe Bulk Water Transfer Project - The Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) project is committed by my department at a project cost estimate of R725 million. Upon its completion, it will primarily focus on significant enhancement of the water security of Butterworth. This will introduce an additional source of raw water from the Tsomo River and thus augment the current Xilinxa River supply. My department has further appointed an Internal Construction Unit to implement this project and site establishment was targeted to be undertaken by 31 March 2020. Due to lockdown the official target date is revised and is set for Mid -May 2020

(iii) Long-term intervention: Gcuwa Weir raising: In considering options for the improvement of the water supply to Butterworth, the DWS Engineers have arrived at proposed solutions of the Government Water Scheme supplying the town. They have identified increasing storage capacity of the Gcuwa weir as the best solution in light of the diminished capacity of the weir due to siltation. They have recommended the raising of the weir as the best option ahead of de-siltation and dredging. The internal Dam design team (Engineering Services) have been instructed to embark on designs for the Gcuwa weir raising. They have indicated that designs will be finished in September 2020, enabling the Internal Construction unit to mobilise the site in October 2020 to start construction. The construction will cost about R160 million and will take 12 months to complete.

During the course of this drought period the Mquma Water Intervention Technical Task Team conducts weekly meetings that are chaired by the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape. The stakeholders include the Office of the Premier, officials of my department and of CoGTA. In addition, there are broader sectors of Municipalities, Community leaders and Amatola Water Board represented in the task team.

Reply:

1. There were no tenders awarded connected to the Covid- 19 pandemic.

(a) None

(b) None

(c) None

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

(4) Not applicable

Reply:

The Ncora Regional Bulk Infrastructure Project, which is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in terms of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), has been completed and bulk supply lines have been installed in the Ncora zone areas that feed wards 17, 18 and 19. 

Components of the projects that are outstanding comprise of the villages’ internal reservoirs and reticulation which is funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding from the Department of Cooperative Governance (CoGTA). Progress can be summarised as follows:

• Ward 17: The Department has completed the bulk supply lines under Ncora Programme in Ward 17. The Chris Hani District Municipality is currently busy with connecting infrastructure through the “KwaMzola Water Supply Project" funded through MIG.
• In Ward 18 bulk supply lines: The Ncora (Zone A) Villages Water Project is also complete. The project was completed in 2018. However, Qaqane village which was part of the scope of this project is now being implemented as part of the Kwa-Mzola and completion is projected for January 2021. The project is funded through MIG.
• In Ward 19: The Bulk line from Ncora WTW to Ngxabangu and reticulation of surrounding villages was competed in 2013 and 2016 respectively. They were funded through RBIG and MIG. Progress on remaining villages is reflected below. Requesting the Honourable Member to refer to the table below indicating projects under each ward:

CHDM CLUSTER 4 NCORA ZONES
WARD	Village Names	Population	Completed	Duration	Comments
WARD 19	Gcina-K	935	Completed		Supplied from the Ncora Water Treatment Works. Rehabilitation of existing reticulation required.
	Maqwathini-C	739	Completed
	Mqanqeni	951	Completed
	KwaMqanqeni	1 283	completed
	Maqwthini-A	1 613	Completed
	Nquqhu-B	1 954	Completed
	Nonqonqwama	2 093	Completed
	Ngxabangu	2 308	Completed
	Dipini-A	1 013	Completed
	Hoyana	1 115	Completed
	Taiwan	181	Completed
	eQolweni-A	452	Outstanding	32 weeks	Technical reports ready. Awaiting budget allocation. Supplied from Ncora Treatment Works.
	Halla BB	418	Outstanding	32 weeks
	Mtinwevu Mission	340	Outstanding	40Weeks
	Mpunga & Nquqhu	421	Outstanding	40 Weeks
Sub Total		14 185
WARD18	Banti	673	Completed		Supplied from the Ncora Water Treatment Works. Under ConstructIon
	Mahlungulu-C	683	Completed
	Gongqo	1 854	Completed
	Kwachotha	1 292	Outstanding	28 weeks	Design Ready, CHDM to finalise Budget allocation
	Nomadambe	903	Outstanding	43 weeks
	Nomadamba	1 302	Outstanding	56 weeks
	lahlangobo-D	465	Outstanding	24 weeks
	Longqayi	883	Outstanding	43 weeks
	Lower Ncora	783	Outstanding	43 weeks
	Jojweni-N	2 754	Outstanding
Sub Total		11 592
WARD 17	Melika	832	Completed		Supplied from the Ncora Water Treatment Works. Village Reticulation completed.
	Luqolweni	112	Completed
	KwaMzola	3981	Under Construction	80 Weeks	Immediate Future Supply from the Ncora Water Treatment Works. Village reticulation and 12km of secondary bulk line still to be implemented. CHDM busy with procurement and funding prioritisation.
	Luqolweni-F	215
	Matafeni - B	279
	Pesikeni	811	Outstanding	56 weeks
	Mqwazini	320	Outstanding	36 weeks
	Matafeni - A	692	Outstanding Tender doc Ready
	Mgababa- A	1495	Outstanding	26 weeks
	Gesini	371	Outstanding Tender doc Ready	43 weeks
	Esigangeni-A	816	outstanding	43 weeks
	Bhotani-A	543	outstanding	36 weeks
	Tshayelela	455	outstanding	24 weeks
	Bhotani-A	543	outstanding	36 weeks
	Bhotani-B	857	outstanding	43 weeks
	Home	209	outstanding	24 weeks
Sub Total		12 531
Grand Total		38 308

