Questions and Replies
29 November 2019 - NW1623
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he will furnish Ms H Ismail with compliance certificates for each (a) clinic and (b) hospital in the Northern Cape?
Reply:
We have requested information from the Province to enable me to respond to this question. The response will be submitted as soon as the Province has sent us the details.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1566
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What are the guidelines and/or protocols that provinces should have in place to ensure safety (a) at health facilities and (b) of Emergency Medical Services personnel; (2) does his department require any basic level safety requirements to be met by each province; (3) what total number of healthcare professionals have been killed in the line of duty by patients and/or criminals in the past five years?
Reply:
1. (a) Health Facilities
The Department has security guards in all the health facilities. The purpose is to protect both the staff and the patients on continuous basis. The security guards conduct patrol in the health facilities throughout the day. The Ideal Hospital Realisation and Management Framework and the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance as well as the Office of Health Standards Compliance, have measures compelling all health facilities to introduce safety and security features. The health facilities have been declared gun free ones. These are measured at regular intervals by means of inspections and reports being submitted.
(b) Emergency Medical Services Personnel
- Through engagement with the National Joint Intelligence Structures, a PROJOC instruction was issued that SAPS is required to escort ambulances to calls in volatile areas.
- Provinces are required to establish a response protocol to areas identified as hot zones.
- A comprehensive National EMS Safety Guideline is in place to ensure that the (EMS) personnel work in an environment consistent with accepted minimum safety and security standards. This encompasses the development of provincial EMS safety plans and of mainstreaming the individual and collective sense of security and safety awareness and responsibility.
- A National EMS Safety Forum has recently been considered to advise the National and Provincial Departments of Health on safety challenges, undertaking risk assessments and proposing risk reduction measures in addition to mitigating, developing, maintaining, updating and implementing safety protocols and standard operating procedures according to the changing situation, where necessary.
2. Each province is required to develop and implement their respective Safety Plan in line with the National EMS Safety Guideline depending on the level of threat/incidents in their respective provinces. The guideline is as follows:
STRATEGIC FOCUS |
OUTPUT |
ACTIVITIES |
SUCCESS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS |
Focus on Staff |
Staff Preparedness |
|
Reduce the risk to staff member being targeted by criminals |
Staff Vigilance / Awareness |
|
Staff members have access to all information regarding high risk zones |
|
Staff Resilience |
|
Mentally fit staff |
|
Staff Safety Course |
|
Awareness & Preparedness of EMS in hostile situations |
|
Focus on Community |
Informal |
|
Staff members will be familiar to community members and a level of trust can be built between all parties. |
Formal |
|
Greater awareness within the community of incidents that have occurred. Also to provide support to staff that needs to testify |
|
Focus on Management |
Before the incident |
|
Ensuring a fluid process during and after an incident |
During the Incident |
|
Ensuring staff support |
|
Post Incident |
|
Supported staff members will feel they are able to contribute to the service and this will assist in their recovery. |
|
Provincial |
|
Regular feedback to staff on stakeholder meetings. |
|
National |
|
Support from NHC-TAC. Monitoring on the implementation of the Emergency Medical Support in Hostile Environments) training. National and Provincial feedback on Health Care In Danger Project |
|
Focus on Technology |
|
Improved responsiveness and confidence in service capacity Ensure safety and protection for EMS personnel. |
3. One EMS personnel was fatality shot in Gauteng Province in 2017, and one security guard in Limpopo province
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1458
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What number of (a) learners are currently enrolled at the Thabakhibidu Primary School in Rooiberg, Thabazimbi, (b) permanent teachers have been appointed at the specified school and (c) vacant positions are on the staff; (2) what number of (a) classrooms does the school have and (b) learners does the school have in each classroom; (3) what number of educators reside on the school premises; (4) whether buildings that were previously used as offices are now being used as a school building; if so, (a) since what date and (b) on what date will a suitable school be built on the allocated stand for the community of Thabazimbi? NW2724E
Reply:
(1) Thabakhibidu Primary School has (a) 370 learners and (b) 8 permanent teachers in 2019 with (c) 2 vacant positions;
(2) (a) (b) It has 8 classrooms with between 37 and 57 learners per class. There are 10 educators residing on the schools premises. Please see Table 1 below for more detail.
Table 1: Number of learners per class, in Thabakhibidu Primary School, in 2019
2b)
|
Number of learners in each classroom:
|
Gr R |
37 |
Gr 1 |
55 |
||
Gr 2 |
32 |
||
Gr 3 |
48 |
||
Gr 4 |
53 |
||
Gr 5 |
57 |
||
Gr 6 |
54 |
||
Gr 7 |
34 |
||
Total |
370 |
Source: 2019 Limpopo Provincial Warehouse
(3) Number of educators residing on school premises is 8
(4) (a) Yes, the building were previously used as office, (b) since November 2003.
4 (b) Donor funding has been sourced to start construction in the next financial year.
29 November 2019 - NW1559
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Health
What progress has his department made in establishing Ketlaphela, the state-owned pharmaceutical company that will supply anti-retroviral drugs to his department as the former President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, announced during the state of the nation address in 2016?
Reply:
The establishment of the State-owned company Ketlaphela was led by the Department of Science and Technology. The initial plans were to establish a State-owned active pharmaceutical ingredients company producing the API’s for the widely used ARVs. After the expression of interest advert for companies to partner on API production, there was no economically viable proposal.
The project has since been taken over by NECSA with a change in focus towards medicines formulation and packaging as an initial step toward final API production. The business case in this regard suggests that this approach would be economically viable. The Department of Energy would be able to provide full details regarding progress with Ketlaphela given that it is now with that Department.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW687
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What has she found to be the reason that the budget allocated to South African Tourism (SAT) has no correlation with the increase in tourism and (b) how was the budget to SAT calculated (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) for the 2019-20 financial year?
Reply:
a) South Africa Tourism is entrusted with responsibilities of primarily focusing on marketing South Africa as a domestic and international tourist destination (leisure) and as a business tourism destination. Each year SAT develops an annual performance plan derived from its five year strategy. SAT’s five year strategy is guided by the strategic plan of the department. Each annual performance outlines priorities and programmes that SAT will be driving for that particular year and a budget for each priority or programme is allocated accordingly and approved by parliament. The primary goal of the marketing programmes driven within SAT is the increase in the number of tourists both International arrivals and domestic travellers.
