Questions and Replies
25 September 2019 - NW693
Clarke, Ms M to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION
What (a) number of recommendations did the Public Service Commission make since 1 January 2018 in line with its mandate of promoting measures that would ensure effective and efficient performance within the Public Service and promoting values and principles of public administration as set out in the Constitution, throughout the Public Service, (b) number of the specified recommendations have been implemented and (c) was the outcome of the implementation of each of the specified recommendations?
Reply:
a) Number of recommendations issued: 153
b) Number implemented (including partially implemented and to be implemented): 43
c) Outcome: See notes in the last two columns in the detailed table at Annexure A below.
Summary Table
Research Reports |
Number of recommendations issued |
30 |
To be implemented |
1 |
|
Implemented |
1 |
|
Partly implemented |
18 |
|
Not implemented |
10 |
|
Public Administration Investigations |
Number of recommendations issued |
77 |
No feedback received |
32 |
|
To be implemented |
9 |
|
Subject to court judgement |
31 |
|
Implemented |
5 |
|
Grievances |
Number of recommendations issued |
46 |
No feedback received |
35 |
|
To be implemented |
||
Implemented |
9 |
|
Partly implemented |
||
Not implemented |
2 |
Annexure A: DETAILS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Title of Report |
Department |
Key Recommendations |
Outcome of implementation of the recommendations |
Comments |
|
Service Delivery Inspection at 1 Military Hospital (Thaba-Tshwane) |
Department of Defence (DoD) and Military Veterans |
1. The DoD supported by the PSC and the Office of the Military Ombudsman to engage with the City of Tshwane to explore the possibility of allocating an electricity transformer/grid to the hospital. |
Not implemented |
The PSC forwarded the report to the Minister on 29 May 2018 and requested an engagement regarding the findings. Further correspondence through email dating back to 6 July 2018 were directed to the Chief of Staff of the Ministry to no avail. As an alternative, the PSC held a meeting with the Secretary for Defence on 28 March 2019 and agreed that the Department will provide the PSC with an action plan within 60 days. To date, no feedback has been received. The Chairperson of the PSC has sent letters to the Minister and the Secretary for Defence to schedule an engagement with the Chairperson to address this matter. A meeting between the Director-General of the PSC and the Secretary for Defence has been scheduled for 17 September 2019. |
|
2. The DoD should conduct an assessment of the security and safety needs of the hospital in line with the Minimum Physical Security Standards and the Minimum Information Security Standards. The security features should also be aligned to those accorded to National Key Points. |
|||||
3. The DoD supported by the PSC and the Office of the Military Ombudsman should engage National Treasury on the management of transversal contracts and its implications for the 1 Military hospital with regards to the courier service provider to ensure the latter adheres to the service level agreement (SLA). |
|||||
4. The DoD and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) should consider granting both Human Resources and Financial Delegations to the hospital management for efficient operations. |
|||||
5. The Department of Military Veterans should re-assign an official to the hospital to facilitate the interface between the hospital and new ex-combatants. |
|||||
6. The DoD and SANDF to review and redesign the organisational structure and service delivery model to ensure that it responds to the mandate of the hospital |
|||||
7. The DoD and SANDF should attend to the Human Resources Management and Development issues affecting the hospital, including performance management (PMDS), occupation specific dispensation (OSD), remunerated work outside of the public service (RWOPS) and overtime payment. |
|||||
8. The Department of Public Works (DPW) should provide the PSC and Office of the Military Ombudsman with a report on the delay in finalisation of the RAMP. In this regard, the PSC will request a meeting with the DoD, Public Works and National Treasury. |
|||||
Factsheet on the implementation of the performance management and development system (PMDS): case study at the Department of Agriculture: Western Cape |
Western Cape Department of Agriculture |
1. Ensure that Performance Agreement (PA), reviews, and assessment documents are initialled and signed. The signing of the PAs is important for authenticity and validity as these documents form the legal basis for performance contracting. |
Implementation of all recommendations is in progress |
During February 2019, the PSC engaged the HoD of Agriculture on the findings and recommendations. The HoD accepted all the recommendations. |
|
2. Ensure on-going feedback and coaching in conducting of reviews. The PERMIS (computerised) system can restrict the personal interaction between supervisor and employee as information is signed-off on the system, so supervisors should make a concerted effort to sufficiently interact with their supervisees during the review process. |
|||||
3. Ensure that the performance of employees is evaluated fairly and consistently evaluated across the Department. Lower level employees who do not have computers indicated that their performance assessment documents are loaded on the system by their supervisor. They are not always sure if the right information is captured. This may create a problem when individual ratings agreed upon between the employee and her/his supervisor is not correctly captured. |
|||||
4. Ensure that there is a common understanding of the standards required as well as the unit of measurement that should be linked to posts where similar outputs are required. Farmworkers usually work in groups and the assessments do not allow for a group/team award. A training session should be held with these employees to create a shared vision of the standards required for their post. |
|||||
5. Ensure that development needs are completed. Most of the employees did not complete the Personal Development Plan. Where employees lack knowledge and skills relevant to their work it is important that gaps are identified and training needs captured, and training programmes be implemented |
|||||
6. Employees should feel empowered to influence the content relating to targets, quality of delivery, and resource allocation, as examples. A first step could be that employees are encouraged to formulate the performance statements and descriptions themselves. This is perhaps not universally applied for good reason. However, it does engender greater ownership of the agreement. |
|||||
Non-Payment of Suppliers within the prescribed 30 days by National Departments |
|
1. Put systems and internal controls in place to adhere to the PFMA regulations to pay invoices within 30 days of receipt. |
Partly implemented Overall, the departmental performance has fluctuated from quarter to quarter. Some departments continued to demonstrate a pattern of poor performance in the 30-day payment of invoices. |
The PSC held engagements with the HODs of the mentioned departments. Follow-up letters indicating dissatisfaction with the recurring bahaviour of defaulting on payments were further issued during the week of 13 and 14 June 2019. |
|
2. Apply consequences management where officials were found to have neglected their duties of ensuring that invoices are paid on time. |
|||||
Evaluation of the department against the nine principles in section 195 of the Constitution |
Social Development, Gauteng |
1. The Head of Department need to put measures in place to ensure that disciplinary hearings are held within 60 days as prescribed in Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2003. |
Implemented For the 2017/18 financial year the Department reported zero in terms of disciplinary hearings which were held after 60 days, meaning that the measures have been put in place to improve the management of labour relations. The issue of labour relations has been prioritised in the province since most departments are battling with it, particularly resolution of the cases in time. |
||
2. The Head of Department need to produce and publish citizens’ annual reports on the departmental website annually. |
Not implemented There was no improvement, during the 2017/18 financial year because the Department still had no annual citizens’ report published and posted on its departmental website. |
||||
3. The Head of Department needs to make sure that all the strategic objectives have set targets. |
To be implemented This area can only be confirmed after scrutinizing the department’s Annual Report for the 2018/19 financial year. The Annual report will only be available late in September 2019. |
||||
4. The Head of Department need to take actions against the supervisors who are not concluding performance agreements with their supervisees as required. |
Not implemented There are officials who are still not concluding their performance agreements (and the number of officials who are not concluding their performance agreements increased compared to the previous financial year).
|
The PSC will continue to monitor the Department on this matter and ensure that there is improvement in this matter. The PSC will have an engagement with the new MEC as part of its strategy of raising problematic areas that the PSC has observed. |
|||
Public Administration Investigations |
|||||
Investigation into a complaint |
Rural Development and Land Reform |
9 recommendations on acting appointments and acting allowances |
No feedback received |
The period for implementation of recommendations lapsed on 3 June 2018. Reminder e-mails were forwarded to the Ministry on 10 August 2018, 9 November 2018 and 4 February 2019. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Independent Police Investigation Directorate |
5 recommendations regarding disciplinary procedures, precautionary suspension, irregular appointment and failure to pay invoices within 30 days |
No feedback received |
The period for implementation of recommendations lapsed on 8 March 2018. Reminder e-mails were forwarded to the Ministry on 19 April 2018, 3 May 2018, 12 June 2018, 10 August 2018, 9 November 2018 and 4 February 2019. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Water and Sanitation |
5 recommendations on failure to adhere to a bargaining council resolution, appointment/ secondment of staff and job evaluation |
Implemented The former Minister sent the PSC a letter dated 6 April 2018 in which the PSC’s recommendations were accepted. The PSC’s investigating officer has testified in the disciplinary proceedings instituted by the Department |
||
Investigation into a complaint |
Public Service and Administration |
4 recommendations on the filling of posts in the private office of the Minister |
No feedback received |
The final report was on 13 February 2019 forwarded to, amongst others, the Minister for further action. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Public Enterprises |
1 recommendation on recovery of money that was irregularly paid |
No feedback received |
The report was approved and forwarded to the Minister on 15 November 2018 for comment within 30 days of receipt of the report. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Justice and Constitutional Development |
2 recommendations on irregular appointments |
No feedback received |
The report was approved in March 2017. The Department had to provide feedback on the implementation of recommendations within 60 days of receipt of the report. Follow-ups were made with the Department. The latest follow-up being on 08 July 2019. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Public Works |
31 recommendations regarding 12 instances of irregular appointments of members of the senior management service |
Subject to court judgement |
The DPW has approached the courts to set aside the irregular appointments. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Science and Technology |
3 recommendations on non-adherence to Supply Chain Management regulations and Treasury Practice Notes |
Implemented |
||
Investigation into a complaint |
Trade and Industry |
5 recommendations on irregular expenditure on tuition fees and awarding of study bursaries |
2 implemented 3 to be implemented |
||
Investigation into a complaint |
Sport and Recreation SA |
11 recommendations with regard to delays in the filling of posts, creation of posts, competency assessment and deployment matters – transfers, secondments and assignments. |
No feedback received |
The final report together with the letter addressed to the Minister was handed to the Chief of Staff (CoS) in the Ministry on 5 November 2018. Feedback on implementation of the recommendations had to be provided to the PSC within 60 days, which period lapsed on 5 January 2019. Reminder e mails were forwarded to the CoS in the Ministry on 24 January 2019 and 16 April 2019. On 4 February 2019 the CoS indicated in an e mail that the content of the e mail dated 24 January 2019 was “shared with the Minister and the department who will respond to you in due course”. To date no feedback on the implementation of the recommendations has been received. |
|
Investigation into a complaint |
Center for Public Service Innovation |
1 recommendation on the approval of sponsorship agreements |
To be implemented |
The Report was delivered on 02 August 2019. The 30 days to respond to the PSC has not yet lapsed. |
|
Grievances |
|||||
Several investigations of the grievances of employees in the public service |
Several departments |
Recommendations were made to address the grievances of the effected employees. |
Implemented |
7 |
Implementation of recommendations contributes towards compliance with policy, builds sound relations between the employer and employees, and contributes towards employee productivity. In the case of the two recommendations that were not implemented, the EAs disagreed with the PSC’s recommendations and provided reasons for the disagreement. Aggrieved employees have the right to declare disputes should the disagree with the outcome of the process. In many instances the PSC’s findings are confirmed by dispute resolution bodies and the employees are then given awards which are enforceable. |
Partially implemented |
2 |
||||
Awaiting feedback from department |
35 |
||||
Not implemented |
2 |
||||
Total issued |
46 |
25 September 2019 - NW495
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION
What is the average remuneration package of public service employees appointed at (a) senior management and (b) middle management levels in the (i) national and (ii) provincial governments?