Reply:

 

 

(b) 834. THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT REPLIES:

a) For the Minister to declare an area as a national air quality priority area, amongst other things:
• It must have exceedances of national ambient air quality standards;
• The Minister reasonably believes that such will be the case in the future; and
• it must extend beyond provincial boundaries

b) As indicated above, for an area to be declared to be declared as a priority area, it must extend beyond provincial boundaries. In the case of the South Durban Basin, the area falls entirely within the boundaries of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. As a consequence, it would be for the Membe of Executive Council (MEC) in the province to make such a declaration if the area needs the requirements as set out in Section 18 of the National Environmental Management : Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No/ 39 of 2004)/

c) The national department provides and support to all municipalities in the execution of their air quality management duties and responsibilities through an intergovernmental forum called MINMEC, consisting of the Minister of Environment and the MECs responsible for Environment, as well as Mayors of metropolitan municipalities, relevant sector department and SALGA. Minmec meetings are held on a quarterly basis to ensure that policy coordination takes place.

Furthermore, the MINIMEC has established a technical forum called MINITECH, consisting of the Director General and provincial Heads of Department, relevant sector departments, metropolitan municipal managers and SALGA to provide formal technical support to the MINMEC, MINTCH, as the technical structures, informs and advises the Minister and MECs. MINTECH is informed by Working Groups consisting of national, provincial and local government officials ,Working Group 2 is designated for air quality management.

Through these structures sector targets are set, in line with relevant legislation, performance monitored and corrective measures taken by all three spheres of government according to the principles of cooperative government as set out in Chapter 3, section 41(1) of the Constitution. This section of the Constitution stipulates the principles of cooperative government and intergovernmental relations applicable to all spheres of government, and requires them (spheres of government) tp operate within the framework of mutual trust and good faith

d) The establishment for a meet on a quarterly basis

e) (i) and (ii) The Department is in the process of establishing a stakeholder forum in the area, with the view to bring together spheres of government, industry, NGOs/CBOs, academia and any othver interested and affected parties. The forum will provide a platform for all stakeholders to engage openly and transparently with a view to address air pollution concerns in the area.

In addition, the Department will be conducting a health study in the area in order to get a better understanding of the impact of air pollution on the residents of the area

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTORY FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 29/05/202

Reply:

(1) The matter raised by the Honourable Member does not fall within mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation or the Department of Human Settlements.

(2) Not applicable.

Reply:

804. THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT REPLIES:

1. (a) The Directions Regarding measures to Address, Prevent and Combat the Spread of COVID-19, in particular relating to the Freshwater and Marine Fishing Sectors, were gazetted on 14 May 2020.

(b) (i) These Directions apply to:
■ Mariculture, commercial and small-scale fishing rights, permits and exemptions;
■ Commercial and small-scale fishing vessel licences;
■ Fishing Processing Establishments rights, permits and exemptions
■ Permits or exemptions to import or export fish; and
■ Recreational fishers

They provide for the prohibition of sports and recreational fishing activities, as well as for the extention of validity of permit, exemption or licence issued in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998) prior to the national lockdown.

(ii) The Directives were based on the principle of restricting personnel movement other than for essential travel for work in terms of the alleviation provided for in Part A OF Table 1 of the Regulations as they pertain to fishing activities.

2. The KwaZulu Natal Sardine Beach Seine fishery is a fully fledged fishing sector with right holders fishing on commercial and small scale permits. During the upcoming Sardine Run, Rights Holders that operate in this sector, will operate in a similar manner as right holder in other commercial fishing sectors.

At the current lockdown alert level , access to beaches continue to remain restricted, and the Department will continue to work with all relevant Coastal Municipalities and Law Enforcement Officers to ensure that authorised fishers have access to beaches and there is compliance with the lockdown Regulations.

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTORY FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 29/05/202
 

Reply:

(1) The water tanks are being delivered in batches to manage the risk of delivering all 5,000 tanks at once due to lack of sufficient storage facilities and instability within the municipality. Some of the water tanks have already been installed in the wards. The number of water tanks is increasing as they are fabricated and delivered to QwaQwa and subsequently installed in the locations identified in affected wards. The construction of water tank stands and installation is in progress in wards of Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality currently. Ordering and subsequent delivery of the additional 3,000 water tanks will follow after the initial 2000 tanks are delivered.

Two-thousand (2,000) water tanks were ordered out of the five-thousand (5,000). As at 23 March 2020, a total of 261 (made up of 30×10,000 litres and 231×5,000 litres capacities, respectively) out of the 2,000 water tanks had been delivered to QwaQwa.. The number will be increasing as the time is progressing.

