Questions and Replies
06 March 2020 - NW43
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the name of each SA Geographical Indication that is protected under the Regulations for the Protection of Geographical Indications that were signed on 22 March 2019?
Reply:
There is no South African Geographical Indication that is currently protected under the Regulations for the Protection of Geographical Indications that were signed on 22 March 2019.
06 March 2020 - NW2
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, has granted permission in terms of section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, that members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) be deployed in the urban area of Kimberley with the SA Police Service at the start of the birthday celebrations of a certain organisation in January 2020; if not, who gave instructions that members of the SANDF be deployed in an urban area; (2) whether any action has been taken against the specified person; if not, why not; if so, to what extent; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) and (2)
There was no employment under section 201 of the Constitution. I view this matter in a very serious light and have instructed the Chief of the South African National Defence Force to institute a Board of Inquiry and to take action against those involved. I will report back to Parliament on the outcome and actions taken following the completion of the Board of Inquiry.
(3) No.
06 March 2020 - NW47
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What total cost was incurred on the 25 principals’ study tour to China in 2019 and (b) which principals from which schools visited China?
Reply:
a) There was no costs incurred on the 25 principals' study tour to China in 2019. All costs (flights, accommodation, ground transport and refreshments) were covered by the Chinese government in line with the 2013 signed Cooperation Agreement on Basic Education between the Minister of Basic Education and the Minister of Education in China.
b) The list is attached.
06 March 2020 - NW49
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Basic Education
How will budget cuts affect post provisioning norms?
Reply:
Implementation of budget cuts will potentially have an effect on the number of posts declared and may result in increased learner to educator ratios and consequently larger class sizes. The impact will vary across provinces depending on their historical budget pressure circumstances. However, Provincial Education Departments are expected to implement measures to lessen the impact. These measures include improving efficiencies in the management of the movement of educators declared in addition to staff establishments and the speedy processing of ill-health and incapacity cases. Furthermore, the sector has noted that the average unit cost of an educator is declining and will continue as older and more expensive educators retire and are replaced by less costly younger entrants.
06 March 2020 - NW25
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Basic Education
When will a certain person (name and details furnished) be dismissed, as the specified person does not seem to take the concerns of the community into account regarding the rolling out of the proposed Comprehensive Sexuality Education to primary school learners from Grade 4 onwards?
Reply:
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) has been part of the National Curriculum Statement since 2000. Recent interventions to improve the quality of CSE teaching in our schools were piloted in more tthan 1500 schools and a wide range of education statkeholders were consulted. In addition, the Depatment of Basic Education held public consultations with the Teacher Unions, SGB Associations, Youth, as well as Religious and Traditional leaders. Comments and concerns expressed at these engagements were considered and the relevant learning and teaching support materials were adjusted accordingly.
There is no reason for disciplinary action against any official who is supporting the implementation of government policy.
06 March 2020 - NW13
Gardee, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)What (a) total number of applications were received from young applicants who wished to join the SA National Defence Force in each respective year from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019 and (b) was the breakdown of such applications for each province; (2) what number of the specified applicants in each year (a) are (i) diploma and (ii) degree graduates and (b)(i) were enrolled and (ii) successfully completed the training programme?
Reply:
(1)(a) Six hundred and forty eight thousand and thirty nine (648 039) applications were received from young applicants who wished to join the SA National Defence Force over the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.
(b) The breakdown per province is as follows:
2014
Ser No |
Province |
Number of Applicants |
a |
b |
|
1 |
Gauteng |
33 936 |
2 |
Limpopo |
12 501 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
7 343 |
4 |
KwaZulu Natal |
9 869 |
5 |
Free State |
5 869 |
6 |
North West |
7 079 |
7 |
Northern Cape |
3 873 |
8 |
Eastern Cape |
6 350 |
9 |
Western Cape |
5 054 |
Total Number of Applicants |
91 874 |
2015
Ser No |
Province |
Number of Applicants |
a |
b |
|
1 |
Gauteng |
29 179 |
2 |
Limpopo |
7 869 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
7 016 |
4 |
KwaZulu Natal |
11 458 |
5 |
Free State |
6 592 |
6 |
North West |
4 838 |
7 |
Northern Cape |
4 125 |
8 |
Eastern Cape |
5 550 |
9 |
Western Cape |
5 049 |
Total Number of Applicants |
81 676 |
2016
Ser No |
Province |
Number of Applicants |
a |
b |
|
1 |
Gauteng |
29 694 |
2 |
Limpopo |
8 828 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
8 865 |
4 |
KwaZulu Natal |
12 298 |
5 |
Free State |
6 500 |
6 |
North West |
7 321 |
7 |
Northern Cape |
6 004 |
8 |
Eastern Cape |
6 727 |
9 |
Western Cape |
6 047 |
Total Number of Applicants |
92 284 |
2017
Ser No |
Province |
Number of Applicants |
a |
b |
|
1 |
Gauteng |
46 515 |
2 |
Limpopo |
12 368 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
9 230 |
4 |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
9 879 |
5 |
Free State |
9 354 |
6 |
North West |
7 012 |
7 |
Northern Cape |
7 379 |
8 |
Eastern Cape |
8 524 |
9 |
Western Cape |
5 837 |
Total Number of Applicants |
113 098 |
2018
Ser No |
Province |
Number of Applicants |
a |
b |
|
1 |
Gauteng |
52 905 |
2 |
Limpopo |
15 281 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
13 746 |
4 |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
15 206 |
5 |
Free State |
10 108 |
6 |
North West |
10 478 |
7 |
Northern Cape |
7 165 |
8 |
Eastern Cape |
10 970 |
9 |
Western Cape |
10 984 |
Total Number of Applicants |
146 843 |
2019
Ser No |
Province |
Number of Applicants |
a |
b |
|
1 |
Gauteng |
42 915 |
2 |
Limpopo |
13 801 |
3 |
Mpumalanga |
10 741 |
4 |
Kwa Zulu Natal |
13 331 |
5 |
Free State |
8 925 |
6 |
North West |
10 367 |
7 |
Northern Cape |
4 919 |
8 |
Eastern Cape |
6 934 |
9 |
Western Cape |
10 331 |
Total Number of Applicants |
122 264 |
(2)(a) The system classifies applicants with post matric qualifications as graduates. Eight thousand five hundred and ten (8 510) graduates applied over the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.
(b)(i) Nine thousand three hundred and six (9 306) applicants were enrolled over the period 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.
(b)(ii) Nine thousand one hundred and twenty three (9 123) applicants successfully completed the training programme.
05 March 2020 - NW48
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to her reply to oral question 248 on 21 November 2019, what amount was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development towards scripted lesson plans for Comprehensive Sexuality Education for Grades 4 to 12?
Reply:
USAID awarded Education Development Center a five year contract worth 25 million USD to implement the School-Based HIV Prevention and Sexuality Education Activity.
04 March 2020 - CW30
Aucamp, Mr W to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) What percentage of vulnerable workers were granted permanent employment in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17, (v) 2017/18 and (vii) 2018/19 financial years, (b) how many workers (i) lost their jobs and (ii) which sectors had the biggest losses, (c) what is the percentage of female employees who were employed for the said period compared to males, (d) which sector had the majority of female employees, (e) which provinces (i) had the highest rate of unemployed persons, (ii) had a decline in unemployment and/or (iii) remained stable for the said period?
Reply:
The honourable member should be appraised that the Department of Employment and Labour uses the official statistics as produced by Statistics South Africa. Thus, the response below is based on StatsSA data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. All reports are accessible through the StatsSA website.
(a) What percentage of vulnerable workers were granted permanent employment in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17, (v) 2017/18 and (vii) 2018/19 financial years
According to Statistics South Africa results, the following proportions are disaggregated by gender. The statistics are published per quarter.
Table 1:
Conditions of employment (Nature of contract/ agreement by gender) |
Oct-Dec 2013 |
Oct-Dec 2014 |
Oct-Dec 2015 |
Oct-Dec 2016 |
Oct-Dec 2017 |
Oct-Dec 2018 |
Oct-Dec 2019 |
|
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Women (Total) |
5 840 |
5 926 |
6 182 |
6 168 |
6 194 |
6 360 |
6 313 |
Limited duration |
906 |
972 |
914 |
993 |
962 |
1 001 |
944 |
Permanent nature |
3 491 |
3 590 |
3 716 |
3 645 |
3 641 |
3 753 |
3 781 |
% Permanent nature |
59.7% |
60.5% |
60.1% |
59.0% |
59.7% |
59.0% |
59.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Men (Total) |
7 196 |
7 310 |
7 556 |
7 477 |
7 584 |
7 631 |
7 555 |
Limited duration |
1 069 |
1 037 |
1 045 |
897 |
936 |
959 |
902 |
Permanent nature |
4 555 |
4 688 |
4 692 |
4 714 |
4 799 |
4 752 |
4 714 |
% Permanent nature |
63% |
64% |
62% |
63% |
63% |
62% |
62,3% |
Source: Statistics South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Excluding unspecified duration)
(b) How many workers?
