Questions and Replies
12 May 2020 - NW406
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)(a) What is the total budget allocated to each provincial education department for the 2020-21 financial year and (b) will the specified budget allocations be conditional; (2) whether the spending of the allocated budgets will be monitored; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) Table 1 is displaying the total budget allocated to each provincial education department for the 2020-21 financial year:
(1)(b) Part of the total budget allocated to each provincial education department, includes specific purpose allocations (conditional grants) which must be met. These conditions are stipulated in the annual Division of Revenue Bill/Act.
(2) The reporting requirements specified in sections 32 and 40(4) of the PFMA, and also in the annual Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), requires that expenditure and revenue information for all programmes, including conditional grants, be provided each month to the Provincial Treasuries and the National Treasury for monitoring and evaluation purposes. This information is also used by Parliament and the Provincial Legislatures for monitoring purposes. Failure to provide this information is not only illegal and grounds for the sanctions under the Act to take effect, but also reflects poor management.
12 May 2020 - NW404
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether any investigation was launched into the conduct of a certain person (details furnished), in relation to the unlawful deposits the specified municipality made with the VBS Mutual Bank; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any disciplinary proceedings were instituted against the specified person; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes. The North West Provincial Treasury facilitated an investigation of the Municipality’s investments with VBS by certain person (details furnished). The final report is in possession of the North West Provincial Treasury.
2. The certain person (details furnished) is no longer in the employ of the Municipality. Therefore disciplinary proceedings cannot be instituted against her. A criminal case was open with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) with the case reference: DPCI HO 6/01/2019.
12 May 2020 - NW379
Shivambu, Mr F to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether he intends to introduce legislation that will allow the National Treasury to deduct monies owed to Eskom by (a) municipalities and (b) government departments; if not, why not; if so, what is the envisaged date for introducing the specified legislation?
Reply:
No, the Finance Minister does not intend to introduce legislation of such a nature for the following reasons:
- The fiscal system has been designed to give autonomy to the spheres of government hence it is a decentralised fiscal system according to the Constitution of South Africa. In our view this system shifts accountability to where it belongs. Through this system, reforms regarding revenue and expenditure functions are transferred from central government. Having said this, the Constitution, Chapter 13, clearly states that nationally raised revenue must be equitably shared between the three spheres of government. Furthermore, it allows for a treasury control mechanism through punitive action against those guilty of transgression of this arrangement. Introducing new legislation contrary to the prescripts and spirit of the Constitution is not acceptable.
In addition, this question betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the way electricity is paid for in South Africa. Electricity users must pay for the electricity they use. In the case of customers supplied with electricity by municipalities, this means that users (including businesses and households) must pay the municipality for the electricity they use, and the municipality must in turn pay Eskom for the bulk electricity that they have purchased to sell on to their customers. National Government does not make transfers to municipalities to enable them to pay for electricity bought by municipal distribution customers. So it is not clear what source of funding the questioner is suggesting that funds should be deducted from and transferred directly to Eskom.
In line with the autonomy given to municipalities, the Accounting Officers is responsible for exercising prudent financial management at the institution, this is captured in section 60 and 61 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003) (MFMA). Similarly, Section 38(1)(c) of the PFMA states that the Accounting Officers of departments are responsible for the monies due by the department.
Creating an opportunity that take away the responsibility of the respective sphere of government will open the door for any creditor to approach national government for direct payment which is will be unmanageable especially in cases were disputes may arise as is the case of Eskom and some municipalities as well as municipalities and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
12 May 2020 - NW208
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Finance
What is the (a) total number of staff and (b) remuneration budget of each provincial department, per directorate in each provincial legislature?
Reply:
Below is the personnel information and the 2019/20 Compensation of employees adjusted budget per provincial department. Data has been provided at a departmental level as information per directorate is not readily available and would be best if it is sourced directly from Provincial Treasuries. Further information on personnel numbers and budgets per Programme is provided in the 2019/20 Estimates of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure which can be accessed at the National Treasury website under the following link;
12 May 2020 - NW398
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Finance
What action does he intend to take in accordance with section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to support and strengthen the capacity of the Madibeng Local Municipality’s financial management in view of the fact that its current liabilities exceed its assets (details furnished)?
Reply:
The Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) in the North West province has resolved to intervene in Madibeng by invoking Section 139 of the MFMA to impose a financial recovery plan in the municipality due to persistent material breach of its obligations and failure to provide basic services or to meet its financial commitments. As a result, National Treasury in collaboration with the North-West Provincial Treasury will be assisting the municipality to prepare a financial recovery plan aimed at improving financial management in Madibeng. Critical to this process is to also impose appropriate changes to the municipality’s budget and revenue raising measures, budget parameters, set spending limits and revenue targets that will give effect to this recovery plan.
In addition, National Treasury assessed the Madibeng’s 2019/20 MTREF budget and it was found to be unfunded and unsustainable. Consequently, National Treasury advised the municipality to revise the budget to ensure that its expenditure is within the realistic revenue to be collected and to develop a financial plan outlining how it will improve its unfunded position to a funded budget. To this effect, National Treasury will support the Provincial Treasury to closely monitor the implementation of the financial recovery plan and the budget plan of Madibeng in order to improve financial management in this municipality.
Capacity building and training programmes conducted by both national and provincial treasuries
Following the invocation of section 100 (1)(a) of the Constitution in the North West Province, a directive was issued by the Minister of Finance to improve Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the North West province and National Treasury developed a SCM learnership programme to improve and turn around SCM processes in municipalities. This programme is aimed at rebuilding and renewing trust in municipal services through training of SCM officials. As a result, five SCM practitioners of Madibeng LM have been enrolled in this programme. Madibeng is also a recipient of the finance management grant, administered by the National Treasury, which is intended to strengthen capacity in the financial management of a municipality. The municipality has appointed eight interns in the Budget and Treasury Office (BTO) to support the implementation of the financial management reforms.
The North West Provincial Treasury in partnership with the National Treasury, provided numerous training on financial management reforms and budgeting to municipal officials. Recently, an intensive five-day workshop was conducted to provide further training on budget, financial reporting and revenue management to municipal officials.
12 May 2020 - NW688
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
(1) With reference to the declaration by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, that COVID-19 has been declared a National Disaster and the subsequent funding amount of R150 million that was allocated from his department's budget towards all artists, athletes and technical personnel who qualify, what number of applications have been received since the closing date of 6 April 2020; (2) what is the breakdown of the different categories of (a) artists, (b) athletes and (c) technical personnel who have applied for financial aid; (3) whether he has found that more sportsmen than sportswomen have applied for financial aid; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he has found that his department has communicated its message across all sectors by using pamphlets and advertisements, thereby reaching all artists and athletes, as well as ordinary sportsmen and sportswomen at grassroots level; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department received a total number of 6 088 emails in response to the Relief Fund and upon pre-screening of all emails the actual Relief Fund Applications came to 4011. The independent panel of adjudicators is currently processing all Arts and Culture applications. The Sports applications have been completed. From the Sport sector there were 323 applications.
2. (a) (b) (c) The call for the Relief Fund applications was categorised into the following:
- Individuals (artists and athletes)
- Companies
- Digital Solution Proposals:
We can only be able to provide a breakdown upon completion of adjudication processes.
3. There were more male applicants than female applicants. There were 239 males and 84 females.
4. The Department used the following platforms to communicate the message to the public:
(a) The Minister made a formal statement at a media briefing on 25 March 2020 where members of the Command Council updated the media on initiatives in their sectors. Thereafter, the Department issued a media statement on the relief fund
(b) .Following the issuing of the media statement, the Minister was interviewed on various television and radio stations. The statement was also picked-up by SowetanLive, Citizen, News24 (Sport24), and the Star newspapers on the 30th March 2020.