(2) The current water sources utilized to fill up the water tankers are Sterkfontein Water Treatment Plant (from Sterkfontein Dam) through the Bluegumbosch Connection (Water Tanker Facility) and Makwane Water Treatment Plant (from Metsi Matsho Dam) through the Comet Connection (Water Tanker Facility). The other sources are groundwater sources (boreholes) located in various areas of QwaQwa. While using these sources, the Department, Municipality and Sedibeng Water are currently implementing long term interventions to ensure that water comes out from taps and not through tankering.

(3) Seventeen (17) boreholes in total have been equipped on an emergency basis to supply water to the residents of QwaQwa. Two appointed contractors are establishing sites to equip five boreholes each that will be connected to the existing infrastructure to facilitate water supply through the existing reticulation network. Boreholes that are equipped are in the following areas:

• Tsheseng: 2 boreholes equipped with electrical pumps, which are pumping into a water tank. Residents are accessing water through stand pipes that have been installed;
• Masaleng: 1 borehole equipped with an electrical pump and 1 equipped with a hand pump;
• Mantsubise: 1 borehole equipped with a hand pump due to the low yield of the borehole;
• Naledi: 1 borehole equipped with a hand pump;
• Paballong: 4 boreholes equipped with hand pumps;
• Tseki: 2 electrical pumps (currently in progress);
• Monontsha: 1 electrical pump;
• Dinkweng: 1 electrical pump;
• Setlabotjha: 1 electrical pump;
• Lejwaneng: 2 hand pumps;
• Thabang: 2 electrical pumps (1 has been completed);
• Phahameng: 1 electrical pump;
• Thaba Tsoana: 1 electrical pump.

The contractors have already commenced with project activities that will allow the connections to the infrastructure. The construction duration is anticipated to take about 4 months having commenced on the 24 February 2020. The areas to still be equipped include: Sejwalejwale, Lejwaneng and Hlatseng.

Reply:

(1) Honourable Member, I am informed that initially, uThukela District Municipality intended to implement the project itself. Upon realising that it could not afford to cover costs related to economic component of the project, as the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) does not fund such costs, the municipality decided to approach the Umgeni Water Board for assistance. The Uthukela District Municipality proposed that Umgeni Water should become the bulk water provider for the municipality. Both parties agreed that Umgeni Water would implement the Spioenkop-Ladysmith Bulk Water Supply Scheme. When Umgeni Water took over the scheme, a fatal flaw analysis was conducted and it was discovered that one of the key considerations relating to the water resource availability for the new infrastructure had not been effectively investigated by the municipality.

A hydrological study revealed that the scheme in the proposed form would not be possible as the water resource identified initially would not have been able to supply the proposed bulk water scheme. This meant that another feasibility study needed to be carried out and another alternative option to supply the area would have to be identified.

(2) Following the discontinuation of the initial proposal for the scheme, an entirely different concept needed to be adopted to ensure sustainable water supply to the areas concerned. A new feasibility study which would include a comprehensive options analysis to determine a reliable resource and the configuration of a scheme was needed. The scheme can then be connected to this resource and supply the needs of the regional area. The Umgeni Water Board is in the process of procuring a consultant to undertake the feasibility study and options analysis for the scheme. It is anticipated that the feasibility study will be completed by the end of 2021 and thereafter the project would move into a detailed design phase and construction.

Reply:

The estimated cost of R1 941 894 392 provided in my reply to question 34 was for the entire Driefontein Bulk Water Supply Scheme. The project in question (i.e. Ladysmith (Spioenkop) Bulk Water Supply Scheme) constitutes a third phase of the project. The breakdown is as follows:

	Driefontein Bulk Complex – Phase 1	Driefontein (Hobsland-Indaka) Bulk Water Scheme – Phase 2	Spioenkop-Ladysmith Bulk Water Supply Scheme – Phase 3	Total Cost
MIG Funding	3,023,354	20,042,456	40,699,215	63,765,025
RBIG Funding	116,739,394	281,002,717	479,397,225	877,139,336
Other Funding			1,000,990,031	1,000,990,031
Total	119,762,748	301,045,173	1,521,086,471	1,941,894,392

No payments have been made on the Spioenkop-Ladysmith Bulk Water Supply Scheme because the project is still in the feasibility study phase which Umgeni Water undertook to fund from its own coffers.

Reply:

 

618. THE MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT REPLIES:

1(a). According to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, there are no known formal or informal wet markets in the republic. However, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, section 162, Municipalities are responsible for the publication of relevant bylaws in their respective provinces, which would regulate activities associated with such markets. It should further be noted that the Meat Safety Act (Act No. 40 of 2000), enforced by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) regulates the meat product. Therefore, please refer further questions in this regard to municipalities and/or the DALRRD

1(b) Please see 1(a) above

2. Please 1(a) above

Regards

MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTORY FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENT
DATE: 29/05/202

 

Reply:

The Department has finalised the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19 in schools and school communities. They have been sent to provinces and are also placed on the DBE website.

Reply:

Government Employees Pension Fund’s (GEPF) Board of Trustees are fully mandated to make any investment decisions, in relation to the Fund. There is no requirement in terms of the Government Employee Pension Law, for the GEPF to consult with the National Treasury in making investment decisions. GEPF’s investment mandate outlines which type of investments can be made, the percentage allocation for each asset class, benchmarks and performance targets, among other guidelines. The investment decisions made by the GEPF should contribute to positive economic, social and environmental outcomes of South Africa, while earning good returns for members. These investments are regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, through the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act.

