Questions and Replies
28 November 2019 - NW1388
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) What number of chief executive officers has? (a) Eskom, had since 1 January 2009; (2) (a) what number of the specified chief executive officers were (i) permanent appointments and (ii) temporary appointments in each specified entity and (b) for what period was each specified appointment in each entity; (3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
(1)(a) Eskom had 12 Chief Executives since 2009.
(2)(a)(i)(ii) and (2)(b) Table 1 below provides the nature of appointments of Eskom Chief Executive Officers and the period of each appointment
Table 1: List of Acting Chief Executive and Chief Executives since 2009
Name |
Designation |
Period |
Nature of appointment |
P J Maroga |
Designate CE |
01/02/2007 - 31/04/2007 |
Permanent |
|
Chief Executive |
01/05/2007 - 30/11/2009 |
|
M Makwana |
Acting CE |
01/12/2009 - 30/06/2010 |
Non-executive Director |
|
|
|
Non-Permanent |
B A Dames |
Chief Executive |
01/07/2010 - 31/03/2014 |
Permanent |
M C Matjila |
Board Member |
28/06/2011 - 01/04/2014 |
Non-executive Director |
|
Acting CE |
01/04/2014 - 30/09/2014 |
Non-permanent |
|
Board Member |
01/10/2014 - 31/12/2014 |
|
T J Matona |
Chief Executive |
01/10/2014 - 31/05/2015 |
Permanent |
Name |
Designation |
Period |
Nature of appointment |
Z Khoza |
Interim CE |
13/03/2015 - 19/04/2015 |
Non-executive Director |
|
|
|
Non-permanent |
B Molefe |
Seconded CE |
20/04/2015 - 24/09/2015 |
|
|
Chief Executive |
25/09/2015 - 31/12/2016 |
Appointed on a 5 year contract |
M M Koko |
Interim CE |
01/12/2016 - 21/06/2017 |
Permanent |
J A Dladla |
Acting CE |
22/06/2017 - 04/10/2017 |
Permanent |
S Maritz |
Interim CE |
06/10/2017 - 28/02/2018 |
Permanent |
P S Hadebe |
Interim CE |
22/01/2018 - 31/05/2018 |
Interim |
|
Chief Executive |
01/06/2018 - 31/07/2019 |
Appointed as a contractor |
J A Mabuza |
Acting CE |
01/08/2019 - |
Non-executive Director |
(3) It is clear to the Department that the attrition rate of CEOs at Eskom has been extra-ordinarily high and is a concern. The appointment of a new CEO, is the beginning of stabilizing the leadership at Eskom.
28 November 2019 - NW1122
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to the unserviceability of SA Air Force (SAAF) aircraft, which is a problem made worse by the backlog of maintenance on the specified aircraft coupled with the challenges experienced by Denel, what (a) is her department doing to mitigate the challenges which, if not addressed urgently, might reduce the SAAF's capabilities to that of only a dismal Airwing status and (b) are the relevant details of the point at which certain types of aircraft will have to stop flying?
Reply:
a) Engagements between the Department of Defence and National Treasury are taking place to address the funding challenges of the SANDF in general. Capabilities will gradually come to a grinding stop if both State Owned Entities like Denel and the DOD are not adequately resources to fulfil on their various mandates. The decision to stop flying will be determined by airworthiness and aviation safety considerations. The SAAF has qualified personnel that monitor and certify aircraft airworthiness and safety.
28 November 2019 - NW1411
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Which types of functions or skills have been declared non-core in Eskom, (b) What is the budget attached to the non-core functions and/or skills as declared by Eskom and (c) How does Eskom intend to deal with the functions and/or skills that have been declared non-core?
Reply:
Accordingly to the information received from Eskom
a) Eskom does not have specific functions that have been declared non-core. However, a general view of the business refers to the Generation, Transmission and Distribution businesses as core and critical, while functions such as Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology and similar functions as non-core. However, it has to be noted that even functions referred to as non-core are essential to the functioning of the business and will always be required by Eskom. Therefore the use of core and non-core business in classifying functions will mainly be referring to primary business operations and support functions respectively. The primary business operations mainly refers functions such as the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of plants and supply of electricity to end users.
b) Based on the above definition of Eskom critical workforce segments, it is not possible to provide budget details.
c) As explained above, the non-core functions are required by the business to support the operations.
28 November 2019 - NW1413
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the total number of key vacancies at the National Health Laboratory Service that were not filled, (b) what are the details of the (i) irregular expenditure and (ii) material irregularities incurred by the entity for the previous financial year and (c) how is his department ensuring that the entity’s (i) expenditure and (ii) procurement processes are in line with applicable legislation?
Reply:
a) 297
b) (i) Irregular expenditure
IRREGULAR SPEND |
2018/19 (R’000s) |
Opening balance |
4 445 560 |
This relates to expenditure on valid contracts that expired. This relates mostly to reagents and consumables |
1 690 132 |
In terms of the NHLS Delegations of Authority, the Board needs to approve all contracts with a value of more than R10 million. The previous CEO and CFO was found guilty of entering contracts for more than R10 million which they were not allowed to do in terms of their delegated authority |
104 770 |
In certain instances, goods were procured without any tender procedures being followed. This relates to items that NHLS classify as “catalogue” items. It is a practice that originated many years ago, but that the new management only became aware of in the last year. Processes are underway to correct this |
800 671 |
In certain instances, the contract value that was approved had been exceeded by more than the allowed 15%. This relates mostly to reagents where there was an unanticipated spike in the number of tests that needed to be performed |
361 810 |
Although evidence exist of a valid tender process and award, the actual contract confirming the award could not be found. It relates to one contract only |
19 470 |
Cases were found where expenditure was incurred after the award of a tender but before the actual contract was signed (normally due to the urgency of the situation). Standard contract wording has now been changed to prevent this from recurring |
18 282 |
In one Region, the Manager authorized several separate tenders for the same product on the same day. This was erroneously done in an effort to allocate the expenses easier to various cost centers. Procedures have been put in place to prevent this from happening again |
1 707 |
Less: Amount Condoned |
-2 310 258 |
Total |
5 132 144 |
(ii) None
(c) (i) The Department has put in place the following mechanism to ensure that expenditure is in line with applicable legislation:
- The Minister has approved the NHLS Materiality and Significance Framework in terms of Sections 50 and 55 of the PFMA and Treasury Regulation 28.3, which define significant, material and parameters of transaction that the institution is authorised to approve. The purpose of the Framework is to regulate the disclosure of material facts by public entities to the Executive Authority. This includes information to be provided in terms of the Annual Report and financial statements, as well as requests for approval from the Minister to participate in certain significant transactions, and
- The Department monitors NHLS’s budget on a quarterly basis to ensure that the actual expenditure is aligned to the budget.
(ii) The Department has put in place a mechanism to ensure that the NHLS report on quarterly basis on the level of compliance to the PFMA which includes the following:
- Ensuring that NHLS has a delegation of authority that define powers entrusted or delegated to officials within the organisation,
- Ensuring that NHLS takes appropriate disciplinary steps against employees who have made or permitted irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure,
- Ensuring that NHLS has an appropriate procurement and provisioning administration system, which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective, and
Ensuring that NHLS has mechanisms in place to prevent irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1214
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
What (a) legislative prescripts did she rely on when she appointed the Transitional Board of the Estate Agency Board on 5 July 2019 and (b) is the duration of service of the transitional board?
Reply:
(a) The term of office of the Board of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) expired on the 5th of July 2019. The date of expiry coincided with the final stages of Parliamentary approval of the Property Practitioners Bill (2018). In order to avoid the existence of a possible governance vacuum at the Estate Agency Affairs Board during the approval process of the Bill, the term of office of the current Board was extended.
(b) The transitional board was appointed with effect from 6 July 2019 until the Property Practitioners Act, Act No. 22 of 2019, comes into effect. The said Act will be operational once the regulations have been finalised early next year.
28 November 2019 - NW1412
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the total number of key vacancies at the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority that were not filled, (b) what are the details of the (i) irregular expenditure and (ii) material irregularities incurred by the entity for the previous financial year and (c) how is his department ensuring that the entity’s (i) expenditure and (ii) procurement processes are in line with applicable legislation?
Reply:
a) 92
b) (i) Irregular expenditure
- Three (3) written quotations were not approved by the delegated official R63235
- Payment made to supplier is in excess of the quoted amount (difference R12, 750) R97750
- Supplier unqualified based on the awarding of the quotation was not fair, transparent, competitive and cost effective which is in contravention of Section 16A3 of the Treasury Regulation and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act of 2000 which therefore results in irregular expenditure R1045800;
(ii) None
(c) (i) The Department has put in place the following mechanism to ensure that expenditure is in line with applicable legislation:
- The Minister has approved the SAHPRA Materiality and Significance Framework in terms of Sections 50 and 55 of the PFMA and Treasury Regulation 28.3, which define significant, material and parameters of transaction that the institution is authorised to approve. The purpose of the Framework is to regulate the disclosure of material facts by public entities to the Executive Authority. This includes information to be provided in terms of the Annual Report and financial statements, as well as requests for approval from the Minister to participate in certain significant transactions, and
- The Department monitors SAHPRA’s budget on a quarterly basis to ensure that the actual expenditure is aligned to the budget
(ii) The Department has put in place a mechanism to ensure that the SAHPRA report on quarterly basis on the level of compliance to the PFMA which includes the following:
- Ensuring that SAHPRA has a delegation of authority that define powers entrusted or delegated to officials within the organisation,
- Ensuring that SAHPRA takes appropriate disciplinary steps against employees of who have made or permitted irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure,
- Ensuring that SAHPRA has an appropriate procurement and provisioning administration system, which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective, and
- Ensuring that SAHPRA has mechanisms in place to prevent irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1425
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the total number of (i) nurses who are employed at the Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital in Rustenburg, North West and (ii) vacant positions and (b) by what date will the vacancies be filled?
Reply:
(a) (i) Nurses employed at Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital in Rustenburg, North West is 578.
(ii) Vacant positions is 106 (vacancy rate of 15%).
(b) The vacancies will be advertised before the end of this financial year (2019/2020), and filled during the 2020/2021 financial year.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1275
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether Eskom has any relationship with a certain news site (Daily Maverick); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the nature of the relationship and (b) which staff of the specified news site is advising Eskom and/or the Chairperson of the Eskom Board of Directors?
Reply:
Accordingly to the information received from Eskom
(a)
Eskom would like to confirm that its relationship with the Daily Maverick is no different from its relationship with any other publication or media house. We categorically place on record that we do not have any special arrangements with any media house, including the Daily Maverick.
(b)
There is no media house or publication that consults or provides any communication services to Eskom, with the exception of reporting on our business operations.
28 November 2019 - NW1429
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he has found that there are enough beds at Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital in Rustenburg; if not, (a) on what date will the hospital receive extra beds and (b) what number of beds will be delivered?
Reply:
We are aware that there not enough beds at Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital.
a) The Hospital is expecting additional beds by the end of this financial year;
b) The number of beds to be delivered is 20.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW670
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
On what date will his department publish the promised policy position paper on the future of the energy sector in the Republic, with particular reference to the future structure of Eskom?
Reply:
The Special Paper on the Roadmap for Eskom in a Reformed Electricity Supply Industry was published on 29 October 2019.