(c) The Department engaged organised formations in the Arts and Sports sector such as SASCOC, CCIFSA as the umbrella formations for the two sectors. Communication was sent as per an instruction letter to Sports Federations to advise their members to apply and also indicate their responsibilities in the process.
(d) Furthermore, the Department made a public call in Electronic media to announce the COVID-19 Relief Fund for athletes and creatives through media statements and interviews.
(e) The Department also issued an A-Z guide for applications and this was uploaded on all Departmental digital platforms, shared with provinces and organised formations in arts and sport.
(f) To ensure that the message of the Relief Fund extend beyond urban areas, the Department through the Minister’s Office consulted with all MEC’s and HOD’s of all Provinces on the Relief Fund.
(g) The Minister the Director-General and other officials were interviewed on radio and television to articulate the details of the relief fund.
12 May 2020 - NW689
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(1) Whether a certain tender (details furnished) falls within the R150 million allocated as a relief measure towards artists and sports programmes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what number of persons from townships and rural areas does he envisage will benefit from the specified tender; (2) whether his department will provide monthly reports detailing the usage of the money; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department will ensure that at least 70% of the recipients are from the previously disadvantaged communities, in order to bridge the gap between rich and poor and uplift small business enterprises; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what mitigation measures has his department put in place to avoid that the interventions fail; (5) what steps has his department taken to ensure that the money does not end up in the wrong hands?
Reply:
1. Yes, the tender falls within the R150 million allocated as a relief measure towards artists and sports programmes.
At this stage, the Department cannot determine the number of persons from townships and rural areas that will benefit from these contracts however; the contracts were awarded to 100% black-owned companies.
2. Yes. According to government prescripts, the Department does summit In-Year-Monitoring reports to the National Treasury on a monthly basis.
3. The contracts were awarded to 100% black-owned companies.
4. The Department appointed Adjudication Panel of experts knowledgeable of the sector and utilised sports federations to ensure all interventions are fit for purpose. The Department also established an internal team for relief fund, assigned administrative support to the adjudication panels, appointed a service provider with expertise in data capturing and ICT. Finally, there are project meetings that are held daily to report on status of implementation chaired by the Minister and the Deputy Minister.
5. The Department appointed 15 Panel Members from the Arts Sector; these are seasoned arts practitioners with expert knowledge of the sector to serve as independent adjudicators for all applications. Part of the reasons was to ensure that the Panel will be able to guide and screen the process to ensure that relief funds goes to arts and sport beneficiaries.
12 May 2020 - NW399
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Finance
What steps will he take in accordance with section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to address the financial issues of the Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality (details furnished)?
Reply:
The Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) in the North West Province has resolved to intervene in Lekwa-Teemane by invoking Section 139 of the MFMA to impose a financial recovery plan in the municipality due to persistent material breach of its obligations and failure to provide basics services or to meet its financial commitments. As a result, National Treasury in collaboration with the North-West Provincial Treasury will be assisting the municipality to prepare a financial recovery plan aimed at improving financial management in Lekwa-Teemane. Critical to this process is to also impose appropriate changes to the municipality’s budget and revenue raising measures, budget parameters, set spending limits and revenue targets that will give effect to this recovery plan.
In addition, National Treasury assessed the Lekwa-Teemane’s 2019/20 MTREF budget and it was found to be unfunded and unsustainable. Consequently, National Treasury advised the municipality to revise the budget to ensure that its expenditure is within the realistic revenue to be collected and to develop a financial plan outlining how it will improve its unfunded position to a funded budget. To this effect, the National Treasury will support the Provincial Treasury to closely monitor the implementation of the financial recovery plan and the budget plan of Lekwa-Teemane with the aim of improving the financial management in this municipality.
Capacity building and training programmes conducted by both National and Provincial Treasuries
Following the invocation of section 100 (1)(a) of the Constitution in the North West Province, the directive was issued by the Minister of Finance to improve Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the North West province and National Treasury developed a SCM learnership programme to improve and turn around SCM processes in municipalities. This programme is aimed at rebuilding and renewing trust in municipal services through training of SCM officials. As a result, two SCM practitioners of Lekwa-Teemane LM have been enrolled in this programme. Lekwa-Teemane is also a recipient of the finance management grant, administered by the National Treasury, which is intended to strengthen capacity in the financial management of a municipality. The municipality has appointed four interns in the budget and treasury office (BTO) to support the implementation of the financial management reforms.
The North West Provincial Treasury in partnership with the National Treasury, provided numerous training on financial management reforms and budgeting to municipal officials. Recently, an intensive five-day workshop was conducted to provide further training on budget, financial reporting and revenue management to municipal officials.
11 May 2020 - NW641
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether there is a way for persons who lost income and qualify for relief to register through SMS and/or WhatsApp where they do not have access to the internet to register online; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the Directives for COVID-19 TERS, published by Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr TW Nxesi, employers are obliged to apply on behalf of their employees for the Covid-19 TERS Benefit. Furthermore, the Directives provide for Bargaining Councils or Entities that are legal bodies to apply for employees. Therefore, employees can have their applications made through any of the above options. Bargaining Councils or Entities or Employers are encouraged to apply for employees as it is them who have the information, systems and tools that will enable an efficient application process. In addition, Bargaining Councils or Entities or Employers are obliged through an Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to commit to certain conditions, which they can be held liable for should they fail to honour.
11 May 2020 - NW603
Chabangu, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether his department is considering to introduce a jobs protection bill in light of the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19?
Reply:
There is currently no intention to introduce a jobs protection bill. The Department is however in the process of developing a national employment policy that would amongst others address the notion of protection of jobs. This policy will have to be presented to parliament when it is done.
11 May 2020 - NW562
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What reasons have compelled her to suspend the feeding schemes in schools during the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19; (2) what steps has her department taken to ensure that the recipients of meals from the school feeding schemes continue to receive meals or food parcels through (a) nongovernmental organisations and/or (b) the Department of Social Development during the lockdown period, which has seen schools closed for an extended time?
Reply:
The closure of schools was announced by the President as part of the lockdown measures and all school activities were ceased.
The Department has been working with the Department of Social Development (DSD), through the National Food and Nutrition Security Task Team, led by the Presidency, through which it was agreed that learners would be targeted in families to receive food parcels in their Disaster Relief and Social Relief Management Programme. Corporate partners have been encouraged to donate to the DSD structures in this regard.
11 May 2020 - NW735
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) By what date will her department construct permanent structures and infrastructure at the Kibler Park Secondary School, (b) what are the (i) dates, (ii) deadlines, (iii) milestones and (iv) time frames in each case, (c) why have the permanent structures and infrastructure not been built to date and (d)(i) what total amount has her department allocate towards the project and (ii) from which budget has the specified amount been allocated?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Gauteng Department of Education and a response will be submitted as soon as it is received from the province.
11 May 2020 - NW643
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With regard to the recent R37,2 million emergency procurement of a 40km fence alongside the Beitbridge Border Post in terms of Treasury Regulation 16A6.4, what (a) is a detailed description of the goods and services, (b) are the name(s) and company registration number(s) of the suppliers(s), (c) is the process that was undertaken to get quotes and (d) is the reason why palisade fencing was not considered?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has provided me with the following information regarding the emergency procurement of the 40km borderline:
a) The description of required goods/services includes repair and replace 40km of borderline infrastructure (match existing fence) between RSA/Zimbabwe. This comprised of a 1.8m fence.
b) The service providers contracted by the department are Caledon River Properties trading as Magwa Construction (Reg. 2017/430436/07) (“the Contractor”) and Profteam cc (Reg. 2017/058 188/23) (“the Principal Agent”).
c) The DPWI informed me as following:
- DPWI was in the early stages in the process of appointing a service provider prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stated that their strategic border infrastructure was in poor condition.