Reply:

a) The procurement of essential hygiene and sanitation products for schools, is done by each Provincial Education Department (PED), and not by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).  When this is done, more than one line item, may be used.  Examples of the line items that may be used are as follows:

1. Consumables House Suppliers: (Toiletry);
2. Consumables Suppliers Wash Clean Detergent (Sanitisers and Soap);
3. Consumables Suppliers: Medical Suppliers (Masks and Gloves);
4. Consumables  Suppliers: Uniforms; and
5. Infrastructure (Classes renovations and provision of Toilets).

b.    Each PED sets money aside depending on their needs.  At this stage, the DBE is unable to indicate how much each PED has set aside as the procurement process is still underway

Reply:

The Department of Tourism established the Tourism Relief Fund as a measures to mitigate the negative economic effects caused to tourism businesses by the coronavirus pandemic.

a). What are the total number of applications for Covid-19 funding relief have been received through the Tourism Relief Fund in each province to date?

The Department is currently in the process of receiving and processing applications from enterprises affected by coronavirus pandemic. As soon as the process is completed, details with regard to the number of applications received, processed and the outcomes of applications will be communicated.

b). (i) (ii). Not applicable

c). (i) (ii). Not applicable

Reply:

For the financial year 2019/20, a total of 22 497 cases of fraud from SASSA/SAPO card were reported. Of these, 18 278 have been reimbursed to the total value of R43 399 071, 76.

Reply:

Government’s economic response has been conducted according to a 3-phase approach. Following the declaration of a state of disaster on 15 March 2020, the National Treasury acted immediately to announce a set of Phase 1 economic measures.

These included:

1. Immediate release of funds to where they were needed, including the immediate release of over R460 million in disaster funding to the Health sector.

2. An Instruction Note 8 of 2019/20 applicable to Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) institutions and a Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Circular 100 for municipalities and municipal entities, to speed up the procurement of goods / commodities required to reduce and control the spread of the virus.

3. A first set of exceptional tax measures as part of the fiscal package. These measures were over and above the tax proposals made in the 2020 Budget on 26 February 2020. The tax adjustments are made in light of the National State of Disaster and due to the significant and potentially lasting negative impacts on the economy from the spreading of the COVID-19 virus.

4. The Office of the Auditor-General announced a conditional Exemption Notice in order to ensure effective and efficient service delivery and to minimise any potential delay in decision making. The conditional Exemption Notice will also facilitate and enable legislative processes during the period of the national state of disaster.

5. The National Treasury has also approved or supported the release of fund in several areas to provide economic support. These include the early release of social grants in March 2020, the release of funds for SME and spaza shop support, accelerated payment of wage support through the UIF, and seed capital support (R100 million) for the national Solidarity Fund.

In addition, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) also took critical measures in the weeks following the state of disaster declaration and the lockdown.

These include:

1. A cumulative 200 basis points reduction in the repo rate.

2. A large injection of liquidity in the financial system, including the purchase of government bonds in the secondary market to ensure there is sufficient liquidity in the bond market.

3. Regulatory changes, including a reduction in capital and liquidity requirements.

4. Issuing guidance to reduce dividends and bonuses among banks.

Subsequent to the above, as part of Phase 2, the National Treasury and the SARB have continued to work together on an additional set of interventions. This culminated in the announcement by President Ramaphosa of a large economic intervention package on 21 April 2020, and a more detailed outline by the Minister of Finance on 24 April 2020. The set of additional measures as part of phase 2, are as follows:

1. Spending and revenue measures:

(a) Setting aside an amount of R20 billion to be directed to addressing our efforts in dealing with the pandemic.

(b) Directing R50 billion towards relieving the plight of those who are most desperately affected by the coronavirus. Child support grant beneficiaries will receive an extra R300 in May. From June to October there will be an additional R500 each month. All other grants will be topped-up by R250 per month for six months. We will use our existing system to disburse these grants. In addition, a special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 a month for the next 6 months will be made available.

(c) A set of 10 (ten) additional tax proposals:

1. Expanding access to living annuity funds by allowing individual to adjust the proportion they receive as annuity income, instead of waiting up to one year until their next contract anniversary date.
2. Increased fiscal backing to individuals who donate to the Solidarity Fund by increasing the deduction available for these specific donations and increasing the limits for payroll giving to the Solidarity Fund – including in determining the monthly withholding of employees’ tax.
3. An increase in the turnover threshold for automatic deferrals.
4. An increase in the deferment of employee’s tax
5. A postponement of some of the corporate tax proposals in the 2020 Budget on interest expenses and assessed losses.
6. A three-month deferral for filing and first payment of carbon tax liabilities to 31 October 2020.
7. Deferring the payment of excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
8. Fast-tracking VAT refunds. 
9. A skills development levy holiday of 4 months from 1 May 2020.
10. An increase in the expanded employment tax incentive amount from R500 to R750 per employee. 

2. Additional support to firms through a new R200 billion credit guarantee scheme, jointly backed by the South African Reserve Bank and the National Treasury.