27 November 2019 - NW1517
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) What is the status of implementation of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act, Act 54 of 2003, (b) what budget has been allocated for the implementation of the specified Act in the 2019-20 financial year and (c) what amount in savings has been realised by monitoring spatial data contracts across the different departments and spheres of government as at the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has undertaken the following with regard to the implementation of the Spatial Data Infrastructure Act (Act 54 of 2003):
(i) The Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Act was assented on 28 January 2004 as Act 54 of 2003 (Gazette No. 25973 published 4 April 2004).
(ii) The operationalization of the SDI Act was done in phases. This was to ensure that systems and processes are in place to avoid legal liabilities.
(iii) SDI Act sections 1-11, 13, 19-22 commenced 28 April 2006 (Gazette No. 28788 published 28 April 2006). Remainder of sections 12, 14 to 18 of the SDI Act came into operation on the 23rd of April 2015 (Gazette No. 38822 published 29 May 2015).
(iv) Regulations for section 5 were published to allow the Minister to call for nomination of the Committee for Spatial Information (CSI) (Gazette No. 29134 published 25 August 2006). The first CSI was appointed in June 2010.
(v) The second CSI was appointed in May 2016. Its term was extended until end of May 2020. The Department will soon release a call for nomination for the third CSI.
(vi) The Department published the Base Data Set Custodianship Policy and the Policy on the pricing of spatial information products and services as national policies for SASDI in 2015 (Gazette No. 38474 published 16 February 2015).
(vii) The SDI Regulations and the National Land Cover Standard documents were published in 2017 (Gazette No. 41203 published 27 October 2017 and Gazette No. 40919 published 15 June 2017 respectively).
(viii) With the assistance of the CSI, the Department has rolled out the implementation of the prioritized ten base data set themes. The themes include inter alia; the Administrative boundaries, Imagery, Geodesy, Land Cover, Land Use, Hydrology, Transport, Conservation, Social statistics and Cadastre, (please refer to Annexure A for more details). To date, the CSI has appointed 10 base data set coordinators who continuously contribute to the delivery of base data sets for the themes allocated for.
(ix) The CSI is currently reviewing the list of the themes to align with the fourteen Global Fundamental Geospatial Data Theme of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) as adopted in 2018.
b) The Directorate: National Spatial Information Framework (NSIF) which is responsible for providing administrative support has a budget allocation of R5, 023, 000 for compensation of employees and other related support for the implementation of the Act.
c) Currently the Department has not quantified the savings with regard to the monitoring of spatial information contracts across the different departments and spheres of government. The compliance with Regulation 5 of the Act is still very minimal. Organs of state still continue to embark on exercises to capture spatial data and/or information without receiving the necessary permission from the CSI as required in terms of Regulation 5. As a result, the Department together with the CSI is engaging National Treasury to develop a cost-saving model that will be achieved by implementation of Regulation 5.
27 November 2019 - NW1225
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)In view of the absence of funding to provide for replacement, maintenance and upgrading of strategic defence assets and the soon-to-be-depleted Special Defence Account, (a) what does the (i) SA Army, (ii) SA Air Force and (iii) SA National Defence Force plan to do to stay relevant and be able to protect the integrity of the Republic and the safety of our citizens and (b) what are the contingency plans of the department in respect of deploying the army during disasters; (2) whether she has found that the (a) SA Army, (b) SA Air Force and (c) SA National Defence Force are able to (i) execute their operational mandates and (ii) sustain the Republic’s defence capabilities under the current funding levels?
Reply:
The question requires a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence as it relates to the ability of the Defence Force to execute its Constitutional mandate.
27 November 2019 - NW949
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to her answer to oral question 44 on 4 September 2019 in the National Assembly, what serious challenges does the SA Air Force have with (a) airlift capabilities and (b) the serviceability of our aged aircraft fleet, which is threatening the sovereignty of South Africa, in view of the fact that the essential aircraft maintenance was previously provided by Denel?
Reply:
a) The information requested in part (a) of this question refers to SANDF capabilities and can only be disclosed in a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.
(b) Underfunding has a direct effect on:
- Denel Aeronautics losing key personnel
- The continual degradation of maintenance and repair capability and capacity has a pronounced effect on the Air Transport Fleet of the SAAF.
- Inability to fully fund all maintenance contracts has direct effect on survival of local industry like Denel ito the Maintenance and Repair Organisation (MRO) of the C130
- SAAF not fully funded to operate aged and new fleet
27 November 2019 - NW1525
Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)(a) Why has the content in textbooks and the course structures for both the National Accredited Technical Diploma and the National Vocational Certificate (NCV) not been reviewed and revised for more than 20 years to address the needs of the current economy and its impact on the Fourth Industrial Revolution of the syllabus and (b) what are the plans going forward to remedy the situation; (2) whether there are there any plans in place to review the Life Skills component in the Life Orientation course for NCV and make it focus on computer skills and readiness for the world of work?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Department has constantly upon request by industry partners’ revised curricula over the years in the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)] and lately in the National Accredited Technical Diploma/Report 191 programmes. In the NC (V) programmes, e.g. Electrical Infrastructure and Construction (EIC) and Information Technology and Computer Science (IT&CS), revisions have been conducted and implemented on a phase-in by phase-out process. Other reviewed programmes and subjects include Safety in Society, Mathematics and Office Data Processing (ODP), which were revised on request from the security cluster, especially the South African Police Service with which the Department has a Memorandum of Understanding.
Through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation, six subjects in finance and accounting, public administration, municipal administration, labour relations, travel office procedure and mercantile law where revised in the Report 191/NATED programmes. This was followed in 2018 by a review of Management Communication and Communication N4 curriculum. The review of a curriculum will naturally prompt the review of student textbooks, which results in the screening of textbooks and annual updating of the Department’s national textbook catalogue.
(b) In 2018, the Department identified and prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college programmes that required immediate curriculum review and update, in line with the current needs of industry and the changing digital skills needs of the economy. Curriculum Support Teams, which comprise of lecturers who are subject experts and industry stakeholders, were established to undertake reviews of specific programmes in the following fields, i.e. Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science (National Certificate (Vocational)), Business Studies (NATED), Mechanical Engineering (NATED), Mechano-Technics (NATED) and Hospitality and Tourism (NATED). In some instances, partnerships were established with industry role players such as the Cisco Networking Academy to enhance the quality of the new curricula.
The Department has also worked with the IT Faculty at the Tshwane University of Technology to develop a Robotics specialisation in the IT and Computer Science National Certificate (Vocational) programme. The reviews and updates are complete and the textbooks on the revised curricula have been commissioned and evaluated. The revised curricula will be implemented in 2021.
Of the 38 subjects that were prioritised in the NATED curricula, 22 have been reviewed and updated, and are currently undergoing a quality assurance process. The remaining 16 are in the final stages of curriculum review with Curriculum Support Teams. The revised curricula of the 38 NATED subjects are envisaged to be phased in during 2021 and 2022.
The opening of 26 Centres of Specialisation at 19 TVET colleges have ensured that TVET colleges are starting to address the demand for priority trades required by the economy and needed for implementation of government’s National Development Plan in general and national infrastructure plan more in particular. There are 797 apprentices currently being trained as artisans in 13 selected priority trades.
The Department has also commissioned research in the areas of curriculum relevance and responsiveness, as well as partnerships between TVET colleges and the world of work. These studies will provide data that will assist in enhancing the responsiveness of TVET programmes to the needs of industry and the South African economy.
(2) The Department and Cisco have a partnership to collaborate in reviewing and updating the ICT related TVET curricula through the Cisco Networking Academy. Life Orientation in the NC (V) programme has two components, i.e. Life Skills and ICT (Computer) Skills. In partnership with Cisco, the Department has mapped and matched the ICT Skills curriculum with the Cisco Network Academy curriculum. From 2020, the mapped curriculum, which has been aligned with latest ICT developments required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, will be offered at TVET colleges as part of Life Orientation with lecturer training starting in January/February 2020. Students completing an NC (V) Level 2 certificate with Life Orientation will also receive a Cisco Networking Academy accredited certificate on the latest ICT developments in areas such as Get Connected, Introduction to Internet of Things, and Introduction to Cybersecurity. Furthermore, TVET colleges are currently registering as Cisco Network Academy Centres for the purpose of lecturer training and the implementation of the programme.
27 November 2019 - NW1204
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of hectares of unsurveyed and unregistered land in the Republic and (b)(i) annual target to survey and register land, (ii) number of hectares that have been surveyed and registered in each year since 1 April 2014 and (iii ) total cost in each year?
Reply:
a) The result of the 2017 Land Audit indicates a figure of 7 701 605 hectares of land that is unregistered trust state land. This figure consists of both un-surveyed and unregistered land in the Republic.
b) (i) None. The role of the Department through the Office of the Surveyor-General is to regulate surveying in the Republic by ensuring the correct implementation of the Land Survey Act, Act 8 of 1997 not the actual surveying. From time to time, the Department would perform state land surveys and not privately owned land.
(ii) None.
(iii) No costs were incurred since there were no land surveys done.
27 November 2019 - NW1560
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
What number of research projects related to HIV/Aids vaccines are currently being funded by his department in the Republic?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
The Department is currently not funding any research projects related to HIV/Aids vaccines. However, the Department through Higher Health (previously known as HEAIDS) is implementing HIV mitigation programmes at public Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges and universities.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION:
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has a flagship programme that coordinates and manages innovation projects focused on the development of prevention, treatment and diagnostics tools for HIV/AIDS. There are currently five projects within the HIV prevention portfolio that deal with different aspects of HIV vaccine research and development.
27 November 2019 - NW81
Gardee, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with reference to the reply of the former Minister of Finance to question 1086 on 19 May 2016, he has since learnt of any senior officials in the National Treasury and Finance Ministry that had met with any members of the Gupta family from 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, in each specified case, (a) what are the names of the persons who were present at each meeting, (b)(i) on what date and (ii) where did each such meeting take place and (c) what was the purpose of each meeting?
Reply:
As replied by the former Minister of Finance to question 1086 on 19 May 2016, the Minister of Finance is not aware of any senior officials in the National Treasury and Finance Ministry having had a meeting with any members of the Gupta family from 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available.
The Minister of Finance is aware, as replied to question 3498 on 16 November 2018, that the current Director-General of National Treasury in his then position as the Chief of Staff: Ministry of Finance provided support capacity to the then Minister of Finance in a meeting requested and attended by Mr. Anil Ambani. At that meeting, was accompanied by one of the Gupta brothers who was then present during the meeting. The meeting details are as follows:
a) Anil Ambani, Pravin Gordhan, Dondo Mogajane and one of the Gupta brothers
b) (i) One Sunday morning around June 2010
(ii) Villa Sterne Tshwane
c) The purpose of the meeting was for Mr. Ambani from the Reliance group of companies in India to meet with the Minister of Finance as he was an international investor and was considering a possible MTN transaction.
26 November 2019 - NW1482
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
Why does the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) apply clause 7.2.2. of the SABC Freelance Contract, which offers the principal performers 2% of the profit to be shared amongst them, and ignore clause 7.2.1 which requires the SABC and the principal performers to first endeavour to agree on a lump sum amount before applying clause 7.2.2?
Reply:
I have been advised by the department as follows:
There are two reasons why the SABC applies clause 7.2.2
a) The SABC is not forced to (or must) negotiate a lump sum in terms of clause 7.2.1. It is merely an option available to the SABC. The SABC therefore prefers to opt for clause 7.2.2 which refers to the 2% profit share.
b) It also becomes practically impossible and a protracted process to negotiate individually with the performers once the SABC has commercialized a production. Therefore, the implementation of clause 7.2.2 is applicable, see below.
MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER
26 November 2019 - NW1093
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to the approximately R364-million framework agreement contract between the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Micro Focus, (a) why did the Micro Focus terminate the two-year contract with Afrocentric Projects and Services after just eight months, (b) what was the reason for appointing a X-Telecoms in place of Afrocentric Projects and Services for the remainder of the contract and (c) what role did her Department’s Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana, play in the decision to change small, medium and micro-sized enterprises contractors and appoint X-Telecoms instead?
Reply:
I was informed by SITA as follows:
a) According to the letter from Microfocus, Afrocentric fulfilment agreement was terminated for convenience in accordance with the agreement between the parties. After insisting on reasons, SITA was informed that there were some irregularities that led to the on-boarding of Afrocentric, which SITA is currently investigating. No further information was given to SITA which tend to prove or disprove this allegation.
SITA embarked on a preliminary investigation following the reports in the media. Subsequent the allegations purported in the media, the Agency received formal correspondence from Microfocus dated 01 October 2019. SITAs Internal Audit Unit initiated a forensic investigation on 03 October 2019, which is underway.
b) SITA has ensured that the onboarding of SMMEs is addressed by clause 12.2; 12.3 and 12.4 of the SITA Framework Agreement. In addition, there’s Annexure J of the agreement that governs the relationship between SITA and Microfocus states that Microfocus agrees to make use of the selection criteria for the purposes of selecting a black owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) to develop and empower. It is with this provision that InnovD (Afrocentric) was onboarded as a fulfilment agent to Microfocus. To date SITA has not onboarded any additional fulfilment agent. SITA received an email correspondence dated 21 August 2019 from Microfocus communicating they have identified a fulfilment partner. This was followed with official correspondence from Microfocus dated 02 September 2019, communicating details of the identified fulfilment partner. SITA has not implemented the recommendation. As an interim arrangement SITA is engaging directly with Microfocus and not utilising any of the fulfilment partners.
SITA through the office of the Acting Executive SCM raised an objection to this appointment as per the clauses that govern this agreement on the 3rd September 2019. A meeting was convened on 25th September 2019 and a follow up was held on the 11th October 2019. SITA and Microfocus agreed that a process which is compliant with PFMA will be used for the appointment of Fulfilment Agents going forward.
It is envisaged this process should be finalised at the end of November 2019.
(c) SITA has never received any instruction from Deputy Minister to on board SMMEs to the Framework Agreement.
MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER
26 November 2019 - NW1466
Shelembe, Mr ML to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether she has been informed of the complaint against the members of the SA National Defence Force by members of the community at Phongolo in KwaZulu-Natal (details furnished); if so, what action does she intend to take; if not, (2) whether she intends to institute an internal investigation; if not, why not; if so, (a) how and (b) on what date will the investigation take place? NW2732E
Reply:
(1) The SANDF received a report of complaints from some community members of Phongolo in KZN with allegations of illegal house raids and searches that were conducted by members of the SANDF. The allegations central issue was the fact that the SANDF conducted the house raids illegally without the SAPS and or search warrants and are also alleged to have ill-treated some community members during the raids. The affected community members opened criminal cases at the local Police Station and laid charges of illegal conduct, theft and assault by these SANDF members.
(a) The SANDF duly responded by conducting an internal investigation and verifying these allegations and community complaints. The internal investigation found the allegations to be true and the complaints of the community members to be genuine.
(b) The SANDF will allow the legal process to take its course as per the criminal cases currently in the hands of the SAPS. The SANDF has already commenced with the internal Military Disciplinary processes on those involved and those found responsible will be dealt with accordingly and to ensure that such unbecoming conduct does not happen again.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, and the SANDF, unreservedly condemns this unbecoming conduct by these members and condemns it in the strongest terms. This is not how we conduct our business and, we as the organisation charged with the responsibility to protect and defend the people of South Africa, tender our sincere apologies to the affected community members as well as to the entire community of the area of Phongola.
We can assure the citizens of this country that the SANDF members deployed to conduct operations are given the necessary training on all aspects relevant to their tasks during the conduct of operations. Furthermore, continuous training is conducted on the conduct and discipline expected of all members of the SANDF. We will not allow a few members to tarnish the good work done by the bulk of our dedicated and disciplined members.
As a consequence of this incident, the Minister of Defence has directed the CSANDF to ensure that effective disciplinary actions are undertaken against those found to have been responsible. Furthermore, the CSANDF is to ensure that effective measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in future.
26 November 2019 - NW1521
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether her department has organised a mid – term conference in Dubai; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of mission’s will be attending and (b) is the total projected cost of the conference; (2) How have mid – term reviews in the Dubai region been handled historically?
Reply:
1. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation organised a mid – term review in Dubai, (a) thirty(30) missions attended the mid – term review in Dubai and (b) total projected cost for the review meeting is R 1, 566, 367.00
2. Mid – term reviews are conducted annually and are held in countries that are central and easily accessible for the region.
25 November 2019 - NW1090
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) number of investigations have been launched into matters at the SA Social Security Agency (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2019, (b) number of the specified investigations have been concluded, (c) costs have been incurred in conducting each specified investigation, (d) number of persons have been implicated in wrongdoing in finalised investigations and (e) disciplinary action has been taken against the specified persons?
Reply:
(a)(i)
Financial misconduct cases(i.e irregular expenditure, fruitles and wasteful expenditure as well as damages and loses)
Financial year |
Number of investigation launched |
2014-2015 |
929 |
2015-2016 |
723 |
2016-2017 |
823 |
2017-2018 |
908 |
2018-2019 |
348 |
Total |
3731 |
Labour Relations
Financial year |
Number of Investigations launched |
2014-2015 |
11 |
2015-2016 |
70 |
2016-2017 |
131 |
2017-2018 |
364 |
2018-2019 |
357 |
Total |
933 |
Fraud Investigations
Financial year |
Number of investigation launched |
2014-2015 |
1328 |
2015-2016 |
1122 |
2016-2017 |
511 |
2017-2018 |
446 |
2018-2019 |
565 |
Total |
3972 |
(a)(ii)
Financial misconduct cases(i.e irregular expenditure, fruitles and wasteful expenditure as well as damages and loses)
Financial year |
Number of investigation launched |
1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
99 |
Labour Relations
Financial year |
Number of investigation launched |
1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
157 |
Fraud Investigations
Financial year |
Number of investigation launched |
1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
223 |
(b)
Financial misconduct cases (i.e. Irregular expenditure, fruitless and wasteful expenditure as well as damages and loses)
Financial year |
Number of specific investigation concluded |
2014-2015 |
182 |
2015-2016 |
317 |
2016-2017 |
216 |
2017-2018 |
231 |
2018-2019 |
47 |
1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
18 |
Total |
1 011 |
Labour Relations
Financial year |
Number of specific investigation concluded |
2014-2015 |
11 |
2015-2016 |
70 |
2016-2017 |
126 |
2017-2018 |
295 |
2018-2019 |
311 |
1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
152 |
Total |
965 |
Fraud Investigations
Financial year |
Number of specific investigation concluded |
2014-2015 |
1328 |
2015-2016 |
1122 |
2016-2017 |
510 |
2017-2018 |
442 |
2018-2019 |
556 |
1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019 |
200 |
Total |
4158 |
(C)
Financial Misconduct and Labour Relations Cases
- SASSA mainly utilises internal investigating officers for financial misconduct and labour relations cases and they are compensated through subsistence and travel allowance where necessary.
- In the main desktop investigations where the affected officials submit written representation to conclude on the cases, cost are only limited to travel and subsistience.
Fraud Investigations
- SASSA does not track expenditure per case/investigation, however the Total expenditure on Fraud investigations excluding COE over the above period of years up to 30 September 2019 is R 77 885 201.00
(d)
Financial misconduct cases(i.eirregular expenditure, fruitles and wasteful expenditure as well as damages and loses)
- For the above financial years up to 30 September 2019, 411 officials were found negligent and liable for commiting financial misconduct
Labour Relations
- 943 officials have been implicated in wrongdoing in finalised investigations
Fraud Investigations
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
9 beneficiaries, 337 officials, 5 Doctors, 5 private persons and 3 former SASSA officials |
1 beneficiary, 22 officials and 3 private persons |
38 beneficiaries, 195 officials, 53 money lenders, 7 private persons and 1 CPS official |
73 beneficiaries, 52 SASSA officials, 5 former SASSA officials, 5 private persons. 1 CPS official and 6 public works officials |
(e)
Financial Misconduct
- With regards to financial misconduct cases, the officials found negligent were only held liable for the losses and not necessarily taken through disciplinary process. It is now recently that National Treasury issued the Irregular Expenditure Framework in May 2019 and Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure framework effective 01 November 2019 requiring that the disciplinary process be taken against officials who committed financial misconduct. The Agency is in the process of implementing the said frameworks.
Labour Relations
- Disciplinary action has been taken against 813 officials for different acts of misconduct.
25 November 2019 - NW1194
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What (a) projects have been contracted to the SA National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) by each province since 1 April 2014 and (b)(i) are the details of each contract, (ii) is the location of each contract, (iii) is the monetary value and (iv) are the (aa) planned and (bb) actual completion dates of each project; (2) what are the details of contracts awarded by Sanral for temporary operators of weighbridges in each province?
Reply:
1. (a) There are 2 projects that have been contracted to SANRAL by provinces since 1st April 2014.
(b) (i) DNND2 Moloto Rand/Gauteng Province and DNNS2 provicial rural roads please refer to the table 1.
(b) (ii) Gauteng and Eastern Cape please refer to table 1.
(b) (iiI) R1908 492 7891, R15672 222.46,R403 800 470.91 please refer to table 1.
(b) (iv) Please see table 1 for planned (aa) 31 December 2024 and 31 Dec 2024.(bb)30 July 2017- 30 July 2017.
2. SANRAL only appoints operators on a contract basis for the limited Weighbridge facilities that are owned by SANRAL (most weighbridges along national routes are owned by provincial/local authorities). These SANRAL owned weighbridges are mostly located on the toll concession routes due to the specific requirements in these toll concession agreements with regard to overload enforcement by the Implementing Agency (SANRAL) that is representing Government of South Africa. The Province covered by SANRAL are the following; Northen Province, Gauteng, and Kwa-zulu Natal Please see Table 2 for the relevant project details.