- The particular project addresses the short to the medium-term solution. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a very high risk for loss of life (i.e. Death), adverse health impact, cross-border smuggling and crime, negative economic impact and social impact in South Africa.
- Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on 15 March 2020 on the Covid-19 pandemic and the simultaneous declaration of a National State of Disaster
- Under Section 27(2)(L) of the Disaster Management Act, No 57 of 2002, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, issued a directive on 16 March 2020 for the emergency securing of the South African Border Posts
- Recognising the Ministerial Directive a site visit was held by DPWI and Department of Defence (DoD) officials on the 17 March 2020 at the Beitbridge Land Port of Entry.
- Officials discussed several options to meet the set deadline under an emergency basis (criteria).
- The National Treasury’s Instruction Note No. 08 of 2019/2020 Emergency Procurement during Covid-19 on paragraph 3.5.1 (i) provides for the invocation of emergency procedures.
- It was prudent to invoke the emergency procurement process that entails the appointment of the required service providers through a negotiated procedure that was approved by NBAC.
d) The palisade fencing was not considered due to the fact that the aim of the project was to repair and replace the existing borderline fence.
11 May 2020 - NW407
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With regard to funds from the National Lotteries Commission to provide much needed sanitation in Limpopo and Eastern Cape, (a) which schools in each province were beneficiaries of the projects, (b) what was the total amount allocated for the project in both the provinces, (c) what amount was allocated to each company (names and details furnished), (d) what were the details of each contract for each project, (e) was each project completed, (f) who are the owners of the specified companies, (g) how is a certain person (name furnished) involved in the specified companies and (h) how was her department, the Limpopo and the Eastern Cape education departments involved?
Reply:
In regards to the funds from the National Lotteries Commission for the provision of sanitation in Limpopo and Eastern Cape, the DBE liaised with the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs); however, the PEDs have no records of any funding that was obtained / donated by the National Lotteries Commission, as this donation could have been directly donated to the respective schools. The DBE will contact the Commission in order to obtain the list of those schools that may have benefited from the donation.
11 May 2020 - NW733
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) By what date will her department construct additional learner ablution facilities at The Hill High School in Johannesburg, (b) what number of facilities will be constructed for each gender, (c) what are the (i) dates, (ii) deadlines, (iii) milestones and (iv) time frames in each case, (d) why have the additional facilities not been built to date and (e)(i) what total amount has her department allocated towards the project and (ii) from which budget has the specified amount been allocated?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Gauteng Department of Education for a response and will be submitted as soon as it is received from the province.
11 May 2020 - NW774
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What are the relevant details of her department’s plans to build a technical high school in the Johannesburg South District; (2) (a) what are the (i) dates, (ii) deadlines, (iii) milestones and (iv) time frames for building the specified school, (b) what are the reasons that such a school has not been built to date, (c) what budget has her department allocated for building the school and (d) from which budget will the money be provided?
Reply:
The question has been referred to the Gauteng Department of Education for a response and will be submitted as soon as it is received from the province.
08 May 2020 - NW391
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) was the total number of remission of sentences affected since 16 December 2019 and (b) are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
(a) Releases on 2019 special remission of sentence from 17 December 2019 until 06 March 2020
TABLE: 01: STATUS OF SPECIAL REMISSION BY REGIONS: 06 MARCH 2020
REGION |
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS |
CORRECTIONAL CENTRE |
TOTAL RELEASES |
EC |
3 662 |
1 443 |
5 105 |
GP |
3 281 |
4 103 |
7 384 |
KZN |
3 889 |
2 142 |
6 031 |
LMN |
2 288 |
2 157 |
4 445 |
FSNC |
1 760 |
1 586 |
3 346 |
WC |
4 273 |
4 480 |
8 753 |
TOTAL |
19 153 |
15 911 |
35 064 |
(b) Details
Table: 02: RELEASES FROM CORRECTIONAL CENTRES PER: 06 MARCH 2020
Description |
Males |
Females |
Total |
Children(Less than 18 years) |
31 |
10 |
41 |
Youth (18 – 25 years) |
3 224 |
263 |
3 487 |
Adult (26 -64 years) |
10 940 |
1 020 |
11 960 |
Elderly (65 & older) |
355 |
23 |
378 |
Disabled |
38 |
7 |
45 |
Total |
14 588 |
1 323 |
15 911 |
Table: 03: UNCONDITIONAL and CONDITIONAL RELEASES FROM CORRECTIONAL CENTRES: 06 MARCH 2020
REGIONS |
UNCONDITIONAL |
CONDITIONAL |
TOTAL |
EC |
956 |
487 |
1 443 |
GP |
2965 |
1 138 |
4 103 |
KZN |
1 492 |
650 |
2 142 |
LMN |
1 532 |
625 |
2 157 |
FS & NC |
1 093 |
493 |
1 586 |
WC |
3 846 |
634 |
4 480 |
NATIONAL |
11 884 |
4 027 |
15 911 |
Table: 04: STATUS OF CUMULATIVE RE-ARREST CASES AND REASONS
STATUS OF CUMULATIVE RE-ARREST CASES AND REASONS REPORTED BY REGIONS AS AT 06 MARCH 2020 |
|||
REGION |
NUMBER |
REASONS |
TOTAL RE-ARREST |
EC |
9 |
6x Theft; 1 x Possession of stolen goods, 1x Assault , 1x House breaking (2xAmathole, 1xSt Albans, 4x Sada,2x Kirkwood) |
9 |
GP |
8 |
8 x theft ( 1x Boksburg and 5 x Johannesburg,1X Krugersdorp, 1x Zonderwater ) |
8 |
KZN |
4 |
1x Housebreaking;1x malicious damage to property, 1x House Breaking W/I to steal & Malicious damage to property, 1x theft (2x Kokstad, 1x Ncome and 1x Empangeni) |
4 |
LMN |
2 |
1 x offender released on the 02/01/2020 was readmitted on the 02/01/2020 for dealing with drugs and 1x theft (1x Bethal and 1 x Thohoyandou) |
2 |
FSNC |
5 |
1xRobbery, 2X House breaking and theft, 1x Theft, 1x violation of protection order (2x Upington, 3x Colesberg) |
5 |
WC |
22 |
13 x Theft, 5x Housebreaking & theft; 1x Assault, Theft & Housebreaking 1x Dealing in drugs & Assault; 1x Drug possession, and 1 x Suspected Stolen goods. (6x Pollsmoor, 1x Overberg, 4 x Voorberg, 1x Mosselbay; 2 x Oudtshoorn, 2 x Breede River (Worcester Male, 2 x Malmesbury RDF, 2 x Allandale 2 x Voorberg) |
22 |
TOTAL |
50 |
Theft , Assault, Housebreaking and theft, dealing with drugs, robbery , Drugs possession, Suspected Stolen goods, violation of protection order, Malicious damage to property |
50 |
END
07 May 2020 - NW33
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) In light of the fact that the National Development Agency (NDA) was selected and advertised as the facilitating and implementing agent of the R100 million Coalition Against Rape and Abuse Victim Empowerment Programme on 9 January 2020 by her department and that the closing date for funding submissions from civil society organisations was 31 January 2020, what are the reasons (a) that the NDA, with its bad financial record, is best suited to administer this process and (b) for the 6% administration fee charged by the NDA; (2) whether a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed between her department and the NDA before the closing date of submissions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will furnish Ms A L A Abrahams with the MOU between her department and the NDA; if not, why not; if so, on what date; (4) whether she will disclose (a) the number of submissions received by each province and (b) all advertising portals used for the call for submissions; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (5) what (a) are the reasons that the call for submissions was not discussed with provinces prior to its advertisement and (b) is the allocation of funds to each province?
