Questions and Replies
29 May 2020 - NW38
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, following the release of the statement regarding the interventions announced to address the water problems in QwaQwa (details furnished), all of the promised 5 000 state-owned tanks have been delivered to QwaQwa; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date will the tanks be delivered; (2) which sources will be used to fill up the tanks in the light of the current incapacity to fill tanks to supply at least 25 litres of water per person per day to 240 000 persons who have no other source of water?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW537
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether any steps will be taken to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Republic’s economy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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:
- An increase in the expanded employment tax incentive amount from R500 to R750 per employee.
- A skills development levy holiday of 4 months from 1 May 2020.
- Fast-tracking VAT refunds.
- Deferring the payment of excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
- A three-month deferral for filing and first payment of carbon tax liabilities to 31 October 2020.
- A postponement of some of the corporate tax proposals in the 2020 Budget on interest expenses and assessed losses.
- An increase in the deferment of employee’s tax
- An increase in the turnover threshold for automatic deferrals.
- 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.
- 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.
28 May 2020 - NW538
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, any financial support or stimulus package will be made available to any affected business or individual; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- An increase in the turnover threshold for automatic deferrals.
- An increase in the deferment of employee’s tax
- A postponement of some of the corporate tax proposals in the 2020 Budget on interest expenses and assessed losses.
- A three-month deferral for filing and first payment of carbon tax liabilities to 31 October 2020.
- Deferring the payment of excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
- Fast-tracking VAT refunds.
- A skills development levy holiday of 4 months from 1 May 2020.
- 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.
28 May 2020 - NW842
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) Who are the members of the Tourist Relief Fund Adjudication Committee that will approve recommended applications, (b)(i) how were committee members chosen and (ii) what criteria were used to choose committee members, (c) what (i) processes and procedures will be followed in the work of the committee and (ii) oversight measures and mechanisms are in place in this regard, (d) what is the life cycle of the committee and (e) by what date must the work of the committee be completed?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW71
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
What is the position of the National Treasury on the proposals by the Congress of South African Trade Unions, which are alleged to be supported by the Minister of Public Enterprises, to commandeer R254 billion in funds from the Government Employees Pension Fund for the purposes of writing down Eskom’s debt?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW847
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What (a) total number of applications for Covid-19 funding relief have been received through the Tourism Relief Fund in each province to date, (b) number of the specified applications have been (i) approved and (ii) rejected in each case in each province and (c) was the Rand value of each (i) approved and (ii) rejected application in each case in each province?
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
28 May 2020 - NW968
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(a) By what date will the Council on Higher Education’s institutional audit of the University of South Africa begin, given the delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and (b) what measures have been put in place to conduct such an audit using remote and other Covid-19-compatible methods?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW840
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) Who was invited to the meeting with tourism stakeholders on 9 March 2020 to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector, (b) what criteria were used when inviting invitees, (c) who attended the meeting, (d) what (i) was the outcome of the meeting and (ii) resolutions were agreed to and (e) by what date is a follow-up meeting set to take place?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW387
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
What was the total reimbursement amount to the SA Social Security Agency recipients who were defrauded of their grants in the past financial year?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW843
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the reprioritisation of the budget of her department as a result of Covid-19, what (a) changes will be made in the budget per line item, (b) criteria will be used to (i) increase and/or (ii) decrease line items and (c) are the relevant amounts in each case?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW892
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) From which line item in the budget of her department will essential hygiene and sanitation products be procured that will be required once schools reopen and (b) what amount will be set aside in this regard?
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:
- Consumables House Suppliers: (Toiletry);
- Consumables Suppliers Wash Clean Detergent (Sanitisers and Soap);
- Consumables Suppliers: Medical Suppliers (Masks and Gloves);
- Consumables Suppliers: Uniforms; and
- 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
28 May 2020 - NW930
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)Whether her department awarded any tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the names of the businesses to whom these tenders were awarded, (b) are the amounts of each tender awarded and (c) was the service and/or product to be supplied by each business; (2) whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tenders; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details in each case; (3) what was the reason for which each specified business was awarded the specified tender; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
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
28 May 2020 - NW884
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Tourism
(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; (2) whether the Covid-19 financial or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what statutory 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 and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW871
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)Whether his 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; (2) whether the Covid-19 financial or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what statutory grounds and/or provisions does he or his department rely to allocate Covid-19 financial or other relief only to small businesses according to the specified Act and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses?