Table 1: Provincial Projects Contracted to SANRAL since 2014 with relevant details
Project Number |
Project Name |
High Level Project Scope |
Province |
Municipality |
Budget |
Actual to Date |
% Complete |
Planned Completion |
Actual Completion Date |
Comments |
P.002-023-2017/1 |
DNND2: Moloto Road Gauteng Province |
New dual carriageway freeway |
Gauteng |
City Of Tshwane |
R1 908 492 781.91 |
R15 672 222.46 |
1% |
31 December 2024 |
31 December 2024 |
Engagements between SANRAL and Gauteng Province underway for a possible transfer of the Gauteng section of Moloto Road to SANRAL. |
P.003-016-2016/1 |
DNNS2: Provincial Rural Roads Project |
New single carriageway road |
Eastern Cape |
Elundini Local Municipality |
R403 800 470.91 |
R403 800 470.91 |
100% |
30 July 2017 |
30 July 2017 |
|
Table 2: SANRAL Projects for Weighbridge Operations
Number |
Award Date |
Service Provider |
Project Number |
Project Name |
High Level Project Scope |
Province |
Municipality |
Budget |
Actual to Date |
% Complete |
Planned Completion |
Actual Completion Date |
1 |
01-Oct-16 |
Bakwena Pty Ltd |
N.001-230-2006/1 |
MOTOC: Montsole TCC Operations |
Toll overload control |
Northern Province |
Bela Bela Local Municipality |
R231 458 387.06 |
R157 782 034.31 |
68% |
30 September 2021 |
30 September 2021 |
2 |
01-Oct-16 |
Bakwena Pty Ltd |
N.004-130-2008/9 |
MOTOC: Bapong TCC |
Toll overload control |
Gauteng |
City Of Johannesburg |
R246 867 986.01 |
R153 935 003.88 |
62% |
30 September 2021 |
30 September 2021 |
3 |
01-Oct-17 |
Zimele Pty Ltd |
N.003-110-2018/1 |
MOTOC: Heidelberg TCC Operations |
Toll overload control |
Gauteng |
Lesedi Local Municipality |
R135 013 341.63 |
R26 191 007.15 |
19% |
01 April 2024 |
01 April 2024 |
4 |
11-Apr-16 |
Telegenix Trading 799 (Pty) Ltd |
N.003-040-2015/1 |
MOTOC: Mooi River TCC Operations |
Toll overload control |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
Mooi Mpofana Local Municipalit |
R31 453 726.14 |
R27 915 526.25 |
89% |
30 April 2020 |
30 April 2020 |
5 |
06-Sep-16 |
Mpofana Municipality |
N.003-040-2016/1 |
MOTOC: Mooi River TCC Mpofana Contributi |
Toll overload control |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
Mooi Mpofana Local Municipalit |
R8 814 787.94 |
R7 054 787.94 |
80% |
02 September 2022 |
02 September 2022 |
6 |
11-Oct-16 |
Telegenix Trading 799 (Pty) Ltd |
N.002-290-2017/1 |
MONOC: eTeza TCC Operations |
Toll overload control |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
Mtubatuba Local Municipality |
R43 740 756.26 |
R35 664 743.94 |
82% |
23 July 2020 |
23 July 2020 |
25 November 2019 - NW1408
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to (a) certain items (details furnished) during the period 1 April 2017 up to 31 March 2018 and (b) another certain other item (details furnished) during the period 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2018 on the Schedule of Specialised Audit Services’ Investigations and Performance Audits dated 26 October 2018 received from the National Treasury, in each case, what are the details of the (i) purpose of each investigation and audit and (ii)(aa) findings and (bb) recommendations?
Reply:
i) The details of purpose of investigation or specialised performance audit conducted is reflected as the title of each report, as listed in Annexure A of Parliamentary Question 3072, dated 26 October 2018, as attached.
(ii) (aa) The details of findings are contained in the detailed reports of the organ of state concern and should be required from the relevant organisation.
iii) (bb) The details of recommendations are contained in the detailed reports of the organ of state concern and should be required from the relevant organisation.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER: 3072 [NW3436E]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 OCTOBER 2018
OFFICE OF ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL: Specialised Audit Services’ Investigations and performance audits
Reporting Period: 1 April 2017 until 30 September 2018
No |
Nature of assignment |
Organ of state |
Report title |
Period completion |
(i) Financial Year: 1 April 2017 until 31 March 2018 |
||||
1. |
Forensic Investigation |
Richmond Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
June 2017 |
2. |
Forensic Investigation |
Disobotla Local Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
June 2017 |
3. |
Forensic Investigation |
Department of Women |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2017 |
4. |
Forensic Investigation |
National Department of Transport |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2017 |
5. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements |
Irregularities in Land Acquisition |
September 2017 |
6. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Department of Social Development |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2017 |
7. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – (WTSO Medical Suppliers) |
September 2017 |
8. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – (Dr. Dithebe Medical & Dental Suppliers) |
September 2017 |
9. |
Forensic Investigation |
Mnquma Local Municipality |
Municipal Corruption |
September 2017 |
10. |
Forensic Investigation |
Moses Kotane Local Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2017 |
11. |
Forensic Investigation |
Independent Police Investigative Directorate |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
12. |
Forensic Investigation |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
Fraudulent Payments |
December 2017 |
13. |
Forensic Investigation |
Bushbuck Ridge Municipality |
Fraudulent Payments |
December 2017 |
14. |
Forensic Investigation |
Department of Arts & Culture |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
15. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
16. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
17. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
18. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
National Treasury |
OAG- Operational Plan 2018/19 Phase 1 |
December 2017 |
19. |
Forensic Investigation |
Council for Geoscience |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
20. |
Forensic Investigation |
Limpopo Department of Transport |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
21. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Gopolang |
December 2017 |
22. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Adcarden |
December 2017 |
23. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – CQW |
December 2017 |
24. |
Forensic Investigation |
National Treasury |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – RT5 |
December 2017 |
25. |
Forensic Investigation |
City of Matlosana Local Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
December 2017 |
26. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Bergrivier Local Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
March 2018 |
27. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – mobile classrooms |
March 2018 |
28. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – mobile classrooms |
March 2018 |
29. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Office of the Premier |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – school furniture |
March 2018 |
30. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
National Treasury |
OAG Operational Plan |
March 2018 |
31. |
Performance Audit |
Government Pensions Administration Agency |
Supply Chain Management unit Review |
March 2018 |
32. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Government Pensions Administration Agency |
Supply Chain Management unit establishment |
March 2018 |
33. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Government Pensions Administration Agency |
Supply Chain Management policies and Procedure Manual |
March 2018 |
34. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Government Pensions Administration Agency |
Supply Chain Management Process and Procedures |
March 2018 |
35. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Government Pensions Administration Agency |
Supply Chain Management unit Performance Management |
March 2018 |
36. |
Forensic Investigation |
Kimberley Mental Hospital |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
March 2018 |
37. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Department of Social Development |
Financial Mismanagement – ECDC Centers |
March 2018 |
38. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Department of Social Development |
Financial Mismanagement – Co-operatives |
March 2018 |
39. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities - Afrollah |
March 2018 |
40. |
Forensic Investigation |
Independent Police Investigative Directorate |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
March 2018 |
41. |
Forensic Investigation |
Independent Police Investigative Directorate |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Financial Analysis |
March 2018 |
42. |
Forensic Investigation |
Department of Trade and Industry |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Employment Creation Fund |
March 2018 |
43. |
Forensic Investigation |
Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
March 2018 |
44. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Dr Beyers Naude Municipality |
March 2018 |
45. |
Forensic Investigation |
National Treasury |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities –RT50 |
March 2018 |
46. |
Forensic Investigation |
Moses Kotane Local Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – ICT Continuous Contract |
March 2018 |
(II) Financial Year: 1 April 2018- 30 September 2018 |
||||
1. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements |
Fraud & Corruption - |
June 2018 |
2. |
Forensic Investigation |
National School of Government |
Conflict of Interest |
June 2018 |
3. |
Forensic Investigation |
Department of Women |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Phase 2 |
June 2018 |
4. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Department of Trade & Industry |
Irregular Administering of Employment Creation Fund |
June 2018 |
5. |
Forensic Investigation |
Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA) |
PPP Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
June 2018 |
6. |
Forensic Investigation |
National Treasury – Government Technical Advisory Center (GTAC) |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – Appointment |
June 2018 |
7. |
Forensic Investigation |
Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety & Liaison |
Irregular Transfer of Grant Funding by RTMC |
June 2018 |
8. |
Forensic Investigation |
Eastern Cape Department of Social Development |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
June 2018 |
9. |
Forensic Investigation |
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) |
Review of Forensic Investigation Reports |
September 2018 |
10. |
Specialized Performance Audit |
Bergrivier Local Municipality |
Audit of Completeness of Pre-paid electricity sales – Phase 2 |
September 2018 |
11. |
Forensic Investigation |
National Treasury |
Irregular appointment of service providers on the RT25 (mSCOA) by Municipalities. |
September 2018 |
12. |
Forensic Investigation |
Limpopo Department of Health |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2018 |
13. |
Forensic Investigation |
Modimolle Local Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2018 |
14. |
Forensic Investigation |
National Treasury |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2018 |
15. |
Forensic Investigation |
North West Department of Rural Environment & Agriculture Development |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2018 |
16. |
Forensic Investigation |
Amathole District Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities |
September 2018 |
17. |
Forensic Investigation |
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality |
Supply Chain Management Irregularities – IPTS (phase 4) |
September 2018 |
25 November 2019 - NW1124
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(a) What is the name of each (i) Director-General and (ii) Head of Department who failed to submit mid-term reviews by 31 September 2019 as agreed to in the performance monitoring system for the 2018-19 financial year and (b) in which (i) national and (ii) provincial government department is each specified Director-General and Head of Department employed?