Reply:
1(a). It is imperative to contextualise the relationship between the Department of Social Development and (NDA) National Development Agency. As you may be aware, the NDA is a National Development Agency, which falls within the Social Development Portfolio. The Department and its two Agencies, which are South African Social Security Agency(SASSA) and the NDA have adopted the “Portfolio Approach” which is a more impactful approach used to deliver on our joint mandate and implement programme to avoid fragmentation and improve integration. This approach is inclusive of the three spheres of government. The role of the NDA in the CARA project is therefore against this background and should not be viewed as a commercial service provider to the Department.
Furthermore, section 4 of the National Development Agency Act, 1998 (Act No. 108 of 1998) mandates the NDA to act as a key conduit for funding from the Government of the Republic, foreign governments and other National and International donors for development work to be carried out by CSO’s. The CARA project is one of a few projects which are aimed at fulfilling this legislative mandate of the NDA and is therefore in line with the current legislative framework.
As far as I am aware the NDA has received an unqualified audit opinion with findings for the past three audits periods namely 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19. After a clean audit, the unqualified audit opinion is seconded best audit opinion the Auditor General SA assessed the overall financial viability of the NDA as good and this is contained in pages 22-24 of the 2018-19 management letter.
(b) the administration fee of the 6% is intended to cover all administrative expenses associated with the implementation of the projects because this extra work would not have been catered for in the finalised budget.
2. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NDA and DSD has not yet been finalised and signed. The MoU is currently being vetted by legal services after which it will be signed by both parties before money is transferred.
3. The MoU will be made available once it has been signed.
4. (a) The total number of proposals received is 592,with the following provincial breakdown:
PROVINCE |
RECEIVED PROPOSALS |
Gauteng |
105 |
Eastern Cape |
102 |
Western Cape |
56 |
Mpumalanga |
97 |
Free State |
29 |
Northern Cape |
29 |
North West |
19 |
Limpopo |
98 |
KwaZulu Natal |
57 |
Total |
592 |
4(b) The request for Proposal was advertised in the City Press on Sunday 12th January and the Daily Sun on Monday 13th January. The City Press is a Sunday weekly newspaper with a circulation of 39 172 and a readership of 1 68 000. The Daily Sun is the biggest daily newspaper in the country with a circulation of 105 131 and readership of 3 821 000.
5(a) The Criminal Assets Recovery Account Funding has been a standing item in the VEP Management Forum quarterly meetings with Provincial VEP Coordinators and process reports have been presented in the presence of Provincial VEP Coordinators. Furthermore, when the date for advertising the call for proposal was announced by NDA a communication sent to all Social Development Provincial VEP Coordinators with an indication to communicate this information to NGOs within their Provinces.
(b) There is no specific allocation per Province.
The provincial allocation will be based on the qualifying and approved proposal after the assessment.
07 May 2020 - NW220
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department has any plans to build rehabilitation centres in Mhluzi Township in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The department of Social Development does not have any plans to build rehabilitation centres in Mhluzi Township in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
The Department is funding Greater Nkangala Rehabilitation Centre in Steve Tshwete Municipality which is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO). The centre is a Community Based service which is located at Mhluzi Township. It provides prevention, treatment and aftercare services to communities around the Steve Tshwete Municipality.
Furthermore, the Department has a state owned treatment centre in White river called Swartfontein Treatment centre. The centre is operational and has the bed capacity of 50 service users.
07 May 2020 - NW30
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) are the updated Gender Based Violence Command Centre call statistics since its first year of operation in November 2013 to date and (b) are the full details of the total operational cost breakdown of running the command centre?
Reply:
1. Chairperson the updated Gender Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) statistics from inception to date are as follows:
GBV command centre call statistics report: November 2013 February 2020
DATE/YEAR |
TELEPHONE CALLS RECEIVED |
USSD’S RECEIVED |
SMS’S RECEIVED |
Jan- 16 Feb 2020 |
712401 |
2593 |
640 |
2019 |
87092 |
8741 |
787 |
2018 |
88957 |
12481 |
848 |
2017 |
163682 |
17332 |
1340 |
2016 |
60590 |
36692 |
39 |
2015 |
44614 |
46571 |
N/A |
2014 |
2384 |
1419 |
N/A |
2013 |
376 |
32 |
N/A |
(b) Furthermore chairperson the GBV Command Centre is comprised of the below workforce:
STAFF BREAKDOWN IN TERMS OF NUMBERS |
|
Command Centre Manager |
01 |
Social Work Supervisors |
07 |
Social Workers |
36 |
Social Auxiliary Workers |
02 |
Technical Manager |
01 |
Technical Shift Supervisors |
04 |
Information Technical Support |
02 |
Quality Assurance Manager |
01 |
Quality Assurers |
02 |
Total staff complement |
56 |
Chairperson the 2019/2020 financial year operational cost breakdown of running the Command Centre which consist of compensation of the team or employees indicated above is as follows:
ECONOMIC CLASSIFICATION OF ITEMS |
R'000 |
Current payments |
|
Compensation of Employees |
15 843 000 |
Good and Services |
5 158 000 |
Transfers and Subsidies |
0 |
TOTAL
|
21 001 000 |
07 May 2020 - NW32
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What is the current stage of the electronic monitoring tool which has a warning system that her department is said to develop in order to alert social workers when foster care orders are due to lapse; (2) On what date will the development of the electronic monitoring tool be (a) completed and (b) implemented; (3) What are the costs of the electronic monitoring tool to her department ; (4) What is the name of the service provider who has been awarded the contract to develop the electronic monitoring tool?
Reply:
1. The National Office developed and trained the provinces on web-based Foster Care Monitoring Tool by March 2019. The National Office completed the hand over stage of the monitoring tool in April 2019 for implementation by provinces.
2. (a) The development of the web-based Foster Care Monitoring Tool was completed in March 2019.
(b) According to the National plan, provinces are to implement the monitoring tool. Provinces started implementation from April 2019.
3. There were no specific cost implications for the development of the web-based Foster Care Monitoring Tool as the Department utilised the existing resources.
4. The web-based Foster Care Monitoring Tool was developed within the Department, thus no service provider was appointed.
07 May 2020 - NW79
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What is the deciding requirement to receive the SA Social Security Agency Food vouchers and/or food parcels and (b) how will her department ensure that community development workers do not use the food parcels and/ or vouchers as a means of buying votes? :
Reply:
The qualifying criteria for receipt of any form of social relief of distress, which includes relief parcels and vouchers, is set in the Social Assistance Act, Act 13 of 2004
In terms of regulation 9 to the above Act, social relief may only be given to South Africa citizens, permanent residents, refugees and representatives of a cluster foster care scheme who have insufficient means and meets on or more of the following criteria:
- Is awaiting payment of an approval grant
- Is assessed by a medical officer to be disabled for a period of less than 6 months:
- Is in a household where the breadwinners has died, and application is made within 12 months of the date of the death:
- The breadwinner has been admitted to a public or private institution for at least one month:
- The breadwinner has been admitted to an institution funded by the State( including a prison of Psychiatric facility)
- The person has been affected by a disaster
- Refusal of the application for social relief of distress may cause undue hardship
(b) All applications for social relief of distress are finally approved or rejected by a SASSA official, who is obliged to ensure that the requirements as set in legislation have been met. Community development workers may refer cases they identify in the course of their work, but they do not make the final decision.