(i) lost their jobs
Table 2:
Oct-Dec 2013 |
Oct-Dec 2014 |
Oct-Dec 2015 |
Oct-Dec 2016 |
Oct-Dec 2017 |
Oct-Dec 2018 |
Oct-Dec 2019 |
|
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
||
Number jobs lost |
1 545 |
1 642 |
1 664 |
1 839 |
1 886 |
1 805 |
1 989 |
Source: Statistics South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey
(ii) Which sectors had the biggest losses?
The sectors where the biggest losses occurred are the Trade and Construction industries over time.
Table 3:
Oct-Dec 2013 |
Oct-Dec 2014 |
Oct-Dec 2015 |
Oct-Dec 2016 |
Oct-Dec 2017 |
Oct-Dec 2018 |
Oct-Dec 2019 |
|
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
|
Industry (Total) |
2 114 |
2 182 |
2 186 |
2 499 |
2 492 |
2 379 |
2 596 |
Agriculture |
79 |
134 |
117 |
123 |
135 |
115 |
147 |
Mining |
39 |
32 |
42 |
54 |
36 |
47 |
38 |
Manufacturing |
274 |
271 |
259 |
286 |
252 |
245 |
302 |
Utilities |
7 |
18 |
16 |
14 |
20 |
12 |
15 |
Construction |
314 |
347 |
355 |
429 |
401 |
399 |
409 |
Trade |
506 |
508 |
518 |
522 |
579 |
576 |
578 |
Transport |
111 |
111 |
98 |
128 |
102 |
115 |
134 |
Finance |
301 |
302 |
262 |
346 |
368 |
327 |
376 |
Community and social services |
271 |
269 |
302 |
348 |
355 |
319 |
364 |
Private households |
211 |
190 |
216 |
249 |
245 |
223 |
231 |
Other |
2 |
|
0 |
- |
1 |
Source: Statistics South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey
c) What is the percentage of female employees who were employed for the said period compared to males
Table 4:
Sex |
Oct-Dec 2013 |
Oct-Dec 2014 |
Oct-Dec 2015 |
Oct-Dec 2016 |
Oct-Dec 2017 |
Oct-Dec 2018 |
Oct-Dec 2019 |
|
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
|
Women |
6 670 |
6 676 |
6 995 |
7 031 |
7 071 |
7 250 |
7 220 |
Men |
8 507 |
8 643 |
8 643 |
9 023 |
9 100 |
9 279 |
9 201 |
Total |
15 177 |
15 319 |
15 638 |
16 054 |
16 171 |
16 529 |
16 421 |
% Female employees |
43,9 |
43,6 |
44,7 |
43,8 |
43,7 |
43,9 |
44,0 |
Source: Statistics South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey
d) which sector had the majority of female employees?
Table 5:
Sex |
Oct-Dec 2013 |
Oct-Dec 2014 |
Oct-Dec 2015 |
Oct-Dec 2016 |
Oct-Dec 2017 |
Oct-Dec 2018 |
Oct-Dec 2019 |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
|
Women |
|||||||
Formal sector (Non-agricultural) |
4 485 |
4 582 |
4 665 |
4 754 |
4 730 |
4 820 |
4 883 |
Informal sector (Non-agricultural) |
971 |
924 |
1 019 |
977 |
1 084 |
1 113 |
1 064 |
Agriculture |
210 |
228 |
288 |
305 |
267 |
285 |
302 |
Private households |
1 004 |
942 |
1 023 |
995 |
990 |
1 032 |
971 |
Source: Statistics South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey
(e) Which provinces (Table 6):
(i) had the highest rate of unemployed persons: From 2013-2016, it was the Free State province then the Eastern Cape from 2017-2019.
(ii) had a decline in unemployment: and/or : Varies in each quarter
(iii) remained stable for the said period? None. Unemployment rate fluctuated across all provinces in every quarter.
Table 6: Unemployment rate (official definition) by province
Province |
Oct-Dec 2013 |
Oct-Dec 2014 |
Oct-Dec 2015 |
Oct-Dec 2016 |
Oct-Dec 2017 |
Oct-Dec 2018 |
Oct-Dec 2019 |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
|
Western Cape |
21.0 |
22.9 |
19.4 |
20.5 |
19.5 |
19,3 |
20,9 |
Eastern Cape |
27.8 |
29.1 |
27.4 |
28.4 |
35.1 |
36,1 |
39,5 |
Northern Cape |
24.9 |
28.7 |
25.8 |
32.0 |
27.1 |
25,0 |
26,9 |
Free State |
33.0 |
32.2 |
29.8 |
34.7 |
32.6 |
32,9 |
35,0 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
19.9 |
20.8 |
20.5 |
23.9 |
24.1 |
25,6 |
25,.0 |
North West |
27.3 |
25.2 |
23.9 |
26.5 |
23.9 |
26,6 |
28,8 |
Gauteng |
25.2 |
24.6 |
27.6 |
28.6 |
29.1 |
29,0 |
30,8 |
Mpumalanga |
27.2 |
26.6 |
25.7 |
31.0 |
28.9 |
32,0 |
33,6 |
Limpopo |
16.9 |
15.9 |
19.8 |
19.3 |
19.6 |
16,5 |
23,1 |
Source: Statistics South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey
03 March 2020 - NW116
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
In light of the briefing session he held in Pretoria on 23 January 2020 wherein he stated that the National Students Financial Aid Scheme process will remain open for students who have not applied and that those with historic debts will be allowed to register, what (a) are the reasons for the student protests at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and (b) measures are put in place to address the reasons?
Reply:
a) There are multiple reasons for the protests at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The University has reported that it is implementing the Minister’s announcement that the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS) would remain open for first time entry students accepted at the University who had for some reason or other not applied to NSFAS, and for NSFAS qualifying returning students who qualify for debt relief in terms of the 2018 due diligence process. These students can register without payment as long as they sign the Acknowledgement of Debt form.
One of the aspects that underlie the protests relates to students who do not fall into the NSFAS qualifying categories.
b) On 15 January 2020, UKZN communicated the financial clearance concessions for the 2020 academic year to all students. The key student demands following the communique are as follows and summarised in Table 1 below:
- All students whose annual family income is below R350 000 be registered without making payments for registration fees and towards their student debt.
- Significantly reduced payments towards historic debt for students above R350 000 and R600 000.
- The University to provide an additional 2 500 beds by leasing buildings from various property owners in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
- Review cases of academically excluded students.
Table 1
Category of students |
Payments required to obtain financial clearance (UKZN APPROVED CONCESSIONS) |
Payments required to obtain financial clearance (SRC PROPOSED CONCESSIONS) Revised 24 February 2020 |
Below R350 000 |
If self-funded, i.e. do not qualify for NSFAS funding/debt relief, registration fee and 15% of debt capped at R10 000 or R15 000 |
No payment |
Above R350 000 and below R600 000 |
Registration fee (if self-funded) and 30% of debt capped at |
Registration fee (if self-funded) and 15% of debt capped at R5 000 or |
Above R600 000 |
Registration fee (if self-funded) and 50% of debt capped at |
No additional concessions proposed |
The University has reported that the financial clearance concessions for all students already in place has a cash flow implication in excess of R1 billion. The financial clearance concessions demanded by the SRC would have a total cost of R2.26 billion taking into consideration the provisioning of allowances and fees.
The University continues to implement the concessions to ensure that students of the University are not required to pay 100% of their debt before registration. Registration data provided by the University as at 24 February 2020 shows that 95% of undergraduates and 63% of postgraduates are registered as follows:
Registration data as 24 February 2020 Planned Actual %
- Undergraduate – First time entry 10 938 9 911 91%
- Undergraduate – Returning students 23 359 22 588 97%
Undergraduate Total 34 297 32 499 95%
Postgraduate Total 12 741 8 019 63%
All students 47 038 40 518 86%
The University has identified 1 435 unregistered students owing R72 million who are funded by NSFAS in 2020, but owe the University for previous year’s fees that do not qualify for NSFAS debt relief. A further analysis of the debt in this cohort is currently being performed to raise the funds required to immediately assist these students with payments required for registration and also the funds required to settle their historic debt during the course of the academic year.
The University currently provides 23 028 beds (8 135 owned and 14 893 leased), amounting to the provisioning of 49% beds of the planned enrolment. This is in line with the Norms and Standards for Student Housing, which indicates that 50% of the student population in urban-based universities should be in university-managed student housing. The University has indicated that the registration period is open until 6 March 2020, which will determine the extent of additional accommodation required.