Reply:
Non-submission of 2018/19 DGs/HoDs midterm review
No. |
|
National/ Provincial |
Department |
Name of HoD |
Half-yearly Review 18/19 |
||||
1 |
Eastern Cape |
Econ Affairs, Env & Tourism |
Mr B Gxilishe |
Not submitted |
|||||
2 |
) |
Eastern Cape |
) |
Health |
) |
DrT Mbengashe |
) |
Not submitted |
|
3 |
Eastern Cape |
Local Gov Affairs |
& Traditional |
Ms G. Gumbi- ” Masilela |
Not submitted |
- Eastern Cape Roads & Public Works
- Eastern Cape Rural Development &
Agrarian Reform
Mr J Mlawu Mr L Ngada
Not submitted Not submitted
6 |
Eastern Cape |
Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture |
Mr M Matutu |
Not submitted |
7 |
Eastern Cape |
Transport |
Ms Irene Mpolweni |
Not submitted |
8 |
Free State |
Office of the Premier |
Mr KF Ralikontsane |
Not submitted |
9 |
Gauteng |
Agric & Rural Development |
Mr. Nhlakanipho Nkontwana |
Not submitted |
10 |
Gauteng |
Community Safety |
Ms. Yoliswa Makhasi |
Not submitted |
11 |
Gauteng |
E-Government |
Mr B Ngobeni |
Not submitted |
12 |
Gauteng |
Health |
Prof. Mkhululi Lukhele |
Not submitted |
13 |
Gauteng |
Human Settlements |
Ms Mathilda Gasela |
Not submitted |
14 |
Gauteng |
Infrastructure Development |
Mr 8 Netshiswinzhe |
Not submitted |
15 |
Gauteng |
Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs |
Ms. Thandeka Mbassa-Sigabi |
Not submitted |
16 |
Gauteng |
Office of the Premier |
Ms Baleni |
Not submitted |
17 |
Gauteng |
Social Development |
Mr M.Mampuru |
Not submitted |
18 |
Gauteng |
Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation |
Ms. Monica Newton |
Not submitted |
19 |
Gauteng |
Treasury |
Ms. Nomfundo Tshabalala |
Not submitted |
20 |
KwaZuIu- Natal |
Econ Dev, Tourism & Env Affairs |
Ms P Ncapayi |
Not submitted |
21 |
Limpopo |
Econ Dev, Environment & Tourism |
Mr Solly Kgopong |
Not submitted |
22 |
Limpopo |
Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs |
Ms NR Dumalisile |
Not submitted |
23 |
National |
Agric, Forestry & Fisheries |
Mr MM Mlengana |
Not submitted |
24 |
National |
Co-operative Governance |
Mr DM Mashitisho |
Not submitted |
25 |
National |
Correctional Services |
Mr Arthur Fraser |
Not submitted |
26 |
National |
Defence (Secretary for |
Dr Sam Gulube |
Not submitted |
Defence) |
||||
27 |
National |
Environmental Affairs |
Ms N Ngcaba |
Not submitted |
38 |
National |
Health |
Ms P Matsoso |
Not submitted |
29 |
National |
Higher Education & Training |
Mr G Qonde |
Not submitted |
30 |
National |
Home Affairs |
Mr M Apleni |
Not submitted |
31 |
National |
Independent Police Investigative Directorate |
Mr R McBride |
Not submitted |
32 |
National |
Justice and Constitutional Development |
Mr V Madonsela |
Not submitted |
33 |
National |
Labour |
Mr TM Lamati |
Not submitted |
34 |
National |
National Treasury |
Mr D Mogajane |
Not submitted |
35 |
National |
Office of the Chief Justice |
Ms M Sejosengwe |
Not submitted |
36 |
National |
Sport and Recreation SA |
Mr EM Moemi |
Not submitted |
37 |
National |
Government Pensions Administration Agency |
Mr K G Sukdev |
Not submitted |
38 |
Mpumalanga |
Community Safety, Security& Liaison |
Mr Mthombothi |
Not submitted |
39 |
Mpumalanga |
Education |
Mrs MOC Mhlabane |
Not submitted |
40 |
Mpumalanga |
Treasury |
Ms NZ Nkamba |
Not submitted |
41 |
Mpumalanga |
Health |
Dr S. Mohangi |
Not submitted |
42 |
Mpumalanga |
Human Settlements |
Mr Masange |
Not submitted |
43 |
Mpumalanga |
Public Works, Roads & Transport |
Ms SP Xulu |
Not submitted |
44 |
Mpumalanga |
Social Development |
Mr MV Mahlalela |
Not submitted |
45 |
North West |
Community Safety & Transport Management |
Ms BA Mofokeng |
Not submitted |
46 |
North West |
Culture, Arts & Traditional Affairs |
Mrs SR Bapela |
Not submitted |
47 |
North West |
Economy & Enterprise Development |
LG Tshikovhi |
Not submitted |
48 |
North West |
Education & Sport Development |
SM Semaswe |
Not submitted |
49 |
North West |
Health |
Dr AT Lekalakala |
Not submitted |
50 |
North West |
Local Govt & Human Settlements |
Mr PE Motoko |
Not submitted |
Office of the Premier |
Dr Keneilwe L |
Not submitted |
Sebego |
||||
52 |
North West |
Public Works & Roads |
Mr P Mothupi |
Not submitted |
53 |
North West |
Rural, Environment & Agricultural Development |
Dr Mokaila |
Not submitted |
54 |
North West |
Social Development |
Ms PD Mothobi |
Not submitted |
55 |
North West |
Tourism |
Adv Hope Fiona Neo Sephoti |
Not submitted |
56 |
Northern Cape |
Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development |
Mr WVD Mothibi |
Not submitted |
57 |
Northern Cape |
Cooperative Gov, Human Settlement & Trad Affairs |
Mr B Lenkoe |
Not submitted |
58 |
Northern Cape |
Health |
Mr S Jonkers |
Not submitted |
59 |
Northern Cape |
Sports, Arts & Culture |
Ms R Palm |
Not submitted |
60 |
Northern Cape |
Transport, Safety & Liaison |
Mr MP Dichaba |
Not submitted |
DRAFTER OF THE REPLY
Name:
Designation:
Contacts:
Recommended / Not recommended
Director-General (DPME) Date:
Approved / Not approved
Minister in The Presidency
Date: ,’
MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001, Union Buildings, Government Avenue, PRETORIA Tel: (012) 300 5200, Website: www.theDresidency.oov.za
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 1325
DATE OF PUBLICATIONS: 25 October 2019
1325. Dr L A Schreiber (DA) to ask the Minister in The Presidency:
With reference to his reply to question 834 on 2 October 2019, what is the detailed breakdown of the amounts spent on each former principal and spouse since 1 April 2016 in terms of (a) hotel accommodation, (b) private accommodation, (c) alcohol, (d) catering, (e) entertainment, (I)(i) commercial and (ii) military flights, (g) vehicle transport and (h) security?
NW2537E
Response
Benefits applicable to Former Presidents and Former Deputy Presidents are prescribed in the Policy on the Benefits of Executive Office, dated March 2009. Benefits that are paid for from The Presidency budget in respect of Former Presidents and a Former Deputy Presidents include the following:-
-
- Accommodation
- Commercial flights
- Vehicle transport
The travel and accommodation are paid in accordance with the policy, as former Presidents and Deputy Presidents support government programmes inside and outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa. The benefits are irrespective of whether or not the former Presidents and Deputy Presidents are on official or private duties as they are de facto ambassadors of the people of South Africa.
Military flights and Security services are paid for by the South African National Defence Force and South African Police Service respectively.
The policy is in line with what obtains in comparable countries the world over.
Please find attached breakdown of the amounts spent on each former principal and spouse since 2016
DRAFTER OF THE REPLY
Name: K Mashapha
Designation: Director Financial Administration
Contacts: 012 300 5998
Recommended
Director-General — The Presidency Date: /J //
Ap roved / NQ
n. Jackson Mthembu, MP Minister in Th Pre 'dency Date: g/ /
Question
Total |
FY2016-17 |
{ |
|
|
||||||||||
Former President de Klerk |
Spouses |
Former President de Klerk |
Spouse |
Former President de Klerk |
Spouse |
President de Klerk |
|
Former President de Klerk |
Spouse |
|||||
R R R R R R R R |
130987.32 |
R R R R R R R R R |
66437.12 |
R R R R R R R R |
46985.14 |
R R R R R R R R R |
12643.30 |
R R R R R R R R R |
16S64.92 |
R R R R R R R R R |
R R R R R R 50 768.32 R R R |
R - R - R - R - R - R 37 538.88 R - R - R - |
R R R R R R 16 248.94 R R R |
R R R R R R 16 254.94 R R R |
- For the period 01 April Z016to date, what is the detailed breakdown of amounts spent on each Former Principal and Spouse, in terms of
-
- Hotel accomodation
- Private accomodation
- Alcohol
- Catering
- Entertainment I)(i) Commercial flights f(i)(i) Military flights
- Vehicle transport
- Security
- For the period 01 April 2O16to date, what is the detailed breakdown of amounts spent on each Former Principal and Spouse, in terms of
Total |
|
|
|
|
|||||
Former President Mbekl |
Spouses |
Former President Mbekl |
Spouse |
Former President Mbeki |
Spouse |
Former President Mbekl |
Spouse |
Former President Mbekl |
Spouse |
-
- Hotel accomodation
R |
628 994.67 |
R |
62 727.62 |
R |
233 750.66 |
R |
41 422.96 |
R |
228 855.87 |
R |
- |
R |
116 017.34 |
R |
21 304.66 |
R |
50 370.80 |
R |
|
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
176 875.99 |
R |
266 754.60 |
R |
38 723.86 |
R |
102 559.04 |
R |
19 661.68 |
R |
48 915.81 |
R |
11 615.72 |
R |
64 438.18 |
R |
106 874.73 |
R |
50 841.57 |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
468 777.42 |
R |
117 848.19 |
R |
106 112.02 |
R |
35 961.32 |
R |
110 539.17 |
R |
387.77 |
R |
56 851.50 |
R |
62 509.96 |
R |
195 274.73 |
R |
18 989.14 |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
-
- Private accomodation
- Alcohol
- Catering
- Entertainment I)(i) Commercial flighU f(i)(i) Military fiighU
- Vehicle transpon
- Security
Question
Total |
|
|
FY2018-19 |
|
|||||||||||||||
Former President Motlanthe |
Spouses |
Former President Motlanthe |
Spouse |
Former President Motlanthe |
Spouse |
Presldent Motlanthe |
Spouse |
President Motlanthe |
Sgouse |
||||||||||
R |
392 370.98 |
R |
R |
24 329.7S |
R |
R |
120 170.43 |
R |
R |
106 245.00 |
R |
R |
141 625.80 |
R |
|||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||||
R |
573 708.01 |
R |
548 609.31 |
R |
288 092.85 |
R |
159 063.64 |
R |
134 79S.04 |
R |
126 602.50 |
R |
7s szg.s6 |
R |
183 794.95 |
R |
71 490.26 |
R |
79 148.22 |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||||
R |
2 074 516.35 |
R |
341 007.94 |
R |
203 380.47 |
R |
R |
804 646.26 |
R |
R |
691 775.20 |
R |
341 007.94 |
R |
374 714.42 |
R |
|||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
For the period 01 Aprll 2016 to date, what is the detailed breakdown of amounts spent on each Former Principal and Spouse, in terms of
- Hotel accomodation
- Private accomodation
- Alcohol
- Catering
- Entertainment
I)(i) Commercial flights f(i)(i) Military flights
- Vehicle transpon
- Security
Question
Total |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
President Zuma |
Spouses |
Former President Zuma |
|
President Zuma |
Spouse |
Former President Zuma |
Spouse |
Former President Zuma |
|
|||||||
R |
32299.75 |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
32 299.75 |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
R |
|
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
285001.39 |
R |
122248.47 |
R |
R |
R |
20717.34 |
R |
R |
174839.55 |
R |
43 305.55 |
R |
89 444.50 |
R |
78 942.92 |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
15052.27 |
R |
R |
R |
R |
14780.27 |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
272.00 |
R |
|||
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
For the period 01 April Z016 to date, what is the detailed breakdown of amounts spent on each Former Prindpal and Spouse, in terms of
- Hotel accomodation
- Private accomodation
- Alcohol
- Catering
- Entertainment
f)(i) Commercial flights f(i)(i) Military flights
- Vehicle transpon
- Security
For the period 01 April 2016 to date, what is the detailed breakdown of amounts spent on each Former Principal and Spouse, in terms of
Former DP Mlambo- Ngcuka |
Spouses |
Former DP Mlambo- Ngcuka |
Spouse |
Former DP Mlambo- Ngcuka |
Spouse |
Former DP Mlambo- Ngcuka |
Spouse |
Former DP Mlambo- Ngcuka |
Spouse |
||||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||
R |
249 163.84 |
R |
66 114.89 |
R |
55 311.22 |
R |
23 055.67 |
R |
50 891.93 |
R |
674.95 |
R |
103 653.84 |
R |
21 445.08 |
R |
39 306.85 |
R |
20 939.19 |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||||
R |
524.00 |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
524.00 |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
||||||
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- |
R |
R |
R |
- Hotel accomodation
- Private accomodation
- Alcohol
- Catering
- Entertainment I)(i) Commercial flights I(i)(i) Military flights
- Vehicle transport
- Security
Quenlon
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
fiormer DP Mbete |
spouses |
Former DP Mbete |
Spouse |
Former DP Mbete |
Spouse |
Former DP Mbete |
Spouse |
Former DP Mbete |
Spouse |
R |
R R R R R R R R |
R |
R R R R R R R R R |
R R R R R R R R R |
R R R R R R R R |
R R R R R R R R |
R R R R R R R R |
R R R R R R R R R |
R |
|
R |
|
|||||||
R R |
R Q |
R R |
|||||||
R R |
R R |
R |
|||||||
R R R |
R R R |
R R R |
- For the period 01 April 2016 to date, what is the detailed breakdown of amounts spent on each fiormer Principal and Spouse, in terms of
-
- Hotel accomodation
- Private accomodation
- Alcohol
- Catering
- Entertainment I)(i) Commercial flights I(i)(i) Military flights
- Vehicle transpon
- Security
25 November 2019 - NW1362
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the National Treasury did business with certain (a) persons, (b) companies and (c) trusts (names and details attached) (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2019; if so, (aa) on what date(s) did the National Treasury 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:
(a)(b)(c)(i)(ii) No
25 November 2019 - NW1401
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
In view of his reply to question 934 on 9 October 2019, (a) what then is the justification of retaining the e-tolls project and (b) why is the fact that there is no money owed that is directly ascribable to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement District not supported by abolishing e-tolls?