Objectively getting travellers to choose South Africa as a destination of choice and getting South Africans to travel is influenced by factors that are within SAT’s control and those that are outside SAT’s control.
SAT can control factors such as the intensity of its campaigns, the countries it targets, the demographics it targets, and etc. which are outlined in the funded marketing framework. The strategy as expressed in each APP gives expression to how much budget is allocated to maximise on the factors that are within the control of SAT towards achieving the main goal which the increase in numbers.
Notwithstanding the investment in marketing, negative perceptions about South Africa are a significant barrier for international tourists. These issues lead to the divergence between budget allocations and the performance of SAT. The following are key issues that adversely affect the number of tourists visiting the country:
- Safety and security concerns
- The Cape Town Water Crisis Messaging that exaggerated the situation.
- Inappropriate wildlife interaction
- Immigration regulations particularly visa application processes and the recently scrapped requirement for unabridged birth certificate for minors travelling to South Africa.
(b) How was the budget to SAT calculated in the (i) past three financial years and (ii) for the 2019-20 financial year
The following table indicate the budget of SA Tourism’s budget for the past three financial years and for the 2019/20 financial year.
Name of the Programme |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
(R’000) |
(R’000) |
(R’000) |
(R’000) |
|
1. |
Corporate Support |
102 127 |
151 212 |
132 271 |
135 171 |
2. |
Business Enablement |
99 907 |
60 926 |
85 929 |
89 700 |
3. |
Leisure Tourism Marketing |
846 955 |
955 996 |
1 026 270 |
1 066 602 |
4. |
Business Events |
154 552 |
172 123 |
129 287 |
137 869 |
5. |
Visitor Experience |
54 035 |
49 596 |
65 807 |
68 695 |
Total |
1 257 576 |
1 389 853 |
1 439 564 |
1 497 857 |
Programme 1: Corporate Support
Corporate Support provides support services to the organisation and ensures compliance with statutory Requirements.
Programme 2: Business Enablement
Business Enablement ensures that the strategic plan is developed and integrated with business performance monitoring, governance and evaluation. It provides centralised research insights and analytics to support the core business and provide an open source for information-sharing with the tourism sector.
Programme 3: Leisure Tourism Marketing
Leisure Tourism Marketing provides destination tourism marketing, targeting both international and domestic leisure tourists.
Programme 4: Business Events
The Business Events programme markets South Africa as a business events
Programme 5: Tourist Experience
The Tourist Experience programme aims to deliver a quality experience expected by international and domestic tourists by grading establishments, developing product capacity and building itineraries for tourists.
29 November 2019 - NW1544
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
In light of the fact that the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) recently commissioned an investigation and report into potential human rights violations by the Limpopo Department of Health, (a) on what date was the SAHRC’s report presented to the Limpopo Department of Health, (b) will his department make the report available to the Portfolio Committee on Health and (c) what (i) actions have been taken against persons involved in human rights violations and (ii) are the details of the persons against whom the SAHRC recommended action?
Reply:
(a) The Report was issued in February 2019 to the Limpopo Department of Health.
(b) Yes. The Preliminary report (for comments by the Limpopo Department of Health) is attached.
(c) (i) and (ii) Information is still awaited from the province and will be submitted once received.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1564
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
What number of government health care facilities in each province offer reproductive healthcare, including termination of pregnancies, pap smears and mammograms?
Reply:
All primary health facilities are providing sexual and reproductive health services however the table below is for Termination of Pregnancy facilities:
Public Health Facilities Providing TOP services per Province
Eastern Cape |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Cacadu District |
|
|
|
Nelson Mandela Bay |
|
1. Dora Ndiza hospital 2. Uitenhage provincial hospital |
|
Amathole District |
|
1. Madwaleni hospital 2. S.S Gida hospital 3. Frere hospital 4. Cecilia-Makwane hospital 5. Empilweni-Gompo CHC 6. Elliotdale CHC 7. Ngqamakwe CHC |
|
UKhahlamba |
|
1. Empilisweni hospital 2. Toylor-Bequest hospital |
|
OR Tambo |
|
1. Umthata-General hospital 2. St Pats hospital 3. St Barnaba’s hospital 4. St Liz hospital 5. Nessie Night hospital 6. Qumbu CHC |
|
Chris Hani |
|
1. Cofimvaba CHC 2. Cala Hospital 3. Elliot hospital 4. Cradock hospital 6. Glen Grey hospital |
|
Gauteng |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Ekurhuleni |
|
1. Natalspruit hospital 2. Tembisa hospital 3. Pholosong hospital 4. Far Eastrand hospital 5. Germiston hospital 6. Nokuthela-Ngwenya CHC 7. Jabulane-Dumane CHC 8. Pholopark CHC |
|
Sedibeng |
|
1. Sebokeng hospital 2. Kopanong hospital 3. Heidelberg hospital 4. Johan Heyns CHC |
|
Tshwane |
|
5.Kalafong hospital 2. George-Mokhari hospital 3.Odi hospital 4. Tshwane-district hospital 5. Phedisong 4 CHC 6. Laudium CHC 7. Soshanguve CHC 8. Kgabo CHC |
City of Johannesburg |
|
1. Chris-Hani Baragwaneth 2. Charlotte-Maxeke hospital 3. Raheema-Moosa hospital 4. Edenvale hospital 5. Hilbrow CHC 6. Chawelo CHC 7. ZolaCHC 8. Lenasia South CHC |
|
West Rand |
|
1. Leratong hospital 2. Dr-Yusuf-Dadoo hospital 3. Carltonville hospital |
|
Free Sate |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Lejweleputswa |
|
1. Bongani hospital |
|
Thabo Mofutsanyane |
|
1. Elizabeth Ross |
|
Motheo |
|
1. National hospital |
|
Fezile Dabi |
|
1. Matsimaholo |
Limpopo |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Capricorn |
|
1. Batlokwa 2. Lebowakgomo 3. Mankweng 4. Polokwane 5. Seshigo 6. WF Nnobel 7. Ratshatsha CHC 8. Rethabile 9. Mamottshwa clinic |
|
Mopani |
|
1. C N Phathudi 2. Kgapane 3. Letaba 4. Maphutha L Malatji 5. Nkhensani 6. Sekororo 7. Van Velden Duiwelskloof Clinic