The University reported that the academic exclusion processes of the University, which resulted in the exclusion of 31 students, have been adequately followed through the relevant committees of Senate. Notwithstanding the above, it has been resolved that Senate will be requested to consider whether the cases of the 31 excluded students could be re-considered by Senate through the appropriate Senate committee.
03 March 2020 - NW190
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Whether her Office has initiated the drafting of a Bill that seeks to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps does her Office intend taking in this regard; if so, on what date does she envisage that the Bill will be introduced in the National Assembly?
Reply:
Yes
(b) The Department is in the process of preparing the drafting of a Bill which will be submitted to Cabinet for approval before it will be tabled in Parliament during the 2021/2022 financial year.
03 March 2020 - NW109
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)With reference to the two High Court cases (details furnished) which ruled against certain lawbreakers on the Council of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) (details furnished), what steps does he intend taking to activate the law enforcement agencies that arise from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to investigate and hold the specified lawbreakers individually and collectively accountable; (2) Whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the specified lawbreakers personally pay back the money diverted from the UWC to fund unlawful conduct; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. In terms of section 20(4) of the Higher Education Act No.101 of 1997, public universities are established as autonomous institutions governed by a Council appointed in terms of the Act.
1.1 In the case number 24537/2015, the court’s ruling was with regard to the conduct of certain Council members. This is a matter that must be regulated in terms of the Code of Conduct of a Council, which has been adopted by a Council. The Minister is not authorized by the Act to interfere in the matters within the jurisdiction of Council, as this would be ultra vires and invalid. The circumstances under which the Minister may issue a directive to a university Council or intervene in the affairs of a public higher education institution are articulated under section 42 of the Act.
1.2 In the context of case numbers 1153/02/2019 and 23182/17, the matters are currently pending. Council as the employer has the authority to take action upon the finalisation of the matters in court, if any. The South African Constitution contains an important democratic principle of the separation of powers, which means that the power of the state is divided between three different but interdependent components or arms, i.e. the executive, legislature and judiciary. The Minister cannot interfere with the court proceedings.
2. The University, under the authority of its Council, has a duty to ensure that appropriate action is taken where there is a legal transgression.
02 March 2020 - CW29
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) How many working days were lost as a result of strike actions in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17, (v) 2017/18 and (vi) 2018/19 financial years, (b) which sectors experienced the highest rate of strike actions, (c) how much was lost in wages in respect of strike actions for the said period, (d) what was the employment-to-population ratio, (e)(i) how many low-skilled workers were employed for the said period and (ii) which sector was the largest component that employed such workers?
Reply:
The honourable member should be appraised that the Department of Employment and Labour has continually published an annual analysis of the strike incidents (January to December) in the country. This is in line with the national and international requirements. The strikes information is based on the information supplied by the employers in the Labour Relations Act (LRA) Forms 9.2 after the strike incident ended in a particular work place. All industrial action reports are accessible through the DEL website (Noting that the 2019 Industrial Action results are still under development phase).
a) How many working days were lost as a result of strike actions in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17, (v) 2017/18 and (vi) 2018/19 financial years,
Calendar year (January to December)
Year (January to December) |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
No. of Strikes and lockouts |
114 |
88 |
110 |
122 |
132 |
165 |
Working days lost |
1 847 006 |
10 264 775 |
903 921 |
960 489 |
946 323 |
1 158 945 |
b) which sectors experienced the highest rate of strike actions,
In all the years, the Community industry recorded the highest strike actions as per the DEL strike database.
Year (January to December) |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Sector |
Community |
Community |
Community |
Community |
Community |
Community |
Number of strike |
34 |
30 |
34 |
47 |
58 |
77 |
c) how much was lost in wages in respect of strike actions for the said period,
Year (January to December) |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Wages Lost (Rands) |
6 732 108 487 |
6 176 768 282 |
116 546 293 |
161 049 109 |
251 409 542 |
266 898 061 |
(d) what was the employment-to-population ratio,
Year (January to December) |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Employment to population ratio |
43.3 |
43.0 |
44.2 |
43.5 |
43.1 |
43.3 |
(e) (i) how many low-skilled workers were employed for the said period and
According to Statistics SA report (Labour Market Dynamics), proportions of low skilled workers were published. However, the details could not be obtained at the time this reply was concluded.
Year |
Low- skilled occupation |
Semi- Skilled Occupation |
Skilled occupation |
2013 |
42,8 |
45,2 |
12,0 |
2014 |
28,2 |
47.2 |
24.6 |
2015 |
30.2 |
47.6 |
22.3 |
2016 |
29,7 |
46,9 |
23,4 |
2017 |
29,5 |
47,0 |
23,5 |
(ii) Which sector was the largest component that employed such workers?
The largest component of low-skilled workers were employed in the construction industry but the domestic sector is another sector where low-skilled workers are also employed.
02 March 2020 - CW32
Londt, Mr J to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether, with reference to “Economic Transformation, Inclusive Growth and Competitiveness: Towards an Economic Strategy for South Africa”, a paper that was recently released by the Minister of Finance, he will implement the suggestions that the Bargaining Council agreements should not be extended to small businesses (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Honourable Mr JJ Londt will recall that the Minister of Finance developed a policy discussion paper and promised to table it for discussions at NEDLAC. As soon as the Minister of Finance tables the paper at NEDLAC, NEDLAC, social partners, which includes Government, will engage with the issues raised in that paper as it relates to the labour market. The honourable member is also reminded of the fact that the development of labour market policy is predicated on social dialogue engagements amongst the social partners which include organized business and labour as well as Community at NEDLAC. Any amendment to labour law and policy will therefore have to be engaged with at NEDLAC.
02 March 2020 - NW60
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What (a) is the average expenditure per annum within our foreign missions and (b)(i) are the top 10 most expensive foreign missions and (ii) are their annual costs to her department? (2) Since 2013, when last did the Government Technical Advisory Centre of National Treasury do a costing exercise for her department on foreign missions? NW64E
Reply:
1. (a) The average expenditure per annum for South African foreign missions is R28.231 million.
(b) (i) The top 10 most expensive foreign missions and (ii) their annual costs to the department are as follows:
No. |
|
|
|
|
R'000 |
1 |
GENEVA |
102,815 |
2 |
LONDON |
94,601 |
3 |
BRUSSELS |
88,458 |
4 |
NEW YORK(CG) |
79,902 |
5 |
NEW YORK(UN) |
79,009 |
6 |
WASHINGTON DC |
76,078 |
7 |
BEIJING |
73,461 |
8 |
VIENNA |
67,727 |
9 |
PARIS |
66,098 |
10 |
LUANDA |
65,337 |
2. Costing exercise for foreign missions by Government Technical Advisory Centre of National Treasury was last done in 2013.
02 March 2020 - NW61
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What number of ambassadors were appointed in 2019, (b) what are their names and (c) where were they posted to in each case?
Reply:
The question should be directed to the Presidency given the responsibility of that Office.
02 March 2020 - NW65
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) type of performance and/or incentive bonuses exist in the (i) Department of Correctional Services and (ii) Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, excluding 13th cheque and (b) amount was budgeted for these performance and/or incentive bonuses (i) in the (aa) 2017-18 and (bb) 2018-19 financial years and (ii) 2019-20 financial years?
Reply:
a) (i) The Department of Correctional Services applies the following performance incentive measures that are prescribed by the Public Service and Administration`s Incentive Policy Framework for Employees in the Public Service, namely: Pay progression am performance bonuses.
b) (i) Amounts budgeted are outlined in the table below:
Financial year |
Pay progression |
Performance bonus |
|
(aa) |
2017/18 |
R 89 537 849.29 |
R 55 320 043.08 |
(bb) |
2018/19 |
R46 736 992.73 |
R 49 185 555. 88 |
(ii) |
2019/20 |
R 128 943 606. 69 |
R 59 437 035.00 |
02 March 2020 - CW13
Smit, Mr CF to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1) When last did his department use a white hat hacker to identify possible security gaps in their information technology system and cyber security threats; (2) whether he will (a) employ such a hacker or (b) request the relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities to employ it; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The department has never appointed a white hat hacker, instead the department requested State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Information Asset/host Security (ISS) to perform a vulnerability assessment using an automated tools to identify weaknesses which can be exploited by hackers and unauthorised attackers on the network (servers, workstations, printers and switches operating asset/host and packaged applications).
2. The department has embarked on a process of appointing a service provider for Cyber Security Services instead of appointing a white hat hacker. The scope of the appointed service provider will include continuous assessment of the security status of our ICT environment with routine vulnerability scans.