Reply:
As explained in the reply to question 934, financing the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) is done on a corporate finance basis and not a project finance basis. Borrowing for toll roads are done on the basis that there is a revenue stream to finance the debt. A significant portion of the South African National Roads Agency’s existing debt was to finance the upgrade of roads on GFIP and it requires a revenue stream to finance it, so e-tolls cannot be abolished without a revenue stream to finance existing commitments.
25 November 2019 - NW1548
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) In light of recent criticisms made by sections of organised business and organised labour regarding the efficacy of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), has he found that Nedlac is fit-for-purpose to deal with the unemployment crisis in the Republic and (b) what measures are put in place to strengthen the institution?
Reply:
Whilst the criticism is acknowledged, it should be noted that these social partners together with civil society and government constitute what is NEDLAC and therefore such criticism could be regarded as criticism of our collective contribution towards the success of NEDLAC.
NEDLAC and its constituent parties has worked endlessly to address the efficacy as well as the relevance of the organization in the current debates whether economic, developmental and Labour issues. The honourable member needs not be reminded that the organization is currently seized with trying to address a number of critical issues such as the Presidential Jobs summit, the Eskom Leadership task team, amongst others. The honourable member should also take note that these social partners are also busy addressing governance structures and underlying founding documents in order to position the organization to go beyond being representative but also systematized such that it is more responsive and more agile to tackle emergent issues.
The question therefore as to whether the organization is fit for purpose should therefore be answered in the affirmative. As has been pointed out the organization is currently engaged in a governance discussion. Currently it is loaded with the task of being a designated home of the Presidential Jobs Summit, that is amongst other.
25 November 2019 - NW1071
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the statement made by the National Treasury Deputy Director-General, Mr Ismail Momoniat, in a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance held on 7 September 2019, where he said that the SA Revenue Service needs an intrusive unit to deal with illicit financial flows of money, (a) what are the details of the nature of the unit that he was referring to, (b) on what legislative provisions will the establishment of the unit be based and (c) how will the work of the unit be different from the work done by the intelligence services?
Reply:
I want to refer the Honourable Member to the submission made by the National Treasury in its submission to the Nugent Commission on 29 August 2018, which I fully endorse: “Enforcement powers that are also intrusive are necessary for any tax collection agency. Whilst most taxpayers seek to comply, there are cases of taxpayers who are less cooperative when declaring income or have a clear incentive to withhold key facts about the nature of income-generating activities of the person or business. In such cases it is necessary for SARS to have intrusive enforcement capacity to deal with such evasion.” (“Tax Policy input”, 29 August 2018, pg. 2, Document available on wwww.inqcomm.co.za).
While it is not required of me to infer or elaborate the meaning of Mr. Momoniat’s statement at the Standing Committee on Finance meeting on 17 September 2019, I am informed that Mr. Momoniat was responding in general terms to the Honourable Member’s questions about surveillance capacity of SARS after presenting on progress made on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by SARS (the Nugent Commission). It is not clear to me why the Honourable Member did not ask Mr Momoniat any further questions for clarification at that meeting. I am in agreement with his view on the general requirement for intrusive capacity for a well-functioning revenue-collection authority. I am sure the Honourable Member will also agree that SARS must have significant intrusive powers, not only to deal with taxpayers concealing information on income received, but also to counter illegitimate trades (and financial flows) in commodities such as tobacco, liquor and counterfeit goods.
Seeing that Mr Momoniat’s response was on the principle, rather than on any specific unit within SARS, questions (a) to (c) do not apply. Indeed, since SARS is a semi-autonomous revenue authority which determines its own internal organization, it is the Commissioner, and not the Minister or any official at National Treasury, who can provide any information on any unit within SARS. I am sure the Honourable Member is also aware that the Nugent Commission’s final report points out that there is “no reason why SARS was, and is not entitled to establish and operate a unit to gather intelligence on the illicit trades, even covertly, within limits.” (p76 par [9]) Indeed, the Nugent Commission has noted that any such unit is not unlawful. Indeed, SARS must not be a toothless tiger when dealing with tax evasion and illegitimate trades and financial flows.
25 November 2019 - NW1303
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
In view of the fact that the proposed General Education Certificate advocates for skills development and learnerships programmes, how will his department collaborate with the Department of Basic Education to ensure skills certification for Grade 9?
Reply:
Skills Development and learnership programmes were transferred to the Department of Higher Education and Science and Technology through a Presidential Proclamation in 2009 from the Department of Employment and Labour.
The Department of Employment and Labour provides free employment services to work-seekers and can extend these counselling services to those who are still within the schooling system. We will collaborate with the Department of Basic Education through these programmes to assist young people intending to join the labour market post Grade 9 to make better subject choices.
Having stated the above, there is no skills certification for Grade 9, what is being proposed is General Education Certificate which basically opens a way for career pathing.
Government is moving towards the creation of different paths for learners after they have obtained General Education Certificate. The plan whose trial is scheduled to be completed at the end of July 2020, is aimed at moving away from a single narrow path for learners, but opening up three streams model which have the academic, technical/ occupational pathways.
It is important to equip the learners with values, knowledge and skills that will enable or enhance their meaningful participation in society, to contributing towards developing sustainable communities, provide basis for further education and training and establish a firm foundation for skills development that must prepare learners for labour market.
25 November 2019 - NW1526
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Finance
(a) What was the total cost of travel incurred by the National Treasury in bringing officials of the National Treasury to a joint meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation on (i) 29 October 2019 and (ii) 5 November 2019 and (b) what number of officials from the National Treasury were present at each of the specified meetings?
Reply:
a) The travel costs for the National Treasury official who attended the joint Portfolio Committee meetings on (i) 29 October 2019 was R14 536.72 via Pietermaritzburg (the official had a meeting at the Msunduzi Local Municipality on the 28th October and travel arrangements were made for him to catch a flight from Pietermaritzburg to Cape Town) and (ii) 5 November 2019 was R8 224.22.
b) Only one (1) official attended both meetings..
22 November 2019 - NW1375
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her 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 her 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:
(a), (b) and (c) The Department of Social Development did not do business with any person, companies and trusts mentioned in the Parliamentary Question.
22 November 2019 - NW1395
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
With regard to reports that some shebeen owners confiscate the SA Social Security Agency cards of their patrons to keep the cards as surety for alcohol bought on credit, what plans does she have in place to ensure that grants are not continuously abused for purposes they are not meant for?
Reply:
Studies have shown that, in the main, the funds provided for social grants are utilised for the purposes intended. However, there will always be exceptions to this rule. It is the responsibility of every citizen to report abuse of social grants, wherever this is seen. All reports of grant abuse are followed up.
Where abuse is confirmed, SASSA has legislated powers to either stop payment of the grant, or to arrange for a procurator or welfare organisation to administer the grant on behalf of the beneficiary.
The retention of the SASSA card as surety for any debts is illegal. SASSA works closely with law enforcement agencies to address this wherever it is reported. There has been some success in addressing this, through arrests and criminal prosecution of people found in possession of multiple SASSA cards.
SASSA has implemented various measures to address possible abuse of social grants. Primary amongst these is the introduction of the new SASSA card, which prohibits EFT debits and stop orders off this account. This has addressed previous challenges, where the value of the grant was being eroded by debt and unauthorised deductions.
SASSA therefore appeals to all citizens to assist in the reporting of the abuse of social grants so that action may be taken.
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
22 November 2019 - NW1292
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With regard to High Court review applications initiated in respect of failed asylum claims, what number of (a) such High Court review applications have been initiated against (i) his department, (ii) him and/or (iii) the Director-General in each of the past 10 years and (b) the specified applications have been successful; (2) what amount has his department spent on litigation costs associated with (a) High Court review applications in respect of failed asylum seekers and (b) asylum seekers in general, including litigation related to High Court reviews, as well as any other refugee and asylum seeker rights litigation in each of the past 10 years?
Reply:
(1) The Department does not have a system in terms of which applications received are specifically categorized. Matters received are captured on a Word Document as and when they are received, and in most instances the cases cite both the Minister of Home Affairs and the Director-General of Home Affairs.
Based on the latest available information, 2493 matters were registered in 2017 and 3706 in 2018.
(2) The Department does not have a system in terms of which litigation costs for a specific category under Immigration Services can be determined. As of the 2018/2019 financial year, the Department put in place a system in terms of which the relevant Branches from where the litigation emanates have to pay the litigation invoices, i.e. Immigration Services, Civic Services and Human Resources Management and Development.
The total spend on litigation costs from the 2009/2010 financial year to the 2017/2018 financial year was R366,493,161.00
In 2018/2019, the total spend on litigation fees was as follows:
Immigration Services – R31,705,547.57
Civic Services – R3,697,484.45
Human Resources Management & Development – R3,477,323.15
Legal Services – R7,373,119.37
END
22 November 2019 - NW1055
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he has found that all correctional centres conform to the requirements prescribed in terms of section 7(1) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998; if not, (a) why not, (b) which correctional centres have been found not to conform to the prescribed requirements and (c) what steps is his department taking to ensure conformity with the prescribed requirements in all correctional centres?
Reply:
1. Not all the correctional centres conform to the requirements of Clause 7(1) of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 which stipulates the following:
“7 Accommodation (1) Prisoners must be held in cells which meet the requirements prescribed by regulation in respect of floor space, cubic capacity, lighting, ventilation, sanitary installations and general health conditions. These requirements must be adequate for detention under conditions of human dignity.”)
(a) The reasons for the non-conformity are:-
(ii) The Department’s correctional centres are made up of a range of facilities built over an extended period of time and they cater for a variety of different purposes to suit the thinking that was prevalent at the time of their construction. Many of centres were not designed to fulfil the objective of inmate detention under conditions of human dignity as is prevalent in the current correctional system;
(iii) Overcrowding in correctional centres which causes accelerated dilapidation of facilities, faster than new facilities can be constructed or the existing ones repaired;
(iv) Backlog of maintenance due to financial and human capacity constraints within both the implementing agent department (DPWI) as well DCS.
(b) There are fifteen (15) correctional centres that do not conform to the requirements (marked by * in the table below).