|
|
Sekhukhune |
|
|
|
Vhembe |
|
|
|
Waterberg |
|
|
Mpumalanga |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Nkangala |
|
|
|
Gert Sibande |
|
|
Northern Cape |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Frances Baard |
|
|
|
John Taolo Gaetsewe |
|
|
|
Siyanda |
|
|
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
UThungulu |
|
|
|
Zululand |
|
|
|
UMkhanyakude |
|
|
|
UGu |
|
|
|
EThekwini |
|
|
|
ILembe |
|
|
|
UMgungundlovu |
|
|
|
UThukela |
|
|
|
Amajuba |
|
|
|
Sisonke |
|
|
|
North West |
|
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
|
Dr K Kaunda |
|
|
|
Dr RS Mopati |
|
|
|
Dr M Molema |
|
|
|
Bojanala |
|
|
Western Cape |
||
Designated Facilities Providing TOP services |
||
Cape Town Metro |
||
|
||
West Coast District |
||
|
||
Cape Wine lands District |
||
|
||
Overberg District |
||
|
pap smears services
All primary health care facilities are providing Pap Smear services
Mammogram services
Province |
Facilities |
Limpopo |
|
Mpumalanga |
|
Free State |
|
North West |
|
Western Cape |
|
Northern Cape |
|
Eastern Cape |
None |
Gauteng |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
|
Annexure A: Current Facilities Providing Oncology Treatment and Availability of Equipment (NDoH Audit, 2017)
Province |
Facility |
Chemo-therapy |
Radiation Oncology |
Paediatric Oncology |
Contracting |
No of Linacs |
Eastern Cape |
Frere Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
1 |
|
Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital |
X |
Yes |
||||
Livingstone Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
2 |
||
Free State |
Universitas Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
2 |
|
Gauteng |
Steve Biko Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
3 |
|
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
4 |
||
Chris Hani Baragwabath Academic Hospital |
X |
|||||
Kalafong Hospital |
X |
|||||
Kwa Zulu Natal |
Greys Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
1 |
|
Addington Hospital |
X |
Yes |
||||
Ngwelezane Hospital |
X |
Yes |
||||
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital |
X |
X |
Yes |
3 |
||
Limpopo |
Polokwane Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Yes |
1 |
Mpumalanga |
Rob Ferreira Hospital |
X |
Yes |
|||
Northern Cape |
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Yes |
|
Western Cape |
Tygerberg |
X |
X |
3 |
||
Groote Schuur |
X |
X |
3 |
|||
George Hospital |
X |
X |
Yes |
|||
Red Cross Hospital |
X |
END.
29 November 2019 - NW610
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) total amount has (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her spent on (aa) cleaning, (bb) security and (cc) gardening services in the (aaa) 2017-18 and (bbb) 2018-19 financial years, (b) amount was paid to each service provider to provide each specified service and (c) total amount was paid to each of the service providers?
Reply:
Department of Basic Education (DBE):
(a) (i) The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has signed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the finance, design, construction and maintenance of the head office building. The DBE pays a unitary monthly fee for the capital as well as maintenance cost. The unitary fee cannot be broken down into the various services provided.
(ii) Not applicable
(aa) Not applicable
(bb) Not applicable
(cc) Not applicable
(aaa) Not applicable
(bbb) Not applicable
b) Not applicable
c) Not applicable
UMALUSI RESPONSE:
(a) (ii) Umalusi paid for the following services to the indicated service providers:
Services |
Service Provider |
(aaa) 2017/18 R |
(bbb) 2018/19 R |
(aa) Cleaning |
Total cleaning |
369, 517. 41 |
370, 758.88 |
Servest Group |
369, 517.41 |
227, 237.26 |
|
Mamulo Trading |
- |
143, 521.62 |
|
(bb) Security |
Total Security |
786, 546.85 |
880, 277.24 |
Brinant Security |
786, 546.85 |
425, 058.39 |
|
Rise Security Services |
- |
455, 018.85 |
|
(cc) Gardening Services |
Persequor Tuindienste |
22, 000.00 |
28, 473.16 |
Service Provider |
Service |
(aaa) 2017/18 R |
(bbb) 2018/19 R |
(C) Total R |
Servest Group |
Cleaning |
369, 517.41 |
227, 237.26 |
596, 754.67 |
Mamulo Trading |
Cleaning |
- |
143, 521.62 |
143, 521.62 |
Brinant Security |
Security |
786, 546.85 |
425, 058.39 |
1, 211, 605.24 |
Rise Security Services |
Security |
- |
455, 018.85 |
455, 018.85 |
Persequor Tuindienste |
Gardening Services |
22, 000.00 |
28, 473.16 |
50, 473.16 |
SACE RESPONSE:
(ii) (aa) The South African Council for Educators spent R129 718,30 on cleaning during the 2017/18 financial year.
(bb) The South African Council for Educators spent R347 355,70 on security during the 2017/18 financial year.
(cc) N/A
(ii) (b) TOTAL SECURITY COSTS FOR 2017/18 Consisting of:
|
|||||||||||||
TOTAL SECURITY COSTS FOR 2018/19 Consisting of:
|
TOTAL CLEANING FOR 2017/18
Consisting of:
RENTOKIL INITIAL |
88058,16 |
MALETSATSI HOME |
5118,6 |
KA-NTLE TRADING ENTERPRISE |
8076,5 |
PETTY CASH |
1078,47 |
DGR DISTRIBUTORS CC |
4983 |
LUPHA TRADING & PROJECTS |
5695 |
KATSHEMONG (PTY) LTD |
10046 |
MAYFAY SERVICES |
646,02 |
IPOPENG OFFICE SUPPLIES |
2229,56 |
LEBOMCAPITAL |
1014,98 |
UNICOPY STATIONERS |
567,04 |
ABIYOT EMPIRE ENTERPRISE |
2205 |
TOTAL |
129 718, |
TOTAL CLEANING FOR 2018/17 Consisting of: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
29 November 2019 - NW1143
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
1) What (a) is the total number of agricultural research farms in each province, (b) is the size of each research farm, (c) activities take place on each farm, (d) are the current conditions of each farm, (e) is the breakdown of the annual budget of each farm, (f) were the most recent research (i) activities conducted and (ii) outcomes from each farm; 2) Whether any of the specified farms are being leased; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the (a) name of each person and/or institution that leases the farm and (b) amount paid for each farm that is leased?
Reply:
RESPONSE TO PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 1143/NW2303E
The Agricultural Research Council is a statutory body established in terms of the Agricultural Research Act, 1990 (Act no.86 of 1990) (the ARC Act) and is listed as a Schedule 3, Part A Public Entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act no.1 of 1999) (the PFMA).