The project is planned to commence from the 1st of April 2020 once the service provider has been appointed, meaning that the appointed service provider will provide the services of the white hat hacker and more.
02 March 2020 - CW31
Aucamp, Mr W to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) What is the current percentage of the unemployed and (b) how many temporary employees were employed in all the sectors in the (i) 2013/14, (ii) 2014/15, (iii) 2015/16, (iv) 2016/17 (v) 2017/18 and (vi) 2018/19 financial years?
Reply:
The honourable member should be appraised that the Department of Employment and Labour uses the official statistics as produced by Statistics South Africa. Thus, the response below is based on StatsSA data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. All reports are accessible through the StatsSA website
(a) What is the current percentage of the unemployed?
According to Statistics SA report (Quarterly Labour Force Survey Results) Quarter 4 of 2019, the current official unemployed rate was 29.1 percent.
(b) How many temporary employees were employed in all the sectors?
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey results show the number of employees who are employed on limited duration. The table below provides details on the number of employees who were employed on limited duration from 2013 to 2019 for all quarters.
Nature of Employment contract |
||||
Number of employees who are employed on limited duration (all sectors) |
||||
|
Jan-Mar |
Apr-Jun |
Jul-Sep |
Oct-Dec |
Year |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
Thousand |
2013 |
1 655 |
1 700 |
1 848 |
1 975 |
2014 |
1944 |
2 001 |
2 019 |
2 010 |
2015 |
2 052 |
1 983 |
1 963 |
1 959 |
2016 |
1 859 |
1 775 |
1 928 |
1 890 |
2017 |
1 857 |
1 786 |
1 856 |
1 898 |
2018 |
1 936 |
1 858 |
1 827 |
1 961 |
2019 |
1 812 |
1 826 |
1 814 |
1 846 |
Source: Statistics South Africa; Quarterly labour Market Bulletin Quarter 4: 2013-19
02 March 2020 - CW18
Bara, Mr M R to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour:
(1) With reference to a reply to Question 289 on 14 December 2017, (a) what are the reasons for the increase in the case backlogs at the labour courts in the (i) Eastern Cape and (ii) North West and (b) what action is his department taking to rectify the situation; (2) whether the backlogs have decreased during the 2018/19 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Employment and Labour is not in a position to respond to the question as it falls under the Department of Justice and Correctional Services. The duty of the Department of Employment and Labour is to refer all non-compliant employers to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after the amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment and to the Labour Courts for all matters that were not yet filed with Labour Court when the amendment took effect.
01 March 2020 - CW66
Labuschagne, Ms C to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) How many disabled jobseekers are currently registered compared to the number of job vacancies and (b) how many such persons were placed in employment in the (i) 2017/18 and (ii) 2018/19 financial years?
Reply:
(a) The total number of work seekers with disabilities registered on the Employment Services System South Africa (ESSA) during 2017/18 was 6 197 and the total opportunities registered were 131 994.
(b) The total number of registered people with disabilities during 2018/19 were 6 307 and the total opportunities registered were 172 814.
(i) The total number of registered people with disabilities placed during 2017/18 were 594 and;
(ii) the total placed during 2018/19 was 604.
28 February 2020 - NW106
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
What (a) are the reasons that the repeat fee claims (details furnished) submitted to the SA Broadcasting Corporation have not been paid on time in compliance with the National Treasury circulars on the timeous payment of invoices and claims and (b) actions have been taken against the relevant accounting officers for the (i) late and/or (ii) no payments?
Reply:
I have been advised by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:
a) The SABC has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place on Royalties which stipulates the processes, timelines and requirements for a claim to be successfully processed and paid. These requirements have been communicated to all claimants. The SABC has paid on time all repeat claims which met the prescribed requirements. The public broadcaster is processing claims that are due for payment at the end of February 2020.
There are several older claims which are in dispute, based on the fact that these do not fully comply with the requirements, i.e. licenses (SABC does not pay repeat fees on Licensed Content), not being lead actors (only lead actors can claim). Some of the older claims are disputed by the SABC due to fact that no contracts have been provided as proof and claimants are not willing to align the rate with the prescribed requirements and processes. However, the SABC is willing to pay these claims if the claimants align with prescribed requirements. The older claims have been raised in various forums and have been dealt with in several continuous communication and forums.
b) No actions have been taken against anyone as there is no dereliction of duty involved.(i) and (ii) as per Annx.A
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER
28 February 2020 - NW28
Sindane, Mr P to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether there are any programmes to support commercial goat farmers in the Vhembe Region; if not, what is the position in this regard; what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Enclosed herein is the reply to question no: 28/NW31E for your approval should you agree with the contents thereof. The information was supplied by the Branch: Food Security and Agrarian Reform as guided by the provincial Department of Agriculture in Limpopo.
QUESTION NO: 28/NW31E
- The Vhembe District’s goat industry has a total of 73 416 goats owned by 9291 farmers. There are 202 commercial farmers owning a total of 9775 herd of goats. The bulk population of 63641 goat herd is owned by 9089 communal farmers.
- The Department provides the following services to the farmers, namely: -
- Technical Advisory Support
- Veterinary Support
- Drought Relief Support and
- Technical and Business Skills Development (Capacity Building).
- There are two gene producers in the Vhembe District, whom from export goats, mainly to Zimbabwe. The department provides Health Certification for Export to the farmers in terms of export protocols.
28 February 2020 - NW46
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)What business has the SA Post Office (SAPO) conducted with a certain company (name furnished) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019; (2) Whether (a) SAPO, (b) her department, (c) the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, (d) the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, (e) the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa and/or (f) the Universal Service and Access Fund have entered into any agreements with the specified company with regard to the manufacture and distribution of set-top boxes; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) scope, (ii) extent and (iii) costs of the agreements of each specified
Reply:
The Department and its entities have advised me as follows:
1. The South African Post Office (SAPO) did not conduct any business with Yekani Manufacturing Company from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.
2. The Departments and the listed entities did not enter into any agreements with Yekani Manufacturing Company to manufacture and distribute set-top boxes.
MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER
27 February 2020 - NW81
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Noting the problems reported at the National Solar Water Heater Programme during the annual report presentation by his department in 2019, (a) what number of solar water heaters (i) have been installed in the current financial year. (ii) are still in storage; (b) what is the monthly cost of storage; (2) what steps has his department taken to rectify the major problem of the shortage of qualified installers?
Reply:
In 2019/20 financial year, the Department has not installed any Solar Water Heaters.
However,it can be reported that the installation companies were appointed in December 2019. The Department is currently finalising the internal audit on the bidding process to enable the finalisation of the contractual arrangements with the appointed Service Providers from which installation will commence; and
(ii) are still in storage;
Reply: The Department procured 87 206 SWH Baseline Systems from Bid Number DOE 008/2015/16 from which 150 systems were installed in Sol Plaatje Municipality on a repair and replace programme in 2018/19 FY whilst 200 systems where installed in 2018/19 FY at a pilot project in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The remaining systems are stored, some at SoEs, municipalities and Suppliers/ Manufacturers storage facilities.
The systems are currently being moved to the identified municipalities' storage facilities. As such, to date delivery of the systems is in progress to various municipalities since February 2020.
(b) what is the monthly cost of storage;
Reply: The monthly storage varies depending on the number days in a month. For a 30 days month, the storage costs amount to R 7, 923, 828.00 whilst in a 31 days month, the storage costs amount to R 8, 187, 956.53. The variance is due to the fact that the additional storage costs charged by each supplier is per unit per day instead of a fixed or standardised rate on a floor area coverage measured in square meters. These amounts reported on are after the Department had removed some systems to the SoEs' storage facilities.
In terms of the Supply Agreement for the Supply of Solar Water Heaters under Bid Number DOE 008/2015/16 entered in to between the Department and Suppliers, the Department had both financial and contractual obligations to settle additional storage costs in line with the extension of time on taking delivery of the manufactured goods. The prolonged period was attributable to the participating municipalities' delay in concluding the Framework Agreements with the Department in accordance with the Intergovernmental Framework Act (IGRA) owing to the project being implemented across the different spheres of government and the need to clearly outline the roles and responsibilities as well as obligations of each sphere during the implementation of the programme. Ensuring that governance structures are in place prior to the commencement of the programme will ultimately enable the level of accountability required from each sphere and or party.
As result, the delay in concluding the institutional arrangements impacted negatively on the planning and implementation of the programme which among others required municipalities to prepare the storage facilities (i.e. Central Storage) to take delivery of the goods and also enable the other critical path activities such Social Facilitation, Technical Feasibility Assessment and installation phase to be fast tracked.
(2) what steps has his department taken to rectify the major problem of the shortage of qualified installers?