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:
- Transport Education Training Authority (TETA);
- Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA);
- Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA);
- Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP & M SETA);
- Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA); and
- 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.
28 May 2020 - NW893
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department has finalised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the containment and management of Covid-19 in schools; if not, by what date will the SOPs be finalised; if so, have the SOPs as yet been circulated to the provincial departments of education?
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.
28 May 2020 - NW894
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to the R160 million contract awarded by her department to a certain company (name furnished) to provide e-learning services in the Eastern Cape, (a) on which dates since the start of the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 has the specified company provided e-learning services to learners in the Eastern Cape and (b) what are the relevant details of the e-learning services that the company provided to learners in the Eastern Cape on each specified date?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW812
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)What is the unit price of the personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased for his staff and offices of his department nationwide in respect of each (a) mask, (b) sanitiser and (c) pair of gloves; (2) whether each Home Affairs office in each province received PPE; if not, will he furnish Ms L L van der Merwe with a list of offices that did not receive PPE; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1015E
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
27 May 2020 - NW907
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with reference to the unemployment rate of nearly 30% before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the likelihood that it will be higher after the pandemic passes, he will declare all persons who are not South African citizens and who are not in the Republic for their critical or scarce skills, illegal in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date is it envisaged that such a declaration will be made?
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
27 May 2020 - NW711
Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)(a) What are the reasons his department is no longer issuing birth certificates during the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and (b) how does his department intend to deal with the backlog in birth certificate applications; (2) whether he has engaged (a) medical aid companies and (b) insurance brokers on the need to enrol new-borns without birth certificates; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW915E
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
27 May 2020 - NW903
Mpambo-Sibhukwana, Ms T to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) number of her department’s food parcels has she found was distributed in furtherance of a party political objective or other purposes instead of the intended purposes of disaster relief related to the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 and (b) action does she intend to take in this regard?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW895
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether any criminal charges have been laid against any person serving on her department’s National Rapid Response Task Team since 1 January 2020; if so, (a) against whom were charges laid and (b) on what basis in each case?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW904
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
What criteria or formula did his department use to determine that a blanket amount of R20 000 would be paid out to each artist and athlete who successfully applied for funding from the Covid-19 Sports, Arts and Culture Relief Fund?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW898
Ngwenya, Ms DB to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department continues to render the service of registration of beneficiaries during the lockdown period to curb the spread of Covid-19; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW811
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) What number of temporary asylum-seeker permits (a) have been automatically renewed since the national state of disaster was declared and (b) have been active since 4 May 2020; (2) (a) what number of refugees are currently within the borders of the Republic and (b) from which country does each refugee originate? NW1014E
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
27 May 2020 - NW517
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, in light of the coronavirus pandemic in which Muslims are also affected by projected deaths as expected and that the legal framework which, as under apartheid, still gives no recognition to Muslim marriages and causes extreme difficulties to the surviving spouse and children to claim their rights to benefits (details furnished), he will consider the implementation of interim measures to restore the human dignity of the (a) Nikah or marriage ceremonies and (b) death certificate of Muslims as a result of coronavirus deaths, to state such a person as being legally married; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
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
27 May 2020 - NW813
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
1. Whether he has been informed that persons are passing through the Beitbridge border post on a daily basis for shopping and other nonessential travel, while the border post should in fact be closed for nonessential traffic in line with the state of disaster regulations; 2. whether his department has found an increase in the number of undocumented migrants entering the Republic which is directly related to the Beitbridge border fence being compromised; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; 3. whether his department has found that the 40 km border fence is adequate to help it to enforce the laws regulating entry into the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1016E
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
27 May 2020 - NW905
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(a) By what date does he envisage that team sports such as rugby, soccer and cricket, will be allowed to be practised in the Republic and (b) what mechanisms will his department put in place to ensure federations, leagues and clubs keep players of team sports safe from contracting Covid-19 while practising their respective sports?NW1191E
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.