3. A phased reopening of the economy from 1 May 2020 will begin to reignite economic activity and gradually restore demand and livelihoods.

Beyond the interventions outlined above, the National Treasury is working with partners in government, labor and other stakeholders to move forward with economic reforms, as part of phase 3 of the overall economic intervention.

Reply:

Government’s economic response has been conducted according to a 3-phase approach.

Following the declaration of a state of disaster on 15 March 2020, the National Treasury acted immediately to announce a set of Phase 1 economic measures.

These included:

1. Immediate release of funds to where they were needed, including the immediate release of over R460 million in disaster funding to the Health sector.

2. An Instruction Note 8 of 2019/20 applicable to Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) institutions and a Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Circular 100 for municipalities and municipal entities, to speed up the procurement of goods/commodities required to reduce and control the spread of the virus.

3. A first set of exceptional tax measures as part of the fiscal package. These measures were over and above the tax proposals made in the 2020 Budget on 26 February 2020. The tax adjustments are made in light of the National State of Disaster and due to the significant and potentially lasting negative impacts on the economy from the spreading of the COVID-19 virus.

4. The Office of the Auditor General announced a conditional Exemption Notice in order to ensure effective and efficient service delivery and to minimise any potential delay in decision making. The conditional Exemption Notice will also facilitate and enable legislative processes during the period of the national state of disaster.

5 The National Treasury has also approved or supported the release of fund in several areas to provide economic support. These include the early release of social grants in March 2020, the release of funds for SME and spaza shop support, accelerated payment of wage support through the UIF, and seed capital support (R100 million) for the national Solidarity Fund.

In addition, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) also took critical measures in the weeks following the state of disaster declaration and the lockdown.

These include:

1. A cumulative 200 basis points reduction in the repo rate.

2. A large injection of liquidity in the financial system, including the purchase of government bonds in the secondary market to ensure there is sufficient liquidity in the bond market.

3. Regulatory changes, including a reduction in capital and liquidity requirements.

4. Issuing guidance to reduce dividends and bonuses among banks.

Subsequent to the above, as part of Phase 2, the National Treasury and the SARB have continued to work together on an additional set of interventions. This culminated in the announcement by President Ramaphosa of a large economic intervention package on 21 April 2020, and a more detailed outline by the Minister of Finance on 24 April 2020. The set of additional measures as part of phase 2, are as follows:

1. Spending and revenue measures:

(a) Setting aside an amount of R20 billion to be directed to addressing our efforts in dealing with the pandemic.

(b) Directing R50 billion towards relieving the plight of those who are most desperately affected by the coronavirus. Child support grant beneficiaries will receive an extra R300 in May. From June to October there will be an additional R500 each month. All other grants will be topped-up by R250 per month for six months. We will use our existing system to disburse these grants. In addition, a special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 a month for the next 6 months will be made available. 

(c) A set of 10 (ten) additional tax proposals:

1. An increase in the expanded employment tax incentive amount from R500 to R750 per employee. 
2. A skills development levy holiday of 4 months from 1 May 2020.
3. Fast-tracking VAT refunds. 
4. Deferring the payment of excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
5. A three-month deferral for filing and first payment of carbon tax liabilities to 31 October 2020.
6. A postponement of some of the corporate tax proposals in the 2020 Budget on interest expenses and assessed losses.
7. An increase in the deferment of employee’s tax
8. An increase in the turnover threshold for automatic deferrals.
9. Increased fiscal backing to individuals who donate to the Solidarity Fund by increasing the deduction available for these specific donations and increasing the limits for payroll giving to the Solidarity Fund – including in determining the monthly withholding of employees’ tax.
10. Expanding access to living annuity funds by allowing individual to adjust the proportion they receive as annuity income, instead of waiting up to one year until their next contract anniversary date.

2. Additional support to firms through a new R200 billion credit guarantee scheme, jointly backed by the South African Reserve Bank and the National Treasury.

3.

A phased reopening of the economy from 1 May 2020 will begin to reignite economic activity and gradually restore demand and livelihoods.

Beyond the interventions outlined above, the National Treasury is working with partners in government, labor and other stakeholders to move forward with economic reforms, as part of phase 3 of the overall economic intervention.

Reply:

a) Who was invited to the meeting of 9 March 2020

On 09 March 2020, The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane convened an extended Tourism Leadership Forum (TLF) to discuss the potential impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector. The Tourism Leadership Forum (TLF) is a platform that was established to allow the Minister and the Deputy Minister to discuss and deliberate with the captains of the industry on tourism related matters in order to ensure that tourism grows and contribute to the overall socio-economic development. The rationale for the TLF flows from the NTSS which states that the successful implementation of the NTSS is dependent on the commitment of all stakeholders to adopt an integrated approach in implementing the identified strategic priorities and actions. Hence, the engagement of the private sector and other stakeholders, alongside government, at a national, provincial and local level is crucial.

The following members who are the original members of TLF were invited.

• Ministry of Tourism
• Department of Tourism DG
• South African Tourism CEO
• Chief Quality Assurance Officer of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
• CEOs of Major Hotel groups
• CEO of Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA)
• CEOs of Major Tour Operators
• CEOs of Tourism Associations.