Reply: The Department of Minerals Resources and Energy (the then DoE) partnered with the Department of Labour and Employment and the Central Energy Fund to facilitate the training of installer assistants. In all participating municipalities, it is estimated that 2644 installer assistants will be trained. However this number will reduce slightly due to Ndlambe Municipality's council resolution putting the programme on hold due to water challenges. As a result, the programme will not be rolled out in this municipality including training thereof. The Department of Labour and Employment has committed R36 million for this training of installation assistants. Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authorities has been contracted to oversee adherence to all the training requirements in line with its accreditation.
In addition, through the Supply Agreement entered between the Department and the Suppliers/Manufacturers, installers will be provided with product specific training by the manufacturers to make sure that all installations are done in line with their respective installation procedures.
NW86E
27 February 2020 - NW29
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)What (a) is the contribution of goat farming to the Republic’s agricultural export from 2014 to 2019 and (b) are the details of each destination and the form of export of goat as (i) livestock and/or (ii) processed meat exported to each destination?
Reply:
1. (a) Neither the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) nor Statistics South Africa publishes statistics on goat farming.
(b) The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is the legislated entity for statistics on the importation and exportation of goods.
(b) (i) According to SARS data published on the dti’s Trade Statistics portal, downloaded on 13 February 2020, South Africa exported goat livestock to the destinations indicated in Table 1.
Table 1: Goat Livestock Exports by Destination (2014-2019), Rands
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
||||||
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
UAE |
3,652,215 |
UAE |
6,981,829 |
Lesotho |
3,381,028 |
Mauritius |
5,243,500 |
Mauritius |
8,275,592 |
Thailand |
4,039,794 |
Nigeria |
2,162,332 |
Mauritius |
3,045,546 |
Mauritius |
2,741,599 |
Botswana |
4,336,366 |
Singapore |
4,490,277 |
Mauritius |
3,199,713 |
Botswana |
1,377,653 |
Botswana |
1,649,694 |
UAE |
2,140,450 |
UAE |
3,250,979 |
Botswana |
8, 931,000 |
Bangladesh |
1,208,881 |
Mauritius |
1,007,450 |
Lesotho |
1,361,258 |
Botswana |
2,015,479 |
Comoros |
2,520,679 |
Zimbabwe |
2,109,291 |
Zimbabwe |
975,177 |
Kenya |
941,285 |
Namibia |
1,120,173 |
Zambia |
1,638,166 |
Saudi Arabia |
1,596,825 |
Zambia |
1,032,570 |
Lesotho |
360 516 |
Mozambique |
851,617 |
Zambia |
902,312 |
Zimbabwe |
1,463,363 |
Lesotho |
1,239,448 |
Namibia |
1,021,529 |
Eswatini |
322,812 |
Namibia |
765,879 |
Mozambique |
887,540 |
Nepal |
1,351,575 |
Kenya |
1,126,666 |
Thailand |
841,705 |
Tanzania |
284,400 |
Zambia |
445,500 |
Zimbabwe |
542,200 |
Namibia |
1,294,689 |
Bangladesh |
941,556 |
Bangladesh |
833,663 |
Mozambique |
192,000 |
Lesotho |
430,896 |
Angola |
415,,000 |
Kenya |
714,037 |
Zimbabwe |
753,059 |
Sudan |
587,470 |
Zambia |
177,845 |
Angola |
350,221 |
Kenya |
320,112 |
Mozambique |
548.428 |
Namibia |
638,238 |
Saudi Arabia |
578,500 |
Senegal |
161, 712 |
Thailand |
170, 955 |
Cameroon |
157,232 |
Uganda |
458,078 |
Senegal |
594,270 |
Senegal |
512,085 |
Switzerland |
137,485 |
Zimbabwe |
156,915 |
Malawi |
100, 000 |
Eswatini |
332,590 |
Uganda |
523,890 |
Kenya |
438,000 |
Italy |
70,947 |
Malawi |
121,200 |
Eswatini |
94, 178 |
Senegal |
310,525 |
Mozambique |
515,526 |
Uganda |
418,698 |
France |
67,340 |
Eswatini |
115, 727 |
Bangladesh |
84, 096 |
Malawi |
77,193 |
Malawi |
424,150 |
Lesotho |
411,445 |
Kenya |
52,477 |
Dem rep of Congo |
56, 214 |
Tunisia |
60,822 |
unallocated |
50,500 |
unallocated |
423,950 |
Mozambique |
284,534 |
Ghana |
49,000 |
Sri Lanka |
34 ,256 |
unallocated |
21,950 |
Australia |
20,372 |
Nigeria |
400,000 |
Eswatini |
262,479 |
Namibia |
24,296 |
USA |
15, 050 |
UK |
6,534 |
Ghana |
882 |
reunion |
47,782 |
unallocated |
204,700 |
Australia |
18,179 |
India |
13 ,206 |
Netherlands |
3, 004 |
|
|
Australia |
38,315 |
Tanzania |
8,056 |
Botswana |
9.547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Netherlands |
2,660 |
Italy |
233,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eswatini |
2,896 |
Australia |
62,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UK |
150 |
USA |
74,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
china |
40 |
|
|
Total |
12,668,571 |
17,753,480 |
18,538,954 |
24,620,905 |
25,076,293 |
11,352,121 |
(b) (ii) According to SARS data which is published on the dti’s Trade Statistics portal, downloaded on 13 February 2020, South Africa exported goat meat to the destinations indicated in Table 2.
Table 2: Goat Meat Exports by Destination (2014-2019), Rands
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
||||||
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Destination |
Value |
Namibia |
743,764 |
Lesotho |
1,394,909 |
Lesotho |
2,021,099 |
Namibia |
425,875 |
Mozambique |
26,699 |
Hong Kong |
169,827 |
Bahrain |
400,617 |
Mozambique |
47,946 |
Seychelles |
392,160 |
Lesotho |
133,296 |
Lesotho |
230 |
Botswana |
20,092 |
Lesotho |
281,882 |
Maldives |
6,828 |
Zambia |
235,625 |
Hong Kong |
105,147 |
|
|
Lesotho |
9,447 |
Seychelles |
256,402 |
Germany |
2,660 |
Tanzania |
34,216 |
Mozambique |
5,854 |
|
|
Mozambique |
8,978 |
DRC |
153,718 |
DRC |
1,752 |
Hong Kong |
20,014 |
|
|
|
|
Ghana |
3,784 |
UAE |
126,435 |
|
|
Mozambique |
9,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gabon |
101,442 |
|
|
Namibia |
6,713 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nigeria |
95,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oman |
54,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kuwait |
49,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maldives |
49,432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanzania |
26,236 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eswatini |
8,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mozambique |
5,928 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zimbabwe |
4,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ethiopia |
1,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
2,359,123 |
1,454,095 |
2,719,763 |
670,172 |
26,929 |
212,128 |
-END-
27 February 2020 - NW37
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
What was the total number of live (a) black rhino and (b) white rhino in the Republic on (i) 31 December 2015, (ii) 31 December 2016, (iii) 31 December 2017, (iv) 31 December 2018 and (v) 31 December 2019?37. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES REPLIES:Rhino numbers are informed by a variety of sources. Specific complementary reports are the following:• Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland for both white and black rhino;
Reply:
Rhino numbers are informed by a variety of sources. Specific complementary reports are the following:
• Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland for both white and black rhino;
• the Non Detriment findings for both white and black rhino;
• a report from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) African and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups; and
• TRAFFIC to the CITES Secretariat pursuant to Resolution Conf. 9.14 (Rev. CoP17)
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
Date: 27/02/2020
25 February 2020 - NW88
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What are the relevant details of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that her department is currently party to, (b) who are the signatories to the specified MOUs in each case, (c) since what date(s) have each MOU been in place, (d) what are the objectives of each MOU and (e) how is each MOU being monitored to ensure that the objectives are met in each case?
Reply:
(a) What are the relevant details of the Memoranda of Understanding(MOUs) that her department is currently party to
Honorable member is kindly referred to my reply on same question raised in 2019 (Questions 866 of 2019) which was tabled on 24 October 2019. The Question refers to “International MOU’s and agreements”. In terms of International Memoranda of understanding, all MOUs and Agreements signed in the field of tourism are technical and administrative in nature. They fall within Section 231 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. All Agreements outline areas of collaboration and cooperation between signatory organisations. Agreements are accompanied by an implementation plan or project plan against which monitoring and evaluation is measured.
