Questions and Replies
04 June 2020 - NW755
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he has disregarded the role traditional healers could play to render assistance during the Covid-19 crisis, since a great majority of South Africans consult traditional healers on a regular basis for their health problems; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether he has engaged any of the traditional healers in the Republic for this purpose; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes. The Department of Health identified the role that Traditional Health Practitioners could play to render assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Realising the need to have the Traditional Health Practitioners incorporated into the interventions with regards to the Covoid-19 response, the Department developed and approved the guidelines for Traditional Health Practitioners in dealing with the practice of the Traditional Health Practitioners during Covid-19 lockdown. The guidelines were developed in consultation with key representatives of the traditional health practitioners as well the Ministerial Advisory Committee. These guidelines allow Traditional Health Practitioners to continue with the provision of their essential services to the majority of South Africans within this period of Covid-19 and lockdown.
2. Yes. Traditional Health Practitioners were engaged during the development of the guidelines and engagement process is ongoing with regards to related matters. It is through the successful engagement that a product in the form of the guidelines was issued by the Department.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW353
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)What is the (a) total number and (b) percentage of employees of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) who have disclosed their business interests in the past three financial years as required by the SABC's Conflict of Interest Policy. (2) Employees who disclosed business interests, what are the full details of the specified (a) business interests and (b) companies currently doing business with the SABC including the (i) Rand value of the contracts involved and (ii) service delivered in terms of each contract; (3) Whether the specified contracts were put out to tender; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW508E
Reply:
Date |
Employee Submissions |
Total Number of Employees |
% Compliance |
28-Mar-18 |
3045 |
3578 |
85.1 |
31-Mar-19 |
3402 |
3,460 |
98.3 |
02-Mar-20 |
1836 |
3,039 |
60.4 |
2. Refer to annexures A and B.
3. Refer to annexures A and B.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW837
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) number of the Cuban medical personnel who arrived in the Republic around 27 April 2020 to assist the Government in the fight against Covid-19 will be allocated to each province and (b) criteria will be used to determine where in the Republic they will be deployed to render assistance; (2) (a) has the Cuban medical personnel been trained already and (b) will they have to be driven around?
Reply:
1. (a) The number of the Cuban medical personnel as distributed is attached as ANNEXURE A.
(b) The criteria used to determine the deployment of the Cuban Health Professionals across the Country is based on the epidemiological modelling data, current health service capacity as well as capacity required as the number of COVID-19 infections increase in the different provinces and current available skills within each province.
2. (a) Yes, the Cuban Medical personnel have been trained. Training was conducted for Cuban medical personnel prior to their deployment to Provinces. The training included an overview of the South African Health System, the demography and epidemiology of diseases in the 9 provinces, Covid-19.
The history of COVID-19 in South Africa and progress made was provided, more importantly, training focussed on all approved country guidelines for COVID-19, including Clinical Case Management and Infection Prevention and Control. The training materials are all available on the Knowledge Hub of the Department and is accessible to Cuban Health Professionals.
(b) Transportation for Cuban medical personnel to serving stations will be dealt with in accordance with the approved Policy for Travel and Transportation within the relevant Provincial Departments and Public Service Regulations.
END.
ANNEXURE A
CUBAN MEDICAL BRIGADE DISTRIBUTION LIST
|
Western Cape |
Gauteng |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
Eastern Cape |
Free State |
Mpumalanga |
Limpopo |
North West |
Northern Cape |
National Department |
TOTAL |
Family Physician |
18 |
17 |
17 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
0 |
105 |
Health Technology |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
30 |
Epidemiology |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
18 |
Biostatistics |
3 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
21 |
Public Health Specialist* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
11 |
Biotechnologist |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
TOTALS |
28 |
28 |
27 |
20 |
17 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
11 |
17 |
187 |
04 June 2020 - NW670
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he, his department and/or any entity reporting to him purchased any personal protection equipment since 1 February 2020; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details of (a) the date on which the equipment was purchased, (b) the name of the supplier where the equipment was purchased, (c) the monetary value of the purchase, (d) the branding that appeared on the purchased equipment, including the branding of any political party, and (e)(i) how and (ii) where was the purchased equipment distributed?
Reply:
Yes, the department purchased personal protective equipment as follows:
|
(b) Name of supplier |
(c) Monetary value |
(d) Branding that appeared on the equipment |
||
(a) Date purchased |
(e)(i) how was the purchased equipment distributed? |
(e) (ii) where was the purchased equipment distributed? |
|||
18/03/2020 |
BARRS Pharmaceutical Industries |
99,311.09 |
none |
Supplier delivered to NDoH office in Pretoria |
Collected by departmental staff for use in offices, NDoH clinic, entrances, at meetings, etc. |
18/03/2020 |
Unicore Holdings (Pty) Ltd |
353,527.82 |
none |
Supplier delivered to NDoH office in Pretoria |
Couriered to all ports of entry |
30/03/2020 |
Mr. First Aid (Pty) Ltd |
1,342,952.75 |
none |
Supplier delivered directly to the site |
The Ranch Hotel |
TOTAL |
1,795,791.66 |
||||
Yes, the Entities purchase personal protective equipment as follows:
Public Entities |
(a) the date on which the equipment was purchased |
(b) the name of the supplier where the equipment was purchased |
(c) the monetary value of the purchase |
(d) the branding that appeared on the purchased equipment, including the branding of any political party |
(e)(i) how and (ii) where was the purchased equipment distributed |
Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) |
March 2020 |
Rentokil Initial |
R25196.75 |
Supplier name |
Fixture to all /CMS offices |
March 2020 |
Rentokil Initial |
R12725.00 |
None |
Still to be distributed to all staff at CMS offices |
|
March 2020 |
House of Clean |
R3875.00 |
None |
To cleaning staff at CMS offices |
|
March 2020 |
House of Clean |
R450.00 |
None |
To cleaning staff at CMS offices |
|
March 2020 |
Roterteck |
R575.00 |
None |
To security guard at CMS offices |
|
April 2020 |
Rentokil Initial |
R17250.00 |
None |
CMS offices |
|
April 2020 |
Takealot |
R525.00 |
None |
To cleaning staff at CMS offices |
|
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) |
07/02/2020 |
Inqaba Biotechnical Industries |
R 8527.71 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
10/02/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R1518.00 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
13/02/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R3167.10 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
13/02/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R577.88 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
14/02/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R143.52 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
19/02/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R683.10 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
26/03/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R1242.00 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
06/04/2020 |
Inqaba Biotechnical Industries |
R14453.58 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
07/04/2020 |
Promed Technologies |
R57856.50 |
None |
SAMRC KZN Office |
|
09/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical And Laboratory Supplies |
R12793.75 |
None |
SAMRC KZN Office |
|
14/04/2020 |
Laborem Lab Supplies |
R1725.00 |
None |
SAMRC Cape Town Office |
|
15/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical and Laboratory Supplies |
R40664.00 |
None |
SAMRC KZN Office |
|
15/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical and Laboratory Supplies |
R99484.20 |
None |
SAMRC KZN Office |
|
16/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical and Laboratory Supplies |
R31567.50 |
None |
SAMRC KZN Office |
|
17/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical and Laboratory Supplies |
R58885.74 |
None |
All SAMRC Offices |
|
20/04/2020 |
Axiology Labs |
R36542.40 |
None |
All SAMRC Offices |
|
23/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical and Laboratory Supplies |
R90907.50 |
None |
SAMRC KZN Office |
|
23/04/2020 |
Mzansi Medical and Laboratory Supplies |
R16882.00 |
None |
All SAMRC Offices |
|
24/04/2020 |
Lasec Sa |
R32457.60 |
None |
All SAMRC Offices |
|
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) |
2020/04/17 |
Abompetha (Pty) Ltd |
R17 465 000 |
None |
All items will be distributed across the country, to all NHLS laboratories and offices |
2020/04/17 |
Alfonzo Business Enterprise |
R44 700 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/21 |
B2P Group (Pty) Ltd |
R436 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/03 |
Baitsekago Projects (Pty) Ltd |
R56 855 900 |
None |
||
2020/04/06 |
Bitz Medical Supplies |
R23 700 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/20 |
Boitumelojwarona Projects (Pty) Ltd |
R874 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/17 |
Bugatti Security Projects(Pty) Ltd |
R17 832 500 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Dayseven Group |
R2 500 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/10 |
Feliham (Pty) Ltd |
R14 475 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/24 |
First Garment Rental (Johannesburg) |
R150 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/08 |
Harvest Medical Hygiene |
R14 750 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/20 |
Hlakabele Trading & Projects (Pty) Ltd |
R30 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/09 |
Incapeace Trading & Project 159 cc |
R15 299 750 |
None |
||
2020/03/27 |
JD Strategic Investments cc |
R33 880 000 |
None |
||
2020/03/26 |
Joritans Logistics |
R6 999 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/06 |
Kgodumo Mokone Trading Enterprise |
R35 625 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/16 |
KNO Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd |
R1 225 000 |
None |
||
2020/03/18 |
Labex (Pty) Ltd |
R2 415 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Les and Sons (Pty) Ltd |
R32 230 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/17 |
Makgale Makgale Developments (Pty) Ltd |
R30 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/06 |
Mantso Projects and supplies |
R26 520 044 |
None |
||
2020/04/24 |
Medkem |
R132 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/20 |
Mok Plus One |
R17 850 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Mulalo Business Enterprise cc |
R13 500 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/06 |
Neneketso Trading (Pty) Ltd |
R4 730 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Noko Health Care cc |
R8 585 355 |
None |
||
2020/04/14 |
Nu-Psyc Market cc |
R13 800 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/14 |
Oak Medical And Laboratory Supplies CC |
R5 769 000 |
None |
||
2020/03/25 |
Ongumame Medical Solutions |
R15 854 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/09 |
Persto (Pty)Ltd |
R15 065 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/17 |
Pharmaways Health (Pty) Ltd |
R1 771 570 |
None |
||
2020/04/17 |
Phumelele Occupational Health and Medical services (Pty) Ltd |
R1 331 484 |
None |
||
2020/04/09 |
Reitumetse M Trading Projects cc |
R34 405 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/09 |
Rombot Labs (Pty) Ltd |
R619 200 |
None |
||
2020/04/09 |
Seila Business Enterprise cc |
R6 206 500 |
None |
||
2020/04/14 |
Setesign (Pty) Ltd |
R16 015 000 |
None |
||
2020/03/24 |
Sinawe Medical and surgical supplies (Pty) Ltd |
R 25 000 000 |
None |
||
2020/03/24 |
Splendid Marketing and Communication |
R21 250 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/08 |
Stripform Packaging (Pty) Ltd |
R381 060 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Therapy on the Go |
R6 000 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/06 |
Thula Sizwe Trading cc |
R7 500 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/14 |
Tiki Healthcare |
R741 500 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Tripharma (Pty)Ltd |
R8 212 110 |
None |
||
2020/03/24 |
Tshimologo Omolemo Projects (Pty) Ltd |
R8 568 000 |
None |
||
2020/04/15 |
Xopam Services (Pty) Ltd |
R400 000,00 |
None |
||
2020/04/03 |
Zanenza holding (Pty) Ltd |
R20 755 000,00 |
None |
||
2020/03/20 |
Zans African Medical |
R51 492,00 |
None |
||
Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) |
31/03/2020 |
Libera Management Services |
R15 585.92 |
Branding name called KPRG Cleanquip |
The service providers delivered the purchased equipment at the OHSC offices in Pretoria |
22/04/2020 |
the ViSS (PTY) LTD |
R95 313.96 |
|
||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) |
March 2020 |
Dischem |
R600 |
None |
Distributed at SAHPRA Office for use by staff |
April 2020 |
City Fashions Manufacturers |
R13,800 |
None |
Distributed at SAHPRA Office for use by staff |
|
April 2020 |
South Collection |
R960 |
None |
Distributed at SAHPRA Office for use by staff |
END.