27 May 2020 - NW872
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) Whether his 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; (2) whether the Covid-19 financial or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what statutory grounds and/or provisions does he or his department rely to allocate Covid-19 financial or other relief only to small businesses according to the specified Act and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses? NW1079E
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
27 May 2020 - NW713
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
How does his department intend to protect asylum seekers whose applications were not processed before the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
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
27 May 2020 - NW295
Zungula, Mr V to ask the President of the Republic
(1)What total amount has been raised in pledges from various countries for the Republic since he became President on 15 February 2018; (2) whether the money has been invested in the Republic already; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the details of the terms and conditions that he had to agree to in order for the pledges to be made?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW801
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What prevents the Government from (a) affording legal recognition to Muslim marriages by using the same procedure that provides for the recognition of African customary marriages through the registration process at his department, while permitting for the Nikah certificate to be issued by an officiating Imam in the same way as the lobola certificate is issued by an African customary official such as an Induna, and (b) attributing the status of married on death certificates of such Muslims in instances of a de facto marriage(-s) having been in existence as opposed to the current not married status attributed to all Muslims who were exclusively married according to Muslim rites, particularly in instances of Muslims who succumb due to Covid-19 related deaths but also deaths resulting from other causes?
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:
27 May 2020 - NW896
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What are the reasons that there is no form of acknowledgement when persons apply for social relief grants using the number 082 046 8553?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW897
Ngwenya, Ms DB to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether the unemployment grant will be (a) permanent and (b) increased?
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.
27 May 2020 - NW640
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether the programme to check the number of matriculants who do not have identity documents has started; if not, (a) on what date is it envisaged to start and (b) in which province will it start?
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
26 May 2020 - NW859
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(1) Which (a) athletes and (b) teams who (i) were ranked within the top 50 in the world and (ii) qualified to compete in the (aa) Olympic, (bb) Paralympic, (cc) Youth and/or (dd) Commonwealth Games were not selected to represent the Republic in each of the respective games; (2) what were the reasons that they were not selected to represent the Republic in each case; (3) which body and/or individuals determined that they would not participate?
Reply:
- SASCOC requires more time retrieve this information which is made difficult by the lockdown.
26 May 2020 - NW860
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(a) What total amount of funding has been given to the building of each sporting (i) museum and (ii) academy since 1994 and (b) where is each specified museum and academy situated?
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.
25 May 2020 - NW939
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, in light of the rationality of some of the regulations and conditions of the Covid-19 state of disaster lockdown and taking into consideration the constitutional values of accountability, responsiveness and openness, her department has any policy in place that makes it imperative that regulations are accompanied by clear and concise explanations that enunciate the rationality of their aim; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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
25 May 2020 - NW918
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether, with reference to her stock replies to question 449 on 16 September 2019, question 1502 on 2 December 2019 and question 130 on 19 March 2020, she exercises any executive responsibility over metropolitan municipalities in respect of firearms and ammunition of such metros that are stolen and/or lost by its metro police; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date is it envisaged that the information requested in the specified questions will be made available; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
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
25 May 2020 - NW891
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)In light of the fact that the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Act, Act 3 of 2019, does not recognise Khoi-San kingship and queenship, how will (a) the provisioning of budget be allocated to the Khoi-San tribes and (b) accountability of the budget be determined; (2) on what date is it envisaged that the handbook will be made available, stipulating clear guidelines of the Government’s expectations of the Khoi-San as traditional leaders; (3) whether the handbook will be published in Afrikaans, which is a language that the Khoisan people are fluent in; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details? NW1099E
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
25 May 2020 - NW863
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether her department will offer any form of Covid-19 financial and/or other relief to small businesses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the Covid-19 financial and/or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, ( a) on what statutory 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 and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses?