Reply:
1. Appointees appointed to the Middle Management Service (MMS) (salary levels 11 and 12) and Senior Management Service (SMS) (salary levels 13 to 16) are remunerated by means of Total Cost-to-Employer (TCE) packages, which include the following macro benefits:
1.1 Employer contribution to the Government Employees Pension Fund.
1.2 Employer contribution to a registered medical aid scheme.
1.3 13th cheque.
1.4 Housing benefit.
2. The annual average (mean) TCE packages of MMS and SMS members, per salary level, per national and provincial department, as at 1 July 2019, are as follows:
Cadre |
Salary level |
Government Sphere |
Annual average TCE package |
|
1 |
MMS |
11 |
National |
R779 802 |
Provincial |
R779 435 |
|||
12 |
National |
R922 750 |
||
Provincial |
R947 802 |
|||
2 |
SMS |
13 |
National |
R1 078 267 |
Provincial |
R1 076 222 |
|||
14 |
National |
R1 285 722 |
||
Provincial |
R1 269 755 |
|||
15 |
National |
R1 557 121 |
||
Provincial |
R1 533 755 |
|||
16 |
National |
R1 974 067 |
||
Provincial |
R1 984 885 |
Source: PERSAL (Julu 2019 data)
25 September 2019 - NW474
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
1. What reasons did a certain official (name and details furnished) give for resigning; 2. Whether she has found that there was no undue political interference in the specified person’s decision to resign; if not; (a) will the alleged undue political interference be investigated and (b) what action will be taken against persons found to have been involved in the alleged exercising of the undue political interference in the specified person’s decision to resign? NW1466E
Reply:
I have been advised by SAPO as follows:
- The erstwhile Post Office GCEO, Mr Mark Barnes, mainly cited the ultimate separation of the shareholding, control and management of Postbank and SAPO as his main reason for his resignation. He reasoned that the decision goes against the agreed strategy for SAPO business model founded on a diversified revenue strategy.
- The resignation letter does not indicate that undue political interference was the reason for the resignation. (a) and (b) are therefore not applicable.
MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER
23 September 2019 - NW739
Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether his department hosted any event and/or function related to its 2019 Budget Vote Debate, if so, (a) where was each event held (b) what was the total cost of each event and (c) what is the name of each person who was invited to attend each event as a guest. 2. Whether any gifts were distributed to guests attending any of the events, if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the gifts distributed and (b) who sponsored the gifts. [NW1784E]
Reply:
1. The Department of Employment and Labour did not host an event or function related to 2019 Budget Vote Debate.
a) Falls away
b) Falls away
c) Falls away
2. There was no event hosted and therefore there were no gifts exchanged
a) Falls away
b) Falls away
23 September 2019 - NW423
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
What are the details of the partnerships forged by his department with (a) employers and (b) training institutions to train the youth for digital jobs which are expected to be created in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
Reply:
a) The Department of Employment and Labour under the Employment Services Act provides free recruitment and placement services to employers and work seekers alike.
220,851 work seekers were registered by Department of Employment and Labour centres during Quarter 1 of 2019, against an annual target of 700,000.
Through various partnerships with employer organizations a total of 52,894 employment opportunities were registered by Department of Employment and Labour centres during Quarter 1 of 2019, against an annual target of 90,000.
The department also profiles and assess competencies of registered work seekers to shorten employer recruitment and selection process. During Q1 a total of 70,086 work seekers were provided with employment counselling by against an annual target of 210,000.
The counselling services are an important step in identification of work seekers for referral for selection and placement by various employers or for further training in various training institutions. 18,126 registered employment opportunities were filled during Quarter 1 of 2019 against an annual target of 45,000.
b) The Department of Employment and Labour through the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has partnered with about 32 State Owned training providers and institutions to implement training of UIF beneficiaries. The intention is to pilot the project with training of over 160 000 learners over a period of three years. The training will vary from Skills Programme to Learnership to Artisan. The projected budget for the intervention is estimated at R7.9 billion over the period of three years.
Through this intervention 6000 artisans will be trained at the cost estimation of over R800 million. Learnership will take about 67 000 learners at an estimated cost of R3.7 billion. There are 400 of the claimants who have skills and need to be assisted with certification through Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL), at a cost of R15 million. A further 81 000 of the learners will be taken through the skills Programme at a cost of about R2.5 billion to enable them access to training and possible job placement. The final leg is the introduction of enabling entrepreneurship through enterprise development and training. Just over 1 400 will be trained in this area with the intention of absorbing trainees from other Programmes and linking to the market.
As at quarter 1; 20 000 people are in training with over 75% being young people and more 50% of the total being women.
The intervention is expected to grow over time to an extent that as and when a claimant visits the Department of Employment and Labour to claim for unemployment an opportunity will be ready for the claimants to link up the benefit payment with training thereby reduce cost on paying stipend.
23 September 2019 - NW692
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) What number of disputes were referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration since 1 January 2019 and (b) on what statutory provision was each dispute based? [
Reply:
The question is replied to by means of a Spreadsheet with three pages attached.
Page one deals with the number of disputes referred breaking them down to CCMA centres.
Page two deals with the statutory provision the disputes are based on.
Page three breaks down issues and provides figures.
Please note that information furnished here has been so from 1st January to 30 January 2019
23 September 2019 - NW841
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
1. (a) What number of cameras are at the Edenvale Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; 2. (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; 3. (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order? NW1961E
Reply:
(1)(a) There are no cameras installed at the Edenvale Police Station.
(1)(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 841 recommended/
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019/09/16
Reply to question 841 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW839
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
1. (a) What number of cameras are at the Bedfordview Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; 2. (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; 3. (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order? NW1959E
Reply:
(1)(a) There are no cameras installed at the Bedfordview Police Station.
(1)(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 839 recommended/
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICA POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019/09/16
Reply to question 839 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW699
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What number of police officers at the Edenvale Police Station have failed their firearm competency test as at the latest specified date for which the information is available; (2) what number of police officers at the specified police station currently have a firearm competency certificate that has (a) expired and (b) not yet expired as it is still within the prescribed one year?
Reply:
(1) A total of 10 police officers at the Edenvale Police Station have failed their firearm competency test.
(2)(a) A total of 15 police officers at the Edenvale Police Station currently have a firearm competency certificate that has expired.
(2)(b) A total of eight police officers at the Edenvale Police Station currently have a firearm competency certificate that has not yet expired.
Reply to question 699 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE\
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019-10-16
Reply to question 699 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW848
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Police
( 1 ) (a) What number of cameras are at the Tembisa Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; (2) (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; (3) (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order? NW1968E
Reply:
( 1 )(a) There are no cameras installed at the Tembisa Police Station.
(1)(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 848 recommended
GENERAL NATIOAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019/09/16
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW847
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) What number of cameras are at the Norkem Park Police Station and (b} where is each camera situated; (2) (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; (3) (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order? NW1967E
Reply:
(1)(a) There are no cameras installed at the Norkem Park Police Station.
(1 )(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3}(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 847 recommended
GENERAL NATIOAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019/09/16
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW649
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the SA Police Service investigated the allegations delivered to them by the SA Revenue Service pertaining to Project Snowman and Project Broken Arrow in 2010 and in 2014; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the outcomes in each case? NW1657E
Reply:
The South African Police Service (SAPS), including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), is not aware of Project Snowman or Project Broken Arrow, purportedly having been delivered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), in 2010 and in 2014, respectively.
Reply to question 649 recommended/
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE\
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019-10-16
Reply to question 649 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW843
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) What number of cameras are at the Germiston Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; (2) (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; (3) (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order? NW1963E
Reply:
(1 )(a) There are no cameras installed at the Germiston Police Station.
(1)(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 843 recommended
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW424
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(a) How does his department intend to leverage the resources of the (i) Unemployment Insurance Fund and (ii) Compensation Fund to invest in job-creating initiatives in the current financial year and (b) what portion of the resources will be used for the purposes of job creation?
Reply:
Unemployment Insurance Fund
- Project Development Partnership(PDP)
The Department of Employment and Labour through PIC and the UIF launched the Project Development Partnership (PDP) Fund on the 14 December 2018. The Fund is aimed at supporting and creating jobs through creating and funding early-stage businesses. An allocation of R2bn is directed towards the PDP Fund, and this allocation is funded by the UIF. The PDP Fund is specifically directed at performing the following roles:
- Offering funding to create and grow small businesses, therefore creating new companies.
- The PDP Fund would fund companies in sectors such as Agribusiness and Bio- science, Mining and beneficiation, Manufacturing and ICT, social infrastructure, Water and related services, financial services, and Youth innovation.
- President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of South Africa’s participation in the 4th Industrial Revolution and emphasized the need to move with greater focus and urgency to develop the skills, human capital, institutions and strategies that are required to seize the advantages of this technological change. The PDP Fund echoes the sentiments of our President and will focus on investing in projects which are solving SA socio-economic challenges through investment projects which are aligned to 4th Industrial Revolution.
- The PDP Fund is expected to create and support over 10 000 jobs (direct and indirect), particularly ensuring Future of Work opportunities are utilized
The PDP fund allocation of R2bn will be split into two investment streams. A portion will be invested by PIC directly into early-stage businesses and projects. The other portion of the R2bn allocation will be allocated to black-owned fund managers with an intention to transform the asset management industry in South Africa.
Progress since the launch:
- 194 applications were received for funding from the PDP fund, 85% have been screened. 73 were received from the public application process
- Request for proposals (RFP) were completed and processed for the appointment of the fund managers, and 5 managers have been shortlisted.
- All 5 fund managers are Black-owned and have excellent pipeline that includes projects that offer key unlocks for the South African economy and align well with employment creation targets
Project Bokamoso, the agricultural high-value land development flagship project, is progressing well and is in the Due-Diligence stage of the investment process. Other direct large-scale projects in pipeline includes:
-
- Project Energise – beneficiation/ rural electrification / local manufacturing
- Project Hope – High-tech satellite manufacture / agriculture / water
- 2 Education / Healthcare project under consideration
- 2 Primary agricultural development projects e.g. Macadamia Co-op (Eastern Cape and Limpopo)
- 2 manufacturing projects under consideration – both targeted in SEZs for export market
- Bonds4Jobs – youth skills development and employment placing
- Mining and rehabilitation – high-tech/ low-cost minerals extraction
2. High Social Impact Portfolio(HSIP)
The aim of the Fund is a first step to put into effect the newly signed Unemployment Insurance Act as Amended 2017 Section 5(d) which states that: “Financing of the retention of contributors in employment and the re-entry of contributors into the labour market and any other scheme aimed at the vulnerable workers”. The purpose of the HSIP was born out of the above mentioned section and is just but one of the intervention the Department of Employment and Labour has embarked on to pro-actively intervene in the market where it’s possible to do so.
Purpose: The HSIP aims to fund interventions in entities in order to ensure job preservation and creation. It will target transactions where the current risk of significant direct job losses is high.