04 June 2020 - NW637
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health
What measures has he put in place to track all persons who were tested positive for COVID-19, but who cannot be located or traced in each province?
Reply:
The scenario of unallocated COVID-19 positive patients was present at the beginning of the epidemic in the country and this was due to the submission of incomplete data by the Laboratories and the information systems processes the data.
The Department has implemented measures to improve the situation and the non-allocation of positive COVID-19 persons is the exception to the rule currently.
Measures include,
- The strengthening of the information systems for Notifiable Medical Conditions at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has resulted in the quality of reporting.
- The interactions with the Laboratories has improved the quality and completeness of the data submitted by the laboratories to the NICD.
- The COVID-19 tracing teams at a district level have been expanded. There are 8446 tracers that follow up with COVID-19 cases, and their contacts.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW687
Samka, Ms P to ask the Minister in The PresidencyWhat total amount has the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) spent on advertising in the past two financial years on (a) community radio stations, (b) community print media entities, (c) community television stations and (d) small commercial publicationsIn the past 2 years the GCIS has been in charge of implementing advertising campaigns for 41 client departments and entities. The GCIS has spent the below listed amounts on behalf of these clients
Total Community Ad spend 2018/2019 & 2019/2020
Reply:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
WRITTEN QUSSYION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER:
DATE OF PUBLICATIONS: 24 April 2020
687. Ms PT van Damme (DA) to ask the Minister in The Presidency:
- What total amount has the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) spent on advertising in the past two financial years on (a) community radio stations, (b) community print media entities, (c) community television stations and (d) small commercial publications:
In the past 2 years the GCIS has been in charge of implementing advertising campaigns for 41 client departments and entities. The GCIS has spent the below listed amounts on behalf of these clients.
Total Community Ad spend 2018/2019 & 2019/2020 |
|
|
R 8 220 052,13 |
|
R 24 742 178.81 |
|
R 6 299 219.02 |
|
R 137 747.00 |
(2) what Individual amounts were spent on each specified (a) community radio station, (b) community print media entity, (c) community televi6ion station and (d) small commercial publication;
- The list of the stations is attached as annexure A
- It needs to be noted that GCIS has put in place a panel of agencies which represent community publications. This panel was put in place to ensure that the sector is supported and that publications are not left out due to compliance related matters as was the case previously .The below agencies were appointed by the respective publications and GCIS constituted the panel through a tender process. The 6 agencies represent over 200 community newspapers across the country.
COMMUNITY PRINT ENTITIES |
|
R 3 218 500.00 |
Channelled Energy |
R 923 037,34 |
CNI |
R 814 000.00 |
Eastern Province Community Print Media |
R 740 748,00 |
Gauteng News |
R 195 872,16 |
Mambo |
R 1 685 345.00 |
Spark Media |
C) GCIS also books campaign on television stations through intermediaries which the stations have appointed. Below Is the list of the agents.
COMMUNITY TV |
|
Mediamark (Cape Town TV) |
R 823 408.73 |
Zallywood (Tshwane and Gau TV) |
R 1 455 000.00 |
Tiso Blackstar (1KZN & Soweto TV) |
R 3 920 810.29 |
Bay TV |
R 100 000.00 |
d)
SMALL COMMECIAL PUBLICATIONA |
|
Highbury Safika |
R 137 747.00 |
TOTAL |
R 137 747.00 |
(3) On what dates were the specified adverts placed;
The dates for the various placements are attached as annexure B.
(4) What percentage of the GClS’s advertising budget is spent on
(a) Community media – 13% ( R40 399 196.96)
(b) Commercial media – 87% (R399 647 699.76)
DRAFTER OF THE REPLY
Name: Ace Mlisa
Designation: Director: Media Buying
Contacts: 012 473 0287 / 074 8177 927 [email protected]
Recommended / Not recommended
Ms Phumla Williams
Acting Director-General (GCIS)
Date: 21/05/20
Approved/not approved
Hon Jackson Mthembu, MP
Minister in the Presidency
Date: 26/05/2020
04 June 2020 - NW822
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
What is the strategy to curb new community infections of the coronavirus since the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 has not manifested in tangible outcomes for reducing new infections in communities?
Reply:
The lockdown has been shown by modeling exercises to have had two impacts on the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown has reduced the peak of infections and shifted the epidemic curve to the right. This means that it is estimated that the number of infections at the peak will be lower and that it will happen later thus enabling the health system to have additional time to prepare for the peak of infections. In his address on 24 May, the President outlined measures to strengthen prevention and to intervene in the hotspot districts.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW299
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
What number of (a) Namibian nationals with dual South African-Namibian citizenship are currently receiving SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and (b) paypoints are currently being serviced by SASSA in Namibia?
Reply:
(a) SASSA currently pays grants to 579 beneficiaries in Namibia, broken down as follows:
59 disability grants
520 grants for older persons.
However, at this stage, SASSA is unable to confirm how many of the above beneficiaries carry dual citizenship as the grant is paid on the South African identity number. A review project is planned for the 2020/21 financial year to determine this and to confirm whether approval was obtained to retain the South African citizenship prior to taking Namibian citizenship as is required in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, Act 88 of 1995.
2. SASSA does not service any pay points in Namibia. Social grants are paid through direct deposit into the beneficiaries’ personal bank accounts or in cash through Nampost at the post office in Walvis Bay.
04 June 2020 - NW543
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) are the relevant details of all tenders awarded by his department for psychiatric drugs at each province and (b) measurements are put in place by his department to ensure that there is always a full range of drugs for psychiatric patients at the hospitals?
Reply:
a) Tenders for pharmaceuticals are awarded at a National level. Provinces, as participants to the contract, procure pharmaceuticals using the National contract. The contract information for all pharmaceuticals are available on the Department of Health’s website. The contract details for psychiatric medicines is attached as Annexure A.
b) The medicine selection process is an evidence-based clinical peer review process aimed at determining which medicines are most appropriate for use in South Africa. The Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List available as an application for your cell phone provides guidance to clinical practitioners on the safe and appropriate use of medicines for specific indications. There are chapters that are dedicated to psychiatry in the Standard Treatment Guidelines.
In preparation for the award of tenders, forecasting is done in collaboration with provinces using a defined methodology. The tender forecast is enriched using epidemiological data often in consultation with content experts such as psychiatrists. Furthermore, in accordance with the conditions of contract, suppliers are obliged to maintain two months of buffer. Additionally, there are contract managers who actively manage supplier performance to ensure that medicines are available.
Electronic stock management systems have also been implemented at facilities that provide the necessary information to managers at appropriate levels to intervene should the need arise.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW614
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he and/or his department has considered offers from foreign-trained medical professionals who are willing to offer their assistance to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
Yes. It is imperative to ensure that as the Country is responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are sufficient skilled health professionals to attend to the patient continuum from screening services to hospitalisation. In accordance with the South African Regulations, consideration is first given to South African Citizen health professionals that are available and if numbers are insufficient, foreign nationals are considered in a systematic order.
First is through Government-to-Government Agreements looking at required skills from foreign nationals. In this process the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is engaged to check the quality of training and skills of these foreign nationals.
In the same spirit, individual foreign nationals who wish to practice their medical trade in South Africa are given an opportunity in accordance with the Immigration Act on condition that they fulfil all the requirements as outlined by the HPCSA.
South Africa has since approached China, Cuba and Russia through existing Government-to-Government agreements for assistance.
To date the Republic of Cuba has availed 187 Medical Specialists (i.e. Biostatistics, Epidemiologists, Family Physicians, Health Technologists) where the Country is unable to produce enough, who will be assisting in the response to Covid-19.
In all other cases, foreign health professionals who wish to assist during Covid-19, such health professionals must first meet the HPCSA requirements to be considered.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW620
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Health
By what date will he supply the (a) Tweelaagte Clinic and (b) Lonely Park Hospital in Moses Kotane Local Municipality with (i) personal protective equipment and (ii) sanitisers for healthcare workers?
Reply:
a) (i) The Department supplied the personal protective equipment to Tweelaagte clinic for healthcare workers on the 29th of April 2020 as follows:
- Thirty-five (35) Masks N95,
- One hundred and fifty (150) Surgical masks,
- Two hundred and two (202) boxes of gloves and,
- One hundred and thirty (130) Plastic aprons.
(ii) Sanitizers supplied to the clinic for healthcare workers are follows;
- one (1) X 5 Litre of sanitizer,
- thirty (30) sachets of biocide and,
- five (5) X 500 ml of hand cleanser.
b) The Department does not have Lonely Park Hospital in Moses Kotane Municipality.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW772
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total amount does the Government pay in annual membership fees to the World Health Organisation (WHO); (2) (a) which countries have been denied membership to the WHO and (b) what are the reasons?
Reply:
1. The WHO Programme Budget is financed through a mix of assessed and voluntary contributions. Assessed contributions are the dues countries pay in order to be a member of WHO. The amount each Member State must pay is calculated relative to the country's wealth and population. However, assessed contributions remain a key source of financing for the Organization. The WHO assessed contributions are due and payable annually as of 1 January from all WHO Member States and Associate Members (currently 194 Member States and 2 Associate Members). Member's contributions are assessed in two currencies - half in United States dollar and half-in Swiss francs.
For 2020, South Africa’s assessed contribution is US$ 650,715 and Swiss Francs (CHf) 664,380 estimated at approximately R12 038 228 and R12 636 508 respectively and totalling of R24 674 736
(2) (a) None
(b) Not applicable
END.
04 June 2020 - NW506
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
What (a) number of judgments and (b) court orders were made against her department in the (i) 2017-18 and (ii) 2018-19 financial years, (b) number of the specified judgments and court orders (i) were implemented and (ii) await implementation by her department and (c) was the nature of each (i) judgment and/or (ii) court orders.
Reply:
(a)(i) One judgement was delivered against the Department during the year 2017/2018.
(b)(i) None
(a)(ii) One judgment was delivered against the Department during the year 2018/2019.
(b)(ii) None
(b) The Department has two judgements, meaning that the matters have been finalised through court proceeding or arbitration, for the financial years 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 and no court orders.
(b)(i) Both judgments, one issued by the Labour Court in Paris (France) and one award issued by the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa, were implemented.
(b)(ii) The Department has no judgment or order that awaits implementation.
(c) Judgment issued against the Department during 2017/20
In the matter between Ms Terry Crawford (“Ms Crawford”) and the Republic of South Africa (Paris Mission), Ms Crawford instituted legal proceeding in the Labour Court (Paris) for compensation for the termination of her employment contract, psychological harassment, the payment of her leave credits and reimbursement of cost incurred for the litigious matter, amounting to 513 416.48 Euro. The Labour Court found that Crawford was not dismissed without actual or serious basis as she claimed.