(a) Details of other Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) |
(b) signatories |
(c) Effective Date |
(d) objectives of each MOU |
(e) How is each MOU monitored? |
CATHSSETA Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training authority. |
DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services and CEO: CATHSETA |
April 2019 |
To have mutual commitment and co-operation between the parties in order to work toward realisation of Goal 4.6 of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS II). Under this agreement, CATHSSETA shall create a representative forum to discuss tourism sector skills plan. Advise the department of any initiatives, research and special projects relevant to tourism sector. |
The agreement will be monitored through Progress reports
|
LGSETA Local Government Sector Education and Training |
DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services and CEO: LG SETA |
November 2019 |
The objective is for LGSETA to: oversee the implementation of the prioritized initiatives as agreed upon by the partnership. Ensure that these initiatives are covered in the Sector Skills Plan. Facilitate the development and registration of appropriate qualifications and skills programmes relevant to the identified needs. Participate, advise and share local government skills development information relating to tourism and local economic development within the municipal context. |
The MoU is monitored through: Progress reports Annual reports |
FEDHASA Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa |
DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services and FEDHASA CEO |
Sept 2019 |
FEDHASA manages the project to coordinate and negotiate exposure opportunities for educators with its affiliated/registered members and other industry establishment in collaboration with Department of Basic Education at the provincial level, Provincial Tourism Departments or Authorities and FEDHASA National and Provincial Chapters. |
The MoU is monitored through: Meetings between the parties Quarterly and Annual reports |
(TGCSA) (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa - South African Tourism |
DDG Tourism Sector Support Services and the CEO of SAT |
July 2016 |
To align Tourism Grading Support Programme with Tourism Grading South Africa and increase uptake of the grading service by the industry. |
The MoU is monitored through: Meetings between the parties Quarterly and Annual reports |
SAPS South African Police Services |
DG of Tourism and National Police Commissioner |
Signed on the 04 December 2019 |
Agreed areas of collaboration includes:
|
The MoU has a plan that is being implemented through a task team, which comprises of officials from the two departments and is co-chaired by the Chief Director for Tourism Visitor Services and the Major General in charge of Visible Policing and Partnerships. |
Ezemvelo Wild Life |
DG of the Department of Tourism and CEO of Ezemvelo |
29/03/2017 |
The partnership agreement is premised on providing support on:
|
|
SANParks |
DG of the Department of Tourism and CEO of SANPARKS |
28/03/2017 |
The aim of the partnership agreement includes:
|
|
COEGA |
DG of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of COEGA |
05/03/2018 |
The areas of collaboration include:
|
|
Constitution Hill |
DG of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of Constitutional Hill |
26/02/2018 |
The objective of the agreement is to collaborate and provide support to:
|
|
SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute |
DG of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of SANBI |
26/02/2018 |
The areas of partnership and collaboration include:
|
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Maropeng Africa Leisure (Pty) Ltd |
DDG: Destination Development of the Department of Tourism and the MD of Maropeng |
06/09/2018 |
The areas of collaboration and support include:
|
|
MTPA Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency |
DDG: Destination Development of the Department of Tourism and the CEO of MTPA |
27/02/2018 |
The objective of the agreement is to collaborate and provide support to:
|
|
Five (5) MOUs with institutions of higher learning: - University of Pretoria - University of Johannesburg - University of Venda - Cape Peninsula University of Technology - University of KwaZulu-Natal |
DDG: Tourism Policy Research and International Relations and :
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March 2012 - 31 March 2016 and extended annually until 31 March 2020 |
|
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MoU with Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and South African Tourism |
Director-General Department of Tourism and the Statistician-General and the CEO of South African Tourism |
The MoU has been in place since 19 January 2016 and will remain in force until the parties agree to terminate. |
The objectives of the MoU: 1. Establish a formal basis for institutional cooperation between the parties; 2. for the collection of domestic tourism statistics within the Republic of South Africa. 3. Create a partnership that seeks to improve the quality, consistency, comparability and optimum use of official statistics; and 4. Avoid unnecessary duplication in the collection of domestic tourism statistics within the Republic of South Africa. |
|
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) |
DG for the Department of Tourism and the Statistician-General. Of StatsSA |
27 August 2018 to |
To form a collaboration between Stats SA and the Department of Tourism; to provide technical support and train unemployed youth as Data Collectors for the collection of data required for the development of the National Tourism Information and Monitoring System (NTIMS) |
|
PTAs MOUs with three provincial tourism authorities (PTAs) namely, Free State, Western Cape and Limpopo. |
CEO SAT and CEO of the respective PTA |
1 April 2018 – 31 March 2021 |
The relationship between SA Tourism and provincial tourism authorities is governed through the MOU. The purpose of the MOU is for both parties to collaborate, commit and align their strategic and tactical plans and resources of whatever nature in relation to their tourism mandate and to achieve the 5 in 5 targets. The objective of the MOU is to collaborate in activating the following but not limiting key deliverables to achieve the 5 in 5 targets. The activities, outlined and detailed, will be reviewed annually by both parties:
It should be noted that the MOUs are in the process of review to reflect the new target of 21 million visitors by 2030. SA Tourism and PTAs met on 10 October 2019 to discuss the alignment of business plans in relation to the 5-year strategic plans in line with the 6th parliament and as part of the trajectory for the new target. The finalisation of Annual Plans and the review of the MOU in line with the new 5-year Strategic Plan are underway for implementation in the 2020/21 financial plan |
Performance at a provincial level is monitored on a quarterly-basis and is shared with the provinces through the CEO forum. |
ACSA Airports Company of South Africa |
CEO SAT and CEO of ACSA |
20 March 2019 – 31 March 2022 |
The nature of the MOU is to collaborate and partner on destination marketing initiatives to promote South Africa as a destination of choice for both domestic and international markets. Key areas of collaboration include but not limiting to the following:
Collaborate on identified strategic platforms i.e. Meetings Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba etc. |
Performance based at ACSA and SA Tourism and is monitored through the performance contract and reviews at the Air Services structures i.e. KZN Route Development Committee, Cape Town Air Services Committee and Gauteng Air Services. |
TBCSA Tourism Business Council of South Africa |
CEO SAT and CEO of TBCSA |
1 April 2019 – 31 March 2021 |
The MOU is of collaboration nature whereby: TBCSA will:
SA Tourism will:
|
Performance is monitored on a quarterly basis through submission of performance reports and also being part of the board committee structures of TBCSA. |
SANPARKS South African National Parks |
CEO of SAT and CEO of SANPARKS |
1 April 2019 – 31 March 2022 |
The relationship between SA Tourism and SANPARKS is governed through the MOU. The purpose of the MOU is for both parties to collaborate, commit and align their strategic and tactical plans and resources of whatever nature in relation to their tourism. The activities, outlined and detailed, will be reviewed annually by both parties:
|
Performance is monitored through the implementation of identified collaborations in line with the agreed activity plan. |
25 February 2020 - NW86
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether there are any plans put in place to undertake studies on brand positivity by tourists and/or potential tourists to the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) deadlines, (b) milestones and (c) timelines in this regard?
Reply:
Whether there are any plans put in place to undertake studies on brand positivity by tourist and / or potential tourist to the Republic.
SA Tourism does conduct brand positivity studies through an in-depth assessment of travellers' perceptions of South Africa as a leisure travel destination across key priority markets. The aim of the study is to inform the key marketing and strategic initiatives of SA Tourism; thereby, improving the return on marketing investment in each market.
(a)–(c) The study is currently carried out 3 times a year during the major booking and buying cycle of our target markets. SA Tourism currently runs the study in 17 of the core markets.
25 February 2020 - NW87
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What (i) strategies and (ii) programmes are in place and are being planned to boost tourism by (aa) her department (bb) her department in conjunction with other departments and (cc) state-owned entities, (b) what are the details of the specified departments and state-owned entities and (c) how are they involved in these strategies and programmes?
Reply:
The Department and SA Tourism’s programmes and strategies to boost tourism are contained in the tabled Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plan.
Furthermore, future plans will be tabled in Parliament on 11 March 2020.
24 February 2020 - NW58
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What suggestions were put forward by the Government at the 18th Summit of the Non – Aligned Movement in October to reform the International Criminal Court
Reply:
The 18th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25-26 October 2019 under the theme: “NAM Baku Summit: Upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world.”
The South African Government did not put forward suggestions at the 18th Summit of the NAM on the reform of the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the NAM Heads of State and Government adopted the Baku Final Outcome Document of the 18th Summit of the NAM (NAM 2019/CoB/Doc.1) which included the Movement’s principled positions concerning international law, and in particular the mandate of the ICC as contained in the Rome Statute, as follows:
“28.13. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) shall continue to preserve the integrity of the Statute and ensure that the ICC remains impartial and fully independent of political organs of the UN, which should not instruct nor impede the functions of the ICC, bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute;
28.14. The Heads of State and Government expressed strong concern on the abuse of certain provisions of the Rome Statute by the Security Council, including its practice to purport to selectively limit the jurisdiction of the ICC when referring matters to the ICC and noted that the practice amounts to an abuse of the powers of the Security Council to refer matters to the ICC.