The response to the Parliamentary Question 1143/NW2303E is postulated as per the 3 tables.
In the event that your office requires any further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Table 1: REPLY: (1) (a), (b), (c), (d) supporting documents attached
Province |
Number of farms |
Size |
Activities |
Current conditions |
Gauteng |
3 |
7826ha |
Vegetables research, animal breeding and animal production |
Good |
Mpumalanga |
1 |
66ha |
Cattle farming |
Good |
Western Cape |
9 |
Between 243,8 and 227,917ha |
Research on fruit and vine |
Fair |
Eastern Cape |
3 |
657,65ha |
Cattle farming, agricultural training and SAPS stock theft training |
Poor |
Mpumalanga |
1 |
66ha |
Cattle farming |
Good |
Free State |
2 |
1039.5ha |
Plant breeding, National cultivar evaluation and plant diseases |
Good |
North West |
2 |
594,92ha |
Maize trials and Research |
Fair |
Limpopo |
3 |
5591haha |
Vegetables production, research, commercial farming and grazing |
Good |
Table 2: REPLY: (1) continues (i), (ii), supporting documents attached
Province |
Activities |
Outcome from each farm |
Gauteng |
Vegetables research, animal breeding and animal production |
-Animal breeding -Maize seeds production -Training of farmers -Cash revenue on social events |
Mpumalanga |
Cattle farming |
Generating external revenue |
Western Cape |
Research on fruit and vine |
Fair |
Eastern Cape |
Cattle farming, agricultural training and SAPS stock theft unit |
-The farm is in a bad state due to underutilization. -Farming -Training |
Mpumalanga |
Cattle farming |
Generating external revenue |
Free State |
Wheat commercial |
R800 000 |
North West |
Maize trials and research |
-Research -Maize harvest |
Limpopo |
Vegetables production, research, commercial farming and grazing |
Good |
Table 3: REPLY: (2) (a), (b), supporting documents attached
Province |
Person or individuals that lease the farm |
Amount paid for farm leased |
Gauteng |
United Seeds Naka breeders |
R220 000 p/a |
Mpumalanga |
AA HUNN |
R4716 p/m |
Western Cape |
None |
N/A |
Eastern Cape |
-SAPS -Chumani Water Solutions -Asante Management Services |
-SAPS R21059 -Chumani R12160 -Asante R26827 |
Mpumalanga |
Cattle farming |
R4716 p/m |
Free State |
None |
N/A |
North West |
Agricol |
R5617 p/m |
Limpopo |
Oppierandjie |
R35727 p/m |
29 November 2019 - NW1622
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
What number of ambulances are available in the Northern Cape?
Reply:
The Northern Cape has 88 ambulances available for operations.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1235
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to her reply to question 324 on 15 August 2019, (a) what are the details of (i) each of the stakeholders in the private sector and (ii) other specified stakeholders who are being engaged with as stated in the reply, (b)(i) what is the format and nature of the engagements that took place in each case and (ii) for how long have each of the engagements been taking place respectively in each instance and (c) what are the results of the engagements as at the latest specified date in each instance?
Reply:
As stated in the reply to question 324, key measures that are put in place to meet targets also include ongoing engagement with the private sector, other government departments and other stakeholders in their respective roles in achieving the target set by the President in the June 2019 State of the Nation Address. The targets will form part of the Strategic Plan within the new MTSF period of the department and SAT.
There are ongoing engagements with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) which is the umbrella organization representing the unified voice of business in the travel and tourism sector. TBCSA comprises of 14 travel and tourism sub-sector associations and 28 business members. These engagements have ensured that TBCSA is integral in the planning that is aimed at meeting the 21 million international tourist target, and in strategizing on various mechanisms that are aimed at growing the tourism sector. Minister has had, since her arrival, more than 4 engagements with the Chairperson and CEO of TBCSA and has been invited to address a full TBCSA board meeting at beginning of December.
The minister also met with the Airline industry operating in the country during the month of November in order to improve collaboration and partnership. She also held a meeting with representative of Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) after they raised a concern of the regulation for South Africa still requiring unabridged certificate during the month of November. She was invited to share her vision with Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Gauteng Chapter during the month of November and plans to continue with these kind of engagements with other associations.
Furthermore, the Minister hosts a quarterly tourism leadership forum (TLF) which brings together representatives from various associations in the tourism sector and this was held during October month. These engagements gave an opportunity for the Minister to outline her plans and the need for working together.
Since she took Office, the Minister has convened two MinMec meetings, to ensure collaboration and alignment of strategies between National government and provinces.
The Minister has also convened a meeting with business leaders from the rail tourism industry and representatives of state owned enterprises (Transnet and Prasa). The engagement, the first of its kind, was aimed at ensuring that rail tourism is mainstreamed and forms part of the tourism marketing programmes so that it can attract more tourists.
The Minister hosted a Youth summit that shared the work of the Department with the youth. The summit also provided a platform for young people to engage the Minister and the Department on opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector. The summit also provided an opportunity for the participants to provide feedback on their experience in the sector and in dealing with the Department with a view on how to collectively improve the sector.
The Minister met with Tourism BBBEE Council during the month of July, to welcome them and receive the state of transformation report prepared by the outgoing council at the time.
The Minister has also hosted an Imbizo in Limpopo aimed at engaging with communities and community leaders. These engagements have played an important role in ensuring continued improvement of society’s understanding of the importance of welcoming tourists in the various destinations across the country and in ensuring that they enjoy a safe and memorable experience.
Minister has engaged with tour operators, media and influencers to get feedback on what we need to do to ensure that we increase our international arrivals. These engagements took place in China, Japan, New York, Ghana and Nigeria.
More engagements will continue in 2020 and the underlying message that the Minister has been conveying to various stakeholders relates to the importance of working together as a sector in order to ensure that we grow the sector and meet the 21 million target that we have set.