Crawford was employed as a switchboard operator by the Embassy on 21 January 1991. During 1999 the Embassy opened a new section to represent the Department of Communications and Ms Crawford was employed as an Administrative Assistant to support the official seconded to the Embassy. Subsequently, the Department took a decision to close the Communications Section which resulted in the official seconded to the Embassy returning to South Africa. Ms Crawford’s position became redundant and the Embassy offered her an alternative position as Accounts Clerk. Ms Crawford was dissatisfied with the position offered to her and instituted legal proceedings where she cited, amongst others, unilateral termination of her employment contract on 19 September 2012. During the hearing Crawford disclosed confidential information and was dismissed on 11 August 2014, after she failed to attend a disciplinary enquiry.
On 10 July 2017 the Labour Court (Paris) ordered that Crawford be paid an amount of 16 252.57 Euros as compensation, representing the minimum amount to be paid for the termination of the contract, instead of the 513 416.48 which Crawford claimed.
The judgment was furnished to the Department on 8 March 2018, the date on which Crawford’s’ legal representatives furnished the Department’s legal representative, with same. Payment in the amount of R236 891.77 was made on 28 March 2018.
Judgment issued against the Department during 2018/2019
Following a procurement process, the Department of Communications (DoC) entered into an agreement Draft FCB Africa (FCB), who was the successful bidder to conceptualise, develop and implement a comprehensive three-year public awareness strategy for Broadcasting Digital Migration on 24 February 2009. The effective duration of the agreement was from 1 November 2008 for a period of three years, same to terminate on 31 October 2011. The initial total price tendered for was R399,078,495.84 but the evaluation committee removed certain items not required and brought the tender price down to an amount of R282,500,000.00.
The DoC, terminated the contract on 3 May 2010 and withdrew the termination notice on 30 June 2010, indicating that “the department intends to review the contract for the sake of progress of the matter”. Thereafter FCB stopped rendering services to the former DoC due to payment delays after it failed to submit signed off timesheets of consultants that worked on the project. FCB instituted court proceeding against the DoC during December 2011 and the matter remained dormant for a period of almost three years, whereafter same was subjected to arbitration. On the advice of SC, the Director-General appealed the arbitration award issued on 30 September 2017.
On 4 June 2018, the Office of the State Attorney informed the Department that the Appeals Panel has now concluded the appeal and issued a final arbitration award against the Minister of Communications and the Director-General of DoC ordering them to pay to FCB Africa an amount of R45,064,990.84.
The Department notified National Treasury of the award on 5 June 2018 and on the advice of National Treasury, a meeting was held with FCB Africa on 12 June 2018, wherein the Department explained that it lacked the funding to satisfy the award and requested indulgence to execute the award on or before 31 January 2019, after the budgetary adjustment processes of Government has been concluded. Payment of an amount of R18 940 000.00 was made on 7 February 2019, and the balance of R26 572 515.51 was paid on 3 April 2019.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW818
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, in light of the fact that the Portfolio Committee on Health and the South African public in general are only being updated on basic statistics of Covid-19 deaths and all hospitals, clinics and laboratories allegedly signed confidentiality clauses to provide test- and death-related information to the Government only, he will furnish Mr P A van Staden with detailed figures of mortality that are not related to Covid-19 since 1 March 2020; if not, why not; (2) whether he will consider providing such figures to the Portfolio Committee on Health on a monthly basis, until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic; if not, why not; (3) whether he will make a statement on this matter?
Reply:
(1) Data on all causes of mortality is collected through death certificates from the Department of Home Affairs. These data are made available to the South African Medical Research Council’s Burden of Disease Unit which has published this data on its website – it is therefore in the public domain and anyone interested in this data can access the data freely. The quote below is from the website for the period 1 January to 12 May 2020 and published on 20 May 2020.
“The weekly number of deaths of persons 1+ years of age up till 12 May 2020 are significantly lower than the number that would have been expected based on the historical data, mainly due to the decline in the number of deaths from unnatural causes. The number of deaths from unnatural causes (e.g. road traffic fatalities and homicide) was significantly lower during lockdown than projected on the basis of past trends, but appears to be increasing with the easing of lockdown. • Deaths from natural causes show no unusual sign of increase by 12 May 2020 among people less than 1-59 years nor those 60 years and over, and appear to be tracking consistently below the projected numbers” (Bradshaw et al, 20 May 2020).
(2) The Minister is willing to provide the information obtained from the Department of Home Affairs as noted above, monthly to the Portfolio Committee;
(3) We will make a statement on this matter.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW768
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department will consider to extend the service of health care professionals, who are due to retire on pension at the end of the month, until after the pandemic has subsided; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The current legislative framework (Sub section 16.7 of the Public Service Act of 1994, as amended) provides for the Executive Authority with the discretion to retain an employee beyond the retirement age subject to the employee's consent for the maximum period of two years.
It therefore means each employee case legible for retirement will be dealt with on its merits.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW438
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister has each employed ministerial special advisors; if so, in each case, (i) what is the name of the special advisor, (ii) on what date was the advisor appointed, (iii) what are the duties of the advisor, (iv) at what post level was the appointment made, (v) what is the salary level of the advisor, (vi) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (vii) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor?
Reply:
(a) Yes
(b) No
(a)(i) Mr Thabiso Kenneth Thukani
(a)(ii) 29 August 2019
(a)(iii) The duties of the special adviser are the following:
(i) Provide strategic advice to the Minister in the development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy and regulatory framework, including monitoring implementation as well as its impact on the wellbeing of the citizens of South Africa;
(ii) Provide specialist advice to the Ministry in executing the mandates of Departments of Communications (DoC), Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) and its State-Owned Entities (SOEs);
(iii) Assist with developing appropriate relationships with the sector, academia, caucus, and civil society groups in order to facilitate progress of policy and legislation within the Minister's portfolio of responsibilities;
(iv) Review submissions going to the Minister, drawing attention to any aspect which has policy/political implications, and ensuring that sensitive political issues are addressed accordingly;
(v) Speechwriting, thought leadership and related research, including ensuring that relevant overarching government policies are reflected in material prepared by the Department.
(a)(iv) Compensation level III
(a)(v) Salary level 15
(a)(vi) 12 months
(a)(vii) To advise the Executive Authority on the exercise or performance of the Executive Authority’s powers and duties, and on the development of policy that will promote the Department’s objectives.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW686
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)In respect of purchases made with each official credit card issued to (a) her, (b) her staff and (c) the Deputy Minister during the period 8 May 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (i) what is the (aa) name and (bb) organogram position of the user and (ii)(aa) what is the value of each purchase made, (bb) what are the details of each item purchased and (cc) for what purpose was each purchase made; (2) whether any alcoholic beverages were purchased; if so, (a) what (i) are the relevant details and (ii) is the value of the specified purchases in each case and (b) for what purpose was each purchase made?
Reply:
1. The Department did not issue any credit card issue to:
(a) Minister
(b) Ministry staff
(c) Deputy Minister
(i) (aa) N/A
(bb) N/A
(ii) (aa) N/A
(bb) N/A
(cc) N/A
(2) (a) (i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(b) N/A
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW73
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
What is the position of the Board of the Public Investment Corporation on 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:
At present, no formal proposals have been made to the Board of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the PIC management or to any client of the PIC, with respect to writing down Eskom’s debt, and therefore the Board cannot comment on this matter. However, it should be stated that as an asset manager, the PIC’s investment function is governed by specific terms in each of its clients’ investment mandates that are designed to further each client’s investment goals. In discharging its fiduciary duty to clients, the PIC assesses any investment proposal in line with client mandates. Investment decisions by the PIC, are based on the mandate-fit and the merits of each investment proposal, and aim to generate risk-adjusted financial and social returns for its clients.
04 June 2020 - NW342
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the current package of benefits being offered through the National Health Insurance (NHI) to intended beneficiaries; (2) how does his department intend integrating existing and future health records of all patients registered on the NHI; (3) how can patients who are registered on the NHI in one province be guaranteed that accurate medicine records are available if the specified patient attempts to access treatment in a different province and/or from one primary healthcare facility to another within city boundaries that are not adequately available; (4) how will the countrywide integration of records be achieved?
Reply:
1. The 2017 White Paper on NHI states that NHI will cover comprehensive health care services that are determined by The Benefits Advisory Committee. These services will be delivered through certified and accredited health care providers located closest to the covered population. South Africans will be able to access personal health care services to achieve allocative efficiency, affordability and sustainability using a Primary Health Care (PHC) Approach. Currently there is no package of benefits that is being offered through NHI to intended beneficiaries. The reasons for this are as follows:
a) The package of health care benefits must first be determined by the Benefits Advisory Committee as outlined in Clauses 4(1) and 7(1) of the NHI Bill. The NHI Fund, in consultation with the Minister must purchase health care services, determined by the Benefits Advisory Committee, for the benefit of users. Clause 6 (a) further outlines that intended beneficiaries can receive necessary quality health care services free at the point of care from an accredited health care provider or health establishment upon proof of registration with the Fund. Clause 25(5)(a) of the Bill further outlines that the Benefits Advisory Committee must determine and review the health care service benefits and types of services to be reimbursed at each level of care at primary health care facilities and at district, regional and tertiary hospitals.
b) The intended beneficiaries of NHI are yet to be concluded but as outlined in Clause 4 (4) of the Bill, must be registered as a user of the Fund as provided for in Section 5 of the Bill, and must present proof of such registration to the health care service provider or health establishment in order to secure the health care service benefits to which he or she is entitled. Currently this has not materialised as it is still awaiting the approval of the Bill by Parliament;
Therefore, the package of benefits can only be determined and offered once the Benefits Advisory Committee has been established for intended beneficiaries that have been registered with the NHI Fund.
2. The National Department of Health is undertaking preparatory work with specific reference the development of the NHI Information Platform as outlined in section 40 of the NHI Bill and section 57 (2) (iii) on transitional arrangements. This is also guided by section 74 (1) and (2) of the National Health Act, that stipulates how coordination of the Health Information Systems must be undertaken. Further to the above the integration of existing and future health records of all patients will take into account the provision of the Protection of Personal Information Act number 4 of 2013.
The integration of patient records will require a digital platform that uses a Health Normative Standards Framework for Interoperability supported by a Health Information Exchange. Interventions to achieve this are outlined in Pillar 9 of the Presidential Health Compact and include:
(a) The development of procedures and systems for the identity verification of users of the health system.
(b) Establishment of a patient registry through the implementation of a Master Patient Index.
3. The preamble of the NHI Bill states that the objective of NHI is to ensure continuity and portability of financing and services throughout the Republic.
Section 40 (6) (b) of the NHI Bill states that the information platform and architecture must facilitate the portability and continuity of health care available to users. This will be facilitated by the development and implementation of a shared Electronic Health Record (EHR).
The key components of a shared Electronic Health Record, that also include accurate medicine records, are the Master Patient Index, Interoperability Norms and Standards and the Health Information Exchange as referred to in the response( 2) above.
4. The country will achieve the integration of records by the creation and implementation of a digital platform and architecture for a shared Electronic Health Record.
The Department has published the Digital Health Strategy 2019-2024 which guides intervention towards the integration of Health Records. The focus areas include:
- a complete Electronic Health Record, which will improve patient management
- the digitisation of health systems business processes
- establishing an integrated platform and architecture for the health sector information system, which will ensure interoperability and linkage of existing patient-based information systems
- the development of digital health knowledge workers
END.
04 June 2020 - NW302
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has measures in place to screen and prevent persons with the coronavirus from entering the Republic through the (a) border posts and (b)(i) air and (ii) sea ports; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, measures are in place to screen and respond to persons suspected of Corona Virus (COVID-19) from entering the Republic at border posts, this includes air, sea and land ports of entry.