Social Impact Criteria and Expectations: Minimum social return of X% of the investment amount based on the value to the UIF of the primary social impacts. The primary social impacts that will be measured are related to the expected jobs saved at the target entity or that can be proven downstream:
- Saving of claim payments;
- Retention of UIF contributions;
- Impact on the Fiscus (e.g. PAYE)
Investment Criteria: The investments should contribute to the preservation and creation of sustainable job opportunities in particular for women, youth and other designated persons.
Progress to Date
- HSIP was only launched in February 2019
- The Department through UIF set aside R3 billion for the portfolio
- R1.2 billion was invested in Edcon acquiring a stake of 19% and in the process saving about 140 000 direct and indirect jobs. This investment also avoided stores; farms; and other stores downstream from closing.
- Overtime staff ownership will be worked into the formula of investment
3. Training Layoff Scheme and now Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme(TERS)
The Department of Employment and Labour has swiftly implemented the job summit resolution on reviewing the Training Layoff Scheme process to ensure speedy intervention for the companies in distress. The intention of the review was in line with the newly reviewed UIF Act which emphasise the need to fund the retention of contributors in employment.
In the line with the Job Summit resolution the following has been implemented:
- The numerous decision making platforms have been reduced to one committee centralised at the CCMA which enables speedy decision making.
- As a result of the centralisation of the committee the following successes has been registered:
- The committee has met 22 times since October 2018
- 30 companies considered
- 27 companies recommended and approved
- Those 3 companies that have not been recommended have been advised to address compliance issues
- A total of 2 929 jobs preserved
- Just over R52 millions spent to date to preserve the jobs
Compensation Fund
1. Rehabilitation and Return to Work
The Compensation Fund introduced a Rehabilitation and Orthotics unit in 2018 with the aim of implementing a Rehabilitation and Return to Work programme for the injured workers. Injured workers who are assessed to be permanently disabled would usually leave the labour market thus contributing to the unemployment rate. The Rehabilitation unit introduced at the Compensation fund focuses on three forms of rehabilitation, the traditional clinical rehabilitation we have always provided injured workers with and the newly introduced social and vocational rehabilitation.
Vocational Rehabilitation is aimed at assisting the injured workers with reskilling for reintegration back into the labour market. Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Programme, the Compensation Fund seeks to remove barriers to accessing or returning to employment or other useful occupation by providing developmental opportunities to maximise performance, employability or participation in the country’s economy.ositiveegan in 2017on coperates ls that ensure employability t and also focus on development in rural areas pertainign le with The Programmes objectives are
- To support tertiary students who require financial assistance and are pursuing a tertiary degree
- To encourage the participation of previously employed persons who suffered occupational injuries or diseases resulting in a disability by providing training and development initiatives to enable them to be reintegrated back to work or become self-sustainable;
- To build a talent pipeline of a pool of capable candidates who are readily available for the labour market;
- To leverage on opportunity creation initiatives to assist unemployed workers who suffered occupational injuries resulting in a disability and Persons with Disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency; and Vocational Rehabilitation comprises of various sub programmes. In order to enable a successful Return to work programme for injured workers that now have a disability, the Fund has a Vocational Rehabilitation Bursary Scheme aimed at assisting the injured beneficiaries to acquire skill(s) that will enable them to be returned to work post the injury. Injured workers are among the most vulnerable in society and tend to be mostly blue collared workers with no matric or tertiary qualifications.
As a pilot, we are currently funding upper limb amputees enrolled for electrician and welding course, tertiary degrees and on entrepreneurship programmes.
In addition to promoting the employability of persons living with disability as a result of occupational injuries, the Compensation Fund currently runs a tertiary bursary programme which began in 2017 that is aligned to some of the scarce skills identified in South Africa. The bursary programme is an intensive programme which entails an online support programme and on site mentoring coaches at universities which monitor not only the academic performance of the student but also addresses social issues considering that some of our students are from rural areas in South Africa.
As at the beginning of 2019, this programme has 327 students pursuing a tertiary degree at various universities in the following fields:
- Nursing
- Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Information Communications Technology
- Physiotherapy
- Accounting Science
- Actuarial Science and Financial Mathematics
- Medicine and Surgery
The Rehabilitation and Return to work programme will require participation of both the public and private sectors to be successful. As part of the Social Rehabilitation programmes we will be embarking on initiatives that are aimed at promoting social entrepreneurship for those who have been reskilled and successfully rehabilitated. We will outline the details of these programmes in the near future.
2. Socially Responsible Investments
The Compensation Fund has set aside 10% of its investment portfolio for investment in unlisted investments with job creation potential. These investments are made across various sectors of the economy.
23 September 2019 - NW767
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(a) Why have there been delays in the building and allocation of housing for military veterans and (b) are there any plans to speed up the process?
Reply:
(a)&(b) Indeed Honourable Member, the Military Veterans Programme has not been performing as expected and we are extremely concerned about the slow pace of delivery to our military veterans. On 3 May 2017, we convened a National Military Veterans Dialogue to exchange views and dialogue around finding solutions to challenges encountered in the provision of housing for military veterans. It has become evident to me that we have not moved far enough with delivery on this programme.
I will place the matter on top of the agenda of our MINMEC and it will remain a standing item until we make satisfactory progress on this matter.
Some of the reasons provided to me for delays in the delivery of houses for military veterans include:
(i) The finalisation and authentication of the beneficiary list by my Department and the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) has presented challenges for us. The completion of this process prior to the commencement of a military veterans’ housing project is very vital for planning. Where we proceeded to build and complete a project while the approved list had not been finalised, houses have been invaded by military veterans who did not qualify for these houses.
(ii0 Provincial structures of the South African Military Veterans Association in most cases dispute the beneficiary lists submitted by the National Department of Military Veterans.
23 September 2019 - NW846
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) What number of cameras are at the Sebenza Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; (2) (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; (3) (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order?
Reply:
(1 )(a) There are no cameras installed at the Sebenza Police Station.
(1)(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 846 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE\
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019-10-16
Reply to question 846 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW697
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What number of vehicles does the Edenvale Police Station have currently; (2) what number of the specified vehicles have had the mandatory four inspections per week during the first six months of 2019?
Reply:
(1) The Edenvale Police Station, currently has a total of 34 vehicles.
(2) All the vehicles that are available at the station, are inspected weekly, except for those that are booked in at the garage for repairs or other reasons.
Reply to question 697 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE\
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019-10-16
Reply to question 697 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW691
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
Whether any application was received requesting the Edenvale Police Station to be upgraded to a Brigadier station; if so, (a) on what date was it received, (b) who made the submission and (c) what was the outcome of the submission?
Reply:
Yes, applications for the upgrading of the Edenvale Police Station to a Brigadier station, were received.
A0 On 2017-09-05 and 2018-08-30.
(b) The Station Commander of Edenvale and the Cluster Commander of Ekurhuleni North.
(c ) In response to the application, regarding the upgrading of Edenvale, all key environmental data and other related information were analysed on the planning mechanism (station profile), in order to determine an accurate resource requirement at local level. The results of the analysis were captured and utilised for the 2018/2019 Theoretical Human Resource Requirement (THRR) of police stations. The Edenvale Police Station did not qualify to be upgraded, in terms of the published results. The THRR is revised on an annual basis. In line with the annual THRR process, the 2019/2020 results were published, in April 2019. The Edenvale Police Station did not qualify to be upgraded to a Brigadier station, in terms of the published results.
Reply to question 691 recommended/
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
DATE: 2019/ 09/16
Reply to question 691 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
23 September 2019 - NW844
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) What number of cameras are at the Kempton Park Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; (2) (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; (3) (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order? NW1964E
Reply:
(1)(a) There are no cameras installed at the Kempton Park Police Station.
(1)(b) Not applicable.
(2)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b)(c) Not applicable.
Reply to question 844 recommended
GENERAL NATIOAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019/09/16
23 September 2019 - NW69
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
1. What number of persons in each province is employed in the South African retail sector?
Reply:
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE TRADE SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA
PROVINCE |
TOTAL_ACTIVE_EMPLOYEES (AS ON 23-JUN-2019) |
GAUTENG |
2 029 714 |
WESTERN CAPE |
1 212 098 |
KWAZULU NATAL |
695 013 |
MPUMALANGA |
293 531 |
EASTERN CAPE |
258 762 |
FREE STATE |
107 266 |
NORTH WEST |
69 609 |
LIMPOPO |
67 714 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
48 163 |
GRAND TOTAL |
4 781 870 |
Source: UIF Operations system
According to the operations system of the UIF more than 4.7 million people are employed in the trade sector in South Africa. The provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal has 82% of the employees with Gauteng alone contributing 42% of the total employees. The Northern Cape has the least number of employees at just over 48 000.
23 September 2019 - NW845
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) (a) What number of cameras are at the Primrose Police Station and (b) where is each camera situated; (2) (a) when last was each camera inspected, (b) what was the working condition of each camera and (c) on what date was each faulty camera repaired; (3) (a) when last did the specified police station report any camera that was out of order, (b) when were the reported cameras repaired and (c) for how long has each camera been out of order?
Reply:
(1 )(a) There are 23 cameras installed at the Primrose Police Station.
(1)(b) The cameras are installed in the corridors, the holding cells, the outside of the Police Station, the perimeters and the parking areas.
(2)(a) The last inspection was done, in August 2019.
(2)(b) A total of 21 cameras are in working condition and two cameras are out of order.
(2)(c) A quotation, to have the cameras repaired, was requested from the supplier. The quotation is still outstanding.
(3)(a) In August 2019, during the inspection, two cameras were reported to be out of order.
(3)(b) The cameras have not been repaired yet.
3 )( c) The two cameras have been out of order, for two months
Reply to question 845 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE\
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2019-10-16
Reply to question 845 approved
GENERAL BH CELE (MP)
MINISTER OF POLICE
Date: 22/09/2019
20 September 2019 - NW770
Tseke, Ms GK to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
In view of the fact that some of her department’s catalytic and/or mega projects are not following the complete project matrix plan, (a) what details can she provide on how plans of a catalytic project are initiated and (b) has she found that there is integrated planning where all role players become involved?
Reply:
CATALYTIC PROJECTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS:
(a) All the projects within the housing programmes including catalytic projects follow an approved human settlements project readiness matrix (PRM) as outlined in the PRM required as part of annual business planning processes of Provinces for the approval of the allocation of the human settlement development grant.
The target for the previous Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) period was to identify and implement fifty (50) national priority catalytic projects using different tenure options to deliver mega, high impact integrated and sustainable human settlements that clearly demonstrate spatial, social and economic integration. The assessment process that was conducted in initiating catalytic projects and getting them approved by MINMEC was as follows:
Stage 1: This stage adhered to the three core principles and criteria of Impact, Integration and Project Readiness aligned to the Human Settlements Master Spatial Plan (MSP).
Stage 2: This stage looked at the detailed project description; project readiness; institutional, financial and legal arrangements; socio-economic impact and how it links to the plans of the province and the municipality within which the catalytic project is being developed.