Social relief of distress is provided by SASSA within the available budget. In addition, the approved policy makes it clear that the programme is offered within the confines of Section 195 of the Constitution, which requires all services to be provided impartially, fairly and equitably. The introduction to the policy states” The state and therefore SASSA is responsible for the issuance of social relief of distress (SRD). The role of political parties and the state is therefore separately and must be applied accordingly”.
The above explicit directive acts to ensure that SASSA can account for all SRD issued and that those who receive assistance meet the qualifying criteria as set in legislature.
07 May 2020 - NW293
Ngwenya, Ms DB to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department is paying for the former Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, to attend the United Nations Commission on Women Status in New York on 9 March 2020; if so, (a) why, (b) what budgetary process was followed and (c) what amount is her department paying for the trip?
Reply:
(a)(b)(c) No, the Department of Social Development is not paying for the Former Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini to attend the 64th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women which was scheduled to take place from 09 March 2020 in New York, United States of America.
06 May 2020 - NW590
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether her department will assist with regard to the repatriation of students and other South Africans in Turkey who are stuck due to the COVID- 19 pandemic?
Reply:
DIRCO had a discussion with the Turkish Embassy in South Africa on 11 April 2020, which intervened and confirmed that the students may remain in the dormitories of the University (Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi Asariye). The Turkish Embassy further confirmed that the University agreed to provide food and all other requirements for the full period until at least end of May.
DIRCO negotiated with South African Airways (SAA) to utilise SAA’s charter flights to London and Frankfurt to repatriate South Africans to South Africa. Only South Africans who were able to travel to Frankfurt could be repatriated. South Africans in Turkey were unable to fly to Frankfurt due to the lockdown in Turkey and could therefore not be repatriated on these charter flights. We continue to seek solutions to the challenges posed by travel restrictions.
06 May 2020 - NW615
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she intends to intervene and engage the Government of the People’s Republic of China on allegations of racism by persons and businesses of China that target Africans in relation to the spread of coronavirus; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has engaged the Embassy of China and expressed grave concern over allegations of racism targeted at Africans in China during the current COVID-19 outbreak. It was made clear that South Africa abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination, and rejects any treatment of a person in a negative way because of their colour. The South African Government views this alleged mistreatment of African Nationals in China as Top of Forman infringement on the rights to dignity, equality and other rights of Africans. Our Embassy in Beijing has also sent a Note Verbale to the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressing similar concerns as South African diplomats have also been targeted in alleged racism incidents.
During the BRICS Virtual Foreign Minister’s Meeting on the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on 28 April, I stated that “South Africa strongly condemns any stigmatization or discrimination of States, peoples or individuals in connection with COVID-19” and stressed “that there is no place for racism and xenophobia in the response to the pandemic…”
As this is a broader issue that affects all Africans, the AU Commission Chairperson, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat called-in the Chinese Ambassador in Addis Ababa to provide an explanation, and express the AU’s deep concern about this matter. The Chinese authorities have given assurances that it is not China’s policy to discriminate against African nationals.
South Africa urged the relevant Chinese authorities to investigate the reports and take appropriate remedial measures. The African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing was also encouraged to continue engaging the Chinese authorities to ensure that Africans are not subjected to any ill-treatment, and are treated equally, with respect and with dignity like all other nationals in China.
We are positive that this matter will be resolved amicably given the strong historical ties of friendship and mutual respect between Africa and China.
30 April 2020 - NW456
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to appointments of top management of SA Tourism whilst the Chief Executive Officer was on suspension, (a) what appointments were made, (b) what is the annual gross salary of each appointment in each case, (c) what process was followed in making such appointments in each case, (d) who signed off on each appointment in each case and (e) on what date did each appointment (i) commence and (ii) terminate in each case?
Reply:
What appointments of top management of SA Tourism whilst the CEO was on suspension were made.
What appointments were made |
(b)What is th annual gross salary of each appointment |
(c ) what process was followed in making such appointments in each case? |
(d) who signed off on each appointment in each case |
(e ) on what date does each appointment (i) commence and (ii) terminate |
Chief Financial Officer |
R2 315 771 per annum |
Role was advertised internally and externally. First round of interviews yielded successful candidate who later declined the offer before the start date. Second round interviews the services of a headhunter was used. Internal candidate was considered in this round and was subsequently appointed |
Acting CEO – Sthembiso Dlamini ARCO Chair – Dr. Tanya Abrahamse HCREMCO Chair – Ms. Dawn Robertson Board Chairperson – Ms. Pam Yako |
Start Date – 05 August 2019 End Date – 31 July 2024 (Contract) |
Chief Marketing Officer |
R2 540 000 per annum |
Role was advertised externally in newspapers as well as sourcing CVs through a headhunter. CVs were shortlisted for interview and the relevant checks conducted |
Acting CEO – Sthembiso Dlamini HCREMCO Chair – Ms. Dawn Robertson Board Chairperson – Ms. Pam Yako |
Start Date – 1 September 2019 End Date – 31 August 2024 (Contract) |
30 April 2020 - NW565
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What is the breakdown of the number of persons, who have been employed for the construction of the 40 km Beitbridge border fence project, from villages including, but not limited to (a) Bennde Mutale, (b) Tshikuyu, (c) Masisi, (d) Tshedzhelani, (e) Gumbu, (f) Sigonde and (g) Madimbo?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) informed me that the contractor indicated that the villages mentioned, namely Bennde Mutale, Tshikuyu, Masisi, Tshedzhelani, Gumbu, Sigonde and Madimbo were situated at least 50 to 100km away from Beitbridge border fence site. The Curriculum Vitae (CVs) (as per the CVs) sourced from Musina Local Municipality, were for labourers residing locally in Musina.
DPWI informed me that approximately 160 site workers were sourced from the local municipality.
30 April 2020 - NW326
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)Whether a report has been commissioned to establish the (a) number of tourists who arrive in the Republic for hunting in the captive lion industry and (b) loss in tourism revenue caused by the international outcry over the captive lion industry; (2) what are the details of the revenue generated to tourism from the captive lion industry; (3) what is the demographic breakdown of the beneficiaries of the revenue to tourism; (4) what (a) number of tourists visit the Republic for eco-tourism in each year and (b) is the annual rand value of tourism from this industry?
Reply:
1. Whether a report has been commissioned to establish the (a) number of tourists who arrive in the Republic for hunting in the captive lion industry and (b) loss in tourism revenue caused by the international outcry over the captive lion industry;
(a) No study has been commisioned
(b) Refer to (a)
2. What are the details of the revenue generated to tourism from the captive lion industry;
There is no information available on revenue generated to tourism from the captive lion industry.
3. What is the demographic breakdown of the beneficiaries of the revenue to tourism
Refer to (2)
4. (a) What number of tourists visit the Republic for eco-tourism in each year
The UNWTO defines eco-tourism as “forms of tourism which have the following characteristics: All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas”. Through South African Tourism’s monthly Departure Surveys, the number of tourists who indicated that they visited natural attractions and participated in wildlife activities such as game viewing in a nature reserve and whale watching is
Activities engaged in while in South Africa |
2017 |
2018 |
Visiting natural attractions e.g. scenic drives, parks, dams, rivers, mountains |
1,6 million |
1,7 million |
Wildlife e.g. game viewing in a nature reserve, whale watching |
1,4 million |
1,5 million |
(b) is the annual rand value of tourism from this industry?
We do not have information on the annual rand value of tourism from eco-tourism.
30 April 2020 - NW423
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the SA Tourism Board Assessment Reviews, (a) what reviews have been initiated, (b) on what dates did the specified reviews (i) commence and (ii) conclude, (c) what was the outcome of each review, (d) what (i) were the recommendations in each case and (ii) was the reason for each specified recommendation, (e) what (i) recommendation was implemented as a result of such reviews in each case and (ii) was the reason for each such implementation and (f) how is the process being monitored in each case?