(a) Port of Entry |
Screening Conducted |
|
Land Ports |
||
1 |
Kopfontein |
Yes |
2 |
Ramatlabama |
Yes |
3 |
Skilpadshek |
Yes |
4 |
Groblersbrug |
Yes |
5 |
Nakop |
Yes |
6 |
Vioolsdrift |
Yes |
7 |
Beitbridge |
Yes |
8 |
Ficksburg |
Yes |
9 |
Maseru |
Yes |
10 |
Caledonspoort |
Yes |
11 |
Van Rooyensgate |
Yes |
12 |
Qasha’s Nek |
Yes |
13 |
Lebombo |
Yes |
14 |
Kosi Bay |
Yes |
15 |
Oshoek |
Yes |
16 |
Mahamba |
Yes |
17 |
Mananga |
Yes |
18 |
Jeppes Reef |
Yes |
19 |
Golela |
Yes |
b(i) Airports |
||
20 |
OR Tambo International Airport |
Yes |
21 |
Cape Town International Airport |
Yes |
22 |
King Shaka International Airport |
Yes |
23 |
Lanseria International Airport |
Yes |
24 |
Port Elizabeth International Airport |
Yes |
25 |
Waterkloof Airforce Base |
Yes |
26 |
Gateway International Airport |
Yes |
27 |
Pilansberg International Airport |
Yes |
28 |
Bram Fischer International Airport |
Yes |
29 |
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport |
Yes |
30 |
Upington International Airport |
Yes |
b(ii) Seaports |
||
31 |
Durban Harbour |
Yes |
32 |
Richardsbay Harbour |
Yes |
33 |
Cape Town Harbour |
Yes |
34 |
Port Elizabeth Harbour |
Yes |
35 |
Port of Nqcura |
Yes |
36 |
East London Harbour |
Yes |
END.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MINISTER
Measures are in place to screen and respond to persons suspected of Corona Virus (COVID-19) from entering the Republic at border posts, this includes air, sea and land ports of entry.
The department has employed officials as Port Health Officials (PHOs) deployed at ports of entry to early detect a traveller who may be infected with COVID-19. The measures implemented to ensure early detection are as follows:
1. Land Borders
Health officials conduct an interview with operator to determine if a sick passenger is onboard. If sick passenger/s is onboard/identified, health officials conducts interview with sick passenger . If found that passenger/s displayed symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and consistent with the case definition, passenger/s are kept in isolation and transported to a designated health facility by ambulance.
2. Airports
Screening measures for airports are three, done in a three-phased approach :
- The recieval and analyses of documentation signed by the conveyance operator, declaring if any sick passenger/s are onboard the aircraft, which is in line with requirements of the International Health Regulations (2005).
- The interview of crew members before disembarkation to confirm whether any sick passengers are onboard.
- In line with WHO and International Civil Aviation Authority (IATA), pilots must inform the port of entry of arrival beforehand of any sick passenger onboard.
If any sick passenger/s are onboard an aircraft, PHO’s will be notified and screening of travellers conducted before disembarkation. Screening includes conducting interviews and medical assessment of sick traveller/s and identifying contacts. The sick passenger/s is/are then transported to a designated health facility by ambulance if found to be displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
3. Sea Ports
Ship operators apply for pratique(permission granted to a ship to enter a port after declaring a clean bill of health of all on board) to port health before docking on the Republic’s shore. If the Captain indicates there is a sick passenger onboard, Port Health notifies Emergency Medical Services and the designated health facility. On arrival prior to disembarkation, health officials conduct interviews and medical assessment of sick traveller/s and contacts identified. The sick passenger is then transported to a designated health facility by ambulance if found to be displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
Though the Health measures have been increased to deal with the current Public Health Emergency of International Concern it is important to note that Port Health Services are rendered on an ongoing basis even outside of Public Health Emergency of International Concern, what has been provided for is an increase of existing measures through addition of resources and modification in operational screening activities.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW74
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What are the full circumstances which led to the Public Investment Corporation's purchase of the farm Palmietfontein 403, extent 547 hectares, and the Farm IP 564, extent 481 hectares, in the North West for the purchase price of R586 500 000; (2) whether he has found that there was no impropriety in this purchase; if not, how did he reach this conclusion; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) I am advised by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) of the following:
The PIC, on behalf of its client, the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), acquired a 60% undivided share in a property development in the City of Matlosana (Klerksdorp), named the N12 Development. A consortium approached the PIC for funding to buy the land. Since vacant land is not income generating, an investment of this nature by the PIC was impermissible as it would not generate cash flows to service debt. The PIC decided to participate as an equity investor, and acquired the undivided share and will use the development to grow the GEPF’s investment portfolio.
The development consists of two sites on the northern and southern sides of the N12 between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein of approximately 426.5ha and 979ha, respectively. 90% of the land has approval for the establishment of a township consisting of Business Rights (retail, office, car dealerships, etc.), Residential (low and medium density), Industrial, a school and a hospital.
The PIC records that it conducted a full due diligence process on the acquisition of the land. The due diligence was done by independent service providers and included the following:
- Land Valuations; and
- Town Planning.
Further to this, the PIC conducted Legal-, Risk and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) evaluations.
The Valuator used the comparable sales method of valuation that incorporated various development models. The Valuator concluded that the land be valued at an average of R2100/ha with a combined total of R2.010 billion for both portions of land. The PIC acquired a 60% undivided share in the development at a purchase price of R510 million (excluding VAT) – well below the R1.2 billion valuation for a 60% share, in terms of the independent market evaluation.
An amount of R306 million of the purchase price is being retained in an escrow account, to ensure that the developer can contribute their 40% of the development costs, as and when needed.
Isago@N12Development (PTY) Ltd., the co-owner and developer, entered into an agreement with the South African National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA) in terms of which SANMVA acquired a 1% shareholding in the investment. That shareholding and their 40% undivided share was transferred from Isago@N12Develoment (Pty) Ltd. to Isago Holdings (Pty) Ltd .
2) From the information recorded and provided by the PIC, as set out above, I have no basis to suspect any impropriety with the transaction.
04 June 2020 - NW739
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister have undergone any training on media since she has been appointed to the Cabinet; if so, what (i) is the name of the service provider, (ii) was the total cost of the media training and (iii) number of sessions has completed?
Reply:
(a) Yes, the Minister did attend training on media.
(i) This was an in-house training conducted by the GCIS.
(ii) There were no financial implications.
(iii) One session.
(b) Yes, the Deputy Minister did attend training on media.
(i) This was an in-house training conducted by the GCIS.
(ii) There were no financial implications.
(iii) One session.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW507
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)What are the details of the office furniture ordered and/or purchased for (a) her, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) officials in the Ministry since their appointment; (2) (a) what is the (i) description and (ii) breakdown of the costs of each piece of furniture, (b) where will each piece of furniture be used and (c) who will use each piece of furniture; (3) What are the full relevant details of the furniture that was disposed of (details furnished)?
Reply:
1.(a) No furniture was ordered/or purchased for the Minister.
(b) No furniture was ordered/or purchased for Deputy Minister.
(c) No furniture was ordered/or purchased for Officials in the Ministry.
2. (a) (i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(b) N/A
(c) N/A
3. None
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW864
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies:
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? (NW1071E)
Reply:
I have been advised as follows:
1.No, the department does not offer financial assistance and/or other relief to small businesses. The department has not budgeted for such.
2. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa [ICASA], an entity of the department, has written to licensees in an effort to ensure that they make communication services available to all South Africans. ICASA provided concessions or relaxations to enable the sector to meet the demands of business unusual environment brought about by COVID-19.
ICASA has exempted television broadcasting service licensees from compliance with the local television content quotas and specific advertising and programming requirements in terms of licence conditions during the National State of Disaster.
Sound broadcasting service licensees are exempted from compliance with specific programming requirements and promises of performance in terms of licence conditions during the National State of Disaster. However, sound broadcasting service licensees shall comply with the local content music quotas.
These exemptions will automatically cease three months after termination of the National State of Disaster.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW669
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he, his department and/or any entity reporting to him received any donation of personal protection equipment since 1 February 2020; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details of (a) the date on which the donation was received, (b) the name of the donor, (c) the monetary value of the donation, (d) the branding that appeared on the donated equipment, including the branding of any political party, and (e)(i) how and (ii) where was the donated equipment distributed?
Reply:
The Department received donations as follows;
The Department distributed the donations as follows;
The Entities received donations as follows;
Public Entities |
(a) |
(b) the name of the donor |
c) the monetary value of the donation |
(d) the branding that appeared on the donated equipment, including the branding of any political party |
e)(i) how |
e(ii) where was the donated equipment distributed |
|
Whether his entity reporting to him received any donation of personal protection equipment since 1 February 2020; |
if so, in each case, what are the relevant details of (a) the date on which the donation was received |
||||||
Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) |
No donations of personal protection equipment received since 1 February 2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) |
No donations of personal protection equipment received since 1 February 2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) |
01 April 2020 - |
207 Sansure Biotech testing kits |
Jack Ma foundation |
Price not known |
All the items listed had no branding |
All items will be distributed across the country |
To all NHLS laboratories and offices. |
200 FFP masks |
Gift of the Givers |
R 18 380 |
|||||
36 Dermarub Sanitizers |
R 4 345,20 |
||||||
200 Kimberley Clark Masks |
R 18 380 |
||||||
200 Curity Gloves |
R 1 014 |
||||||
Face Shields – 3 744 |
Right to Care |
R 374 400 |
|||||
09 April 2020 |
KN95 - 100 000 masks |
Orlando Pirates/Kaizer Chiefs and Multichoice |
R 7 883 000 |
||||
Surgical masks – 200 000 items |
R 4 060 000 |
||||||
Gloves – 100 000 items |
R 507 000 |
||||||
Protective overalls – 10 000 items |
R 1 613 300 |
||||||
Wipes – 10 000 items |
R 5 000 000 |
||||||
Shoe covers – 100 000 items |
R 579 000 |
||||||
Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) |
No donations of personal protection equipment received since 1 February 2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) |
25 March 2020 |
3 X 25L hand and surface sanitizer |
CSIR (by virtue of being a tenant) |
Unknown |
None |
Utilised by SAHPRA Staff |
At SAHPRA Offices |
14 April 2020 |
17L hand sanitizer |
Mintek |
Unknown |
Mintek |
Utilised by SAHPRA Staff |
At SAHPRA Offices |
END.
04 June 2020 - NW778
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) number of persons are in need of rehabilitation due to an addiction problem and (b) are the top 10 addictions in the Republic?
Reply:
(a) Treatment demand data from the South African Medical Research Council collected through the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) and reported once in six months shows that the number of persons admitted for treatment across 84 treatment centres/programmes between July and December 2018 were 8,486. Between January and June 2019, 9,268 persons were admitted for treatment.
(b) The data from the SACENDU Project shows that the primary substances of use for all persons seeking treatment for substance use problems were the following:
- Cannabis;
- Alcohol;
- Heroin/Nyaope;
- Methamphetamine;
- Mandrax;
- Cocaine;
- CAT;
- Over the Counter and Prescription Medication (OCT-PRE);
- Cannabis/Mandrax (White pipe); and
- Inhalants.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW771
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(a) Which hospitals (i) are being and (ii) will be upgraded in each province in order to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, (b) what is the cost of each proposed upgrade in each hospital, (c) what budgets are being used to finance the upgrades, (d)(i) have any virements on current budgets been submitted to fund the upgrades and (ii) what is the total thereof and (e) who has the authority to approve such virements?