In addition to the original TLF members invited, invitations were extended to amongst others, the following:

• Members of the Conference industry (Convention Bureau’s and Conference Centers)
• Provincial Tourism Marketing Agencies;
• SANParks;
• Domestic and International Airlines;
• Rail Operators (Rovos Rail, Blue Train etc.)
• The Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA); and
• Private product owners.

​b) What criteria were used to identify invitees?

Acknowledging the potential negative impact that COVID-19 could have on the tourism sector, the Department extended invitations beyond the traditional TLF database in order to reach a wide range of tourism players and audiences. Invitations to the TLF was sent to 107 members of the tourism industry. The meeting was attended by 120 guests.

c) Who attended the meeting?

In addition to the private sector representatives mentioned in answer (a), the meeting was also attended by the:

• Minister of Tourism: Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane
• Director-General of the Department of Health (Acting): Dr. Anban Pillay
• Director-General of the Department of Tourism: Mr. Victor Tharage
• Deputy Director of the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS): Prof Professor Lucille Blumberg
• CEO of South African Tourism: Mr. Sisa Ntshona.

​d) (i)What was the outcome of the meeting?

The main focus of the meeting was to discuss the expected impact of COVID-19 on South Africa’s Tourism Sector. The Department of Health also provided a status update on the number of cases, and how the NICD is managing the outbreak from a health perspective. In addition the following issues were discussed:

• Mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of the virus on the tourism sector.
• The importance of protecting the safety and health of the citizens.
• Increase in cancelations of bookings.
• The future of the Tourism Indaba.
• The importance of considering the staff in the tourism industry and how to protect them against the decline in business.

(ii) what resolutions were agreed to?

The meeting agreed that the spread of the pandemic in South Africa was still in its early stages, however, the Minister of Tourism committed to the following:

• To engage National Treasury to assist businesses in distress to access the employment incentives that have been put in place.
• To negotiate with various meeting and events owners to postpone to future dates based on scenarios so that we minimise cancellations.
• To further engage with the Minister of Labour and Employment who has agreed to look at relief measures for those registered with the UIF.

Subsequently, the Department of Tourism has embarked on a range of activities to support the Tourism Sector in dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Interventions by the Department of Tourism include amongst others:

• The establishment of the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
• Engagement with the Minister of Labour and Employment to develop relief measures for those tourism companies registered with the UIF.
• The compilation of a list of accommodation facilities, i.e. public, community and privately owned, that can be utilised as quarantine facilities.
• Working with DIRCO in the repatriation of South African Citizens stranded in foreign countries;
• The readjustment of the Department’s budget to support the Tourism recovery plan; and
• The development of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.

​e) By what date is a follow up meeting set to take place?

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the declaration of a National State of Disaster prevented the Department of Tourism to host a follow up meeting. However, since the beginning of the lockdown, the Minister held virtual meetings with various sub-sectors in the tourism sector. These meetings include, amongst others, the Tourism Business Council South Africa (TBCSA), the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), tourism guides, tourism operators, and Women in Tourism.

On 29 April 2020, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane participated in a webinar hosted by SA Tourism and attended by more than 2 000 people. The purpose of the webinar was to provide an update on the state of tourism and the various support measures that the Department of Tourism and Government as a whole are providing to the tourism sector.

Reply:

The Draft Framework for Institutional Audits 2020 and Draft Manual for Institutional Audits 2020 were approved for consultation with the higher education sector by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) at its meeting of 7 April 2020. It is envisaged that once the feedback from the sector has been considered by the HEQC, the Framework and Manual would be ready for final approval by the HEQC at its July 2020 meeting. UNISA forms part of a group of 20 higher education institutions, both public and private, that have been identified for the audit in 2020 after the final approval of the Framework and Manual. At this stage it is not envisaged that the COVID19 restrictions will cause undue delay in the UNISA audit, barring totally unforeseen developments on the trajectory of the pandemic.

The Draft Manual for Institutional Audits 2020 makes provision for three institutional visits prior to the main audit site visit, for the purposes of (i) initiating the audit, (ii) discussing the strategy for the audit with the institution, and (iii) finalizing the site visits programme. All these institutional visits can be done via videoconferencing and will commence in August 2020 as planned. Training for the identified higher education institutions, as well as the audit panel members, for the institutional audits can also be done online in the last part of 2020 as planned. A large and complex institution such as UNISA will require at least 6 months to complete their self-evaluation report and to compile a portfolio of evidence, which means that the due date for this is likely to be towards the end of January 2021. The Manual already makes provision for these documents to be submitted in digital format.

The audit portfolio meeting in which the panel finalises (i) the programme for the audit visit, (ii) the requirements for the additional information and evidence, (iii) the details of supporting documentation to be available on-site during audit visit, (iv) the persons to interview, and (v) the members of the panel and dates to visit satellite campuses, if applicable, can also be done online.

The actual audit site visit for UNISA is likely to be around April 2021, by which time it is anticipated that the COVID-19 restrictions would have been lifted. In the event of a continuation of the restrictions due to unforeseen developments, the Council on Higher Education is currently in the process of developing a new methodology in which the self-evaluation reports and portfolios of evidence of institutions will be subjected to a thorough document analysis by the audit panel members on an online platform, with lines of enquiry, further evidence and interviews being conducted online. Physical site visits will only take place in cases where the audit panel is unconvinced by the digital evidence, which may include visual material in addition to text-based material. This methodology will undergo a trial with the national doctoral review, which is currently underway.