Reply:
(1) No, there is no provision in the departmental budget for relief to small businesses. The Department's mandate does not include the provision of relief to small businesses
(2) N/A
(a) N/A
(b) N/A
25 May 2020 - NW963
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What documentation and/or permit is required specifically for essential and permitted goods and/or services sole proprietorships which operate during the lockdown to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, given that they cannot obtain an essential service permit from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, as they are not registered with that institution nor required to be?
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
25 May 2020 - NW861
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(1) What (a) is the total amount of (i) salaries, (ii) allowances and (iii) bonuses that were paid by each national sports federation in the past three financial years and (b) are the names of each person such monies were paid to; (2) (a) what amount was spent by each national sports federation on (i) local and (ii) international trips, including (aa) flights, (bb) accommodation and (cc) subsistence allowance in the past three financial years and (b) what amount did each national sports federation spend on the development of their respective sports in the specified period?
Reply:
The National Federations are unable to provide the requested information due to the lockdown as they need to retrieve the information from the archives and records.
25 May 2020 - NW787
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
In light of the fact that her Department has been tasked with identifying potential quarantine sites for the Covid-19 crisis, what (a) is the mandate of her Department with regard to (i) ensuring suitability of identified sites with the requirements of the Department of Health, (ii) the upgrading of sites to ensure their habitability and (iii) equipping sites with beds, bedding and other requirements and (b) are the costs associated with any of the specified activities?
Reply:
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
On 18 March 2020 Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs issued regulations of Section 27 (2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 and new regulations were published on 29 April 2020.
Regulation 7(3) of the Regulations published on 29 April 2020 mandates the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure concurrently with the Members of the Executive Council responsible for Public Works and the accounting officers of municipalities to identify and make available sites to be used as isolation and quarantine facilities as the need arises.
- (i) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is responsible for repairing and refurbishing sites from the Department’s immovable asset register which have been approved by Department of Health (DoH) as meeting the basic requirements to serve as quarantine or isolation site. Provinces and Municipalities are responsible for sites they identify. The DoH ensure the suitability of privately owned sites.
- DPWI upgrades identified sites from the Department’s immovable asset register which have been approved by the DoH to ensure habitability. The Department only executes the upgrading project upon approval of the site by the DoH as meeting the basic requirements.
- DPWI provide beds and linen for sites from the Department’s immovable asset register that have been assessed and approved by the Department of Health as suitable to be used as quarantine or isolation sites.
- From the list of 39 sites, two were approved by the Department of Health and the total costs associated with:
- repair and refurbishment is R4 266 453.64
- provision of beds and linen is R737 291.45
25 May 2020 - NW779
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What (a) number of applications have been received for funding relief through the (i) Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme COVID-19 Fund for Essential Supplies, (ii) Relief Funding for Companies in COVID-19 Distress and (iii) COVID-19 Black Business Funding Solutions in each province to date, (b) number of the specified applications have been (i) approved and (ii) rejected in each case in each province and (c) was the Rand value of each (i) approved and (ii) rejected application in each case in each province?
Reply:
I am advised as follows:
The COVID-19 Black Business Fund administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) received over 250 applications totalling R700 million with approximately 30% of the applications from Gauteng, 20% from the Western Cape, 20% from KwaZulu-Natal and the balance from the other 6 provinces. A total of 12 applications valued at R78 million have been approved since inception of the Fund - of which 4 of the applications are from Gauteng; 5 from KwaZulu-Natal; and 3 from the Western Cape. Transactions valued at approximately R400 million have been declined for various reasons including applicants not being manufacturers of essential products.
Table 1 below outlines the performance of the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP) COVID-19 Essential Supplies and COVID-19 Distress Funding administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) since inception up to 08 May 2020.
Table 1
-END-
25 May 2020 - NW929
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether her department awarded any tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the names of the businesses to whom these tenders were awarded, (b) are the amounts of each tender awarded and (c) was the service and/or product to be supplied by each business; (2) whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tenders; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details in each case; (3) what was the reason for which each specified business was awarded the specified tender; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter? NW1218E
Reply:
1. (a)(b)(c) (2)
The Department did not award any tender for COVID-19 pandemic. Personnel Protective Clothing to fight against COVID-19 is provided for in an existing contract for hygiene and cleaning services which was awarded on the 1st of April 2018 and ending on the 31st of May 2021.