Stage 3: This stage was assessing the technical project readiness interrogating and conducting an in-depth analysis of the due diligence reports from stage 2. Further this analysis looked at the risks involved in the project development life cycle and analysed the factors that could hamper or delay the implementation of projects including availability of bulk infrastructure required for these projects.
Stage 4: The last stage was an assessment that was conducted by the Public Investment Unit of the National Treasury to look at the catalytic projects from a public finance and public economics point of view.
(b) The plans for a catalytic project identified are aligned to the Human Settlements Master Spatial Plan (MSP) developed by the Department of Human Settlements. The MSP articulates the principles and approaches for the formulation of spatial targeting with the intention to direct spatial transformation of cities and towns whilst considering the efficient utilization of land and therefore defined the spatial, social and economic integration components required from catalytic projects. The MSP also seeks to promote the integration of basic services and social amenities in human settlement developments in line with general principles applicable to housing development. Planning for the implementation of these catalytic projects is done in a coordinated and streamlined process between and amongst spheres of government and across government departments.
CATALYTIC PROJECTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION:
a) Honourable Member, catalytic and/or mega projects are planned in a fully integrated manner involving all interested and affected stakeholders in such projects. These projects can be initiated either on the supply side, that is for example, the development of a dam or a well field (borehole) or from the demand side within a particular municipality.
Water schemes are complex, costly and require long lead times (10 years +) from identifying the need, to the final operation. This is underpinned by coordinated planning following steps that include needs identification, conceptualising, reconnaissance studies, pre-feasibility, feasibility investigations, financing, detailed design, implementation and commissioning for operation. These rigorous but necessary steps are followed diligently as required by the National Water Act (NWA, Act 36, 1998), and applicable environmental legislation of the country. The NWA requires the Minister to develop and give effect to the National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS), which is updated at least every 5 years. The NWRS identifies key strategic focus areas, which are further developed into master plans and other guidelines that are implemented. The Department ensures that Project Planning and execution of mega projects follows the clear and identified steps that have evolved over the past in implementing various water schemes in the country.
From a water services perspective and in terms of the Water Services Act (108 of 1997), it is a legislative mandate of every Water Services Authority in the country to develop a Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) for its area of jurisdiction over a 5 year period and as part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process (Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000).
The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a five-year plan which local government is required to compile to determine all the development needs of the municipality from the perspective of all services that fall under their responsibility: water, sanitation, roads, electricity etc. This process requires the full participation of all stakeholders for all projects including catalytic / mega projects. The development of a WSDP and an IDP is the responsibility of a Water Service Authority through the Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) provides support to the WSA to ensure the WSDP completion.
b) Integrated Water Resources Development planning is the cornerstone of successful project execution and delivery to the intended beneficiaries of water schemes. The Department follows fully laid out processes through the requisite project governance structures like coordinating committees or Project Steering committees, which steer, guide and ensure project are planned and implemented with full participation of all stakeholders so that outcomes are delivered successfully. Thus, Interested and affected parties (I&APs) are given a platform to play an integral role from the identification process to the successful implementation of the project.
From a local government perspective Integrated Planning which includes Water Services Development Planning ensures maximum involvement of all stakeholders. The Spatial Land Management Act (SPLUMA) also provides the legal requirements for spatial planning and land management through a fully integrated process at National, Provincial and Local Level which includes the provision of water and sanitation services.
20 September 2019 - NW810
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With regard to the 13 700 Funza Lushaka bursaries approved for initial teacher education by 31 March 2019, (a) why were only 13 070 students awarded bursaries by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and (b) what is the total (i) number of students in each province who were awarded bursaries and (ii) monetary value of the bursaries awarded in each province?
Reply:
a) The Department of Basic Education is responsible for the awarding of Funza Lushaka Bursaries to eligible students. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is appointed as the financial administrator of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme. The 13 070 students awarded bursaries refer to the number of students who received all their bursary funding from the NSFAS. The balance of 630 Funza Lushaka bursary holders is approved by the Department of Basic Education but have not received all their bursary funding by 31 March 2019. The Department is working with the NSFAS to ensure all bursary funding is disbursed to approved Funza Lushaka Bursary holders.
b) (i) The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme awards bursaries by university and not provinces. Students recruited from provinces must be registered in one of the 24 public universities to be considered for the Funza Lushaka Bursary.
(ii) The total budget for the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme in 2019 was R 1.22 billion. The allocation to a bursary holder is capped at R 103 899.00. The bursary amounts vary per university. The average value of the bursary across 24 universities in 2019 was R 93 923.00. An allocation letter is issued annually to the NSFAS indicating the number and monetary value of bursaries allocated by university.
20 September 2019 - NW861
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What (a) total number of residential properties are under her department’s custodianship in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, (b) total number of the specified properties are (i) vacant, (ii) occupied and (iii) earmarked for disposal and (c) are the details of the time frames for the disposal of the properties that are earmarked for disposal? NW1981E
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
A0 The total number of residential properties under her department’s custodianship in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality is 61.
b) (i) None.
(ii) Please refer to Annexure A on the Compact Disc for National Department of Public Works and
Infrastructure’s residential properties located in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality.
(iii) None.
c) N/A.
ANNEXURE A: Utilised Properties in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality
MUNICIPALITY |
FACILITY GROUPING NAME |
USER DEPARTMENT |
STREET NAME |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
AGRICULTURE |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM |
R63 TOWARDS GRAAFF REINET |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
AGRICULTURE |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM |
R63 TOWARDS GRAAFF REINET |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
AGRICULTURE |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM |
R63 TOWARDS GRAAFF REINET |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
AGRICULTURE |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM |
R63 TOWARDS GRAAF FREINET |
IKWEZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
KLIPPLAAT |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM |
BEAUFORT WEST RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM |
BEAUFORT WEST RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
13 OLIVIER DIPPENAAR |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
WATER AFFAIRS |
OFF N9 |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
WATER AFFAIRS |
OFF N9 |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
CNR GRAVE/NEW |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
WATER AFFAIRS |
OFF N9 |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
8 VAN DER STEL STREET |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
FERRAIRA STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
PORTER |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
VICTORIA STREET |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
HOUSE |
PUBLIC WORKS |
R63 TURN LEFT INTO ADENDORP |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
COLLEGE |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
COLLEGE RD |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
FLAT |
PUBLIC WORKS |
R63 TOWARDS GRAAFF REINET |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
VICTORIA STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
VOORTREKKER |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
COLLEGE |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
COLLEGE RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
KINGWILL DR |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
2K |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
WATER AFFAIRS |
OFF N9 |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
13 OLIVIER DIPPENAAR |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
10 KINGWILL DR |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
V D STEL STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
6 KINGWILL DR |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
17 OLIVIER DIPPENAAR |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
AALWYNSTREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
3 MUNNIK STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
AALWYNSTREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
CNR GRAVE/NEW |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
6 AALWYN STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
1 AALWYN STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
144 CRADOCK |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
10 WES STRAAT |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
GLOBE |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
V D STEL STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
MUNNIK |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
GRAVE/NEW |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
PRISON |
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES |
SAREL CILLIERS STR |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
COLLEGE |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
COLLEGE RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
PRISON |
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES |
SAREL CILLIERS STR |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
WATER AFFAIRS |
OFF N9 |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS |
OP DIE OEWER |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
|
PUBLIC WORKS |
CAMDEBOO VALLEY CONSERVANCY |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
COLLEGE |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
COLLEGE RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
AALWYNSTREET |
IKWEZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES |
BOOMST |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
AALWYNSTREET |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
HOUSE |
PUBLIC WORKS |
R63 TURN LEFT INTO ADENDORP |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
HOUSE |
COOP GOV & TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS |
BANTOM AGRICALTURAL COOPERATION |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
HOUSE |
PUBLIC WORKS |
R63 TURN LEFT INTO ADENDORP |
BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
SAPS RIETBRON |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
LOOP STREET |
IKWEZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
BRIDGESTR |
CAMDEBOO MUNICIPALITY |
HOUSE |
WATER AFFAIRS |
DIXON STREET |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
COLLEGE |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
COLLEGE RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
COLLEGE |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
COLLEGE RD |
CAMDEBOO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMODATION |
SA POLICE SERVICES |
VAN RIEBEECKSTREET |
20 September 2019 - NW436
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
1) What are the details of the (a) name of each consultant and/or contractor, (b) amount allocated to each consultant and/or contractor, (c) project each consultant and/or contractor will work on and (d) expected duration of each project her department budgeted for in the 2019-20 financial year; (2) Whether each project was or will be put out to tender; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) Whether the relocation of her department’s offices will result in cost savings; if not, (a) why not and (b) why is her department relocating its offices; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) What amount did her department spend on offices in each of the past five financial years?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Departments as follows:
In respect of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services:No
No. |
NAME OF CONSULTANT |
AMOUNT ALLOCATED 2019/20 FY(b) |
PROJECT |
EXPECTED DURATION |
1. |
Broadband Infraco |
R134 million |
SA Connect ( Broadband provisioning to government facilities) |
|
2. |
SITA |
R40 million |
SA Connect ( Broadband provisioning to government facilities) |
|
3. |
N/A – Project not contracted |
R2 million |
Organisational Structure Development |
12 months |
4. |
N/A – Project not contracted |
R1 million |
Leadership Development |
12 months |
5. |
N/A – Project not contracted |
R1 million |
Implementation and maintenance of CCTV cameras |
36 months |
2. All projects not yet contracted mentioned above will be put out on tender.
The contracts awarded to Broadband Infraco and SITA were not put out on tender because the department mandated its State Owned Companies to implement the projects on its behalf. The BBI and SITA contracts will run for 10 years, from 2018/19 to 2028/29.
3. No cost savings will be realised.
(a) The Department is not relocating offices.
(b) The Department is not relocating offices.
4. An amount of R90 million was paid with respect of the lease / rental of office accommodation as from April 2014 until March 2019.
In respect of the Department of Communications:
1.
No |
NAME OF CONSULTANT (a) |
AMOUNT ALLOCATED (b) |
PROJECT WILL WORK ON (c) |
EXPECTED DURATION (d) |
1 |
N/A – Consultant not yet appointed |
R 400 000.00 |
Conducting cost benefit analysis of the draft South African Audio Visual Content Growth Strategy. |
2 months |
2 |
N/A – Consultant not yet appointed |
R 300 000.00 |
4IR training for emerging content producers |
Once Off |
3 |
N/A – Consultant not yet appointed |
R2 000 000.00 |
Research and report on ID television set and decoders sold by retailers |
12 months |
4 |
N/A – Consultant not yet appointed |
R2 000 000.00 |
Implementation evaluation of the Community Media Policy and Support Programme. |
12 months |
2. Projects 1-2 will not be put on tender because the amount is less than tender threshold of R500 000.00. RFQ process will be followed.
Projects 3-4 will be put on tender. Tender specifications have not been finalised.
(3) It is not known at this stage if the relocation will result in the cost savings or not as the discussions on the relocation and costs thereof have not commenced as yet.
(a) N/A
(b) The department is relocating because of the pronounced reconfiguration together with Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services to establish a new department.