28.15. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC recalled the Review Conference of the Rome Statute, which was held in Kampala, Uganda, from 31 May to 11 June 2010, at which States parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome Statute and adopted amendments to the Statute to define the crime of aggression and to establish conditions under which the Court could exercise jurisdiction with respect to that crime;
28.16. The Non-Aligned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC continued to underscore the necessity of the independence of the ICC, in accordance with its judicial nature. They stated that the Security Council's responsibilities under the Charter of the UN should not limit the role of the Court as a judicial body. The Court should be empowered to pronounce on acts of aggression independently.
28.17. The Non-Aligned State Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC oppose all actions, in particular through the Security Council, aimed at establishing a process to grant immunity to the staff members of UN peacekeeping operations, which violate the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute of the ICC and damage the credibility and independence of the ICC.”
The Baku Final Outcome Document was adopted by all NAM member states including South Africa.
The South African Government’s participation at the 18th Summit of the NAM was guided by the theme, as well as its four strategic foreign policy pillars, namely:
- advancing national interest to attain domestic objectives;
- enhancing the African Agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development;
- influencing a reformed global multilateral architecture; and
- advancing the agenda of the South through strengthening South-South Cooperation and North-South Dialogue.
19 February 2020 - NW83
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Given that the appointment term of office of the Secretary of Defence has ended on 31 December 2019, (a) why was his term of office extended, (b) for how long has the term of office been extended and (c) what will the costs be of the extension; (2) what are the relevant details of the process to recruit and appoint a replacement for the Secretary of Defence; (3) why was a process to recruit and appoint a new Secretary of Defence not done earlier to coincide with the end of his term of office?
Reply:
1.(a) To allow for a process to finalise the appointment of a new Secretary for Defence.
(b) From 15 December 2019 to 31 March 2020.
(c) R 612,925.50.
(2) Section 7 of the Defence Act, 2002, provides that the President must, subject to the laws governing the public service, appoint a person to the post of Secretary for Defence as head of the Defence Secretariat.
(3) A process to finalise this matter is currently underway.
07 January 2020 - NW1707
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether she can provide Ms L L van der Merwe with a detailed list of the locations of the 22 shelters in the North West, which were referred to in her department's presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday, 30 October 2019; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Department of Social Development (DSD) plays a leadership role to facilitate the establishment, coordination, and the implementation of the shelters/safe spaces for all victims of crime and violence.
Furthermore, the Department forms part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster that has been given an important mandate to implement strategies and programmes that contribute towards priority 5 (social cohesion and safe communities) of the sixth government administration.
Is it therefore critical to note that due to the nature and sensitivity of the services rendered to victims of crime and violence, the Department is not in a position to provide the location of the shelters/safe houses/crisis centres since their safety is paramount.
Attached is Annexure A: Database for shelters/safe houses/ crisis centres.
07 January 2020 - NW1294
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) With reference to the Eskom, Kusile and Medupi Power Station contracts with a certain company (name furnished), what are the details of (a) the contract bonds of any sort that were provided by the company to Eskom and (b) all expired contract bonds that were provided by the specified company that were (i) renewed and (ii) not renewed; (2) (a) why were the contract bonds that expired not renewed or called up and (b) what are the details of all contract bonds that (i) remain in place and (ii) will be utilised to complete the contracts that the specified company is unable to complete; (3) whether any Eskom officials were held responsible or accountable for not ensuring that the contract bonds were not renewed in time or, where necessary, called up; if not, why has no one been held responsible; if so, what are the relevant details of the Eskom officials who were held responsible in this regard? NW2505E
Reply:
The parliamentary question has been forwarded to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.
07 January 2020 - NW1668
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What are the details of the contingency measures and/or plans of the SA Airways (SAA) that are in place to assist its passengers when flights are grounded due to strikes?
Reply:
According to the information received from the South African Airways:
- SAA initiated the airlines Re- Accommodation Policy which provide customers with alternatives (Date Changes, Rebooking on other airlines).
- SAA customers are able to book on partner airlines, including SA Express, Mango, SA Airlink and Codeshare Partner Airlines, as well as Star Alliance partner Airlines.
- SAA provides hotel accommodation for those passengers who cannot be booked on a flight.
- SAA book passengers on South African Airways flights for a later date at no extra charge.
- SAA extends the validity of the affected tickets to a date determined by the airline.
- SAA offers refunds to customers who decide to cancel their flights.
- SAA opens multiple channels of communication and extend the Call Centres operating hours.
- SAA deploys additional resources to assist with passenger interaction at all airports, the airline operates from, with the bulk of resources at SAA’s hub at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg.
07 January 2020 - NW1354
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to the reply to question 1269 on 16 July 2018, (a) what is the amount of the proceeds held in declared dividends, (b) in which bank account and account number are the dividends held and (c) who controls each bank account?
Reply:
The parliamentary question has been forward to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.
07 January 2020 - NW1649
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
With reference to his reply to question 1293 on 18 November 2019, wherein he indicated that the second phase of the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme has not been initiated yet, pending funding approval, (a) why was budget for the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme not set aside for the 2019-20 financial year, (b) what further phases and deliverables are planned for the (i) 2019-20 and (ii) 2020-21 financial years for the specified programme and (c) what are the budgetary estimates for expenditure for the specified financial years for the specified programme?
Reply:
I have been advised by officials in the Department as follows:
(a) Funds for the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme projects derives from the Departments’ Critical Infrastructure Programme budget. The Department did not receive additional funding for the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme from the national fiscus, necessitating reallocation within existing budget. The outcome of an application for further expenditure related to the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme will be relayed to relevant stakeholders once the application process has been completed.
(b)&(c) I refer to the response to the question of 18 November 2019. The second phase has been scoped and application for funding submitted. The work for subsequent phases will commence following implementation of each prior phase and subsequent strategic reviews completed. The outcome of the review will determine the extent of further phases and funding.
-END-
07 January 2020 - NW1700
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What is the nature of the agreement between Transnet and Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape pertaining to the borehole that services Wolwefontein in respect of (a) maintenance, (b) fuel supply for the pump, (c) water provision to the community and (d) future transfer of the borehole to the auspices of the specified municipality?
Reply:
This response is according to information received from Transnet:
In response to the above questions, there is no agreement between Transnet and Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality pertaining to the borehole that supplies water to the community of Wolwefontein in the Eastern Cape.
(a)&(b) The borehole is the property of Transnet and is operated and maintained by service providers appointed by Transnet. Part of the maintenance includes the supply of fuel for the pump. The borehole has been out of service from August 2019 and a service provider was appointed to effect repairs, however, the service provider has been experiencing challenges to restore the water supply for the community of Wolwefontein.
(c) Currently, water is being supplied to the community with a tanker service to provide immediate relief.
(d) A new borehole will be drilled, preferably in front of the police station. The exact location will depend on the water table survey. Water can be restored within six (6) weeks after completion of the drilling of the borehole, considering that quality of water needs to be treated, together with other works that may be required. Until such time that the new borehole is functional, the tanker service will continue to supply water to the community of Wolwefontein.
Lastly, Transnet has no objection to the borehole being transferred to the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. It must be noted that high level meetings were held in 2013 and 2014, between Transnet and the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality to transfer the ownership of the borehole to the municipality, but no agreement was reached.
07 January 2020 - NW1719
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)On what date will the building of the Mulilo Power Station at the SA Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Limpopo start; (2) what is the relationship between the SEZ and MC Mining; (3) what is the name of each of the six working groups? NW3119E
Reply:
I have been advised by the Director General, following consultation with the SEZ concerned, of the following:
1. “The SA Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone has no knowledge nor association with building of Mulilo Power Station.
2. There is no standing or direct relationship between the Musina-Makhado SEZ and MC Mining, who is not an investor in the Zone.
(3) The titles of the 6 (six) working groups are:
- Governance
- Infrastructure
- Environmental Management
- Investments
- Town Planning
- Skills & Enterprise Development”
In addition to the above information, the honourable Member may wish to follow up further queries with the Province or SEZ concerned.
-END-
07 January 2020 - NW1371
De Villiers, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether his department did business with certain (a) persons, (b) companies and (c) trusts (names and details furnished in each case) (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2019; if so, (aa) on what date(s) did his department do business with the specified persons, companies and trusts and (bb) what was the (aaa) nature and (bbb) monetary value of each business arrangement?
Reply:
The Department has not used any of the individuals nor the companies as mentioned on the parliamentary question.