Reply:
a) The following hospitals are currently being upgraded and repurposed for COVID-19:
Province |
District |
Facility |
Eastern Cape |
Alfred Nzo |
Planning Field Hospital |
Amathole |
Bhiso Hospital |
|
Old Cecilia Makiwane Hospital |
||
Frere Hospital |
||
Grey Hospital |
||
Victoria Hospital |
||
Butterworth Hospital |
||
Planning Field Hospital |
||
Buffalo City Metro |
ABSA Stadium |
|
Chris Hani |
All Saints Hospital |
|
Planning Field Hospital |
||
Joe Gqabi |
Maclear Hospital |
|
Aliwal North Hospital |
||
Planning Field Hospital |
||
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro |
Livingstone Hospital |
|
Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital |
||
PE Stadium |
||
PE VW |
||
OR Tambo |
St Lucy's Hosptial |
|
St Patrick's Hospital |
||
St Barnabas Hospital |
||
Zitulele Hospital |
||
Taylor Bequest Hospital |
||
Planning Field Hospital |
||
Sarah Baartman |
Humansdorp Hospital |
|
Midland Hospital |
||
Planning Field Hospital |
||
Free State |
Fezile Dabi |
Parys |
Tokollo |
||
Boitumelo |
||
Lejweleputswa |
Bongani |
|
Winburg |
||
Mangaung |
Pelonomi |
|
Botshabelo |
||
Univerisitas |
||
JS Moroka |
||
Pelonomi |
||
Univerisitas |
||
Thabo Mofutsanyana |
Senorita Nhlabathi Hospital |
|
Dihlabeng |
||
Elizabeth Ross |
||
MM Mopeli |
||
Phekolong |
||
Nketoana |
||
Itemoheng |
||
Senorita Nhlabathi Hospital |
||
Mantsopa Hospital |
||
Xhariep |
Albert Nzula Hospital |
|
Diamant |
||
Itumeleng CHC |
||
Gauteng |
City of Tshwane |
Steve Biko Hospital Cluster |
Steve Biko Hospital |
||
Tshwane District Hospital |
||
Dr George Mukhari Cluster |
||
Dr George Mukhari |
||
Jubilee Hospital |
||
Ekurhuleni |
Tembisa Hospital |
|
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality |
Charltte Maxeke Hospital Cluster |
|
Charltte Maxeke Hospital |
||
Bertha Gxowa |
||
Chris Hani Baragwanath Cluster |
||
Christ Hani Baragwanath |
||
Kopanong Hospital |
||
Nasrec |
||
Ashanti Gold Hospital |
||
KwaZulu-Natal |
uMgungundlovu |
Grey's Hospital |
Doris Goodwin TB Hospital |
||
Richmond Chest Hospital |
||
Edendale Hospital |
||
Northdale Hospital |
||
Appelsbosch Hospital |
||
Townhill Hospital |
||
Umngeni Hospital |
||
Fort Napier |
||
eThekwini |
Clairwood Hospital |
|
Addington Hospital |
||
Prince Mshiyeni Hospital |
||
King Edward VIII Hospital |
||
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital |
||
Mahatma Gandhi Hospital |
||
King Dinuzulu Hospital (District) |
||
King Dinuzulu Hospital (EMS & Infr. Hub) |
||
King Dinuzulu Hospital (MDR) |
||
Hillcrest Hospital |
||
Ekuhlengeni Hospital |
||
St Marys Hospital |
||
Don McKenzie Hospital |
||
Charles James |
||
Wentworth Hospital |
||
RK Khan Hospital |
||
Pixely Isaka ka Seme |
||
Royal Show Grounds |
||
Durban Exhibition Centre |
||
Clairwood Field Hospital |
||
Ugu |
Murchison |
|
St Andrews |
||
Port Shepstone |
||
GJ Crookes |
||
iLembe |
Umphumulo Hospital |
|
Untunjambili Hospital |
||
General Justice Gizenga Hospital |
||
Montebello Hospital |
||
Stanger Hospital field hospital |
||
Harry Gwala |
EG&Usher Memorial Hospital |
|
Rietvlei Hospital |
||
Christ the King Hospital |
||
St Apollinaris Hospital |
||
St Margaret Hospital |
||
Harry Gwala |
EG&Usher Memorial Hospital |
|
Rietvlei Hospital |
||
Christ the King Hospital |
||
St Apollinaris Hospital |
||
St Margaret Hospital |
||
King Cetshwayo |
Ngwelezana Hospital |
|
Ethembeni |
||
Queen Nandi Hospital |
||
Eshowe Hospital |
||
Ntambanana Clinic |
||
Nkandla Hospital |
||
St Marys Hospital |
||
Mbongolwane Hospital |
||
Ekhombe Hospital |
||
Catherine Booth Hospital |
||
Ngwelezana Hospital Field |
||
Amajuba |
Niemeyer |
|
Newcastle |
||
uMzinyathi |
Greytown Hospital |
|
COSH |
||
Dundee Hospital |
||
CJM Hospital |
||
uThukela |
Ladysmith Hospital |
|
Emmaus Hospital |
||
Escourt Hospital |
||
St Chad’s CHC |
||
Zululand |
Siloah Lutheran Mission Hospital |
|
Nongoma Private Hospital |
||
Phongola Private Hospital |
||
St Francis Hospital |
||
Liimpopo |
Capricorn |
Pietersburg Hospital |
Mankweng Hospital |
||
Mopani |
Letaba |
|
Sekhukhune |
St Ritas |
|
Philadelphia |
||
Vhembe |
Tshilidzini |
|
Waterberg |
Mokopane |
|
Mpumalanga |
Nkangala |
Witbank Hospital |
Greenside CHC |
||
Middleburg hospital |
||
KwaMhlanga hospital |
||
Mmametlhake hospital |
||
Impungwe Hospital |
||
Impungwe Field Hospital |
||
KwaMhlanga Field hospital |
||
Gert Sibande |
Standerton TB |
|
Mbhejeka CHC |
||
Bethal hospital |
||
Piet Retief hospital |
||
Ermelo Hospital |
||
Ehlanzeni |
Rob Ferreira Hospital |
|
Themba Hospital |
||
Barberton TB Hospital |
||
Tonga hospital |
||
Mmametlhake hospital |
||
Shongwe hospital |
||
Barberton Hospital |
||
Matikwane Field Hospital |
||
Mmametlhake Field hospital |
||
Tonga Field Hospital |
||
Northern Cape |
Frances Baard |
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital |
Prof ZK Matthews Hospital, Barkly West |
||
Harstwater Hospital |
||
Harmony Home |
||
Namakwa |
Springbok Hospital |
|
Louriesfonteing |
||
Pixley ka Seme |
De Aar Hospital |
|
Manne Dipico Hospital, Colesberg |
||
Prieska Hospital |
||
JT Gaetsewe |
Kuruman Hospital |
|
Tshwaragano Hospital |
||
ZF Mgawu |
Dr Harry Surtie Hospital, Upington |
|
Postmasburg Hospital |
||
Keimoes |
||
West End Old Mental hospital |
||
North West |
Bojanala |
Job Shimankana Hospital |
Moses Kotane |
||
Koster Hospital |
||
Brits Hospital |
||
JST Field Hospital |
||
2 Mine Hospital |
||
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda |
Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital |
|
Nic Bodenstein |
||
Westvall Hospital |
||
Duff Scott |
||
Potchefstroom Hospital |
||
Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati |
Taung Hospital |
|
Christiaana Hospital |
||
Ganyesa Hospital |
||
Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital |
||
Ngaka Modiri Molema |
Zeerust Hospital |
|
Mafikeng Provincial Hospital |
||
Lehurutshe Hospital |
||
General De La Rey Hospital |
||
Western Cape |
Cape Winelands District Municipality |
See attached spreadsheet |
Central Karoo District Municipality |
||
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality |
||
Garden Route District Municipality |
||
Overberg District Municipality |
||
West Coast District Municipality |
||
ICC Convention Centre |
||
Bracengate Warehouse |
b) We have not received the detailed costing from all the provinces as yet;
c) Budgets available to the Provinces are their Provincial Equitable Share Funds and the Direct Infrastructure Grant;
d) (i) Yes;
(ii) An amount of R1,1 billion could be potentially reprioritised from the Direct Grant to COVID19 projects. Provinces can also request for a change in their Business Plans to accommodate these upgrades;
(e) Virements are allowed between main divisions of the vote of up to 8%. This can be approved by the Accounting Officer and be ratified in the adjustment budget after the adjustment allocation letter has been issued.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW839
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has worked with other departments to ensure that the necessary systems are in place to screen and/or test frontline staff (details furnished) daily to ensure their safety; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Workplaces in different sectors of the economy, other than essential services which have been operating during Level 5, are preparing for return to work in line with the Department of Employment and Labour directive (GN 43257 issued on 29 April 2020) and the Department of Public Service and Administration circular (Circular No. 18 of 2020 issued on 1 May 2020).
Symptom screening interventions and targeted testing of employees are proposed in the different notices. The national Department of Health and the NICD has provided guidelines on symptom screening and testing of all employees. The national Department of Health is not involved in the screening and/or testing of the frontline staff in the other departments and at local government level.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW494
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Which company is contracted to supply bread to the hospitals in Limpopo, (2) what (a) ranges of bread are included in the contract and (b) is the cost of the loaf of each type of bread; (3) what is the surcharge or price increase per loaf in the event of short supply and/or extra supplies being required by a hospital?
Reply:
- The following table reflects the details in this regard.