Reply:
(a)What reviews have been initiated?
The Board conducted an independent evaluation of its effectiveness based on the Board Charter and
King IV best practice recommendations.
(b) On what dates did the specified reviews
(i) commence: September 2019
(ii) Report submitted to the Board: February 2020
(c) What was the outcome of each review?
The Minister is yet to receive a final report adopted by the board.
(d) What (i) were the recommendations in each case?
The final report with adopted recommendations has not yet been submitted to the Minister.
(d) (ii) What was the reason for each specified recommendation?
Not yet applicable
(e) what (i) recommendation was implemented as a result of such reviews in each case and
Not yet applicable
(e) (ii) was the reason for each such implementation and
Not yet applicable
(f) how is the process being monitored in each case?
Not yet applicable
30 April 2020 - NW552
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) What amount did her department spend in the past five financial years on purchase of houses for (a) Ministers and (b) Deputy Ministers? (2) (a) In which suburb is each specified house located and (b) what number of bedrooms does each house have; (3) What amounts were paid by her department for renovations and / or upgrades to the houses; (4) What are the relevant details of the (a) renovations and / or upgrades and (b) cost of each house renovation and / or upgrade? NW722E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) informed me that DPWI spent R 11 790 000.00 for two houses in Cape Town and R26 500 000.00 for four houses in Pretoria during the past five financial years.
In respect of (a) and (b) please note that houses are not bought for a specific Minister or Deputy Minister, they can be occupied by any when the need arises. Different Ministers and Deputy Ministers have occupied these houses.
2. (a)
SUBURB |
CAPE TOWN |
PTA/JHB |
Waterkloof |
0 |
3 |
Athol |
0 |
1 |
Milnerton |
2 |
0
|
(b)
AREA |
HOUSE |
NO OF BEDROOMS |
Cape Town |
House 1 |
4 Bedrooms |
House 2 |
4 Bedrooms |
|
Pretoria and JHB |
House 1 |
4 Bedrooms |
House 2 |
4 Bedrooms and Cottage |
|
House 3 |
5 Bedrooms |
|
House 4 |
5 Bedrooms |
3. No renovation or upgrade was carried out.
4. None
(a) None
(b) None
30 April 2020 - NW599
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Tourism
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism sector in the Republic?
Reply:
As of 26 March 2020 South Africa closed off its borders and effected lockdown for all local travel, all flights both domestic and international have ceased operations. The tourism sector is not classified as an essential services sector and thus not allowed to operate in general. Similarly, many of South Africa’s key source markets have also closed their borders and curtailed travel. It is becoming evident that South Africa’s Tourism recovery will be driven first by the gradual easing of local travel restrictions and second, by the pace at which source markets emerge from their own lockdown conditions. The unknown duration of the pandemic means that timing – alignment of marketing investment with readiness to travel – becomes imperative.
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) estimates that international tourist arrivals could decline by 20% to 30% in 2020. This would translate into a loss of 300 to 450 US$ billion in international tourism receipts (exports) – almost one third of the US$ 1.5 trillion generated globally in the worst-case scenario. Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) analysis also shows a sharp escalation in the economic loss to the world economy, up to US$2.7 trillion of GDP. This will put almost 75 million jobs at risk in G20 countries only. Apart from the international arrivals we received in the first two months, January (1 093 268) and February (800 815), before the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unlikely to receive more international arrivals this year. The sector’s recovery which will be on the latter part of this year will be driven by domestic tourism and international tourism will only start coming into operation next year. In essence the sector’s contribution to the GDP for this year will be very low.
SA Tourism is constantly monitoring and assessing the impact of the pandemic on the sector.
The department has a number reports so far on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the South Africa’s tourism sector, perhaps because we are still in the early stages.
- The Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA), which represents vehicle rental and leasing companies that operate about 65 000 vehicles across the country reported that the subsector has seen a drastic contraction in demand due to both inbound tourism and all local travel and tourism activity declining. Contraction in the rental business thus far is estimated to be up to 80 – 90%. This affects jobs and potential for training.
- The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), as the nation’s largest organization representing the interests of the business events trade and professionals, indicated that the global lockdown has resulted in cancellation of conferences and other events. Initial estimates are that R746,8 million in business is lost due to cancellations, with potentially 6 039 jobs losses already.
The Minister of Tourism is equally concerned about the effects of Covid-19 on tourism sector as a whole. It is for this reason that she has put aside R200 million under the banner of the Covid-19 Tourism Relief Fund to provide a once-off capped grant assistance to SMMEs in the tourism value chain to ensure their sustainability during and post the implementation of government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country. The sector is dominated by small businesses, majority of which are survivalist without any support, which makes their situation during this time extremely dire.
30 April 2020 - NW499
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Tourism
Given that climate change poses a threat to the sustainability of the tourist industry, what measures has her department put in place to ensure that tourist destinations are ready to tackle challenges related to climate change?
Reply:
The Department is currently implementing the Tourism and Climate Change Response Programme (2010). The programme addresses both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures within the tourism sector as follows:
Mitigation Measures
-
- The Department has a Tourism Resource Efficiency Programme. The programme focuses on energy efficiency, water efficiency and waste management in tourism.
- The Department is currently completing a pilot project on Tourism Resource Efficiency Training for unemployed Youth. One Hundred and Eighty (180) unemployed youth were trained by the National Cleaner Production Centre – South Africa (NCPC – SA) on Resource Efficient Cleaner Production and the Fundamentals of Energy Management. The trainees were placed at tourism establishments across the country for a period of six (6) months. During their placements, trainees assisted establishments to better manage their energy and water use.
-
- The Department also has a Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP). The incentive is implemented through a partners that include the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC). Through this grant, the Department provides funding to assist tourism enterprises with between 30% and 90% on the capital investment cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with renewable energy and energy efficient systems. Through this incentive, the Department seeks to encourage private tourism enterprises to move towards cleaner and renewable energy sources to facilitate increased competitiveness and operational sustainability; encourage enterprises to improve energy efficiency; reduce high up-front capital requirement and facilitate reduction in operational input costs.
Adaptation Measures
-
- The Department is also involved with a Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP). The project seeks to build the resilience and adaptive capacity of the tourism sector to the impacts of climate change.
-
- In 2012, the Department partnered with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Deutsche fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German Corporation for International Cooperation (German Development Agency) to conduct a Baseline Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism. A Basic Vulnerability Guideline was developed to assist tourism attractions to assess their vulnerability to climate change.
Currently, the Department has partnered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFEE) and the GIZ to conduct risk and vulnerability assessment of 27 tourism sites across the country. A three-year tourism adaptation implementation plan will be developed as part of this project. The project will be completed at the end of March 2020.
Communication and Outreach:
-
- The Department continues to raise awareness on both the contributions of tourism and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Information booklets on tourism and climate change are distributed to stakeholders. Furthermore, awareness is raised through capacity building and information sharing sessions.
30 April 2020 - NW600
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Tourism
How far is the investigation into tourism destinations that were reported to be completed in Barberton, Mpumalanga, to which the Auditor-General found and reported that nothing was done in spite of R24 million spent?
Reply:
The Final Report of the Auditor-General indicated that there was a misstatement on the Barberton project. An amount of R24 784 279 was classified as capital work in progress instead of infrastructure project asset completed.