(4) The accommodation cost over the past financial years are as follow:
2015/16 - R0.00
2016/17 - R0.00
2017/18 - R0.00
2018/19 - R250 271.49 per month (R3, 003 million for the year)
2019/20 - R256 666.00 per month (R1, 027 million for the 2019/20 financial year to date, i.e. April to July 2019). The amount will be paid per month until the integration of the merging departments is completed.
MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS
MINISTER
20 September 2019 - NW808
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Did her department incur any legal costs in the (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-16, (c) 2016-17, (d) 2017-18 and (e) 2018-19 financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details of the costs incurred in each case?
Reply:
a) The Department incurred legal cost for the 2014-2015 financial year to the amount of R2 847 339.48. The details of each case is as follows:
NO |
NAME OF CASE |
AMOUNT |
1. |
Fedsas v Minister of Basic Education |
R276 581.00 |
2. |
MEC Education v Beavallon Secondary school |
R184 642.65 |
3. |
PTY Trade 73T/A Edusolutions v MEC Education Limpopo |
R519 640.00 |
4. |
Section 27 & Others v Minister of Basic Education |
R135 410.58 |
5. |
Disciplinary hearing: Soobrayan |
R164 331.00 |
6. |
Isaac Shabangu v Minister of Basic Education |
R289 971.84 |
7. |
Pease v Minister of Basic Education and Others |
R204 776.79 |
8. |
Magna FS v Minister of Basic Education |
R60 534.00 |
9. |
Steadman and Others v Minister of Basic Education |
R81 210.50 |
10 |
Minister of Basic Education v Public Protector |
R302 215.05 |
11. |
SADTU v Minister of Basic Education |
R41 969.00 |
12 |
Minister of Basic Education v Basic Education for All |
R395 308.54 |
13. |
Trade Mark application |
R1 435.00 |
14. |
Pitsi Et Al v Minister of Basic Education |
R8 208.00 |
15. |
Aurecon v MEC Education and Others |
R26 220.00 |
16. |
Konani v Minister of Basic Education |
R45 600.00 |
17. |
Opinion (ASIDI) |
R25 992.00 |
18. |
State Attorney |
R406.41 |
19. |
Centre for Child Law v MEC Education Eastern Cape |
R8 216.55 |
20. |
State Attorney (Sherriff) |
R57.57 |
21. |
BB Mubake and7 Others v Department of Education and Others |
R36 423.00 |
22. |
Michelle Saffer v MEC Education and Others |
R38 190.00 |
TOTAL |
R 2 847 339.48 |
b) The Department incurred legal cost for the 2015-2016 financial year to the amount of R1 948 671.43. The details of each case is as follows:
NO |
NAME OF CASE |
AMOUNT |
1. |
Centre for Child Law vs Department of Basic Education |
R9 120.00 |
2. |
BEFA vs Minister of Basic Education |
R40 000.00 |
3. |
Clareville Primary School vs Department of Basic Education |
R5 130.00 |
4. |
Mtongana vs Department of Basic Education |
R82 080.00 |
5 |
BVCVO & others vs Minister of Education & others |
R231.28 |
6 |
Beavollon Secondary School and 36 others vs Minister of Education for Western Cape and 3 others |
R 406 629.60 |
7. |
Kgoro Sipho & others vs Minister of Education |
R2 852.28 |
8. |
PTY Trade 73T/A Edusolutions v MEC Education Limpopo |
R648 642.58 |
9. |
Securing the intellectual property of the DBESA-SAMS |
R23 707.18 |
10. |
Request for a Legal opinion on areas of intervention in the Eastern Cape Department of Education in terms of section 100(1)(b) |
R32 902.50 |
11. |
Kgoro Sipho & others vs Minister of Education |
R17 831.60 |
12. |
Steadman & others vs Minister of Education |
R99 792.75 |
13. |
Mabotja Patience Pitsi & others vs Department of Basic and others |
R8 208.00 |
14. |
CTU-SADTU & CTU-ATU vs Department of Basic Education |
R273 166.57 |
15 |
Legal Opinion |
R27 787.50 |
16. |
Aurecon Pty LTD vs Limpopo Department of Education |
R73 255.26 |
17. |
PSC Investigation into Mr Soobrayan-DG of DBE |
R152 071.83 |
18. |
Arbitration: T Khoza |
R 45 262.50 |
TOTAL |
R1 948 671.43 |
c) The Department incurred legal cost for the 2016-2017 financial year to the amount of R2 054 327.26. The details of each case is as follows:
NO |
NAME OF CASE |
AMOUNT |
1. |
Michelle Saffer v MEC Education Western Cape and Others |
R345 884.17 |
2. |
Kgoro Sipho and Others v Minister of Basic Education |
R190 286.50 |
3. |
Van Den Heever v Minister of Basic Education |
R910.50 |
4. |
Magna FS v Minister of Basic Education |
R115 398.50 |
5. |
Muvamba Dzivhani v Minister of Basic Education |
R14 700.00 |
6. |
Minister of Basic Education v Basic Education for All |
R587 871.28 |
7. |
Konani v Minister of Basic Education |
R20 292.00 |
8. |
Minister of Basic Education v Public Protector |
R9 094.00 |
9. |
Centre for Child Law v Minister of Basic Education and Others |
R197 933.31 |
10. |
Mbulawa Zingisa v Minister of Basic Education |
R27 588.00 |
11. |
Department of Basic Education//Pinehurst Meridian |
R93 907.50 |
12. |
Gebuza v Minister of Basic Education |
R31 500.00 |
13. |
Ncedo Hoyi v Minister of Basic Education |
R9 600.00 |
14 |
Pease v Minister of Basic Education and Others |
R15 366.70 |
15. |
Aaron Mkhize v Minister of Basic Education |
R11 371.50 |
16 |
True Harvest Trading v Minister of Basic Education |
R197 942.73 |
17. |
OGOD v Randhart high School and Others |
R42 663.50 |
18. |
Equal Education v Minister of Basic Education |
R5 980.00 |
19. |
Maqhelana and Other v Minister of Basic Education |
R17 100.00 |
20. |
Samson Primary School v MEC Education and Others |
R37 217.07 |
21. |
Solidariteit Helpende Hand v Minister of Basic Education |
R81 720.00 (Department won with cost) |
TOTAL |
R 2 054 327.26 |
d) The Department incurred legal cost for the 2017-2018 financial year to the amount of R3 895 822.26. The details of each case is as follows:
NO |
NAME OF CASE |
AMOUNT |
1. |
CTP and Others v Director-General and Others |
R1 751 120.99 |
2. |
Konani v Minister of Basic Education |
R128 234.00 |
3. |
Centre for Child Law v Minister of Basic Education |
R200 640. 00 |
4. |
Michelle Saffer v MEC Education and Others |
R94 260.03 |
5. |
OGOD v Minister of Basic Education and Others |
R117 819.00 |
6. |
Prestige Academy v Minister of Basic Education |
R23 400.00 |
7. |
Kgoro Sipho and Others v Minister of Basic Education |
R85 742.24 |
8. |
Equal Education v Minister of Basic Education |
R564 016.50 |
9. |
Ncedo Hoyi v Department of Basic Education |
R143 241.00 |
10 |
Van Der Westhuizen N.O and Others v Minister of Basic Education |
R16 800.00 |
11. |
Legal Opinion |
R46 500.00 |
12. |
Minister of Basic Education v Public Protector |
R295 695.47 |
13. |
Nhlapo v Minister of Basic Education |
R28 500.00 |
14. |
MMPA Quantity Surveyors v Minister of Basic Education |
R245 913.65 |
15. |
Centre for Child Law v Minister of Basic Education |
R143 489.38 |
16 |
Gebuza v Minister of Basic Education |
R10 450.00 |
Total |
R 3 895 822. 26 |
e) The Department incurred legal cost for the 2018-2019 financial year to the amount of R1 458 797.07. The details of each case is as follows:
NO |
NAME OF CASE |
AMOUNT |
1. |
CTP Limited and Others v Director-General of Basic Education |
R1 126 078.12 |
2. |
Centre for Child Law v Minister of Basic Education |
R248 668.95 |
3. |
Madoda Gebuza v Minister of Basic Education |
R56 000.00 |
4. |
Munano and Others v Minister of Basic Education |
R28 050.00 |
|
||
TOTAL |
R1 458 797.07 |
20 September 2019 - NW856
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) With reference to her department’s presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure on 21 August 2019, what are the details of the (a) total amount budgeted for the establishment of the Public Works Academy and (b)(i) remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) qualification required and (iv) job description of each employee to be appointed in the academy; (2) whether the academy will partner with any academic institutions other than the University of the Witwatersrand to offer training programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the details of how the training will be utilised to capacitate the Property Management and Trading Entity to fulfil its mandate?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. Since the presentation by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) on the establishment of the Public Works Academy to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure on the 21st August 2019, there was another session within the Department wherein officials made a presentation to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. After the officials had made a presentation to the Minister about the Academy, and having taken into consideration the financial implications to establish such an Academy, and also in light of the cost-cutting measures that are being applied in the DPWI and in the Public Service as a whole, it was found as prudent to discontinue with the plan. However, the Skills Development (Technical Capacity Building) Programme, which the DPWI is busy with, will not be negatively impacted upon as there will be more focus and dedicated energy towards its roll-out. The DPWI has a dedicated Professional Services Branch to drive this work.
(a) and (b) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) Fall away.
2. The State Technical Capacity Building Programme will partner with other Public Sector Academies, including the National School of Government and Higher Education Institutions for immediate access to Learning Programmes (contact and online) to enhance the Programme outcomes. Below link, please find a diagram depicting other partnerships to be entered into.
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW856State.pdf
Acronyms:
ECSA: Engineering Council of South Africa
SACAP: South African Council of Architectural Profession
SACLAP: South African Council of Landscape Architectural Profession
SACPCMP: South African Council for Project Construction Management Profession
SACQSP: South African Council of the Quantity Surveying Profession
SACPVP: South African Council for the Property Valuation Profession
SACPLAN: South African Council for Planners
SAGC: South African Geotechnical Council
IREM: Institute for Real Estate Management
SAFMA: South African Facilities Management Association
QCTO: Quality Council for Trade Occupations
NSG: National School of Government
FSTDI: Free State Training and Development Institute
MSTA: Maths, Science, and Technology Academy
SAPOA: South African Property Owners Association
GBSA: Green Building South Africa
VAs: Voluntary Associations
TVETs: Technical Vocational Education and Training (Colleges)
3. Capacitation of the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) is of paramount importance to the Capacity Building Programme, and will implement its Asset Management programmes, guided by ISO standards on Asset Management. These standards clearly articulate the role of employees in the Asset Management value chain and the competencies they need to possess. To further bolster the State’s capacity in Infrastructure Delivery (supported by the Young Professionals and Candidacy Programmes aligned to the Built Environment Professional Councils, Maintenance (Facilities Management supported by Artisans and Apprentices) and Management (Asset Management ISO Standards), the aim of the Programme will be to address lack of competencies throughout the value chain of Infrastructure. Below is a summary of targeted employees and Asset Management training intervention areas.