1 |
MTS CREATIONS PROJECTS (PTY)LTD |
2 |
PHETHEDI CONSTRUCTION |
3 |
SHELA CIVIL |
4 |
CAPS M TRADING & PROJECTS |
5 |
NAKISENI BUSINESS ENTERPRISE |
6 |
MAMPULANE TRADING CC |
7 |
SEROMAKO TRADING ENTERPRISE |
8 |
MAKGABO GENERAL PROJECTS |
9 |
KSR TRADING ENTERPRISE (PTY) LTD |
10 |
MJM GROUP (PTY) LTD |
11 |
MADAKALONI TRADING (PTY)LTD |
12 |
HAPPY & HERBAT TRADING 48 |
13 |
MPOLOFU GENERAL TRADING 88 |
14 |
NARE A NGWATO TRADING ENTERPRISE |
15 |
KAGISHANO TRADING |
16 |
MATSHUKUDU TRADING ENTERPRISE |
17 |
PYROCA 101 |
18 |
SENATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE |
19 |
SOMPHETE KE GO FETE TRADING PROJECTS |
20 |
JULY PENCIL TRADING TRADING & PROJECTS (PTY)LTD |
21 |
MAUPA CLEANING SERVICES |
22 |
MAKHUDU OFFICE TECH |
23 |
KEKANA SUPPLIERS |
24 |
TSHINDIPHO TRADING ENTERPRISE |
25 |
SPRING FOREST AGRICULTURAL SERVICES |
26 |
BATSHOROMA DISTRIBUTORS |
27 |
POINTER ABLE TRADING (PTY) LTD |
2. The following table reflects the details in this regard.
VHEMBE |
SILOAM |
DONALD FRASER |
LOUIS TRICHARDT |
HAYANI |
MUSINA |
SERVICE PROVIDER |
KEKANA SUPPLIERS |
TSHINDIPHO TRADING ENTERPRISE |
SPRING FOREST AGRICULTURAL SERVICES |
BATSHOROMA DISTRIBUTORS |
POINTER ABLE TRADING (PTY) LTD |
ITEM DESCRIPTION |
PRICE |
|
|
|
|
BREAD |
|
|
|
|
|
White Bread (700g) sliced |
R17.67 |
R 18.85 |
R25.13 |
R22.73 |
R18.18 |
Brown Bread (700g) sliced |
R13.30 |
R 13.61 |
R24.08 |
R22.73 |
R20.64 |
CONFECTIONERY |
|
|
|
|
|
White long bread rolls (± 150mm) |
R22.80 |
R 17.80 |
R29.47 |
R21.40 |
R25.98 |
Whole wheat, round bread buns |
R18.85 |
R 13.61 |
R29.47 |
R21.40 |
R27.84 |
MOPANI |
KGAPANE |
DR CN PHATUDI |
MAPHUTHA MALATJI |
SERVICE PROVIDERS |
TOSSEL TRADE 1003 |
THEPE GENERAL TRADING |
VHUTHU TRADING ENTERPRISE & SECURITY SERVICES |
ITEM DESCRIPTION |
PRICE |
|
|
BREAD |
|
|
|
White Bread (700g) sliced |
R22.67 |
R 18.00 |
R25.85 |
Brown Bread (700g) sliced |
R22.67 |
R 17.00 |
R22.48 |
CONFECTIONERY |
|
|
|
White long bread rolls (± 150mm) |
R11.87 |
R 17.00 |
R28.10 |
Whole wheat, round bread buns |
R12.19 |
R 20.00 |
R28.10 |
WATERBERG |
VOORTREKKER |
GEORGE MASEBE |
THABAZIMBI |
WITPOORT |
ELLISRAS |
FH ODENDAAL |
WARMBATH |
MOKOPANE |
SERVICE PROVIDERS |
MTS CREATIONS PROJECTS (PTY)LTD |
PHETHEDI CONSTRUCTION |
SHELA CIVIL |
CAPS M TRADING & PROJECTS |
NAKISENI BUSINESS ENTERPRISE |
MAMPULANE TRADING CC |
SEROMAKO TRADING ENTERPRISE |
MAKGABO GENERAL PROJECTS |
ITEM DESCRIPTION |
PRICE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BREAD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
White Bread (700g) sliced |
R15.71 |
R 16.88 |
R18.85 |
R18.85 |
R20.07 |
R19.37 |
R14.24 |
R14.13 |
Brown Bread (700g) sliced |
R15.71 |
R 14.94 |
R12.56 |
R18.85 |
R20.07 |
R14.45 |
R12.91 |
R13.61 |
CONFECTIONERY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
White long bread rolls (± 150mm) |
R16.75 |
R 16.51 |
R19.89 |
R18.85 |
R10.78 |
R19.74 |
R17.13 |
R13.93 |
Whole wheat, round bread buns |
R19.89 |
R 16.66 |
R24.08 |
R18.85 |
R21.57 |
R20.00 |
R17.13 |
R16.80 |
CAPRICORN |
MANKWENG |
PIETERSBURG |
SESHEGO |
FW KNOBEL |
HELENE FRANZ |
LEBOWAKGOMO |
ZEBEDIELA |
BOTLOKWA |
SERVICE PROVIDERS |
KSR TRADING ENTERPRISE (PTY) LTD |
MJM GROUP (PTY) LTD |
MADAKALONI TRADING (PTY)LTD |
HAPPY & HERBAT TRADING 48 |
MPOLOFU GENERAL TRADING 88 |
NARE A NGWATO TRADING ENTERPRISE |
KAGISHANO TRADING |
MATSHUKUDU TRADING ENTERPRISE |
ITEM DESCRIPTION |
PRICE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BREAD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
White Bread (700g) sliced |
R15.67 |
R 15.69 |
R12.23 |
R16.74 |
R10.84 |
R14.34 |
R16.23 |
R16.75 |
Brown Bread (700g) sliced |
R13.74 |
R 13.76 |
R14.00 |
R15.69 |
R9.58 |
R12.75 |
R14.13 |
R14.66 |
CONFECTIONERY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
White long bread rolls (± 150mm) |
R11.08 |
R 11.13 |
R12.65 |
R15.69 |
R9.58 |
R14.01 |
R15.18 |
R15.71 |
Whole wheat, round bread buns |
R11.08 |
R 11.13 |
R25.51 |
R18.84 |
R32.04 |
R18.42 |
R19.37 |
R19.89 |
SEKHUKHUNE |
ST RITAS |
JANE FURSE |
MECKLENBURG |
DILOKONG |
GROBLERSDAL |
MATLALA |
SERVICE PROVIDER |
PYROCA 101 |
SENATLA TRADING ENTERPRISE |
SOMPHETE KE GO FETE TRADING PROJECTS |
JULY PENCIL TRADING TRADING & PROJECTS (PTY)LTD |
MAUPA CLEANING SERVICES |
MAKHUDU OFFICE TECH |
ITEM DESCRIPTION |
PRICE |
|
|
|
|
|
BREAD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
White Bread (700g) sliced |
R18.78 |
R 25.63 |
R21.38 |
R18.49 |
R22.20 |
R21.54 |
Brown Bread (700g) sliced |
R17.74 |
R 21.19 |
R16.09 |
R19.48 |
R22.20 |
R20.21 |
CONFECTIONERY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
White long bread rolls (± 150mm) |
R19.79 |
R 16.23 |
R27.60 |
R17.08 |
R24.71 |
R25.98 |
Whole wheat, round bread buns |
R22.67 |
R 21.31 |
R27.60 |
R30.75 |
R24.71 |
R25.53 |
(3) Since the inception of the contracts, the department never experienced short supply or additional requirements of bread and as such surcharge or price increase has been experienced to date.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW685
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)What are the relevant details of official credit cards issued to (a) her, (b) her staff and (c) the Deputy Minister; (2) In respect of each specified credit card, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) maximum permissible value of each purchase and (ii) total credit limit of the card, (c) what are the relevant details of permissible purchases for which each credit card may be used and (d) may alcoholic beverages be purchased?
Reply:
1. The Department did not issue any credit card issue to:
(a) Minister
(b) Ministry Staff
(c) Deputy Minister
(2) (a) (i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(b) (i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(c) N/A
(d) N/A
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
04 June 2020 - NW275
Seitlholo, Mr IS to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department has started the process of integrating traditional healers as registered health practitioners in his department; if not, why not; if so, (a) at what stage is the process and (b) what is the anticipated date of completion of the process?
Reply:
The Department of Health is in the process of integrating traditional health practitioners as registered health practitioners. This process is at the advanced stage through the establishment of the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council.
(a) The Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa was appointed in February 2013 to provide for the management and control over the registration, training and conduct of practitioners as mandated by the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 2007(Act No. 22 of 2007). Council appointed the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer in September 2017 to facilitate the registration process and other regulatory mandates. The Department is currently providing assistance in the form of institutional support and capacitating the office of the Registrar for Council to deliver on its mandate.
(b) Registration of Traditional Health Practitioners will start in the next financial year following the appointment of the key staff members and management systems in the office of the registrar.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW756
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, taking into account the extreme levels of pressure that medical practitioners are working under and will continue to work under as the Covid-19 crisis evolves, he has considered increasing the remuneration of medical practitioners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The remuneration of medical practitioners in the Public Health Sector, together with all health professionals including Nurses and other frontline staff, is determined in accordance with the agreements that both organised labour and the State as the employer negotiate and sign at the Public Service Coordination Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC). The PSCBC agreements determine those matters that are regulated by uniform rules, norms and standards that apply across the public service such as salaries, leaves and benefits. The PHSDSBC agreements determine those matters that are health sector specific and that do not apply in other sectors.
The PHSDSBC signed Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) Resolutions: viz 2 of 2007; 3 of 2009 and 1 of 2010 etc, whereby individual skills and experiences are recognised and acknowledged to place the said health professionals in the relevant bracket of remuneration.
Apart from remuneration, the performance of Health Professionals is incentivised in accordance with the PMDS system in terms of which they may receive an incentive bonus, and an annual increase.
Based on the above deliberation, it needs to be noted that any salary increases is a subject of negotiations at the Bargaining Council, by parties. Currently, there is a process of consultation between the Department of Health and organised labour on a “token of appreciation” for all essential and frontline employees who are working and will continue to work during the Covid-19 crisis. This process will be concluded in due course.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW623
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What amount has been spent by her department (a) to build a clinic in Ward 29 of Makolokwe in the Rustenburg Local Municipality and (b) on (i) maintenance and (ii) provision of security; (2) whether the clinic is operational; if not, why not; if so, what number of (a) nurses and (b) administrative staff are employed?
Reply:
(a) It is not true that the clinic in Makolokwe ward 29 is dysfunctional. Makolokwe health post is not a fully-fledged clinic and as such it operates for limited number of days. This health post is visited by a mobile clinic twice per week. It is supported by Bethanie clinic which is about 7km away which provides 24 hour services. Due to the small catchment population and its proximity to Bethanie clinic the facility could not be made a fully-fledged clinic. The structure is a health post that was built in 2004-2005 financial year.
(b) The costs for the structure at the time was approximately R 450 000.
(c) The Department is currently investigating the details of the service provider because this facility was built 15 years ago.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW542
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Has any extensive research been commissioned by his department on fibroids; if not, why not; if so, what are all the relevant details; (2) has any treatment been diagnosed to treat fibroids effectively; if not, why not; if so, what are all the relevant details; (3) does his department have any awareness campaigns on fibroids; if not, why not; if so, what are all the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) No, fibroids are common but do not necessarily pose a health problem unless it is associated with any other underlying condition such as infertility or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
(2) Fibroids do not necessarily need treatment. Women are often diagnosed with fibroids when they are investigated for other gynaecological symptoms they are presenting with. The treatment is therefore symptomatic and will range from management of anaemia, surgical intervention to treat infertility and pain management with antibiotics to treat lower abdominal pains.
(3) No, because fibroids were not counted routinely as one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. They are asymptomatic thus it’s not easy to identify and there is no routine screening and management protocol just for fibroids.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW805
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What are the costs per day for each person who is placed under quarantine by the State; (2) whether he has found that the process of quarantine may be open to corruption; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The State’s position has always been to first utilise state-owned facilities before private facilities are to be utilised and thus, the cost per person per day would differ based on facility availability, type of facility and ownership.
In State-owned facilities the costs per day relate to the operationalisation of these sites. Here costs related to provision of food, clinical services, cleaning and waste management costs. On average the costs for somebody in a state-owned facility is R600 per person per day. This excludes laundry, medical waste removal and testing.
For Private-owned facilities the operational costs are included in the rate negotiated with the facilities and excludes all clinical services. The rate is negotiated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for each site. The Provincial Department of Health provides the training, PPE and clinical services for these. These costs are carried by the Department of Health.
(2) The National Department of Health (NDoH) does not tolerate or entertain corruption, and any allegations to this extent need to be reported to the anti-corruption helpline. It also needs to be noted that the NDoH does not get involved in any contractual or payment arrangements to any private facilities related to quarantine or isolation for COVID-19, unless under exceptional circumstances. The DPWI is solely responsible for that.
State-owned facilities are operationalised by the DoH in order to ensure that we operate quarantine facilities as cost effectively as possible and advocate the use of state-owned facilities prior to using private facilities.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW838
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he will furnish Ms H Ismail with a full report of the shortages of personal protective equipment and hand sanitisers in public health facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) how does his department intend to reimburse healthcare staff who are exceeding their overtime hours due to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Reply:
1. Yes, of the 1 854 facilities reporting stock availability information, the overall availability at these facilities across all personal protective equipment including hand sanitisers is 62.7%.