The Department did not deviate from standard supply chain management procedures in awarding of tender/s in connection with COVID-19.
3. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable.
25 May 2020 - NW985
Thring, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
At what alert level will the employees of religious organisations be able to resume their weekday administrative financial and compliance functions from the office, such as the payment of salaries, essential information technology support, coordination of feedings schemes and essential building maintenance, subject to observance of standard hygiene and health protocols that apply to any other workplace during the lockdown to curb the Covid-19 pandemic?
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
25 May 2020 - NW980
Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)With reference to the R20 billion allocated to municipalities from the R500 billion economic support package for relief during the Covid-19 pandemic, (a) what is the breakdown of allocations for each municipality, (b) what are the conditions for spending that her department has set for each grant recipient and (c) on what date was each grant transferred to each recipient; (2) whether she will furnish Mr M H Hoosen with a copy of the spending plans of each municipality; if not, why not, if so, on what date? NW1269E
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
25 May 2020 - NW799
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
(1) Whether his department has taken any steps to implement his announcement that playhouses will be made available for artists to perform live streaming activities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the playhouses will be involved in creating online platforms; if so, how will it be put in practice as the sector does not render an essential service; (3) whether any partnerships have been forged with the SA Broadcasting Corporation to televise performances in addition to live streaming?
Reply:
1. Yes. The Directive was gazetted. The Director General had a meeting with the CEOs of Performing Arts Institutions and the legal team on the 9th May 2020 to address implementation.
2. Yes, if they have their own content or projects they need to implement. They will bring these to the attention of the Department; some have done so already, for consideration and inclusion in the relief programme of the Department.
3. Not yet, however engagements have been initiated and are ongoing in line with promotion of local content. The DG has held meetings and also wrote letters in this regard to all broadcasters.
25 May 2020 - NW882
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(1) Whether his 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; (2) whether the Covid-19 financial or other relief will only be allocated to qualifying small businesses according to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 53 of 2003, as amended; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what statutory grounds and/or provisions does he or his department rely to allocate Covid-19 financial or other relief only to small businesses according to the specified Act and (b) what form of Covid-19 financial or other relief, if any, will be made available to other small businesses?
Reply:
1. The call for applications for the Relief Fund for artists included individuals, organisations and SMMEs. SMMEs were not excluded from this call and therefore there has been an opportunity for small businesses to receive relief.
2. The COVID-19 relief fund was for all applicants and was not limited to small businesses governed by the BBBEE Act as specified in the question.
25 May 2020 - NW788
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) Who is responsible for the payment made to the private hotels and accommodation establishments that have been identified for use as quarantine facilities around the Republic to supplement her department’s properties; (2) whether any intermediaries such as a travel agent are being used to identify and book the specified sites; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why is an intermediary required and (b) what are the average fees of the intermediaries; (3) whether the Government is paying the full rates for the sites; if not, what are the details of the (a) type of discount that the sites are providing and (b) suite of services that the sites are offering?
Reply:
1. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is responsible for the payment to be made to the private hotels and accommodation establishment that have been identified and contracted by the Department based on the requirements of National Department of Health for use as quarantine facilities. No payment has been made thus far for any facility.
2. No intermediaries are used. The Departments Supply Chain Management Logistics Section is utilised for booking the hotels. The SCM unit utilises a DPWI Master Database List to identify quarantine facilities and invite quotes.
3. Government is not paying the full rates for sites.
(a) The rates paid by government have been negotiated between National Treasury, Department of Tourism, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the Industry represented by Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA). These rates are discounted and below the standard rate offered to government as per Star grading of the sites. Rates are per room.
aa. 1 Star R850-00 single and R1035-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
bb. 2 Star R950-00 single and R1135-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
cc. 3 Star R1050-00 single and R1235-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
dd. 4 Star R1200-00 single and R1385-00 sharing (exclu VAT)
(b) Services offered are dinner, lunch and breakfast included in the above rates.