Key Strategic Stakeholders
The key strategic stakeholder comprised of the following but not limiting sector stakeholders as per the engagement structure below:
a) (i) Private Sector:
Private sector stakeholder |
|
(b)(ii)How long have each of the engagements been taking place |
(c ) What are the of the engagements as at the latest specified date in each instance |
Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) The association is the umbrella organisation representing the unified voice of business in the travel and tourism sector. The organisation serves to unite and influence the diverse travel and tourism sector to contribute to a competitive, responsible and inclusive tourism economy and comprises of 14 travel and tourism sub-sector associations and 28 business members. |
The engagement is through a collaborative MOU between two entities. The MOU covers areas of joint marketing, exhibitions, roadshows, knowledge sharing and grading. Engagement is through monthly meetings and performance reporting. |
The MOU is concluded every three years and both entities have just finalised a new five-year agreement from April 2019 -March 2024. |
TBCSA and SA Tourism embarked on a roadshow to Europe (September 2019) and North America (October 2019) to affirm the industry’s commitment to the markets by gathering valuable insights from valued trade partners to better understand the current market challenges, barriers, and opportunities to achieve greater success together. Insights gathered from these roadshows will assist in addressing challenges that may hinder efforts of reaching the 2030 target. Furthermore, a debrief was conducted post-roadshows to discuss the way forward. Some of the key outcomes of the debrief were:
|
b) (ii) Other stakeholders: Public Sector
Other stakeholders |
|
(b)(ii)How long have each of the engagements been taking place |
(c) What are the latest results |
Provincial Tourism Authorities (PTAs) |
The engagement is through collaborative MOU. The purpose of the MOU is for both parties to collaborate, commit and align their strategic and tactical plans and resources of whatever nature in relation to their tourism mandate and to achieve the 2030 targets. The engagement is conducted through the following structures: 1. Quarterly CEO Forum (Effective Marketing Pillar of NTSS) 2. Quarterly marketing forum 3. Quarterly Business Events Coordinating Forum |
Engagements have been in place for years since provinces established PTAs, however the main focus in line with the 6th administration is to work towards achieving 21 million visitors by 2030. |
CEO Forum: 10 October 2019 The CEO Forum met on 10 October 2019 to discuss the alignment of business planning processes. This is the first time that SA Tourism and provincial tourism authorities conducted a joint business planning session, and this provided an opportunity to develop the 5-year strategic plan in line with the 6th administration. Furthermore, to focus on key focus areas, working towards achieving the 2030 targets. Marketing Forum: 13 November 2019 The marketing forum met on 13 November 2019 to discuss the development of key action plans for the 2020/21 financial year. Key outcomes: 1. Consolidation of annual calendar of events 2. Develop destination stories to package destinations content. 3. Package key flagship products. 4. Identify other stakeholders to partner in destination marketing i.e. Film Commissions, Department of Arts, Culture and Sports and Brand SA. The above outcomes will form part of integrated annual plans. |
29 November 2019 - NW1428
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether the Mokala Primary School in the Ratlou Local Municipality in North West was closed by her department; if so, what are the alternative measures that have been put in place to assist the learners to go to school and/or continue with their education?
Reply:
Mokala Primary School was initially a farm school about 13km from Setlagole Village. In 2011, due to the low enrolment of learners the school was forced to close. Learners from the school were moved to Senwamatsana Primary School in Setlagole in 2012. In 2013 the school was reopened in Lopapeng Section in Setlagole. This school was merged with Badiri Primary School from Westend Ranch Farm (34 kms from Setlagole) and Segakeng Primary School was added to the school in 2015.
The schools mentioned above received learners from Setlagole. Now that Mokala Primary, Badiri Primary and Segakeng Primary merged to become Mokala Primary it meant that learners will no more have to move to the farms as the learners are all from Setlagole.
To provide space for learners, mobile classrooms were given to replace the tents which were initially erected to serve as classrooms. The Hon Mec Matsemela instructed the closure of such tents in favour of mobile classrooms.
At the moment the learner enrolment is 660 with a staff compliment of 18 educators. There are 14 mobile classrooms provided. A new school was supposed to be built in 2016 but due to a new site having sought a delay was experienced.
29 November 2019 - NW1567
Sharif, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What total number of healthcare professionals are on incapacity leave for longer than one year in each province, (b) what are the posts that they occupy and (c) at what cost has their leave been to each provincial health department?
Reply:
Information is still being sourced from Provinces. The answer will be submitted to Parliament as soon as the information is received from Provinces.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1621
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total number of (a) clinics and (b) hospitals are in the Northern Cape; (2) what total number of (a) doctors and (b) nurses are employed at each (i) hospital and (ii) clinic; (3) (a) who received the contract to build and/or upgrade the Good Hope Clinic and (b) how far is the building/upgrade of the clinic?
Reply:
1. (a) 161 clinics based on the Ideal clinic database (on the software) and
(b) 14 hospitals based on the regulation relating to categories of hospitals 2012 in the Northern Cape province.
2. (a) (i) Total doctors employed in hospitals in Northern Cape as at end October 2019
Medical Officer employed in Hospital as at October 2019 |
||
Northern Cape |
Medical Officer |
54 |
|
Medical Officer (Community Service) |
17 |
|
Medical Specialist |
1 |
Northern Cape Total |
|
72 |
(ii) Total doctors employed in clinics in Northern Cape as at end October 2019
Medical Officers employed in Clinics as at October 2019 |
||
Northern Cape |
Medical Officer |
1 |
b) (i) Total nurses employed in hospitals in Northern Cape as at end October 2019
Nurse Professionals employed in Hospital as at October 2019 |
||
Northern Cape |
Assistant Manager Nursing (Head Nursing Service) |
3 |
|
Clinical Nurse Practitioner (Prim H Care) |
3 |
|
Nursing Assistant |
168 |
|
Operational Manager Nursing (General) |
11 |
|
Operational Manager Nursing (Primary H Care) |
1 |
|
Operational Manager Nursing (Speciality Unit) |
4 |
|
Professional Nurse |
250 |
|
Professional Nurse ( Speciality Nursing) |
37 |
|
Professional Nurse (Community Service) |
29 |
|
Staff Nurse |
64 |
Northern Cape Total |
570 |
(ii) Total nurses employed in clinics in Northern Cape as at end October 2019
Nurse Professions employed in Clinics as at October 2019 |
||
Northern Cape |
Staff Nurse |
37 |
|
Assistant Manager Nursing (Primary H Care) |
3 |
|
Professional Nurse |
162 |
|
Deputy Manager Nursing (Level 1 & 2 Hospital) |
1 |
|
Professional Nurse ( Speciality Nursing) |
2 |
|
Nursing Assistant |
173 |
|
Professional Nurse (Community Service) |
20 |
|
Operational Manager Nursing (General) |
17 |
|
Assistant Manager Nursing Area |
1 |
|
Operational Manager Nursing (Primary H Care) |
89 |
|
Clinical Nurse Practitioner (Prim H Care) |
111 |
Northern Cape total |
616 |
3. Good Hope is a mobile point in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape province. The community from the village has been requesting the department to build a clinic for them. The department could not build it due to budgetary constraints. The community is being serviced through a mobile clinic which visits once per month.