There is stock available at all facilities in all provinces. However, there are some facilities that are reporting an out of stock of some items.
2. The Department allocates overtime within the prescribed Public Service Regulation of 2016 as amended, section 49(1)(c). However, should there be proof that there are healthcare workers who are or exceeded their planned overtime hours due to Covid-19, they will be reimbursed through a request for approval from the Department of Public Service and Administration to deviate from the regulation to exceed the 30% threshold of employees’ monthly salary or the limitation determined by the Minister of Public Service and Administration, whichever is the lesser.
The Department is committed in ensuring that all healthcare staff work within the prescribed regulations to avoid such, if occurred.
END.
04 June 2020 - NW334
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) number of (i) serviceable and (ii) fully equipped ambulances are being used in each (aa) district municipality and (bb) local municipality in the public health sector in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) area in square kilometres does each ambulance service?
Reply:
The following table reflects the details in this regard.
KwaZulu-Natal Districts |
(a)(i) Serviceable ambulances |
(a)(ii) Fully equipped ambulances |
In each (aa) district, (bb) local municipality in the public health sector in the Province |
(b) Area in square kilometres each ambulance service |
ILembe |
463 |
36 |
36 |
3 269 |
Ugu |
25 |
25 |
4 791 |
|
Umzinyathi |
43 |
43 |
8 652 |
|
King Cetswayo |
40 |
40 |
8 213 |
|
Ethekwini |
70 |
70 |
2 556 |
|
Amajuba |
23 |
23 |
7 102 |
|
Uthukela |
32 |
32 |
11 134 |
|
Harry Gwala |
48 |
48 |
10 386 |
|
Umgungundlovu |
37 |
37 |
9 602 |
|
Umkhanyakude |
53 |
53 |
13 855 |
|
Zululand |
37 |
37 |
14 799 |
END.
04 June 2020 - NW325
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the total cost to his department of the public hearings regarding the National Health Insurance; (2) what is the breakdown of the specified costs in each (a) province and (b) municipality?
Reply:
1. The total cost to the Department for attending the Public Hearings on the NHI Bill is R841,521.64;
2. (a) The table below gives the provincial breakdown of the cost to the Department for attending the public hearing on the NHI Bill;
(b) The breakdown to municipal level is complex as travel and accommodation was arranged at central locations and in most cases not in the specific locations of where the hearing was conducted. Thus making it difficult to ascribe specific costs to individual municipalities.
Table 1.
DATE |
PROVINCE |
AIR TRAVEL |
ACCOMODATION |
GROUND TRANSPORT CAR HIRE |
S&T CLAIMS |
KILOMETRE CLAIMS |
TOTAL |
25-29 Oct 2019 |
Mpumalanga N = 8 |
35,866.77 |
44,000.00 |
12,743.05 |
66,434.04 |
5,266.37 |
164,310.23 |
1- 4 Nov 2019 |
Northern Cape N = 6 |
24,600.00 |
27,000.00 |
26,500.00 |
52,260.00 |
- |
130,360.00 |
15-19 Nov 2019 |
Limpopo N = 6 |
6,756.00 |
27,439.58 |
20,696.11 |
40,313.72 |
429.24 |
95,634.65 |
22-26 Nov 2019 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal N = 5 |
2,901.00 |
10,260.50 |
31,051.74 |
41,069.23 |
429.24 |
85,711.71 |
29 Nov-03 Dec 2019 |
Eastern Cape N = 6 |
23,449.32 |
31,029.43 |
26,872.28 |
40,324.36 |
214.62 |
121,890.01 |
27 Jan- 01 Feb 2020 |
Free State & North West N = 5 |
10,398.52 |
14,266.10 |
31,093.05 |
79,209.78 |
- |
134,967.45 |
04- 09 Feb 2020 |
Western Cape N = 6 |
13,408.32 |
33,330.00 |
- |
39,982.88 |
- |
86,721.20 |
21-23 Feb 2020 |
Gauteng N = 6 |
- |
- |
20,000.00 |
- |
1,926.39 |
21,926.39 |
Total |
117,379.93 |
187,325.61 |
168,956.23 |
359,594.01 |
8,265.86 |
841,521.64 |
N = Number of Participants
END.
04 June 2020 - NW604
Chabangu, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
What measures has his department put in place to give relief to (a) taxi and (b) bus drivers to ensure that they still have income to feed their families during the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19?
Reply:
a) The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected many small businesses and most of them are struggling to stay afloat because they either cannot operate under the lockdown or the volume of their output has diminished substantially. In this regard, government has established multiple relief funds under the Department of Small Business Development (and its entities) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (and its entities) aimed at providing financial relief and assistance to businesses in distress. The Department of Transport has been encouraging the unsubsidized small bus operators to approach these schemes for relief.
b) As announced by government, employers who cannot pay their employees during the lockdown can apply to access financial assistance from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) through the Covid-19 Temporary Employer Employee Relief Scheme. This will apply to public transport operators who contribute to the UIF.
c) A Relief scheme for taxis is also under consideration and discussions by the National Treasury.
04 June 2020 - NW721
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)In light of the various initiatives launched to provide online learning to school learners and tertiary students during the national lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, what is the smart phone penetration in rural areas across the Republic; (2) What is the (a) television and (b) radio penetration across the Republic?
Reply:
1. According to the ICASA’s State of ICT Sector in South Africa 2019, the penetration of smartphones countrywide is 81, 72% as at the end of September 2018, compared to 43, 5% in September 2016 and 74, 2% in September 2017.
ICASA recorded smartphones subscriptions at 46, 9 million as at 30 September 2018. According to ICASA that total number of 4G/LTE devices in 2018, was 12 644 364 million countrywide with GP being the highest at 4 304 758; KwaZulu-Natal at 1 859 095; Western Cape at 1 562 239; Limpopo 1 532 666; Mpumalanga at 1 310 633; Eastern Cape at 745 272; North West at 664 362; Free State at 444 639; and Northern Cape at 220 700.
The data does not into account socio-economic factors.
(2) (a) The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRC) is a body which commissions and oversees the delivery of radio and television audience measurement research for broadcasters. According to the latest BRC TAMS report for the period July 2018 to June 2019: 14 577 947 television households.
(b) The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRC) is a body which commissions and oversees the delivery of radio and television audience measurement research for broadcasters. The BRC RAM™ figures released in February 2020, and covering the period January 2019 to December 2019, reveal that radio reach countrywide is:
- 92% weekly with 37.5 million listeners listening at any given time during the week.
- 73% daily (Monday to Friday) with 29.9 million listeners, on average each weekday.
The data does not take into account socio-economic factors.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
02 June 2020 - NW966
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)What (a) amount of the R7,8 billion of irregular expenditure uncovered at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) when the administrator took charge of the organisation (i) has been cleared and (ii) remains to be cleared and (b) is the timeline for clearing the irregular expenditure; (2) what are the key performance areas (KPAs) of the administrator of NSFAS for the current year; (3) whether he intends to extend the administrator’s term of office in order to make sure that the administrator fulfils the KPAs and the tasks that were set; if not, why not; if so, for how long?
Reply:
1. |
1 (a) (i) |
1 (a) (ii) |
1 (b) |
Shifting of earmarked funds (historic debt) |
R1.963 billion |
In the process of being written off. |
|
Disbursements with respect to NOCLAR |
R4.359 billion |
This should be closed out during the 2020/21 financial year, including recoveries. |
|
Disbursements in excess of contract amounts |
NSFAS has applied to the Credit Regulator for a waiver to this legislative requirement. |
||
Other |
R6 million |
The investigation is complete and findings indicate that no was loss incurred but it was rather a compliance matter only. |
.
(2) The key performance areas of the Administrator are:
- Finalise the close out of the 2017/18 student funding cycle, including the finalisation of all data exchange and final payments. - Ensure the effective close out of the 2019 funding cycle and provision of accurate data to the Department.
- Ensure effective preparation for, and implementation of, the 2020 student funding cycle in consultation with the Department.
- Ensure that the entity pays adequate attention to both TVET colleges and universities in all aspects of its core business processes.
- Maintain a close and productive working relationship between NSFAS and the universities and TVET colleges.
- Put in place the necessary management and governance controls to ensure that all risks of the 2020 student funding cycle are appropriately managed, with the support of the Department and institutions as necessary.
- Manage the day-to-day work of the entity and steer NSFAS to address its operational challenges fully.
- Oversee the process of appointing new executive staff at NSFAS, in terms of a process agreed with the Department.
- Ensure a smooth transition between the administration and the new executive staff. - Oversee all forensic and other investigations necessary for the effective operation and management of the entity and any follow up required.
- Provide support to the Ministerial Task Team appointed by the Minister.
(3) The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation does not intend to extend the term of office of the Administrator unless conditions dictates otherwise. The process to finalise the appointments of vacant senior executive management posts, including the appointment of the Executive Officer is underway. The terms of reference of the Administrator states that he must ensure a smooth transition between the administration and the new executive staff. The Minister is in the process of initiating the appointment of a new Board in terms of Section 5 of the NSFAS Act 56 of 1999.
02 June 2020 - NW1034
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)(a) What codes of conduct and ethics have been prepared by the National Registrar of Tourist Guides (i) in each of the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2020 and (b) on what dates were the specified codes of conduct tabled, comments called for and published in each case; (2) (a) what number of appeals and reviews have been received by the National Registrar of Tourist Guides in each month (i) in each of the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2020, (b) what was the nature of the specified appeals and reviews in each case, (c) what was the outcome in each case and (d) on what date was each appeal and review concluded in each case, (e) what number of (i) revisions have taken place in each month as a result of the appeals and (ii) reviews per month to date in the specified period and (f) what was the nature of the revisions in each instance?
Reply:
1. There is no requirements for the revision of the code of conduct and ethics annually unless there is policy shift or amendment of Legislation that necessitates for such amendment.