The department also appointed an independent quantity surveyor to establish the value of the asset and the report indicated the following:
Project |
Barberton Tourism and Biodiversity Corridor |
|
Project Number |
DEAT1/2000/1705 |
|
Implementer |
Barberton Chamber of Business |
|
Construction Period |
04/06/2010 - 30/06/2014 |
|
Location |
Barberton Mpumalanga |
|
Business Plan Value |
R 24 784 279,00 |
|
Assessed Value |
R 27 784 279,00 |
|
30 April 2020 - NW454
Denner, Ms H to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)Whether, with reference to the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance in his budget speech on Wednesday, 26 February 2020, regarding the reduction of the public sector wage bill, his department has a strategy in place to give effect to the announcement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) strategy (b) amounts, and (c) timelines, (2) Whether performance bonuses will be paid to staff in the 2019-20 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, to which staff levels will such bonuses be paid?
Reply:
1. With reference to the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance in his budget speech regarding the reduction of the public sector wage bill, the Minister for the Public Service and Administration has developed the following strategies to give effect to the announcement:
(a) In terms of the respective Ministers, the Minister for the Public Service and Administration is not responsible for the Public Sector. The strategy is to reduce the cost of Public Administration in terms of minimizing the spending on the following cost drivers among others that have been identified:
i) Litigations against the state;
ii) Information and Communication Technology (ICT);
iii) Office accommodation;
iv) Corruption and fraud;
v) Use of Consultants;
vi) Irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure;
vii) Introduce reforms in the procurement and supply chain management processes; and
viii) The wage-bill.
The strategy is to create consistency in government wide remuneration through the following measures:
i) Curbing benefits and conditions of service that have proliferated.
ii) Consolidating efficiency measures in allowances, overtime and contract appointments.
iii) Introducing cost effectiveness and efficiencies in the guide for Members of the Executive in terms of office accommodation, cell phone allowances, securities and travel benefits.
iv) Extending such cost effectiveness and efficiencies to State Owned Entities, Boards and the Executive of Entities.
(b) The wage bill is currently at R629 billion and is unsustainable. Savings garnered from the above will allow increased investment in goods and services.
Definite amounts from the above will emerge as measures are put in place.
(c) Many of these are subject to legislation and collective bargaining in the short to medium-term.
2. Yes, all categories of employees in the public service who meet the qualifying criteria in terms of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) for the 2019/20 financial year will be paid their performance bonuses, within the reduced percentage allocation for remuneration budgets for the payment of performance bonuses for all categories of employees with effect from 1 April 2019.
30 April 2020 - NW535
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)(a) What type of events are currently taking place at Fernwood Estate in Newlands and (b) what is the (i) current operating budget and (ii) projected income to manage the estate; (2) What (a) are the future plans for the estate and (b) is the current market value of the estate?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. (a) The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) informed me that various government departments currently use Fernwood Estate for team buildings, meetings, training, end year functions, and Members of Parliament use the facility for private functions.
(b) (i) There is no operating budget.
(ii) There is no projected income.
2. (a) In 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 financial year the Department undertook an exercise of a feasibility study of the Fernwood Estate with the possibility of building Ministerial Residences at Fernwood Estate due to the increase of Cabinet then, the preliminary report of a feasibility study indicated that such exercise would be influenced by the following three items, namely:
- Environmental application;
- Heritage application;
- And a planning application (Town planning/zoning); which was estimated to take approximately 18 months.
At present, there are no plans for Fernwood Estate.
(b) The current Municipal value of Fernwood land according to City of Cape Town Municipal valuation is R 205 353 431.00
30 April 2020 - NW424
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)What (a) legal action took place pertaining to the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SA Tourism, (b) costs were incurred in this regard in each month during the suspension period and (c) were the outcomes in each case; (2) what (a) forensic audits took place pertaining to the suspension of the CEO of SA Tourism, (b) costs were incurred in this regard in each month during the suspension period and (c) were the outcomes in each case?
Reply:
1. (a) The SA Tourism Board instituted an independent disciplinary enquiry which was conducted during the suspension period.
(b) As mentioned above, the only legal process was a disciplinary enquiry conducted by the Board. The only costs incurred related to the disciplinary process amount to R837 322.34.
(c) The Independent Chairperson of the disciplinary enquiry found the CEO not guilty of all charges.
2. (a) The forensic audit was in relation to the allegations of impropriety made against the CEO through an anonymous whistle-blower.
(b) The CEO was suspended on full pay in terms of the Labour Relations Act. There are no costs that were incurred on monthly basis. The costs of the forensic audit amounted to R1 918 192.50.
(c) The report of the Forensic Investigation recommended a disciplinary process against the CEO, which was undertaken by the Board. The Chairperson of the disciplinary enquiry found the CEO not guilty of all charges.
29 April 2020 - NW430
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What (a) total number of (i) national and (ii) provincial government officials received payment for capped leave days in the past two financial years, (b) total number of days was the payment for in respect of each individual and (c) was the total amount that was paid out?
Reply:
The response to the questions above is depicted in the table below. Please note that on the payment system there are no distinctions between payments of capped leave and unused leave. Consequently, the DPSA cannot report on capped leave specifically. This is a shortcoming that I have already addressed with my colleague the Minister of Finance.
2018/2019 financial year |
2019/2020 financial year |
|||||
Implementation Area |
number of officials paid |
number of days payment made |
total amount paid out |
number of officials paid |
number of days payment made |
total amount paid out |
National Departments |
53 |
574.18 |
R7 512 648. 67 |
61 |
862.71 |
R7 320 156. 28 |
Provincial Government |
632 |
17 531.63 |
R56 932 737.96 |
679 |
17 710.38 |
R64 902 746.42 |
28 April 2020 - NW427
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What number of (a) small-, (b) medium- and (c) micro-enterprises (i) applied for and (ii) received exemptions from the extension of collective bargaining agreements in (aa) 2017, (bb) 2018 and (cc) 2019?
Reply:
Honourable Dr MJ Cardo, the bargaining councils furnished the Registrar of Labour Relations with the aggregated figures of exemptions from SMMEs. They classify them all under small business.
- For 2017, bargaining councils with extended collective bargaining to non-parties received from SMMEs a total of 1388 exemption applications. 1266 were granted; 91 were refused; and 17 were either withdrawn or still under consideration by end of 2017.
- For 2018, bargaining councils received from SMMEs a total of 2764 exemption applications. 2588 were granted; 114 were refused; and 93 were either withdrawn or still under consideration by end of 2018.
- In 2019, bargaining councils received from SMMEs a total of 1712 exemption applications, 1464 were granted; 168 were refused; and 76 were either withdrawn or still under consideration by end of 2019
28 April 2020 - NW428
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether the National Minimum Wage Commission has conducted research into the impact of the national minimum wage on (a) employment and (b) poverty levels; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) by what date will the research be made publicly available?
Reply:
The National Minimum Wage Commission is required by section 11 (b) of the National Minimum Act to investigate and report annually to the Minister on the impact of the national minimum wage on the economy, collective bargaining and in conducting that exercise, they have outsourced a research that will inform the adjustment to the national minimum wage level.
For the 2020 adjustment the researchers experienced some challenges such as the fact that accurately isolating the main effects of the NMW would require a reasonable time to have elapsed after the introduction of the NMW, and given that the NMW came into effect in January 2019, a comprehensive study on the short-term impacts in South Africa could not justifiable begin until after June 2020.
Also, there is an unavoidable time lag in the release of the quarterly survey (Quarterly Labour Force Statistics) by Stats SA that the researchers use to obtain the relevant labour market information that they need to accurately analyse the impact of the NMW.
These challenges inadvertently led to the delay in the reviewing of the national minimum wage which was only reviewed and implemented on the 1st March 2020 by CPI 3.8% in order to protect low-income workers from erosion in their incomes.
