Questions and Replies

Reply:

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

 

 

(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:

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) 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:

(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:

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:

 

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:

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:

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 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:

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:

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:

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 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:

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 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:

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:

(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 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:

1. No, it is not within the mandate of the Department of Home Affairs to offer Covid-19 or other relief to small businesses.

2. Not applicable.

END

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:

1. a) The registration and issuance of birth certificates are regulated by the Births and Deaths Act (Act No 51 of 1992). The Births and Deaths Act requires births to be registered within 30 days. When the nation was under level 5 Lockdown, birth registration was temporarily suspended from 27 March to 03 May 2020. However, birth certificates were issued to those who are already registered on the system during the reporting period.

b) The Department set out a plan for children born from 26 February to 03 May 2020 to be registered at the Front Offices (backlog) and children that are born from 04 May 2020 onwards are registered at Health Facilities.

2) a) Medical aids were consulted and they confirmed there is no need.

b) The decision was taken to add birth registration to form part of Level 3 which then covers the plight by insurance companies.

END

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.

Reply:

I have not been informed of any criminal charges having been laid against any person currently serving on the National Rapid Response Task Team.

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:

1. a) None.

b) There are 118 842 asylum seekers with a permit expiry date after 4 May 2020.

2. a) As at 31 March 2020 there were 80 758 refugees with active section 24 certificates recorded on the National Immigration Information System (NIIS).

b)

Country	Total
Afghanistan	8
Algeria	4
Angola	25
Bahamas	1
Bangladesh	206
Benin	3
Bulgaria	5
Burundi	2737
Cambodia	1
Cameroon	341
Central African Republic	9
Chad	3
Comoros	2
Congo	4668
DRC	24033
East Timor	1
Egypt	7
Eritrea	1625
Estonia	3
Ethiopia	15853
Gabon	1
Ghana	7
Guinea Bissau	1
India	4
Iran	1
Iraq	15
Ivory Coast	28
Jordan	3
Kenya	142
Lebanon	1
Liberia	48
Macau	2
Malawi	8
Mali	5
Morocco	4
Niger	3
Nigeria	11
Oman	2
Pakistan	11
Palestine	40
Russia	10
Rwanda	1128
Saint Kitts and Nevis	1
Senegal	3
Serbia	1
Sierra Leone	21
Solomon Islands	7
Somalia	24972
Sri Lanka	11
Sudan	99
Swaziland	7
Sweden	1
Syria	42
Tanzania	35
Togo	12
Turkey	5
Uganda	468
Ukraine	3
Yemen	3
Zambia	60
Zimbabwe	3997
Grand Total	80758

END

Reply:

The Republic of South Africa has three pieces of legislation of regulating solemnisation and registration of marriages (a) Marriage Act, 1961 (Act No. 25 of 1961), (b) Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 998 (Act No. 120 of 1998) and (c) Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act No. 17 of 2006). The Department would not have powers to indicate that a person is married in the death certificate, whereas such is not the case in terms of the law. A marriage entered into in terms of Muslim rites is thus far not recognised in the South Africa. In this regard, the Department has embarked on discussions throughout the Republic regarding the development of a policy on marriages in order to find possible means to deal with all types of marriages and enact legislation that addresses some of the types of marriages or practices that may not be recognised as marriages. This process will culminate in a legislative process to address certain issues relating to different types of marriages.

The issue of rights to benefits may best be dealt with by the courts in the circumstances as it is beyond the Home Affairs portfolio.

END

 

Reply:

1) No person is allowed entry/ departure which does not relate to essential services.

2) Yes, the number of arrests by SANDF is increasing. In April 2020, twenty-two (22) undocumented foreigners were arrested and by May 2020, the number of arrests has increased to three hundred and fifty-seven (357) undocumented nationals. The department is finalising deportation processes in this regard.

3) The Department of Home Affairs was not involved in the procurement of the border fence and a response should be requested from DPWI.

END

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) The unit price differed per supplier and per quantity / per unit of measured but it ranged as follows in terms of the attached spreadsheet:

a) mask (R2.13 - R2 450.00)

b) sanitiser (R9.65- R4025.00)

c) pair of gloves (R0.52- R13.85)

2) Each Home Affairs office in each province were provided with Personal Protective Equipment for each official.