Training Group |
Training Areas of focus |
Executive Senior Management |
Legislative Drivers, Meaning of Asset Management (AM) planning, expectation outcomes from AM planning, Organisation’s AM strength and weaknesses, How does the organisation compare nationally & Internationally |
Asset Managers, Asset Planners, Capital Works Delivery |
Legislative Drivers, Key AM concepts, Asset management activities throughout the asset lifecycle: Level of service/ performance management, Demand forecasting and management, Operations and maintenance planning, Land rehabilitation planning Note: Organisation’s AM practices and how they compare with other, case studies of good practice AM, Workshop/discussion – how could we be doing AM better |
Upskilling Group (those that have already attended a lot of formal AM training) |
Refresher on AM concepts and practices, Examples of good practice, organisation’s AM strengths and weaknesses, Comparison of national and international organisations Note: Workshop/discussion – critical AM issues in the organisation and how do we address these |
Operations team (Technical & Non- Technical ) |
Legislative Drivers, Key AM concepts, Asset management activities throughout the asset lifecycle, How operations fits in with the overall AM picture, Examples/case studies of good practice AM, Note Workshop/discussion – how could we be doing operational AM better |
Customer Services (e.g. Call Centre, Service Desks) |
Legislative Drivers, Key AM concepts, Asset management activities throughout the asset lifecycle, how the customer/call centre role fits with the overall AM picture |
Information Systems/Data Entry Staff |
Legislative Drivers, Key AM concepts, What data and functionality is required to support good AM |
20 September 2019 - NW854
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)Whether, with reference to the incorporation of Early Childhood Development (ECD) into her department, any costing was done in terms of the (a) number of teachers who will be required and (b) qualification(s) they will need; if not, why not; if so, has the qualification programme already been developed and provided at various universities; (2) whether the title of practitioner will change to educator; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the salaries of the ECD teachers and/or practitioners will be raised to the level of educators instead of receiving stipends; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The funding available currently is for Grade R only. This will be revised in the new financial year to accommodate for the new functions that have been transferred to the DBE.
(b) REQV 13 is the minimum qualification as determined in the Employment of Educators ‘Act and the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM). The Minister of Higher Education and Training gazetted the Policy on Minimum Requirements for Programmes Leading to Qualifications in Higher Education for Early Childhood Development Educators in 2017. This Policy puts in place a set of qualifications for ECD practitioners who are delivering or assisting in delivering ECD programmes.
2. To be employed as an educator, one has to have an REQV 13 as a minimum qualification as determined in the Employment of Educators ‘Act and the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM). This translates to Matric plus three years of formal training for a teaching degree. In relation to compulsory Grade R, qualified Grade R practitioners will be appointed as educators in terms of the Employment of Educators Act and will be subject to the conditions of service as they apply to all other school-based educators. In relation to ages 0-4 years, the Department is still gathering information about these practitioners, including identifying a need for a full audit on the qualifications and skills set of the practitioners. The audit will inform the decisions that need to be taken in relation to career options for practitioners. This will also clarify what job titles should exist in ECD centres, the qualification framework required and the salary scales as well as the conditions of service that will exist for Early Childhood Practitioners.
3. Salary scales of educators are determined in terms of the requirements of the Employment of Educators’ Act and the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM). It will therefore not be automatic that the salaries of ECD practitioners will be equal to educators, if they do not meet the minimum requirements for appointment as educators. However, any qualified Grade R practitioners will be subject to the conditions of service applicable to other school-based educators.
20 September 2019 - NW811
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to the highlights from the Lekgotla of her department held from 21-23 January 2019, what are the detailed outcomes of (a) a competence-based curriculum to enhance entrepreneurship, (b) the assessment implications for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and (c) the provision of learning and teaching support material?
Reply:
a) The outcomes of a competence-based curriculum to enhance entrepreneurship include problem-solving, creative thinking, critical thinking and collaboration all of which are inculcated through the Project Based Learning approach.
b) Assessment in subjects focusing on the 4IR, such as Digital Skills (including coding and robotics) to be project-based (include Practical Assessment Tasks) where learners demonstrate their skills and competencies and which will also foster ‘soft’ skills required for functioning in a changing world.
c) The Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) will be developed following the finalisation of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for these subjects.
20 September 2019 - NW857
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) With reference to the reply of the former Minister of Public Works to question 1757 on 3 September 2018, what amount is currently outstanding in unpaid rental fees for properties under her department’s custodianship that are leased in each province; (2) Whether her department finalised the acquisition and disposal framework in collaboration with the National Treasury; if not, by what date will the framework be finalised; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) which top 10 persons and/or entities renting property from her department regularly fail to pay rental fees on time; (4) what amount has her department incurred in legal fees for collecting debt from outstanding rental fees from persons and entities renting property from her department (a) in the (i) 2017-18 and (ii) 2018-19 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2019?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1)
REGION |
AMOUNT |
|
1. |
Bloemfontein |
R838 059.70 |
2. |
Cape Town |
R11 787 343.30 |
3. |
Durban |
R1 312 592.64
|
4. |
Johannesburg |
R9 094 541. 71 |
5. |
Kimberly |
R6 402 742.59 |
6. |
Mmabatho |
R3 950 754.93 |
7. |
Mthatha |
R420 743.45 |
8. |
Nelspruit |
R279 513.42 |
9. |
Polokwane |
R3 696 099.58 |
10. |
Port Elizabeth |
R1 531 900.62 |
11. |
Pretoria |
R37 531 674.41 |
TOTAL |
R76 854 966.40 |
(2) Acquisition and disposal framework was developed according to Section 217 of the Constitution. National Treasury has appointed new officials in the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer and consequently there will have to be further engagements before finalization. The Department’s Real Estate Management branch regularly convenes engagements with provinces to discuss various matters in the leasing and letting environment. The next meeting will take place in September and will be hosted by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Infrastructure Development.
(3)
INSTITUTION |
AMOUNT |
|
Telkom SA |
R8 077 478.62 |
|
Lucky Star |
R411 626.38 |
|
Eastgate Airport |
R116 147.20 |
|
Houtbay Boat Yard |
R369 221.18 |
|
Fisha Wellness |
R107 616.10 |
|
Troyan Foods |
R484 455.01 |
|
Abagold |
R75 109.84 |
|
Afrima Import Export (PTY) Ltd |
R354 488.00 |
|
Sea Freeze fishereries (PTY) Ltd |
R499 082.13 |
|
Inter Travel Shops (PTY) Ltd |
R1 712 109.00 |
|
TOTAL |
R4 129 854.90 |
(4)
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
April 2019 |
R25 600.00 |
0 |
R22 500.00 |
TOTAL = R48 100.00 |
20 September 2019 - NW824
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What (a) is the official purpose for the introduction of the Tourism Amendment Bill by her department, (b) number of registered tourism travel agencies exist in (i) the Republic and (ii) each province as at 1 September 2019 and (c) legislation governs and regulates the operation of tourism travel agencies in the Republic; (2) whether any unregistered tourism travel agencies have been reported to her department since 2014; if so, what (a) number of unregistered travel agencies and (b) steps did her department take to deal with each complaint?
Reply:
(1)(a) what is the official purpose for the introduction of the Tourism Amendment Bill?
To amend the Tourism Act, 2014, so as to provide for certain definitions; to provide for the determination of thresholds for short-term home sharing; to provide for the renaming of the South African Tourism Board as South African Tourism; to provide for additional competence requirements of tourists guides; to provide for the regulation of safety in relation to tourist guiding and the improvement of the tourist guiding experience; and to provide for matters connected herewith.
(b) Number of registered travel agencies that exist in
(i) Republic & (ii) Each Province
The Department does not register or keep records relating to tourism travel agencies either in the Republic or in Provinces.
(c) What legislation governs and regulate the operation of tourism travel agencies
Tourism Act, 2014, does provide for matters relating to tourism travel agencies. Section 28(1) of the Tourism Act, 2014, states that the Minister may develop a National Grading System for tourism with a view to maintaining or enhancing the standards and quality of tourism services (which includes tourism travel agencies), facilities and products. Again, tourists can, in terms of section 45(2)(b) of the Tourism Act, 2014 refer any complaint in respect of tourism services (which will include tourism services offered by travel agencies to the Tourism Complaints Officer for referral to relevant authorities for resolution.
2. Whether any unregistered travel agencies have been reported since 2014 ,If so
(a)What number of unregistered agencies?
The Department does not keep registration details of travel agencies.
(b) steps taken to deal with each complaint
Six complaints were received from tourists against travel agents. Each complaint was referred to the travel agent responsible for an amicable resolution. In cases where a complaint remained unresolved, the department referred it to a relevant regulator for further processing and resolution.