For the 2021 adjustment, the Commission is intending to publish a comprehensive research in the second half of the year into the overall impact of the national minimum wage on employment, poverty and inequality. This is however dependent on the progress that will be given by the researchers on the meeting scheduled for the 24th March 2020.
27 April 2020 - NW577
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether her department has any monitoring processes in place in respect of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant; if not, why not; if so, what processes were followed in order to award a contract worth R100 000 to a certain person (details furnished)?
Reply:
The Department of Cooperative Governance have established processes and procedures, including the monitoring support system, Municipal Infrastructure Grant Management Information System (MIG-MIS), to manage the assessment, registration, approval and implementation of the MIG projects. It should however be noted that the MIG is a direct grant allocated to municipalities with specific conditions on what the funds could be utilised for. The Department is not involved with the procurement processes within municipalities; however, municipalities are expected to comply with procurement legislation and policies issued by the National Treasury. As such, municipalities follow their own procurement policies in the tendering and appointment of contractors and service providers. END.
27 April 2020 - NW636
Mohlala, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she has a monitoring system in place that monitors the business interests of councillors, mayors and senior local government staff; if not, why not; if so, what measures has she taken about the Auditor-General report which revealed that (a) the Mayor and (b) a Councillor of the Sekhukhune District Municipality are doing business with the municipality without declaring their interests?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
27 April 2020 - NW526
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
What (a) number of students were enrolled at each institution of higher learning (i) for each qualification and (ii) in terms of the Classification of Educational Subject Materials for the 2019 academic year and (b) was the success rate in each case?
Reply:
The data for the 2019 academic year is currently not available. Preliminary (unaudited) student enrolment data and data required for calculating success rates is due from universities on 30 April 2020. Some universities have indicated that they may require an extension due to the lockdown period. The final submission date for data is 31 July 2020. A process of verifying this data will thereafter commence and the full set of audited data is normally available in October each year.
27 April 2020 - NW550
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Given that the University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and University of Stellenbosch have made English their primary language of instruction, where are the approximate four million Afrikaans-speaking students, some of whom live in poor rural communities where very few learn to speak English, from the Northern and Western Cape supposed to study when not a single university in the Western Cape offers Afrikaans as a primary language of instruction?
Reply:
The total enrolment in public higher education institutions (universities) is just over one million students (1 085 568 students). There are 11 official spoken languages in South Africa. Universities need to ensure that language is not used as a barrier to access higher education. Language has been used to exclude the majority of South Africans from accessing some universities in the past. Government supports the initiatives taken by universities to remove barriers, linguistic or otherwise, to ensure that universities across the country remain truly national entities and are accessible to all South Africans. In the democratic South Africa, there are no exclusively IsiZulu, IsiXhosa or Afrikaans language universities, but rather, South African universities that uphold the values of the Constitution and are mindful of the legacies of the past, and play their part in creating a fully transformed united South Africa that is at peace with itself and the rest of the world. Students of all linguistic backgrounds can enter any university to study, and must be supported to succeed. Therefore, students whose home language is Afrikaans or any other South African language may choose to study at any university in the country. We certainly cannot go back to a past where some of universities were earmarked for exclusive cultural and linguistic communities. Moreover, while English is utilised as the main language of teaching and learning, there is no official South African language that is excluded by universities as all universities have multilingual language policies. Universities determine their language policies and plans in terms of the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997 as amended). These policies and plans must be in line with the Higher Education Language Policy Framework determined by the Minister as well as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
27 April 2020 - NW591
Madlingozi, Mr BS to ask the Mr BS Madlingozi (EFF) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture”
(a) By what date will the money, that was committed for artists whose events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be released and (b) what criteria will be used to determine who qualifies for the relief? (NW782E)
Reply:
The Department appointed an independent 15 member COVID-19 Adjudication Panel. The panel is responsible for making recommendations on the distribution of relief funds to Arts, Culture and Heritage organizations and individuals excluding the DSAC public entities as stated in the Treasury regulations.
The Adjudication Panel was officially appointed on the 17th April and commenced the adjudication process on Tuesday 21st April 2020.
To expedite the process, the Department has also availed eleven Departmental staff members to provide administrative support to the adjudicators.
A criteria for application was announced to the public during the open call for Relief Fund requests and the adjudicators will use the criteria as a basis for assessment which includes the following:
- Quality of the Proposal,
- Value for Money,
- Nobility,
- Sustainability of the Project,
- Positive Legacy of project supported
27 April 2020 - NW581
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What steps is her department taking to monitor and curb corruption that is happening in municipalities regarding food parcels that are distributed by political parties instead of municipal officials?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
27 April 2020 - NW617
Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether her department provided a budget to accommodate the councillors of the Matlosana Local Municipality, North West, after their houses were torched during the violent protests in September 2019; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the budget allocation in this regard, (b) what is the total cost in this regard to date, (c) have they been confined to the guesthouse during the current national lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, (d) how long is it envisaged that they will remain in the guesthouse and (e) who will be responsible for the costs of an extended stay beyond the permissible legal framework; (2) Whether she will make a statement on the matter
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
23 April 2020 - NW554
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the launching of a Tourism Equity Fund to which the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr M C Ramaphosa, referred in the State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020, (a) on what date will the specified fund be launched, (b)(i) how will it be funded and (ii) what initial amount will go into the fund, (c) who will administer the fund, (d)(i) to whom will the fund administrators report and (ii) how regularly will they report, (e) what will be the objective of the fund and (f) how will (i) funds be disbursed and (ii) such disbursements be monitored and evaluated?
Reply:
a) On What date will the specified fund be launched?
The launch of the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) pilot project to which the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr M C Ramaphosa, referred in the State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020, was initially planned to take place during the first Quarter of 2020/21 on a date that was yet to be determined. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic all plans were put on hold to focus on the response to the pandemic.
b) (i) How will it be funded?
In his address to the nation on 21 April 2020, the President announced that part of the social relief and economic support package of R500 billion to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic will come from the reprioritization of about R130 billion within government’s current budget. This means that the current budget allocations are all going to be revised. Once we have the revised budget we will communicate
(ii) What initial amount will go to the fund?
Refer to (i)
c) Who will administer the fund?
refer (i)
d) (i) To whom will the fund administrators report?
Refer to (i)
(ii) How regularly will they report?
Refer to (i)
e) What will be the objective of the fund?
Refer to (i)
f) (i) How will funds be disbursed?
Refer to (i)
(ii) How will such disbursement be monitored and evaluated?
Refer to (i)
23 April 2020 - NW545
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What total amount has her department injected into the Motumo Trading Post project in the Capricorn District
Reply:
From historical records, the project received a total of R 15 000 000 in funding, R14 000 000 in phase one between 2004 and 2007 and R1 000 000 in 2009. This funding was provided by the then Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The project was handed over to the Capricorn District Municipality pre 2010.
22 April 2020 - NW534
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What progress has been made by the S A Police Service in investigating case number CAS 1452/9/2019 that was opened against Gupta companies and associates (names furnished), on 27 September 2019 at Cate Town Central Police Station and (b) on what date is the investigation expected to be concluded?
Reply:
09 April 2020 - NW510
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Given that R3 million was transferred from Programme 4 to Programme 1 to cover legal services, what are the relevant details of the legal services to which the specified amount has been allocated?NW696E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) informed me an amount of R3 million was transferred from Programme 4 to Programme 1 for goods and services to assist the Chief Directorate: Legal Services. The Department usedthese funds to procure the services of the legal advisers to support the Department with its process of finalising the Expropriation Bill.
The Department received 50 000 public comments after the Expropriation Bill, 2019 was published in December 2018.
Senior Counsel assisted the Department by analysing substantive issues raised in comments submitted to the DPWI and assisted with the drafting of clause 12(3) of the Bill.