END

Reply:

Asylum seekers who make new applications on arrival reside in local communities. If there are new applicants who have entered the Republic as lockdown was declared, they will receive assistance in the communities where they reside.

It should be noted that the Republic has not abdicated its international obligations, especially to those who will declare their intention to apply for asylum, the principle of non-refoulment is fully applicable even under these circumstances we currently face and therefore Immigration Officials are expected to assist such persons should they encounter them during law enforcement operations.

END

Reply:

During my visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018, each of them pledged US$10 billion inward investment to South Africa. These investment pledges were premised on the presentation of projects by South Africa that would meet the requirements of each investor country.

Indications from Saudi Arabia were that its focus would be on the energy sector, specifically renewable and petrochemical infrastructure.

One of the projects identified as a major potential investment in South Africa by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a crude oil refinery and an associated petrochemical complex. This investment is expected to be in the order of $9 billion with Saudi Arabia committing to 50% of the estimated figure.

The Central Energy Fund and the National Oil Company of Saudi Arabia are developing the refinery project jointly. The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has been identified as the location for the refinery project by the investor, Saudi Aramco.

The project is currently at pre-feasibility stage, which is expected to be presented for approval by June 2020. This will be followed by a fully-fledged feasibility study.

The UAE had proposed a Joint Investment Fund to collectively decide on the allocation of investment toward mutually agreed projects. In order to ensure the investments were secured, government had established a Task Team to identify the applicable and specific projects for each investment pledge, in accordance with the relevant economic policies and strategies.

President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China visited South Africa on a State Visit on 24 July 2018.

Pursuant to this visit, six government-to-government agreements were signed during the state visit, which are all accessible to the public on the website of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (www.dirco.gov.za).

Two state owned enterprises – Eskom and Transnet – also entered into loan agreements with Chinese banks.

Eskom entered into a loan agreement with the China Development Bank for $2.5 billion to fund the construction of Kusile Power Station. The facility has a grace period of five years and thereafter the principal amount is repayable by Eskom in 20 instalments over a period of 10 years. There are no specific conditions for this loan.

Transnet entered into a R4 billion loan agreement with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to finance the general operating activities and certain capital expenditure of Transnet. The facility is a five-year, rand denominated, quarterly amortising loan, at a floating and competitive interest rate. The loan came with terms and conditions that are standard for this type of loan.

In addition, various commercial agreements were signed between Chinese entities and South African companies. The conditions attached to each of these agreements are a matter between the respective parties.

With regard to the China investments, the signatories are responsible for servicing the terms of the respective agreements.

Reply:

Customary marriages are regulated by the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998) which provides for requirements for a valid customary marriage and registration thereof. In this regard, there is no power vested on Government to extend the provision of the Act to other types of marriages, as doing so will be acting ultra vires. A marriage entered into in terms of Muslim rites is thus far not recognised in the South Africa. In this regard, the Department has embarked on discussions throughout the Republic regarding the development of a policy on marriages in order to find possible means to deal with all types of marriages and enact legislation that addresses some of the types of marriages or practices that may not be recognised as marriages. This process will culminate in a legislative process to address certain issues relating to different types of marriages.

END

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Mr J W McKay Dr PA Motsoaledi, MP

A/Director-General Minister of Home Affairs

Date: Date:

Reply:

a) It is incorrect of the Honourable Member to suggest that there is no form of acknowledgement when a person is applying for the social relief grant using the stated number.

b) There is an acknowledgement in the form of unique reference number that is sent to all successful applicants.

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:

No, the programme has not started yet as it was planned to start on 28th March 2020 but had to be suspended due to the pronouncement of the lockdown by the President on 23 March 2020.

(a) The programme will resume as soon as the lockdown levels reach an acceptable level to open for such services.

(b) It will start with Free State Province as this was the Province that was earmarked for the pilot before the lockdown.

END

Reply:

The Department has not provided any funding for the building of (i) museum and (ii) academy since 1994.

We are working on the National Training Centre which will be located in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, However, the Honourable Member this is not an academy but a High Performance Centre.

Reply:

1. SASCOC requires more time retrieve this information which is made difficult by the lockdown.

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available

Thank you

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available

Thank you

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available

Thank you

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available

Thank you