(c) The department is instituting corrective actions by upgrading existing correctional centres where funds permit, as well as planning the construction of new correctional centres as follows:-
Correctional centre |
Status |
Corrective action |
|
1 |
Glencoe* |
Completed 2019/20 |
Upgrading contract for a section of the centre was completed in June 2019; Contract 2 is in planning for the remainder of the centre |
2 |
Tzaneen* |
Under construction |
Construction of a new 500 bed correctional centre to replace zinc structure is underway, due for completion during 2019/2020 |
3 |
Lichtenburg* |
Planning |
Planning for an upgrading project to create additional 234 bed spaces and replace zinc structure is at an advanced stage; construction to commence in 2020/2021 |
4 |
Leeuwkop* |
Planning |
Planning for a new correctional centre to create 1,000 bed spaces and replace zinc structure is at site clearance stage |
5 |
Voorberg* |
Planning |
Planning for a new correctional centre to create 1,500 bed spaces and replace zinc structure is at site clearance stage |
6 |
Zeerust* |
Planning |
Planning for a new correctional centre to create 500 bed spaces and replace zinc structure is at site clearance stage |
7 |
Makhado* |
Zinc construction |
Planning will commence when funds are available |
8 |
Atteridgeville* |
Zinc construction |
Planning will commence when funds are available |
9 |
Drakenstein Medium B* |
Zinc construction |
Planning will commence when funds are available |
10 |
Pollsmoor Medium B* |
Zinc construction |
Planning will commence when funds are available |
11 |
Groenpunt Medium* |
Zinc construction |
Planning will commence when funds are available |
12 |
Brandvlei Medium* |
Zinc construction |
Planning will commence when funds are available |
13 |
Brandvlei Maximum* |
Closed |
Closed. Repair and renovation project is in planning stage |
14 |
Umzimkhulu* |
Closed |
Closed. Repair and renovation project is in planning stage |
15 |
Geluk* |
Closed |
Closed. Planning will commence when funds are available |
16 |
Standerton |
Completed 2019/20 |
Upgrading and addition of 787 bed spaces, completed during 2019/20 |
17 |
Estcourt |
Completed 2019/20 |
Upgrading and addition of 309 bed spaces, completed during 2019/20 |
18 |
Parys |
Under construction |
Upgrading and addition of 176 bed spaces commenced in 2019 |
19 |
Burgersdorp |
Planning |
Planning for an upgrading project to create 311 additional bed spaces is at an advanced stage; construction to commence in 2020/2021 |
20 |
Bethal |
Planning |
Planning is underway for a major repair and renovation project under the DPWI “Planned Maintenance” budget |
21 |
Mahikeng |
Planning |
Planning is underway for a major repair and renovation project under the DPWI “Planned Maintenance” budget |
22 |
Port Shepstone |
Planning |
Planning is underway for a major repair and renovation project under the DPWI “Planned Maintenance” budget |
22 November 2019 - NW1016
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether any persons have been appointed to the National Council for Correctional Services in terms of section 83(2)(h) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, since 1 January 2014; if not, why not; if so, (a) who was appointed to the National Council for Correctional Services, (b) what is each person’s area of expertise and experience and (c) on what date was the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services consulted on the appointments of the specified persons?
Reply:
No, the then Minister appointed the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) for a period of five (5) years with effect from 1 March 2010 until 28 February 2015.
(a) who was appointed |
(b) each person’s area of expertise and experience |
(c) date the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services consulted |
Appointed with effect 1 March 2010 for a period of five (5) years ending 28 February 2015. These appointments were extended for a period of three (3) months until 31 May 2015 |
||
Dr KJ Kometsi Ms LUZ Rataemane Dr M Mako |
Clinical Psychologist |
|
Ms B Ngobeni |
Community Development Expert |
|
Ms L Smit |
NGO promoting Social Re-integration of offenders back into society |
|
Dr M F Randera |
Medical Doctor |
|
Mr S Nkanunu |
Practicing attorney |
|
Appointed on 1 June 2015 for a period of 12 months ending 31 May 2016 |
||
Dr VR Chetty |
CRIMINOLOGIST: Dr Chettys’ specialty, specifically during the parole consideration process by the NCCS, is the identification of crimogenic factors within offenders profiles and whether such needs have been addressed before such offender can be released back to society. |
11 November 2015 |
Ms AL Vilakazi |
ATTORNEY: Ms Vilakazi is a practicing attorney and Director of Buthelezi Vilakazi Inc, a firm of attorney based in Sandton. Her specialty on the Council is that of ensuring compliance with applicable legislation (Constitutional Act, Criminal Procedure Act and the Correctional Services Act). |
|
Ms N Gwayi Dr RM Mgudu Ms BN Ngobeni |
COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS AND EDUCATORS: Ms. Nondumiso Gwayi Her main focus and interest is the importance of family and community support as a key element in the successful reintegration of offenders into society. Mr. Richard Mzoxolo Bhunga Mgudu His interest, by virtue of his profession, in the skilling, rehabilitation programmes and academic development of offender. Ms. Busi Ngobeni Ms. Ngobeni is an educator by profession. Has been serving as a member of the NCCS since 2010 and has over the years facilitated training conducted by NCCS members to Social Workers, Psychologists and Parole Boards. |
Appointed on 1 June 2016 for a period of 36 months ending 31 May 2019
These appointments were extended by the Minister until 30 November 2019, pending the re-advertisement of the call for nominations, the consultation and appointment process.
(a)who was appointed |
(b) each person’s area of expertise and experience |
(c) date was the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services consulted |
Mr IL de Klerk Ms ST Monyemane Ms LUZ Rataemane |
Experts in clinical psychology |
18 May 2016 |
Adv KA Mahumani Rev JP Clayton |
Representatives of non-governmental organisations working within the field of Correctional Services |
|
Ms AL Vilakazi Dr VR Chetty |
Academics with expertise in criminal law, criminology, penology or restorative justice. |
|
Mr N Nkopo |
Expert in community justice systems |
An appointment process has been initiated with positions due to be advertised during the month of October 2019.
22 November 2019 - NW807
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Social Development
What is the number of (a) registered early childhood development (ECD) centres, (b) registered ECD practitioners and (c) unregistered ECD centres in the Republic?
Reply:
(a) Registered early childhood development (ECD) centres.
Provinces |
Status |
1. Eastern Cape |
2 795 |
2. Free State |
971 |
3. Gauteng |
1 717 |
4. Kwa-Zulu Natal |
3 324 |
5. Limpopo |
3 397 |
6. Mpumalanga |
1 516 |
7. Northern Cape |
351 |
8. North West |
1 205 |
9. Western Cape |
1 545 |
Totals |
14 026 |
(b) Registered ECD practitioners
Practitioners are not registered with any Professional body. The below listed are practitioners employed within ECD centres.
Provinces |
Status |
Eastern Cape |
2741 |
Free State |
3 585 |
Gauteng |
5 587 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
5 887 |
Limpopo |
4 229 |
Mpumalanga |
4051 |
Northern Cape |
639 |
North West |
3 615 |
Western Cape |
n/a |
Totals |
27 593 |
(c) Unregistered ECD centres in the Republic?
Provinces |
Status |
Eastern Cape |
750 |
Free State |
745 |
Gauteng |
2 055 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
493 |
Limpopo |
139 |
Mpumalanga |
491 |
Northern Cape |
42 |
North West |
600 |
Western Cape |
2 321 |
Totals |
6 886 |
22 November 2019 - NW1302
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Social Development
What number of social grant pay points were (a) closed since 1 January 2017 and (b) in existence as at 30 June 2019?
Reply:
(a) As at 1 January 2017, SASSA had a total of 9 937 cash pay points. By April 2018, the number of pay points reduced to 7 963, with the removal of inactive and duplicated pay points. The duplication in counting came about as some pay points are serviced on more than one day per month and were counted per day rather than as distinct pay points. A total number of 6 223 pay points have been closed since April 2018, with a balance of 1 740 remaining active as at April 2019.
(b) As at 30 June 2019, a total of 1 740 registered cash pay points remain. However, in October 2019, 1 611 are still actively serviced.
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
22 November 2019 - NW1216
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What are the reasons that the soup kitchen sponsored by her department in Loeriesfontein has been closed since March 2019; (2) what are the reasons that the soup kitchen sponsored by her department in Calvinia is investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation?
Reply:
1. In terms of funding allocation, Loeriesfontein Soup Kitchen was approved for a three year funding (2017/18-2019/20) and the allocation was done as follows:
2017/2018 – Allocated amount of R107 652.
The organisation’s business plan was approved and a first tranche payment of R53 826 was paid on the 28th of August 2017. In order to process the 2nd tranche, the organisations are expected to submit the claims, but the organisation in question did not submit the required information. In that instance, the Department could not transfer funds as the organisation did not submit the necessary claim.
2018/2019 – Allocated amount of R154 812.
The first tranche payment of R77 406 was paid on the 5th of June 2018. Upon submission of quarterly report, and subsequent monitoring visits, there were concerns with the spending of funds. The organization was requested to submit evidence for utilization of funds with transactions totalling R65 942.76 from the period April 2018 to September 2018. By the end of the financial year, the organization failed to submit the required proof for utilization of funds, and also did not submit the required claim for the second tranche. For this reason the second tranche payment could not be released due to pending documents that were requested by the Department.
2019/2020 – Provisionally allocated amount of R156 612.
In an endeavour to assist the said organization, an amount of R156 612 was earmarked for the organization on condition that its status has improved. There were several attempts by the department to assist the organization to implement corrective measures and controls for better management of the organisation. However, the status of the organisation remained the same as they failed to implement the recommended corrective measures. Such a situation renders this organisation to be non-compliant.
It is on this basis that the funds that were earmarked for Loeriesfontein Soup Kitchen for 2019/20 were withheld as no proof was provided to convince the Department that the previous funding allocations were utilized towards the intended purpose. There are no justifiable reasons to allocate funding in such an instance as there is potential mismanagement of funds and failure by the organisation to comply with the funding requirement. The organization failed to comply with the financial and governance prescripts and the provisions of the SLA entered into with the department.
2. The Hantam Soup Kitchen (Calvinia) was approved for a three year funding and the allocation was as follows:
2017/2018 - An amount of R107 652 was approved for the soup kitchen. The first tranche payment of R53 826 was paid to the organisation for Soup Kitchen.
An amount of R485 400 was approved for Isibindi Stipends and a first tranche of R262 692 was paid.
An amount of R104 560 was approved for the Youth Service Centre and a first tranche of R52 280 was paid to the organisation.
The first tranche payment totalling an amount of R368 798 was transferred to the organisation for all their programs during the 2017/18 financial year.
On the 29th of May 2018 an internal investigation was conducted. The findings revealed that an amount of R82 676.88 was mismanaged by the Treasurer of Hantam Soup Kitchen (Calvinia). A case was registered with the South African Police Services with case number CAS 99/12/2017 hence the organisation is under police investigation.
Following the on-going investigation, the Department withdrew any further funding until their investigations are completed.
22 November 2019 - NW1405
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
By what date will the vacancy of Director-General of her department be (a) advertised and (b) filled?
Reply:
a) The post will be advertised by 30 November 2019.
b) The filling of the post of Director-General is anticipated to be finalised by 31 March 2020.
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
22 November 2019 - NW1197
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With regard to litigation against his department, what was the contingent legal liability of his department in terms of (a) Core Business: Immigration & Civic Affairs, (b) labour disputes, (c) Finance and Supply Chain Management, including disputed tenders and contracts, and (d) other matters in the past two financial years; (2) what is the total number of legal proceedings against his department in respect of (a) immigration, (b) Asylum Seeker Management, (c) Civic Services, (d) summonses and (e) labour matters in the past two financial years; (3) what were the total legal fees spent by his department in the past two financial years?