(a) There is nobody who has been awarded a contract to build and/or upgrade the Good Hope clinic;
(b) Due to the fact that there was no tender awarded to anyone, there is no progress on the building/upgrade of the clinic.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1563
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
What number of deaths have been recorded as a result of medical negligence across the Republic in the past five years?
Reply:
Information is still being sourced from provinces to enable us to respond to this question. The final response will be submitted to Parliament as soon as the relevant information has been received from provinces.
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1545
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What percentage of (a) persons living with mental health conditions are receiving the professional care they need, (b) the total budget of his department is used for the care of patients with mental health conditions in each province, (c) the mental health care budget is used on treating severe symptoms and (d) the mental health care budget is used for the early evaluation and prevention of mental health conditions; (2) what total number of public hospitals (a) are compliant with the mental health care legislation, (b) are providing the requisite 72 hours assessments and (c) have qualified child psychiatrists in each province?
Reply:
(1) (a) The Nationally representative psychiatric epidemiological study, the South African Stress and Health (SASH) survey, found that 25,2% of participants with a mental disorder had sought treatment within the previous 12 months of which 5,7% with a mental disorder received mental health care.
(b) The national survey on the evaluation of health system costs of mental health services and programmes in South Africa undertaken by the University of Cape Town using the 2016/17 Financial Year provincial health budget expenditure found the following in respect of expenditure on Mental Health in 2016/17.
Province |
2016/17 financial year total inpatient and outpatient mental health expenditure |
Millions |
|
Eastern Cape |
R806 |
Free State |
R253 |
Gauteng |
R2,334 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
R1,831 |
Limpopo |
R422 |
Mpumalanga |
R178 |
Northern Cape |
R177 |
North West |
R296 |
Western Cape |
R1,504 |
The above budgets does not include funds that are transferred to private health care providers who are contracted by some provincial departments of health to provide mental health services in provinces where such contracts exist.
(c)-(d) The budget for provision of mental health care, treatment and rehabilitation is not separated in terms of severity of mental health symptoms or type of mental health intervention. Available budget data separation is in terms of percentage spent on inpatient mental health care and percentage spent on outpatient mental health care as reflected in the table below.
Province |
Total mental health budget |
% of total mental health budget spent on inpatient mental health care |
% of total mental health budget spent on outpatient mental health care |
Millions |
% |
% |
|
Eastern Cape |
R806 |
86% |
14% |
Free State |
R253 |
88% |
12% |
Gauteng |
R2,334 |
89.1% |
10.9% |
KwaZulu-Natal |
R1,831 |
82.3% |
17.7% |
Limpopo |
R422 |
70.2% |
29.8% |
Mpumalanga |
R178 |
76.2% |
23.8% |
Northern Cape |
R177 |
82% |
18% |
North West |
R296 |
86.2% |
13.8% |
Western Cape |
R1,504 |
90.5% |
9.5% |
The above budgets do not include funds that are transferred to private health care providers who are contracted by some provincial departments of health to provide mental health services in provinces where such contracts exist.
(2) The following table reflects the details in this regard.
Total number of public hospitals |
||||
Province |
Compliant with Mental Health Care Legislation |
Providing 72 hour assess-ments |
Have qualified child psychiatrists |
|
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
||
Eastern Cape |
7 |
39 |
0 |
|
Free State |
1 |
29 |
1 |
|
Gauteng |
13 |
17 |
5 |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
27 |
56 |
1 |
|
Limpopo |
5 |
35 |
0 |
|
Mpumalanga has 28 public health facilities providing mental health services BUT they do not meet the basic requirements prescribed |
0 |
28 |
0 |
|
Northern Cape |
13 |
1 |
1 |
|
North West |
2 |
6 |
0 |
|
Western Cape |
11 |
31 |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
67 |
254 |
11 |
END.
29 November 2019 - NW1565
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Health
What is the current waiting period for treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer from time of diagnosis to first phase of treatment?
Reply:
Treatment of different types of cancer differ by province, facility and type of cancer The estimated waiting period for patients diagnosed with cervical cancer ranges from 6-11 weeks and for prostate cancer 11-28 weeks.
Waiting times at selected hospitals such as Frere Hospital, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Livingstone Hospital, Polokwane Hospital ranges between 6 to 8 weeks. In Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Universitas Hospitals the waiting times are between 12-14 weeks.
We are currently conducting an audit on cancer services and the outcome will be made available once the audit is completed.
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 - NW1532
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the total number of suppliers that his department did not pay within 30 days as at the latest date for which information is available and (b) by what date will the suppliers be paid?
Reply:
Information is still being sourced from the Province on this matter, it will be submitted as soon as the Province has supplied such information.
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 - NW1433
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether there is a proper drainage system at Middelburg Provincial Hospital; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of how the drainage system is maintained on a timeous basis?
Reply:
Yes.
Middelburg Provincial Hospital has a working drainage system. Maintenance of the drainage system (plumbing works, etc) is done internally by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) artisans based at the Hospital on a day-to-day basis.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1496
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Health
(a) Why is the clinic in Makolokwe Ward 29 in Rustenburg, North West dysfunctional, (b) what total amount was spent to build the clinic and (c) who was the service provider contracted to built the clinic?
Reply:
(a) It is not true that the clinic in Makolokwe, ward 29 is dysfunctional. It operates for limited number of days because it is not a fully-fledged clinic. It is a health post which is supported by Bethanie Clinic which is about 7km away and it provides 24 hour services. It is visited by a mobile clinic twice per week. Due to the small catchment population and its proximity to Bethanie Clinic the facility could not be made a fully-fledged clinic. The structure is a health post that was built in the 2004-2005 financial year.
(b) The costs for the structure at the time was approximately R 250 000.
(c) The departmental records do not show who the service provider was as it was built over 15 years ago and at the lowest costs at the time.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1432
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What number of nurses are employed at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital; (2) whether any nursing positions are vacant at the specified hospital; if so, (a) what number of nursing positions are vacant and (b) by what date will the vacancies be filled?