07 January 2020 - NW1558
Hinana, Mr N to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) With reference to his reply to question 241 on 19 August 2019, (a) what category of infrastructure are the pylons in (i) Kempton Park and (ii) Edenvale and (b) how often should these be inspected; (2) whether any pylons, during the last inspection in the above areas, were found to be (a) unstable and/or (b) decaying due to rust; if so, what number (i) was identified and (ii) has been repaired to date? NW2883E
Reply:
The parliamentary question has been forwarded to the entities and the Ministry of Public Enterprises awaits their urgent response. Further information will be conveyed to Parliament as soon as the response is received.
07 January 2020 - NW1452
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
What is her department’s plan to address the inconsistencies as well as delays in funding to shelters across provinces?
Reply:
The Department has embarked in process of developing a sector funding policy. The policy will provide guidelines to assist all Provinces to implement in a standardised way and address inconsistencies regarding funding. The draft sector funding policy was presented to MINMEC during the third quarter for consideration and approval. The MECs have not yet approved the policy and indicated the need for sufficient time to give the final inputs.
Furthermore, the Department developed the Victim Support Services (VSS) Policy and Bill which will be tabled to Cabinet during this financial year, 2019/20. The VSS Policy and Bill, amongst other elements, will be addressing the regulation of the provision of sheltering services.
The Department initiated a multi-year contracts approach to address the delays in funding of NGOs including shelters across provinces.
07 January 2020 - NW1669
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with regard to the recent strike action at SA Airways, the striking unions complied with the law in holding a strike ballot among their members; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which organisation and/or persons supervised the ballot and (b) was the ballot conducted by secret vote?
Reply:
According to the information received from SAA:
Yes, the striking unions complied with the law in holding a strike ballot.
(a) Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the South African Cabin, Crew Association (SACCA). SAA also deployed its own observers for the supervision.
(b) Yes.
07 January 2020 - NW1394
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Since her speech during the Debate on Vote No 17 – Social Development on 11 July 2019, that more than 5 000 social workers who have been trained by the State remain unemployed, what progress has been made to secure employment of these social worker graduates?
Reply:
Respective provincial departments are engaging various provincial Treasuries to secure funding for appointment of social work scholarship graduates. In this regard by end September 2019 a total of 239 social work graduates were appointed by provinces as follows: Gauteng appointed 140 permanent, Western Cape appointed 14 on one year contract and 8 on 24 months internship, Northern Cape, North West and Eastern Cape also appointed 23, 21 and 31 graduates respectively on internships.
The Department secured special allocation of R93 million, which will be used by provincial departments of Social Development for employment of 200 social work graduates.
These graduates will be appointed to support the Gender Based Violence Programme.
The 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework baseline for the scholarship programme has been reduced, where funds will be shifted towards employment of scholarship graduates. The implication is that budget has been allocated for the next three years where R112.6 million will be allocated for 2020/21, R139.4 million for 2021/22 and R146.1 million for 2022/23. These funds will be shifted to provincial equitable share to sustain employment of 326 scholarship graduates.
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
07 January 2020 - NW1709
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether the Eskom generation entity will be 100% state-owned; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Accordingly to the information received from Energy Team
The Eskom Generation entity will remain 100% state owned under Eskom Holdings consisting mainly of the current power plant base, which will be separated into a number of feasible smaller generation units.
Consideration for the creation of multiple generation companies (GENCOs) within Eskom Generation is currently under examination with the aim of introducing inter-company competition and drive efficiencies in generation. Each power station will have its own Power Purchase Agreement with predefined, fixed and guaranteed tariffs for energy with the Transmission Entity.
07 January 2020 - NW1686
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to the reply of the Minister of Transport to question 498 on 18 November 2019, (a) What are the details of the flight strategy that is mooted to boost tourism, (b) how was the conclusion regarding the flight strategy reached, (c) on what date was the flight strategy concluded, (d) what is the name of each stakeholder who was involved in drawing up the strategy and (e) what are the (i) mechanisms, (ii) milestones and (iii) timelines linked to the strategy?
Reply:
This question, I presume is referring to the National Airlift Strategy. The question will be better responded to by the Minister of Transport.
The Department of Transport (DoT) is the custodian of the National Airlift Strategy which is supporting the National Tourism Sector Strategy.
07 January 2020 - NW1663
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What amount of funding did his department contribute towards the March to Freedom exhibition in the City of Cape Town on 15 November 2019 and (b) how has he found did this fulfil the mandate of his department?
Reply:
I have been advised by officials that the department did not contribute funding to the event.
-END-
07 January 2020 - NW1494
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) With reference to Ms Busisiwe Mavuso’s alleged statement that government interventions are hampering proper management and turnaround of Eskom, what were the interventions that he made that were against the plans of the Board and management teams at Eskom; (2) what was intended with his warning that Ms Mavuso must be careful?
Reply:
At the outset, it must be noted that it will take a long time for Eskom to recover fully from the damage caused by the State Capture.
The Memorandum of Incorporation of Company (including Eskom) sets out the responsibilities, duties and rights of the shareholder and directors. The shareholder, particularly 100% shareholder as in the case with government and many state owned companies, can have a range of rights in relation to the governance of SOEs. The Shareholder Compact, prescribes the various performance targets expected to be met by an entity.
In the case of Eskom, targets will include plant performance (the level of energy availability factor to be achieved), financial targets (reduction in overall costs including primary energy cost) or implementation of various “turnaround” plans. Within these parameters, the Board must hold management to account on delivery of these targets. Likewise, the shareholder department must hold the Board accountable. Where necessary, usually at critical stages of an entity, the shareholder may initiate processes to assist both the shareholder and Board to both diagnose a problem and suggest solutions: examples being the Presidential Sustainability Task Team (to make recommendations on the future direction of Eskom given the challenges and changes in the electricity market) and the Ministerial Technical Review Team (to make recommendations on improving plant performance).
07 January 2020 - NW1453
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department has considered a more systematic approach to training shelter personnel on issues related to gender-based violence such as the impact it has on, amongst others, women's mental health and substance abuse; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has developed a draft training and development framework that seeks to address capacity building plans across the sector as a systematic approach to training. The framework will be looking into three year period. The framework will be ready following consultations with various stakeholders by 31 March 2020. The framework will cover the various thematic areas such as training within Gender Based Violence, Substance Abuse, Mental health, etc.
07 January 2020 - NW1738
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 567 on 16 September 2019, the Chief Director who had been suspended for 729 days was placed on suspension for dealings in information technology (IT) procurement with a certain company (name furnished); (2) what are the relevant details of the IT contract in terms of (a) costs, (b) procurement processes and (c) date on which the contract was awarded; (3) on what statutory grounds did his department rely when charging the Chief Director with fraud?
Reply:
The Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry has advised that the disciplinary matter is currently due to be heard through arbitration at a sitting scheduled for 16-17 January 2020, and some of the issues raised in the question may be the subject of dispute. Accordingly, to avoid prejudice in the matter, a fuller reply may be provided on conclusion of the current processes. Subject to the above, I am advised as follows:
The suspension relates to matters involving EOH Mthombo.
The original bid of EOH Mthombo amounted to R20 271 065.83 and was increased to R22 081 065.83 during September 2016. the dti only processed and made five (5) payments to the total amount of R11 154 846.47 as per deliverables. The remaining sum was the subject of a dispute and the Department has not paid this to EOH Mthombo.
Disciplinary action against employees are done in accordance with applicable laws and internal Departmental policies.
-END-
07 January 2020 - NW1718
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)Whether, with reference to the SA Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone in Limpopo, he will furnish Ms A M M Weber with a copy of the (a) agreement between the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, and the Chinese government for the investment of R145 billion in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and (b) environmental impact assessment for the SEZ Musina-Makhado in Limpopo; (2) apart from the Chinese government, who are all the investors into the SEZ; (3) whether there will be any hotel development; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who is involved and (b) where will the hotel be built?
Reply:
I have been advised that there is no agreement between the President and the Chinese government for investment in the SEZ Musina-Makhado. The honourable member may be referring to another agreement and is requested to clarify.
In respect of the environmental impact assessment, the Department reports that the assessment for the metallurgical cluster is currently underway and is targeted for completion in 2020.
The initial investor interest was from Chinese enterprises and it is expected that more enterprises, including locally-owned companies, will be encouraged to locate in the zone. I note that subsequent to the approval of this and other SEZs in past years, Cabinet reviewed the policy around SEZs during the latter part of 2019 and adopted a new approach, which formed the basis for the launch of the Tshwane Auto SEZ-hub and will be utilized in future. This includes a stronger role for national government in ensuring effective and higher-impact Special Economic Zones.
The Department notes that SEZs are aimed at attracting industrial investors and hotels would not be covered by the SEZ-designation in the area.
-END-