Reply:
1(a)
Immigration: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – R10 890 433.84
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – R11 815 000.00
Civics: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – R56 000 000.00
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – R7 300 000.00
1(b)
Labour: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – R72, 478.886
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – R93, 858 592.59
1(c)
Tenders and Contracts: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – R0
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – R0
Other Matters: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – R894 378.00
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – R2 426 271.53
2(a)
Immigration: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – 508
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – 413
2(b)
Asylum Seekers / Refugee: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – 1 318
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – 1 935
2(c)
Civic Services: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – 487
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – 251
2(d)
Summons: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – 31
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – 43
2(e)
Labour: 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – 38
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – 16
3
1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 – R85 159 025.38
1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 – R7 373 119.3
END
22 November 2019 - NW1493
Keetse, Mr PP to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
In view of the fact that more than 400 students at the University of the Western Cape did not get their book allowances from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) this year, despite the fact that their applications were successful, what (a) steps will he take to address the situation, given the fact that exams have already begun and (b) kind of consequences will his department impose on NSFAS should the specified students underperform?
Reply:
All universities pay student allowances directly. The Department followed up with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on receipt of the Parliamentary Question. UWC is not aware of 400 students that are alleged not to have received book allowances. According to the information provided by UWC and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, the only students that have not received book allowances are students who are registered for one or two modules and repeating from the 2018 academic year. These students do not qualify for a book allowance for these repeated modules.
21 November 2019 - NW1391
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)What was the total amount of litres of water lost due to leaking reservoirs and pipes in the 2018-19 financial year in each municipality in the Republic; (2) does her department have strategies and action plans in place to ensure that municipalities keep their water infrastructure intact; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether her department will take action against a municipality that does not keep its water infrastructure intact; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) The latest report on water losses and Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in South Africa (Includes 2017/18 data) estimates the real losses at 1 150 079 000 m³/a refer to Annexure A. Real losses are defined as physical losses from a pressurised system, up to a point of measurement of customer use. This includes losses from reservoirs and pipe leakages. Refer to Annexure B for water losses per Water Services Authority (WSA). Monitoring and reporting on water losses is a mandate of a WSA as per Water Services Act, (Act No 106 of 1997), and hence the response refers to Water Services Authorities and not per municipality.
(2) The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan provides the schedule of interventions, programs, plans, and projects (including but not limited to infrastructure) that will be implemented to elevate the current situation in the sector to its desired future state. This schedule contains, for each action, specific deliverables, execution times, responsible parties and required budgets. The plan allocates responsibilities to the various tiers of government and other stakeholders for implementation to achieve efficiencies in investment planning, implementation of actions and evaluation of achievements.
Furthermore, the Department is in the process of implementing 5 (five) year water and sanitation reliability implementation plans that will ensure a pipeline of projects that will provide services that are sustainable and keep the municipal infrastructure functional. The Department is also conducting annual municipal business health checks which include the management of municipal infrastructure. Based on the outcome of the business health check the Department assists municipalities to develop 5 year municipal actions plans to address areas that require attention, including assets management, operation and maintenance of assets.
The Department is continuously monitoring and analysing the progress made with the implementation of Water Conservation and Water Demand Management and targets set during the updating of Reconciliation Strategies, at Water Services Authority level, within the eight large water supply systems. All the relevant stakeholders meet twice a year to report progress on the implementation of various strategies which will ensure the sustainability of water resources.
The No Drop Programme, which is an incentive based regulatory tool, entails a comprehensive assessment and audit of planning, finance, technical skills and performance criteria which gives an inclusive view of the Water Demand Management business of the Water Services Authority. The No Drop Programme enables the Department to measure the performance of Water Services Authority and subsequently to reward (or penalise) the institution based upon evidence of their excellence (or failures) according to the minimum standards or requirements that have been defined.
(3) The Department regulates the municipal performance on Water Conservation and Water Demand Management, which includes asset management (as key criteria) as part of the No Drop Programme. The results of the No Drop assessments will indicate whether the WSA should be penalised or rewarded for performance.
Through both the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and Water Services Act (Act 106 of 1997), the Minister may issue Letters, Notices, Directives and enforcement letters for non-compliance to the set regulatory tools (e.g. water use authorizations and Regulations).
(4) The Department is continuously assessing Non-Revenue Water and water losses in South Africa. Therefore, The Minister, from time to time, at particular place, in any prevailing condition may make statement regarding Water Conservation and Water Demand Management in general.
21 November 2019 - NW1310
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether his department has put any measures in place to provide his department’s services, especially relating to the application and collection of new smart identity cards, to the residents in the (a) Karoo Highlands Local Municipality and (b) Hantam Local Municipality, who can currently only make use of his department’s offices in Calvinia; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(a & b) The Department has identified Louriesfontein in the Hantam Local Municipality for the high impact service delivery program using mobile trucks provided by Head Office (with emphasis on smart card application and collection). The Department has thus far planned the outreach program at Louriesfontein and an additional town (to be announced) in Karoo Highlands Local Municipality is also being considered for a similar high impact service delivery program.
END
21 November 2019 - NW1309
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
What is the physical location of each parcel of land acquired by her department for human settlement and housing purposes in each province (a) in each of the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2019?
Reply:
(a) & (b) Consistent with my reply to question 813, we have an obligation to protect the information sought and cannot publicise the physical location of each of the land parcel that we have acquired for the provision of human settlements and housing as requested by the Honourable Member. Doing so would escalate the risk of potential land invasions and have other unintended consequences.
21 November 2019 - NW1286
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Health
(a) Why are the (i) Magogong and (ii) Buxton clinics in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, North West, without medication for chronic illnesses such as (aa) HIV, (bb) diabetes and (cc) hypertension and (b) by what date will he ensure that the specified clinics have the required medication?
Reply:
(a) (i) Magogong clinic
(aa) There have been no stock outs of any HIV medicines at the clinic this year. (bb) There has been a National challenge with the supply of metformin. Until supply is normalized facilities were requested to use alternative strengths.
(b) Supplies were delivered to the clinic on 28 Oct 2019.
(cc) There has been a National challenge with the supply of enalapril. Until supply is normalized facilities were requested to use alternative strengths.
(a) (i) Buxton clinic
(aa) There have been no stock outs of any HIV medicines at the clinic this year. (bb) There has been a National challenge with this supply of metformin. Until supply is normalised facilities were requested to use alternative strengths.
(b) Supplies were delivered to the clinic on 4 Nov 2019.
(cc) Hypertension medicines
There has been a National challenge with the supply of enalapril. Until supply is normalised facilities were requested to use alternative strengths.
(b) Supplies were delivered to the clinic on 28 Oct 2019.
END.
21 November 2019 - NW999
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 303 on 4 September 2019, (a) by what date will the work to restore the Mondeor Post Office after years of neglect commence, (b) what is the (i) scope and (ii) cost of the work and (c) which company, contractor or department has been authorised to carry out the work?
Reply:
I have been advised by SAPO as follows:
(a) The contractor officially took over the site on 12 November 2019 to commence with work. Demolition work has already started. SAPO delegation and the contractor met on site on 14 November 2019, to finalize the project plan. A meeting with the local Councilor was on 15 November 2019. The work is scheduled to be completed by 7 December 2019.
(b)(i) The scope of work entails the total refurbishment of the Mondeor Post Office building which includes electrical works, plumbing works, shop fitting, roof repair and reinstallation of post boxes etc.
(ii) The total cost of work is R776 228, 46 excluding VAT, however there could be variations due to unforeseen structural defects.
(c) The appointed contractor is Sewele SA RE Phoo Business Enterprise
MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS MINISTER
21 November 2019 - NW1301
Weber, Mr WL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether her department has taken or plans to take any steps to ensure that the mining by Hlelo Mining (Pty) Ltd on portion 24 of farm Boschmanspoort 159 IS in Mpumalanga, that is allegedly taking place illegally in a wetland area, does not pollute or poison the water that ultimately runs off into Middelburg’s main source of drinking water, the Rondebosch Dam; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation is aware of the mining activities on Portion 24 of the Farm Boschmanspoort 159 in Mpumalanga. A site inspection was conducted on 9th October 2019 and departmental officials discovered the following:
a) Lunathi Mining (Pty) Ltd is conducting mining activities in a wetland area, which forms part of a drainage area towards the unnamed stream that feeds into Klein Olifants River, and into the Middelburg Dam.
b) Lunathi Mining (Pty) Ltd does not have a Water Use License.
c) The mining rights belong to Hlelo Mining but the mine is being operated by Lunathi Mining (Pty) Ltd
In line with Section 3 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, Act no 3 of 2000, a notice of Intention to issue a directive in terms of Section (19(1) and 53(1) was issued to Lunathi Mining (Pty) Ltd to afford the company an opportunity to make representation in writing to the Department within fourteen (14) working days. Should there be no response, a Directive will be issued compelling the mining company to:
(a) Cease the mining operations.
(b) Appoint an independent environmental consultant to compile and submit a Wetland Rehabilitation and Remedial Plans with clear timeframes for Departmental approval, in order to rectify the contraventions.
(c) The mine must appoint a water specialist to conduct water quality analysis of the unnamed stream at the confluence (where the unnamed stream and Klein Olifants river meet), Klein Olifants River and the Middleburg Dam. The finding of the water quality tests must be submitted to the department.
(d) Upon approval of the Plans, to implement all the recommendations contained in the Wetland Rehabilitation and Remedial Plans within thirty (30) working days of the departmental approval of the Plans.
21 November 2019 - NW1350
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
What is the current total number of (a) funded positions and (b) vacant funded positions in the public health sector in each (i) province, (ii) health category or specialty and (iii) health facility?
Reply:
The table attached indicates a summary of (a) funded filled positions and (b) vacant funded positions in the public health sector in each (i) province, (ii) and for all health categories or specialities.
Province |
Health related Funded Filled / Vacant posts as at end September 2019 |
||
Filled |
Vacant |
Grand Total |
|
Eastern Cape |
26311 |
85 |
26396 |
Free State |
12340 |
22 |
12362 |
Gauteng |
41042 |
135 |
41177 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
44992 |
108 |
45100 |
Limpopo Province |
31589 |
57 |
31646 |
Mpumalanga |
12644 |
19 |
12663 |
North West |
11466 |
28 |
11494 |
Northern Cape |
4279 |
13 |
4292 |
Western Cape |
20042 |
107 |
20149 |
Grand Total |
204705 |
574 |
205279 |
END.
21 November 2019 - NW1198
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)With regard to water supply to the town of Utrecht in KwaZulu-Natal, what are the details of the (a) reasons that there was no water available from 30 September 2019 to 8 October 2019, (b) action has been taken against officials who were responsible for the nonavailability of water, (c) action taken to prevent any further disruptions of water supply and (d) demands made by the Utrecht community; (2) whether all the demands of the community have been agreed to and met; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The KwaZulu-Natal regional office of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is aware that there was a water supply interruption from 30 September to 8 October 2019 in the town of Utrecht. The interruptions were as result of a labour dispute between the Amajuba District Municipality and their employees, relating to benefits that were paid and later deducted from employees’ salaries. Following a settlement in the dispute, water supply was restored on 8 October 2019.
(2) It is suggested that the Honourable Member refer the question to the Minister of CoGTA and Traditional Affairs who will be in a better position to respond to additional questions regarding the matter.