Reply:
1. The table below reflects the total number of nurses who are employed at Middelburg Provincial Hospital, Mpumalanga.
2. (a) The table also indicates the vacant nursing posts and (b) Since each post was vacated at a different date, it is not possible to mention the specific date that a post will be filled, however, in accordance with the Department of Public Service and Administration directive on reducing the recruitment period and the vacancy rate in the public service dated 08 June 2015, a median period to fill a vacant funded post is six (6) months.
Table 1
Middelburg Hospital in Mpumalanga as at end September 2019 |
Filled / Vacant
|
|
||
Province |
Profession: NURSE |
Filled |
Vacant |
Grand Total |
Mpumalanga |
OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (SPECIALITY UNIT) |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
NURSING ASSISTANT |
37 |
0 |
37 |
|
OPERATIONAL MANAGER NURSING (GENERAL) |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
PROFESSIONAL NURSE |
117 |
1 |
118 |
|
PROFESSIONAL NURSE (COMMUNITY SERVICE) |
9 |
0 |
9 |
|
STAFF NURSE |
61 |
0 |
61 |
Mpumalanga Total |
|
233 |
1 |
234 |
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1535
Hinana, Mr N to ask the Minister of Health
What number of public health facilities are made of asbestos?
Reply:
In 2011, a base line infrastructure audit found a total of 958 health facilities with at least one type of asbestos building material (roof, ceiling, internal or external walls). Currently we have a total of 382 facilities with at least one component of asbestos out of the four components. A total of 576 facilities have been replaced to date and the plan is to eradicate the remaining ones within the next three financial years in line with available budget.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1498
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Health
What are the reasons that the patients at the Rob Ferreira Provincial Hospital are expected to pay R700,00 for a date stamp after completion of the insurance forms for chronic diseases?
Reply:
1. The Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) is Ministerial approved annually, based on the MTBS (CPI).
2. A UPFS Technical Tariff Task team has been established and consist of both provincial and national representatives of which national facilitates the process and provide guidance;
3. The UPFS makes provision for three groups of users: Full paying, subsidized and free users:
-
Full Paying
This category of users includes but is not limited to externally funded users, users being treated by their private practitioner and certain categories. They are liable for the full UPFS fee.
-
Subsidised
Subsidised users are categorised based on their ability to pay for health services into four categories: H0, H1, H2 and H3. The fees payable by subsidised users are expressed as a percentage of the fees payable by full paying users as determined by the latest edition of the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS).
-
Free
There are certain circumstances under which users will receive services free of charge independently of their classification as full paying or subsidised users. These circumstances have a statutory basis and apply only to the episode of care directly related to the circumstances under which the user has qualified for free services.
4. The UPFS further makes provision for non subsidised services and the full UPFS tariff applies irrespective of the classification of the patient.
- Cosmetic Surgery (None Medical Reasons)
- Medical Reports
- Mortuary services
- Autopsies
- Port Health and Travel Medicine
MEDICAL REPORTS (Examinations)
This tariff is levied for the completion of a report for insurance or any other purpose e.g. medico-legal and / or procedure above that required for the purposes of the report are undertaken. If a clinical examination and/or procedure are undertaken in addition to the examination, the relevant categories of that particular tariff should also be charged.
The tariff fee is payable strictly in advance before any information is disclosed. This tariff grouping accommodates: the issue and/or the completion of original medical reports and the completion of certificates/forms; as well as the issue of copies of reports/records.
Current UPFS
The tariff payable by e.g. Medical Scheme, Insurance Company etc. is R620.00 for
the financial year 2019/2020
CODE |
DESCRIPTION |
BASIS |
Professional Fee |
FACILITY FEE |
||
|
LEVEL 1 |
LEVEL 2 |
LEVEL 3 |
|||
R |
R |
R |
R |
04 |
Medical Reports - 100% |
|||||
0410 |
Medical Report – Facility Fee |
Report |
|
185 |
185 |
185 |
0411 |
Medical Report – General medical practitioner |
Report |
435 |
|
|
|
0412 |
Medical Report – Specialist medical practitioner |
Report |
435 |
|
|
|
Response from the Mpumalanga Health Department after consultation with Rob Ferreira Hospital on the process followed for Medical Reports and stamps:
The patient will request the completion of the medical report in writing or verbal. The Patient Accounts or Patient Admission will request payment upfront before the completion of the form, immediately payment is received, the form will be forwarded to the specific doctor for completion and the relevant section will stamp it after either Patient Admission or Accounts. The charging of the completion of the form is as per the UPFS tariffs regardless of the level of the hospital.
If is difficult to reply to the question as more information is needed on the patient and exactly what form is referred too to give a more defined answer
END.
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 - 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 - NW1431
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Health
Whether the boiler at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital is in working condition; if so, (a)(i) who is the coal supplier and (ii) on what date was the supplier appointed and (b) what amount did the specified hospital spend on maintenance of the boiler in the past financial year?
Reply:
Yes, the boiler in Middleburg Provincial Hospital is in working condition.
a) (i) The appointed coals supplier is Kiabuse (Pty) Ltd.
(ii) The appointment of Kiabuse was done in August 2017.
b) The Hospital spent R800 000 on maintenance of the boiler in the past financial year.
END.
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 - NW1543
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to his department’s financial report on the R31 million virement that was requested for vaccines for Limpopo, (a) what was the Limpopo budget for vaccines in the (i) 2017-18 and (ii) 2018-19 financial years, (b) why was a R31 million virement necessary, (c) which budget in his department was this virement taken from and (d) what engagements has he had with the Member of the Executive Council for Health to curb poor planning and jeopardising the health of Limpopo citizens?
Reply:
(a) |
Limpopo budget for vaccines (as allocated by Provincial Treasury) |
|
2017-18 (i) |
2018-19 (ii) |
|
R268,920,000 |
R317,781,000 |
(b) The National Department of Health responded to a request for support from the Acting Head of Department of Limpopo Department of Health who asked for help as the province had run out of funds to procure vaccines.
(c) |
Amount |
Budget from which funds were taken and motivation |
|
1. |
R6,000,000 |
HIV/AIDS & STI'S: Male Condoms due to supplier being unable to supply male condoms and the National Department of Health did not project at that stage a condom shortage or stock outs. |
|
2. |
R9,000,000 |
HIV/AIDS & STI'S: Consultants. No tender for Mass Media communication was in order and expenditure were done through the three quotations process. Note: Mass Media Communication is budgeted for under Consultants on BASS. |
|
3. |
R16,000,00 |
Chronic Diseases: Health Promotion Levy part of Mass Media Communication that could not be spent as no tender was in place and expenditure were done through the three quotation system. |
(d) Following the Presidential Health Summit Compact (2018) it was resolved that a budget planning process for pharmaceuticals be instituted and that National Treasury earmark funds for procurement of pharmaceuticals (ring-fencing of the budget). The National Department has embarked on a process to generate a budget for pharmaceutical products for FY2020-2021 for each of the provinces based on accurate demand forecasts. This was discussed at the National Health Council and will be submitted to National Treasury in line with budgeting processes.