20 September 2019 - NW793
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
1. (a) What amount was spent on advertising by (i) her department and (ii) state-owned entities reporting to her in the (aa) 2016-17, (bb) 2017-18 and (cc) 2018-19 financial years; (2) what amount of the total expenditure incurred by (a) her department and (b) state-owned entities reporting to her went to (i) each specified black-owned media company and (ii) outdoor advertising in each specified financial year and (c) on outdoor advertising by her department and state-owned entities reporting to her went to each black-owned media company in each specified financial year?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. (a) (i)
(aa) 2016/17: R7 318 000,00
(bb) 2017/18: R8 549 000,00
(cc) 2018/19: R3 613 000,00
2. (a) (i) Of the total expenditure incurred by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the following went to Black-owned companies:
(aa) 2016/17: R3 891 444,75
NO |
DESCRIPTION |
MONTH |
COMPANY NAME |
B-BBEE Level |
AMOUNT |
1 |
Newspaper Advertisement: |
Apr-16 |
Human Communications |
2 |
R 24,587.34 |
2 |
Advertisement |
Apr-16 |
Human Communications |
2 |
R 42,557.66 |
3 |
Newspaper Advertisement: |
Jun-16 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 24,455.00 |
4 |
Advertisement |
Jul-16 |
Shisuka Communications |
1 |
R 247,635.56 |
5 |
Advertisement |
Jul-16 |
Burning Spear Advertising |
1 |
R 244,701.05 |
6 |
Advertisement |
Jul-16 |
Comet Box Studios |
1 |
R 80,510.85 |
7 |
Advertisement |
Jul-16 |
Decimal Cube Advertising (Pty) Ltd |
2 |
R 147,368.80 |
8 |
Advertisement |
Aug-16 |
Fabrizimedia |
1 |
R 232,407.47 |
9 |
Advertorial On National Newspapers |
Sep-16 |
Thinknthink |
1 |
R 338,000.00 |
10 |
Advertisement |
Sep-16 |
Los Pepes Investments (Pty) Ltd |
1 |
R 73,399.70 |
11 |
Advertisement |
Sep-16 |
Vonben Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd |
R 140,839.24 |
|
12 |
Advertisement |
Sep-16 |
MTKR Marketing And Communincation Cc |
1 |
R 127,420.70 |
13 |
Advertorial Sawubona Magazine |
Oct-16 |
Ndalo Media |
1 |
R 140,839.24 |
14 |
Advertisement |
Oct-16 |
Khehla Rendani Trading And Projects |
1 |
R 338,000.00 |
15 |
Advertisement |
Oct-16 |
MTKR Marketing And Communincation Cc |
1 |
R 107,344.22 |
16 |
Advertisement |
Dec-16 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 148,702.69 |
17 |
Advertorial On Various National Newspapers |
Jan-17 |
Singi Consulting & Communication |
1 |
R 332,694.12 |
18 |
Advertisement |
Feb-17 |
Mashemong Marketing Communications |
1 |
R 332,694.12 |
19 |
Bid Advertisement |
Feb-17 |
Luonde Holdings |
1 |
R 121,500.00 |
20 |
Advertisement |
Feb-17 |
Buti Le Sello Multimedia |
1 |
R 112,544.31 |
21 |
Advertisement |
Feb-17 |
Machi-Ra Trading Enterprise |
1 |
R 219,411.15 |
22 |
Advertisement |
Feb-17 |
Byte Code Consulting |
1 |
R 87,262.77 |
23 |
Advertisement |
Mar-17 |
Bodina Trading Enterprise |
1 |
R 251,156.10 |
Total |
R 3,891,444.75 |
(bb) 2017/18: R2 160 377,05
NO |
PUBLICATION |
MONTH |
COMPANY NAME |
B-BBEE Level |
AMOUNT |
1 |
Advertisement |
May-17 |
Broadword Trading 33 (Pty) Ltd |
1 |
R 211,100.90 |
2 |
Advertisement |
Jun-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 150,281.91 |
3 |
Advertisement |
Jul-17 |
Matibis Creatives |
1 |
R 53,760.48 |
4 |
Advertorial |
Aug-17 |
Singi Consulting And Communications |
1 |
R 481,600.00 |
5 |
Advertorial |
Aug-17 |
Basadzi Personnel And Media |
1 |
R 46,654.27 |
6 |
Advertisement |
Aug-17 |
Netstreet |
1 |
R 133,775.00 |
7 |
Advertising |
Sep-17 |
Sunday Tribune |
1 |
R 16,084.00 |
8 |
Advertising |
Sep-17 |
Ilanga, Paarl Media |
1 |
R 3,903.00 |
9 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
Basadzi Personnel And Media |
1 |
R 104,486.13 |
10 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
MTKR Marketing And Communications |
1 |
R 49,392.52 |
11 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 75,140.96 |
12 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
Kone Staffing Solutions |
1 |
R 34,382.40 |
13 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
Basadzi Personnel And Media |
1 |
R 75,813.19 |
14 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 32,753.75 |
15 |
Advertisement |
Sep-17 |
Basadzi Personnel And Media |
1 |
R 113,719.79 |
16 |
Advert On Daily Dispatch And The Herald |
Oct-17 |
Sagittarius Communication |
1 |
R 16,183.44 |
17 |
Advertisement |
Oct-17 |
Human Communications |
1 |
R 23,062.07 |
18 |
Advertisement |
Oct-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 106,931.36 |
19 |
Advertisement |
Nov-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 34,680.44 |
20 |
Advertisement |
Nov-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 19,266.91 |
21 |
Advertisement |
Nov-17 |
Basadzi Personnel And Media |
1 |
R 23,009.76 |
22 |
Advertisement |
Dec-17 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 57,800.74 |
23 |
Advertisement |
Jan-18 |
Kone Staffing Solutions |
1 |
R 124,104.96 |
24 |
Advertisement |
Jan-18 |
Kone Staffing Solutions |
1 |
R 54,037.37 |
25 |
Advertisement |
Feb-18 |
Basadzi Personnel And Media |
1 |
R 95,817.00 |
26 |
Advert For Leases On Herald And Daily Dispatch |
Feb-18 |
Sagittarius Communication |
1 |
R 22,634.70 |
Total |
R 2,160,377.05 |
(cc) 2018/19: R1 200 032,95
NO |
PUBLICATION |
MONTH |
COMPANY NAME |
B-BBEE Level |
AMOUNT |
1 |
Advertisement |
Jul-18 |
Human Communications |
1 |
R 16,212.57 |
2 |
Advertisement |
Aug-18 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 110,680.72 |
3 |
Advertorial |
Sep-18 |
Concorse Suppliers and Projects |
1 |
R 286,000.00 |
4 |
Advertisement |
Oct-18 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 40,000.00 |
5 |
Advertisement |
Nov-18 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 18,257.40 |
6 |
Advertisement |
Jan-19 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 81,144.00 |
7 |
Advertisement |
Jan-19 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 31,025.85 |
8 |
Advertisement |
Jan-19 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 81,144.00 |
9 |
Advertisement |
Feb-19 |
Ultimate Recruitment Solutions |
1 |
R 18,615.51 |
10 |
Advertisement |
Feb-19 |
Kone Staffing Solutions |
1 |
R 31,037.58 |
11 |
Advertisement |
Feb-19 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 92,199.87 |
12 |
Advertisement |
Feb-19 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 18,622.55 |
13 |
Advertisement |
Mar-19 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 28,973.10 |
14 |
Advertisement |
Mar-19 |
Light way (Pty) Ltd |
1 |
R 315,690.80 |
15 |
Advertisement |
Mar-19 |
Basadzi Personnel |
1 |
R 30,429.00 |
Total |
R 1,200,032.95 |
a) (ii) The following expenditure was incurred on outdoor advertising:
(aa) 2016/17: Nil
(bb) 2017/18: R537 396,00
NO |
PUBLICATION |
MONTH |
COMPANY NAME |
B-BBEE Level |
AMOUNT |
1 |
GCIS Advertising Billboards Campaign - |
Sep-17 |
GCIS |
N/A |
R 498,180.00 |
2 |
Government Buildings Outdoor advertising, Tswalanang Logistics & Township Media |
Dec 2017/ Jan 2018 |
GCIS |
N/A |
R 39,216.00 |
|
Total |
R 537,396.00 |
(cc) 2018/19: Nil
c) On outdoor advertising, the following went to Black-owned companies:
(aa) 2016/17: Nil
(bb) 2017/18: R39 216,00 (Paid to Tswalanang Logistics & Township media: B-BBEE Level 1, outdoor advertising done through GCIS)
(cc) 2018/19: Nil
In respect of State-owned Entities Reporting to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure:
(1)
(ii) |
(aa) 2016-17 |
(bb) 2017-18 |
(cc) 2018-19 |
Agrément South Afgrica (ASA) |
None, ASA was Business Unit under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
R226,938 |
R165,629 |
Council for the Built Environment (CBE) |
R216,000 |
R168,000 |
R95,000 |
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) |
R1 155 955.03 |
R1 945 290.48 |
R2 038 520.68 |
Independent Development Trust (IDT) |
R352 979.29 |
R581 731.68 |
R338 779.27 |
(2)
(b) Public Entity |
(2) Amount of Total Expenditure |
(i) |
(ii) |
(c) |
ASA |
2017/18 |
2017/18 |
||
R24,430.58 |
Basadzi Media |
|||
R25,986.87 |
Human Communications |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
R79,022.52 |
Stay Frosty Media |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
R 72,960.00 |
Ayvel Strategic Media Agency |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
R2,542.20 |
Kaimara |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
R21,996.00 |
Via CSIR Procurement |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
2018/19 R86,252.88 |
2018/19 Basadzi Media House |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
R42,050.33 |
Stay Frosty Media |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
R37,325.60 |
GPW |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
CBE (Explanatory note: Expenditure incurred on advertising mostly relates to promotional material, i.e pens, booklets, etc) |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
CIDB |
2016/2017 |
2016/2017 |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
R 1 155 955.03 |
R1 038 602.11 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
2017/2018 |
2017/2018 |
2017/2018 |
2017/2018 |
|
R 1 945 290.48 |
R1 071 575.74 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
2018/2019 |
2018/2019 |
2018/2019 |
2018/2019 |
|
R 2 038 520.68 |
R1 365 152,86 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
|
IDT |
(2) what amount of the total expenditure |
(i) each specified black-owned media company |
(ii) outdoor advertising in each specified financial year |
(c) outdoor advertising by her department and state-owned entities reporting to her went to each black-owned media company in each specified financial year |
R1, 273 490.24 |
R613 626.20 |
None |
Not applicable |
20 September 2019 - NW800
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What are the reasons that her department failed to reinstate Mr Obilana Aderemi (details furnished) despite the ruling of the Education Labour Relations Council and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, which ordered the reinstatement of the specified person after finding that he was dismissed unfairly?
Reply:
This is an employer-employee relations issue of which the processes are regulated by the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995. In terms of section 3(1)(b) of the Employment of Educators Act, 76 of 1998, the Head of the Provincial Education Department is the Employer of educators employed at the provincial level. Therefore, the responsibility to implement rulings wherein cases were ruled against the Employer lies with the Head of the Provincial Education Department.
The response received from the Mpumalanga Education Department states that the Department/Employer has demonstrated its willingness to comply with the award, but Mr Obilana refused to comply and cooperate. An alternative post was identified for him to occupy effectively from 1 October 2018 and was within the same circuit a few kilometres from the school where he used to teach prior to his dismissal, but he failed to report for duty to date.
The details are as follows:
The Department did not immediately comply with the award because at the time the award was received, the position which Mr Obilana occupied prior to his dismissal was already filled. Mr Obilana was, however, informed through his union on 28 September 2018 that the Department had established a vacant substantive post where he would be placed effectively from 1 October 2018. He was directed to report at the Emalahleni Circuit where the Circuit Manager would take him to the institution he would be serving at. A response was received from his union indicating that he was sick, and insisted that the Department place him in accordance with the award. Mr Obilana never reported for duty, but instead proceeded to take steps to enforce the award by filing an application for the certification of the award with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
The award was certified in terms of section 143 of the Labour Relations Act. The CCMA issued a document entitled “Enforcement of the Award” [the CCMA writ] instructing the sheriff to attach and execute the movable goods of the Employer to the value of R 171 952.40 with interest. The sheriff served the document and attached a vehicle belonging to the Employer on several occasions and this culminated in the Employer filing an urgent application with the Labour Court, which was heard on 27 August 2019, wherein the enforcement award was declared invalid and set aside.
20 September 2019 - NW726
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)(a) What are the reasons that the Lindelani Informal Settlement in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has not been electrified, (b) what plans have been put in place to electrify the informal settlement in the future and (c) by what date will the electrification work be completed in the 2019-20 financial year; (2) what are the reasons that (a) there are no operational water trucks in portion 71 of Lindelani Informal Settlement and (b) chemical toilets are only cleaned once a week; (3) what are the reasons that the high-mast light in Alliance Ext 9 is not operational; (4) what are the reasons that the toilets built in Alliance Ext 1 in the past six years are not operational?
Reply:
(1) (a) The City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is currently implementing two housing projects in the area, namely Alliance Extensions 1 and 9, which are earmarked to benefit the qualifying beneficiaries of Lindelani Informal Settlement. Through these projects the beneficiaries will be provided with electricity.
(b) Once the community has been relocated to Alliance Extensions 1 and 9, the remaining households will be reconfigured by grouping shacks into clusters and reorganizing the ground plan in such a manner as to optimally utilise space to promote the health, safety and well-being of households, with a particular focus on promoting accelerated service delivery to informal settlements, including the provision of electricity.
(c) There are no plans to electrify the informal settlement in 2019-20 financial year.