Reply:

(a) Who are the members of the Tourist Relief Fund Adjudication Committee that will approve recommended applications?

The members comprise of Departmental officials at senior and middle management approved by the Accounting Officer.

(b)(i) how were committee members chosen?

Officials were nominated within the department and were appointed by the Director-General.

(ii) what criteria were used to choose committee

Officials with legal and finance background including those dealing with SMMEs in terms of market access and enterprise development were considered

(c) What (i) processes and procedures will be followed in the work of the committee?

The committee operates under terms of reference approved by the Accounting Officer, which specifies the roles and responsibilities of members and their composition. The committee considers the recommendations of the evaluation committee on the applications received and also check if any of the documents submitted do inform their decision making process.

(ii) What oversight measures and mechanisms are in place in this regard?

On completion of the adjudication, a report is written to the Accounting Officer with detail of all the successful applicants for his notification. Where an applicant is declined, reasons are provided in a letter to the applicant.

(d) What is the life cycle of the committee?

The Covid-19 Tourism Relief Fund is a once off project with a short life span; the Committee will cease to

exist when the Fund concludes its work.

(e) By what date must the work of the committee be completed?

The work of the committee will be concluded as soon as all evaluated applications are adjudicated and processed.

Reply:

The department has reviewed its Annual Performance Plan for 2020/21-2022/23 due to the anticipated impact of Covid-19 on its outputs and targets and the tourism sector, however the budget in the Reviewed Annual Performance Plan is still the same as the budget in the Estimate of National Expenditure that was tabled to Parliament on 26 February 2020. Changes to the budget can only be finalised once the department receive a revised budget from National Treasury. This will happen after the special adjustment budget of the Minister of Finance. At this stage the department is unable to disclose the estimates on the increase and decreases per line item due to the reason stated above.

 

 

Reply:

The Hon Member, D van der Walt, is advised to request the party member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature to table the question in the Legislature to enable the MEC to respond to the question. The Minister of Basic Education does not manage provincial allocations and procurement imperatives. 

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

(1) Currently, the DSI has not planned on providing specific Covid-19 financial or other relief to small businesses. The focus of the DSI is to continue strengthening existing interventions that provide technology and other support to small and medium enterprises including the technology stations programmes, industry development centres, technology localisation programme. These support programmes continue to prioritise critical priority beneficiary groups such as black people, youth, and women.

(2) Not applicable

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

(1)   His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, on the occasion of announcing further economic and social measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on 21 April 2020, stated “…in addition to existing tax relief measures, we will also be introducing a 4-months holiday for companies’ skills development levy contributions...”.

Subsequently, National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service published the revised 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and 2020 Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill with the following reference regarding the skills development levy “this is a suspension, not a deferral, as a result, employers will not become liable for these amounts after 31 August 2020”.

It is estimated that the 4-months' skills levy holiday (May, June, July and August 2020) will lead to a reduced income of R4.89 billion for the Sector Education and Training Authorities and R1.22 billion for the National Skills Fund. In total, this amount for the 2020/21 financial year is estimated to be R6.1 billion.

In response to the COVID-19 relief, the National Skills Fund has set aside a budget of
R1.5 billion for COVID-19 relief that focusses on continued funding of learners’ stipends during and after the lockdown to complete their learning programmes, as well as additional funding of R1 000 per learner for skills development providers to support additional COVID-19 measures such as hygiene consumables, masks, etc.

Six of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are collaborating in support of the interdepartmental economic stimulus project for small enterprises and cooperatives. This project will provide support for small enterprises and cooperatives covering the following scope:

• Demand and need for the supply of essential goods and services during the Covid-19 lockdown period and beyond.
• Manufacturing, warehousing and distribution of essential goods during the COVID-19 lockdown period and beyond.
• Provide opportunities for Small Enterprises and Cooperatives in the Value Chain of Manufacturing / Procurement and Distribution of these goods and services. 
• Capacity building for the Small Enterprises and Cooperatives in value chain management of manufacturing, procurement and distribution of these target goods and services.
• Sustainable Funding Mechanism for the Small Enterprises and Cooperatives beyond the COVID -19 Lockdown Period.

The broad objective of this initiative is to support various entities involved in the supply of the essential needs across all provinces and districts as listed below:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and systems;
• Sanitizers and sanitation and disinfectant systems;
• Coffins and Funeral undertaker services;
• Manufacturing of the essential goods: PPE and systems, sanitizers, sanitation and disinfectant systems as well as coffins; amongst others; and
• Packaging, Warehousing and Transportation services.

This project will be supported using budgets allocated to support Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMMEs) and Cooperatives as captured in the participating SETA’s Annual Performance Plans for 2020/21 financial year. Each SETA will implement their response programs in line with their budget availability, reprioritization, KPAs and approval protocols.