(i)Years |
(a)What Codes of conduct and ethics have been prepared |
(b) What dates were the codes tabled |
(b) What dates were comments called for and published in each case |
2017/2018 |
No new code of conduct and ethics was prepared |
N/A |
N/A |
2018/2019 |
No new code of conduct and ethics was prepared |
N/A |
N/A |
2019/2020 |
No new code of conduct and ethics was prepared |
N/A |
N/A |
(ii)Since April 2020 |
No new code of conduct and ethics was prepared |
N/A |
N/A |
(2) 2017/2018
(i)Months |
(a)What number of appeals and reviews has been received in each month |
(b) what was the nature of the specified appeals and reviews in each case, |
(c) what was the outcome in each case |
(d) On what date was each appeal and review concluded in each case |
(e) what number of (i) revisions have taken place in each month as a result of the appeals |
(e)(ii) What number of reviews per month to date in the specified period |
(f) what was the nature of the revisions in each instance? |
April |
1 |
Appeal was against the decision of the Provincial Registrar who declined the registration of applicant due to incorrect visa submitted. |
National Registrar confirmed the decision taken by the Provincial Registrar |
7 April 2017 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
May |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
June |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
July |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
August |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
September |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
October |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
November |
1 |
Appeal was against the decision of the Provincial Registrar to charge guide with misconduct. |
National Registrar confirmed the decision taken by the Provincial Registrar. |
20 December 2017 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
December |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
January |
1 |
Appeal was against the decision of the Provincial Registrar who declined the registration of the applicant due to an invalid working visa. |
National Registrar confirmed the decision taken by the Provincial Registrar. |
28 January 2018 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
February |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
March |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2018/2019
(i)Months |
(a)What number of appeals and reviews has been received in each month |
(b) what was the nature of the specified appeals and reviews in each case, |
(c) what was the outcome in each case |
(d) On what date was each appeal and review concluded in each case |
(e) what number of (i) revisions have taken place in each month as a result of the appeals |
(e)(ii) What number of reviews per month to date in the specified period |
(f) what was the nature of the revisions in each instance? |
April |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
May |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
June |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
July |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
August |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
September |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
October |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
November |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
December |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
January |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
February |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
March |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2019/2020
(i)Months |
(a)What number of appeals and reviews has been received in each month |
(b) what was the nature of the specified appeals and reviews in each case, |
(c) what was the outcome in each case |
(d) On what date was each appeal and review concluded in each case |
(e) what number of (i) revisions have taken place in each month as a result of the appeals |
(e)(ii) What number of reviews per month to date in the specified period |
(f) what was the nature of the revisions in each instance? |
April |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
May |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
June |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
July |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
August |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
September |
1 |
Appeal was against the decision of the Provincial Registrar who declined the registration of the applicant due to visa requirements not being met. |
The National Registrar amended the decision of the Provincial Registrar and allowed the registration to proceed. |
01 November 2019 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
October |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
November |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
December |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
January |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
February |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
March |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2020/2021
(i)Months |
(a)What number of appeals and reviews has been received in each month |
(b) what was the nature of the specified appeals and reviews in each case, |
(c) what was the outcome in each case |
(d) On what date was each appeal and review concluded in each case |
(e) what number of (i) revisions have taken place in each month as a result of the appeals |
(e)(ii) What number of reviews per month to date in the specified period |
(f) what was the nature of the revisions in each instance? |
April |
1 |
Appeal was against the decision of the Provincial Registrar who declined the registration of the applicant due to visa requirements not being met. |
The National Registrar confirmed the decision of the Provincial Registrar |
15 April 2020 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
May |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
June |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
02 June 2020 - NW927
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)Whether his 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 he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION:
- The Department of Science and Innovation has not awarded any goods or services exceeding R500 000 (tenders) at this stage. All the Covid-19 related purchases have been below R500 000, procurement was done through quotations;
- Not applicable;
- Not applicable;
- Not applicable.
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Procurement in excess of R500 000 per case is considered as a tender, hence no single tender was awarded in respect of COVID-19 to date;
- None;
- Not applicable;
- Not applicable.
02 June 2020 - NW850
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the tax measures introduced to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, what (a) is the envisaged number of beneficiaries who will benefit from the tax subsidy of up to R500 per month for private sector employees earning below R 6 500 per month granted to employers under the Employment Tax Incentive in each province and (b) number of employers have already made use of the specified tax subsidy in each province to date?
Reply:
a) We estimate that 492 386 employees will benefit from the tax subsidy of R500 per month. The table below is breakdown per province.
Province |
Total Number |
EASTERN CAPE |
23 658 |
FREE STATE |
12 063 |
GAUTENG |
260 264 |
KWA-ZULU NATAL |
60 586 |
LIMPOPO |
9 390 |
MPUMALANGA |
17 963 |
NORTH WEST |
10 124 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
4 935 |
WESTERN CAPE |
93 403 |
Grand Total |
492 386 |
b) 10 223 companies have thus far made use of the wage subsidy for employees earning less than R6 500 per month. The table below is a breakdown of this figure per province.
Province |
Grand Total |
EASTERN CAPE |
548 |
FREE STATE |
360 |
GAUTENG |
4 890 |
KWA-ZULU NATAL |
1 144 |
LARGE BUSINESS CENTRE |
192 |
LIMPOPO |
120 |
MPUMALANGA |
258 |
NORTH WEST |
155 |
WESTERN CAPE |
2 556 |
Grand Total |
10 223 |
02 June 2020 - NW852
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
What (a) number of applications have been received for the fast-tracking of value-added tax refunds to date in each province, (b) number of the specified applications have been approved in each province and (c) was the Rand value of each approved application in each province?
Reply:
(a)(b)(c) The president announced that SARS will fast track VAT refunds and we have not received any specific requests for such.
SARS has since made amendments in terms of the number of returns that we can expect in a specific cycle to allow vendors qualifying for refunds to submit a return monthly instead of every two months thus enabling a quicker waiting period for refunds.
The turnaround time for refunds compared to same period last year has decreased by 4.4 days.
02 June 2020 - NW923
Mulder, Mr FJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
1. Whether his 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 he will make a statement on the matter? [NW1212E]
Reply:
1. I am advised by the Director-General that no tenders were awarded. To address the safety of staff and utilizing the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was procured through a quotation process. Masks, gloves and sanitizers were bought to the total value of R188 794.
2. The Department advised that standard supply chain management procedures were followed with no deviation and further that all procurement procedures followed the relevant National Treasury prescripts.
3. In light of the above, it seems that no statement is required; but should circumstances require a statement to be made, I do so.
-END-
02 June 2020 - NW832
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether, given that no logical rationale has been provided to South Africans and businesses for the restriction on the unfettered operation of e-commerce under the risk-adjusted approach and following his statement (details furnished), he can elaborate on (a) what the directions are and (b) by what date the directions will be made public? [
Reply:
Directions on e-Commerce were gazetted on 14 May 2020 (gazette no 43321).
The directions provide clarity on what goods may be transacted and the protocols which must be observed by retailers, courier and delivery services used by e-commerce retailers.
A copy of the Directions may be accessed from the Department’s website.
-END-
02 June 2020 - NW967
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)What are the details of the differences in terms of performance of students who receive the National Student Financial Aid Scheme grant and those who do not; (2) whether he will provide Prof B Bozzoli with statistical evidence of the students’ differential performance in the past three financial years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department started undertaking national cohort studies, including a specific study on NSFAS funded students in the 2016/17 financial year. The database of students who had received NSFAS funding in all previous years of study was mapped to the HEMIS dataset. The NSFAS cohort study considers any student who received NSFAS funding at any point in time during their studies. The NSFAS cohort study published on 13 March 2017 considered all cohorts that entered the public higher education sector, i.e. universities, for the first time from the 2000 to 2014 academic years. This report and subsequent reports show that students who have been funded by NSFAS perform better than the national cohort. It should be noted that there is insufficient data to determine how the students on the new bursary scheme are performing, as at least 4 years of data would be required for 3-year qualifications and 5 years of data for 4-year qualifications. This cohort only commenced their studies in the 2018 academic year. It should also be noted that the national cohort includes students funded by NSFAS.
The 2000 to 2014 first time entering undergraduate cohort studies for public higher education institutions, published in March 2017, shows that the dropout and throughput rates for the 2006 cohort are as follows for the:
- national cohort, 38.2% and 54.4% respectively;
- DHET NSFAS cohort, 28.5% and 62.5% respectively; and
- Thuthuka cohort, 10.4% and 85.8% respectively.
The 2000 to 2015 first time entering undergraduate cohort studies for public higher education institutions, published in March 2018, shows that the dropout and throughput rates for the 2007 cohort are as follows for the:
- national cohort, 37.9% and 55.6% respectively;
- DHET NSFAS cohort, 25.9% and 66.2% respectively; and
- Thuthuka cohort, 13.0% and 81.2% respectively.
The 2000 to 2016 first time entering undergraduate cohort studies for public higher education institutions, published in March 2019, shows that the dropout and throughput rates for the 2008 cohort are as follows for the:
- national cohort, 34.6% and 58.0% respectively;
- DHET NSFAS cohort, 22.4% and 68.9% respectively;
- Thuthuka cohort, 12.3% and 83.1% respectively; and
- Funza Lushaka cohort 8.2% and 87.0% respectively
The 2000 to 2017 first time entering undergraduate cohort studies for public higher education institutions, published in March 2020, shows that the dropout and throughput rates for the 2009 cohort are as follows for the:
- national cohort, 31.3% and 61.1% respectively;
- DHET NSFAS cohort, 22.2% and 69.7% respectively;
- for the Thuthuka cohort, 11.0% and 84.6% respectively; and
- Funza Lushaka cohort 8.6% and 86.8% respectively
It should be noted that the NSFAS cohorts in every cohort study have performed better than the national cohort. These cohorts of NSFAS funded students were from poor families earning up to R1220 000 per annum, and the students in the scheme did not necessarily receive full cost of study funding, as funding was capped and there was an expected family contribution.
In comparison, the Thuthuka cohort are students entering accounting studies and in general would include high performing students from the basic education sector. These students have also received full cost of study funding and tailored 'wrap around' support.
The Funza Lushaka cohort is also a selected (competitive) cohort and has always been fully funded for all aspects of their study.
The cohort study published by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on 13 March 2017 did not focus on performance of NSFAS recipients in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The Department has been working closely with NSFAS to improve the capacity of NSFAS to administer and disburse bursaries to TVET college students and to respond to the uniqueness of the TVET college sector. NSFAS systems and processes require specific enhancements to adequately cater for the TVET college sector, especially the numerous and somewhat shorter academic cycles. This intervention will ultimately enable NSFAS to effectively report on performance of recipients in the TVET college sector with its numerous academic cycles. Notwithstanding this intervention, the Department has started gathering data on performance of NSFAS recipients in TVET colleges. However, this information is not readily available now as its analysis is still being undertaken.
02 June 2020 - NW851
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the tax measures introduced to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, what (a) is the envisaged (i) number of beneficiaries who will benefit from the skills development levy holiday and (ii) value of the specified levy holiday in each province and (b) number of employers have already made use of the levy holiday to date in each province?
Reply:
1. (i) An overall average of 137 576 beneficiaries per month. Regional breakdown is illustrated in the table below.
(ii) An average of R 1.44 billion per month or R5.77 billion over the four month period. Regional breakdown is illustrated in the table below.
2. The four-month holiday (non- payment) for skills development levy contributions (1 per cent of monthly payroll) made by employers, began on 1 May 2020 and ends on 31 August 2020
May returns (202005) is only due on June 7, 2020 and is therefore not yet available.
02 June 2020 - NW854
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
What (a) number of applications has the SA Revenue Service received in each province for the waiving of penalties since 23 April 2020, (b) number of the specified applications have been approved in each province and (c) was the Rand value of the approved applications in each province?
Reply:
(a) The number of applications received is 2244,
(b) The number of applications approved across all provinces province is 72
Outcome |
EASREN CAPE |
FREE STATE |
GAUTENG |
KWA/ZULU NATAL |
MPUMALANGA |
Unknown |
WESTERN CAPE |
Grand Total |
Invalid |
76 |
30 |
803 |
91 |
13 |
|
148 |
1161 |
Unknown |
3 |
3 |
25 |
8 |
2 |
465 |
5 |
511 |
Partially allow |
4 |
7 |
234 |
13 |
|
|
35 |
293 |
disallow |
2 |
1 |
139 |
28 |
|
|
7 |
177 |
Allowed |
2 |
2 |
49 |
13 |
|
|
6 |
72 |
Withdraw |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
27 |
Reject |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Accept |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Grand total |
87 |
43 |
128 |
153 |
15 |
465 |
201 |
2244 |
(c) Unfortunately we cannot provide the rand value at this point of time, as the cases do not show for which period/tax year the request was. An extract for the journals from our core systems would have to be requested and this will take some time.