END.
28 November 2019 - NW1534
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether the Compensation Commission for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) is a listed entity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether CCOD was a listed entity; if so, what are the reasons that it was removed from the list?
Reply:
1. The Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) is not a listed entity. The Compensation Commissioner is currently in discussions with National Treasury about the status of the Mines and Works Compensation Fund in terms of the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act, No. 78 of 1973 and the Public Financial Management Act, No. 1 of 1999.
Section 61(1) of the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act, No. 78 of 1973 (ODMWA) provides for the establishment of the Mines and Works Compensation Fund. Section 61(2) of the ODMWA states that the Compensation Fund shall be managed by the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD).
2. The Fund was listed as a Public Entity in terms of schedule 3A of the Public Finance Management Act, No. 1 of 1999. However, it was removed in terms of Gazette Notice 3366 of 2003 on 18 November 2003.
Since then, the CCOD was referred to as a trading entity or account of the National Department of Health and produces its Annual Financial Statements separately. The acronym the CCOD and the Fund has been used interchangeably.
The Fund should be classified as an Unlisted Public Entity as it is not listed in Schedule 3A of the PFMA and does not meet the definition of a Trading Account or Entity. The Compensation Commissioner is to apply to National Treasury to have the Fund re-instated as a Public Entity, once the current status as an Unlisted Public Entity has been confirmed by National Treasury. Correspondence in this respect is expected from National Treasury.
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.
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 - 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 - NW1469
Basson, Ms J to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)On what date will the upgrade of the 20 ML Madibeng Water Purification Plant be completed; (2) whether she has found that the total cost to complete the upgrade will be higher than the original estimate; if so, how much higher will the cost be to complete the upgrade compared to the original estimate?
Reply:
(1) Madibeng Water Purification Plant will be completed in two phases as follows:
- Civil work will be completed in June 2020, and
- Mechanical and electrical in February 2021.
(2) The total cost for completion will be higher than the cost of R480 million initially estimated, amounting to R671 million. This is due to the additional scope on pipe re-routing, storage dams, and time wasted on stoppages.
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 - NW1533
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What number of (a) public health facilities throughout the Republic provide oncology treatment and (b) the specified facilities has he found to possess the necessary equipment to provide oncology services; (2) what are the details of the lack in oncology treatment in each province, as reflected in the National Cancer Registry?
Reply:
1. (a)-(b) There are Twenty (20) hospitals in the Public Service that provide oncology services as reflected in the table below.
Facility |
Chemo-therapy |
Radiation Oncology |
Paediatric Oncology |
Frere Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital |
X |
|
|
Livingstone Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Universitas Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Steve Biko Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital |
|
|
X |
Dr George Mukhari Hospital |
X |
|
|
Greys Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Addington Hospital |
X |
X |
|
Ngwelezane Hospital |
X |
|
|
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital |
X |
X |
|
Facility |
Chemo-therapy |
Radiation Oncology |
Paediatric Oncology |
Polokwane Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Rob Ferreira Hospital |
X |
|
|
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
Tygerberg Hospital |
X |
X |
|
Groote Schuur Hospital |
X |
X |
|
George Hospital |
X |
X |
|
Red Cross Hospital |
|
|
X |
Klerksdorp Hospital |
X |
X |
|
2. The details of the lack in oncology treatment in each province is not reflected in the National Cancer Registry. The National Cancer Registry is a pathology based registry which registers cancer incidence and not the status of treatment for cancer.
Waiting times at selected hospitals such as Frere Hospital, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Livingstone Hospital, Polokwane Hospital ranges between 6 to 8 weeks. In Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Universitas Hospitals the waiting times are between 12-14 weeks.
The National Department of Health are currently conducting an audit on cancer services and details will be made available on completion of audit.
28 November 2019 - NW1568
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the President of the Republic
What are the specific roles of the envoys that he has appointed in (a) 2018 and (b) 2019, including their (i) targets, (ii) annual remunerations and (iii) other benefits; (2) how are each of the envoy’s responsibilities different from those of the Cabinet Ministers in their respective portfolios?
Reply:
1. In April 2018, I appointed four Presidential Envoys on Investment – Mr Trevor Manuel, Mr Mcebisi Jonas, Ms Phumzile Langeni and Mr Jacko Maree – to engage with domestic and foreign investors on the opportunities for investment in South Africa, and to understand any impediments they experience in pursuing those opportunities.
The Envoys do not have specific targets. Instead, their activities support the investment mobilisation drive which has a stated intention of ensuring an additional R1.2 trillion of investment in South Africa over five years.
The State is only responsible for the travel and associated expenses of the Envoys in carrying out these duties.
To strengthen the work of the Investment Envoys, the President in November 2019 appointed Mr Jeff Radebe, Mr Derek Hanekom and Ms Elizabeth Thabethe as new Presidential Envoys on Investment targeting specific areas, in addition to general investment promotion. Mr Radebe will drive investment promotion in the energy sector, focusing on oil and gas, while Mr Hanekom and Ms Thabethe will both be responsible for investment mobilisation in the tourism sector.
Details relating to these recent appointments are still in the process of being finalised.
2. The Special Envoys do not have any executive responsibilities and are not members of the Government. They are deployed to convey messages about the investment climate and to generate goodwill with investors. They are not responsible for the formulation or implementation of policy nor the exercise of any administrative authority.
28 November 2019 - NW1434
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether there is a governing board in Middelburg Provincial Hospital; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what (i) is the total number and (ii) are the qualifications of members serving on the board and (b) on what date were the board members appointed?
Reply:
Yes, there is an appointed Hospital Board at the Hospital
(a) (i) There are three (3) external Board Members. The others are five (5) Hospital Management Team Members;
(ii) The three external members are having the following qualification
- Ms S. Mculu = Bachelor of Information
- Mr A.J. Nethononda = Diploma in Government Finance
- Mr R.M. Xaba R.M (Chairperson) = Standard 10 (Matric) only
(b) 01 August 2017
END.
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.
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.
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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 - 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.