The following are the SETAs participating in the interdepartmental economic stimulus project for small enterprises and cooperatives:

1. Transport Education Training Authority (TETA);
2. Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA);
3. Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA);
4. Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP & M SETA);
5. Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA); and
6. Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA).

(2)  The National Treasury published the Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill, 2020 on 1 May 2020, which deals with the Covid-19 relief.

Reply:

1. Whether her department will offer any form of Covid-19 financial or other relief to small businesses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

The Department of Tourism has put aside R200 million under the banner of Tourism Relief Fund to provide once-off capped grant assistance to Small Micro and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the tourism value chain to ensure their sustainability during and post the implementation of government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa.

Capped at R50 000 per entity, grant funding can be utilised to subsidise expenses towards fixed costs, operational costs, supplies and other pressure cost items.

Guided by the Tourism Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes of Good Practices approved by the Minister of Trade and Industries in 2015 (in line with the B-BBEE Act No.53 of 2003, as amended), the Tourism Relief Fund is administered in line with the objectives of Economic Transformation, and our vision to ensure sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

Categories eligible to apply for the Tourism Relief Fund include the following:

• Accommodation establishments: Hotels, Lodges, Bed and Breakfast (B&B’s), Guest Houses and Backpackers.
• Hospitality and related services: Restaurants (not attached to hotels); Conference venues (not attached to hotels); Professional catering; and Attractions
• Travel and related services: Tour operators; Travel agents; Tourist guiding; Car rental companies; and Coach Operators.

SMMEs can submit funding applications by filling a form accessible online at www.tourismrelief.gov.za, or by email at [email protected]. The application window for the Fund will close on 31 May 2020.

(2) Whether Financial relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the

B-BBEE amended Act 53 of 2003, If not – what is the position in this regard?

Yes, B-BBEE Amendment Act and Tourism Codes of Good practice will apply.

(a) On what statuary grounds and /or provisions does she or her department rely to allocate Covid -19 Financial or other relief only to small businesses according to the specified Act?

Section 10 of the B-BBEE Act makes codes of good practice mandatory: “[e]very organ of state … must apply any relevant code of good practice issued in terms of this Act in … determining criteria for the awarding of incentives, grants and investment schemes in support of broad-based black economic empowerment.

(b) What form of Covid -19 financial or other relief, if any will be made available to other small businesses?

So far, the department only has Tourism Relief Fund.

Reply:

1. Whether her department awarded any tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard

No tenders were awarded by the department connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(a)- (c) Not applicable

2. whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tenders; if so,

No tenders were awarded by the department connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(a) – (b) Not applicable

(3)– (4) Not applicable

Reply:

a) The Government is already dealing with the matter of re-opening different sporting codes both non-contact and contact. This follows a series of meetings between the department and leaders of the sporting fraternity. A statement will be made at an appropriate time regarding this matter.

b) The Minister met with the Sporting sector on 17 March 2020 and articulated the responsibility entrusted to the sector in ensuring the protection of life during this time of the pandemic.

The Department has been communicating all COVID-19 related protocols to the Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) for onward transmission to the Sports Federations. Here the codes were encouraged to develop measures based on the risk-based strategy in dealing with the pandemic.

The website of the Department has updated information and stakeholders are encouraged to note details.

Federations have furnished the Department with reports of the measures they have taken to address this pandemic.

Some Federations have also developed and furnished the Department with operational guidelines for their codes of Sport based on the risk-adjusted strategy.

Reply:

1. 

(a) The decision to introduce the CoVID-19 social relief fund is a Cabinet decision that stated that it should be administered for a period between May and October 2020.

(b) Cabinet has not entertained the idea of increasing this grant.

Reply:

In terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002), as amended, a visa or permanent residence may be withdrawn if good cause exists to do so, for example if the holder fails to comply with the provisions of the Act or terms and conditions of the visa or permanent residence permit. Such person must be notified in writing that the visa or permanent residence shall be cancelled for the reasons disclosed in the notice and that the holder is thereby ordered to leave the Republic within a period stated in that notice. Such person has a right to make representations to the Director-General which must be considered before making a decision. Furthermore, a permanent residence permit may be withdrawn if its holder is convicted of any of the offences listed in Schedules 1 and 2, or has been absent from the Republic for more than three years. The Act does not make provision for foreign nationals with valid work visas to be declared illegal on grounds of increased unemployment rate.

END

Reply:

The Department emphasised that this was relief funding. Loss of income varies from individuals/company to individuals/companies and the need for equitable distribution within the sector was necessary. The Department resolved that R20 000.00 will be a ceiling across the board as an appropriate amount based on available budget as this is relief and not compensation, and need to assist as many athletes and creatives as possible.

Reply:

The Department is not in the business of registering beneficiaries. Instead, it provides social services to its beneficiaries. Under the conditions that accompany the CoVID-19 pandemic, the Department and its entities provide services as determined by the regulations that are relevant to the different levels of the lockdown period.

Reply:

a) To my knowledge there were no food parcels that were distributed in furtherance of a party political objective. Still, to my knowledge all the food that was distributed by the Department was targeted at addressing the intended purpose of disaster relief that is related to the national lockdown to curb the spread of CoVID-19.

b) As a result, there is no action necessary because no Departmental food parcels were distributed in furtherance of political party objectives.