(2) (a) The City’s Water and Sanitation Department is providing water to the entire Lindelani Informal Settlement. There are sections which are provided with water through water tankers and there is a portion next to the Paul Kruger Highway which has tap water. The City is not aware of a portion known as Portion 71, and has consulted the community who could not clarify which portion is referred to as Portion 71.
(b) As from 1 July 2019 the chemical toilets are serviced once a week as per the City’s contract with the new service provider. The City has not yet received any complaints from the community and or the leadership.
(3) The City’s Energy Department is attending to the high-mast light that is not working at Extension 9. When the problem has been identified, the matter will be resolved.
(4) During 2011 the designs for the water and sewer network systems and toilet structures were approved by the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. In April 2011 the construction work commenced, but the contractor had only access to 296 stands. The remainder of the 338 stands were inaccessible, as they were occupied by 808 households. The City attempted to relocate the residents to an identified Temporary Relocation Area (TRA) without success. Only 42% of the work within 296 stands was completed.
In 2012 the contract awarded to the contractor responsible for the construction work was terminated due to poor performance and community issues.
A new contractor (2nd contractor) was appointed in 2014 to repair and complete the construction work. This contractor experienced challenges to access the area. The City’s MMC for Human Settlements had several public meetings with the community to agree on the relocation to the TRA, and therefore to make way for the construction work. Unfortunately, the community was not in agreement to relocate and the work on site progressed very slowly. The City started to incur standing time claims from the contractor.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements with the assistance of the City’s Corporate and Legal Department obtained a Court Order in August 2016 to relocate the 808 households to the TRA. The Court Order was never implemented due to political considerations.
During 2017 the contract of the second contractor was also terminated due to contractual issues and resistance by the residents to make way for construction. The City appointed two contractors for the construction and installation of roads and storm-water designs. The contractors could only access 42% of the development. The first phase of the construction of roads and storm-water was completed in February 2018.
On 27 September 2017 it was resolved that the City’s Human Settlements Department will take over the installation of water and sewer network systems from the Water and Sanitation Department, as it was agreed that the relocation of residents to make way for construction is a Human Settlements function. Since then, no work has been done on the water and sewer infrastructure, as there are shacks that need to be relocated to make way for construction.
During 2018 the City resolved to suspend the Alliance Extension 9 development until the relocation issues have been resolved with the community.
20 September 2019 - NW924
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What amount has the African Renaissance Fund (ARF) loaned to Cuba to date, (b) on what terms, including interest and duration, was the loan made, (c) what amount of the loan (i) has been repaid and (ii) is still outstanding in terms of ( aa) money still to be loaned to Cuba and (bb) monies still repaid by Cuba and (d) does the ARF allow for loan initiatives to be made to countries outside the African continent?
Reply:
a) The loan amount was R 63 628 818.
b) The interest was charged at 3% daily compounded monthly, the repayment duration and term was 1 year. following the expiry of the availability period for tranch A in four equal quarterly payments.
c) A loan has been repaid in full with interest R 64 994 855.03
- R 64 994 855.03
- Nothing is outstanding
(aa) A concurrence has been issued for a total amount of R140 million
(bb) Nothing, as the loan has been repaid with interest
(d) Yes.
20 September 2019 - NW833
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether he has been informed of the various reports stating that the National Treasury is seeking an initial budget allocation cut to his department of 5% for the 2020-21 financial year, followed by a 6% and 7% cut for the following two financial years; if so, (2) whether the financial cuts will affect the provision of essential services to South Africans by his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the financial cuts will result in (a) any jobs losses and/or (ii) the closure of any Home Affairs offices in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the requirement to present compulsory budget baseline reduction scenarios is set out in the MTEF Technical Guidelines 2020 issued by National Treasury in June 2019. In addition, the CFO presented the compulsory budget baseline reduction scenarios at the Departmental priority setting workshop held on 13 and 14 August 2019.
2. It is logical that when there are budget cuts, it will impact on the capacity to certain services.
(3)(a-b) Budget cuts will have a negative impact on the filling of some posts, but we are not envisioning closure of any Home Affairs office.
END
19 September 2019 - NW763
Mkhatshwa, Ms NT to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
What legal interventions have been made in the cases of maladministration, unethical and self-enriching practices which found expression in the governance of institutions of higher learning from the University of Venda to the University of Fort Hare, where there are unfinished infrastructure development projects and institutions are under administration?
Reply:
In terms of the Higher Education Act, if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the council or the management of a public higher education institution is involved in financial impropriety or the institution is being otherwise mismanaged, the Minister may issue a directive which must state the nature and extent of the deficiency; the negative impact of the deficiency on the institution; the steps which should be taken to remedy the situation; and a reasonable period within which the steps must be taken. In the event that the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the council has failed to comply with the directive, the Minister may, depending on the circumstances, appoint an independent assessor, appoint an administrator, or take any other appropriate action allowed by this Act or any other law.
The Minister may appoint an independent assessor if circumstances arise at an institution that involve financial or other maladministration of a serious nature; or seriously undermine the effective functioning of the institution. In the case where an audit of the financial records of an institution or the report by an independent assessor or any other report or information reveals financial or other maladministration of a serious nature or serious undermining of the effective functioning of a public higher education institution, the Minister may appoint an administrator.
There are two universities under administration currently, namely the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and Vaal University of Technology (VUT). Under normal circumstances, an independent assessor would be appointed first to investigate the affairs of a university and advise the Minister on the source and nature of problems facing the institution and the measures required to restore good governance and management at the university. At the recommendation of the independent assessor, the Minister would then appoint an Administrator. However, the circumstances surrounding these institutions were such that the appointment of an Administrator preceded an independent assessment in the case of UFH, and for VUT before the independent assessment could be concluded.
Institutions with unfinished infrastructure development projects
There are two institutions with abandoned infrastructure development projects, namely the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the University of Fort Hare (UFH).
In the case of UNIVEN, the existing abandoned infrastructure projects are as a result of insufficient funds to finalise construction or appointed service providers failing to deliver in terms of the contractual agreement. When the matter was brought to the Minister’s attention, the Minister issued a directive to the Council to discontinue any new infrastructure development plans. The Department also conducted an institutional oversight visit to understand the infrastructure challenges facing the University. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the implementation and management of the Recovery Projects at UNIVEN was done to assist the University going forward. During the last quarter of 2017, contractors were invited, through an open tender process, to complete some of the abandoned projects. An additional amount of R55 million has been allocated to the University to complete some of the critical projects, and the University was instructed to seek additional funds from other sources to complete other projects. The University has since put stringent measures in place to ensure the completion of these projects, and the Department is monitoring the University closely.
With regards to UFH, the abandoned project is the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) building on the East London Campus. This has been due to maladministration to some extent, but also lack of capacity to manage and implement infrastructure projects. The Department has supported the University to develop an infrastructure procurement strategy to ensure the commencement of the implementation of the abandoned ECDC project and is also monitoring the university closely.
19 September 2019 - NW762
Mkhatshwa, Ms NT to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
(1)Whether there has been any substantive progress with regard to the restoration of stability in the management of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) (details furnished); if so, (2) whether the persons who are found to have caused the degeneration of NSFAS will face legal consequences; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Significant changes and improvements have been undertaken by the Administrator in keeping to the gazetted terms of reference of the administration period up to August 2019. This has resulted in a more stable 2019 student funding cycle in the sector.
This can be seen most clearly in the improvements in the disbursement of student allowances in 2019, resulting in significantly less disruption to the academic programme than what occurred in 2018, where students were confirmed late in the academic year and received allowances late. In 2019, the majority of students where funding was confirmed, registration took place, and students signed their bursary agreements, received their allowances early in the academic year.
Data exchange between institutions and NSFAS has significantly improved and resulted in a smoother funding cycle, and many errors from the 2017 and 2018 academic years have been corrected. This has a direct effect on students receiving funding at the appropriate time. Appeals are being processed efficiently and data exceptions have been reduced significantly.
There have also been improvements regarding the support provided to institutions by NSFAS to resolve problems timeously, including more direct support to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Compliance with bursary rules has improved and this has resulted in low error numbers and outstanding or incorrect payments.
As reported in Parliament on 28 August 2019, NSFAS, while under Administration has paid significant attention to issues of organisational governance and management, including identifying high-risk areas in the business processes of NSFAS. This has included significant attention to areas of information technology (IT), governance and risk, and the management of data at the entity. Controls that are more effective have been put in place to ensure effective management and administration of IT systems.
Issues of data integrity and cyber security were identified as critical areas of work, and many challenges remain within the entity that are being addressed. Challenges with the IT systems, which regularly crashed in 2018 were urgently addressed, and IT operational systems are currently operating at 98% uptime, in contrast to daily system crashes in 2018. Disbursements are processed more effectively in 2019 on a monthly rather than a daily basis.
NSFAS has undertaken a number of forensic investigations to uncover and act in areas of fraud and maladministration. An overview of this work has been presented to Parliament and the work continues.
NSFAS has opened the 2020 applications cycle at the beginning of September 2019.
The new Administration term, together with new Terms of Reference, have been published in the Government Gazette. This is to allow for continued work to improve the operations of the entity. The Administrator and his team will also work closely with the Ministerial team that will be appointed soon to conduct a review of NSFAS business processes with a view to making decisions about NSFAS going forward.
NSFAS has a critical mandate to support funding for students from poor and working-class backgrounds in the university and TVET college sectors, and a more efficient and effective NSFAS is an absolute priority of the Administrator, supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
2. Those who are found responsible for wrongdoing at NSFAS will face consequences. The Administrator reported in Parliament on 28 August 2019 on a number of forensic investigations underway at the entity. In some cases, disciplinary processes have already been initiated where evidence is available. In other cases, investigations are continuing. NSFAS will work with the necessary authorities, where necessary, to lay charges in cases where evidence of illegal activity is uncovered.
19 September 2019 - NW773
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether her department can provide the results and findings of the ministerial review of SA Tourism that the former Minister of Tourism commissioned in 2015; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
The Honorable member is referred to website of the Department of Tourism to download the document or alternatively a copy can be supplied by my office by arrangement.
19 September 2019 - NW675
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether any studies have been conducted to determine the impact of the Government’s proposed National Health Insurance system on health and medical tourism in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what has the study found will be the likely (a) decline in international arrivals of so-called health and medical tourists once the National Health Insurance is implemented, (b) decline in tourism revenue generated from health and medical tourists and (c) total impact on the Republic’s fiscus?
Reply:
No studies have been conducted by the department of Tourism or its entity (South Africa Tourism) to determine the impact of the Government’s proposed National Health Insurance system on health and medical tourism in the Republic as the system has not been finalised yet.
a) Not applicable
b) Not applicable
c) Not applicable
17 September 2019 - NW646
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) On what date will the tender specifications on the improvements of Cape Town International Airport Upgrades be finalised and (b)(i) what would be included in the total project scope, (ii) over what period, (iii) what are the project estimates and (iv) what are the details of the improvements; (2) what (a)(i) improvements are intended at the Tambo Springs Intermodal Terminal and (ii) bulk services for development will be needed from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and (b)(i) what benefit will result from these improvements and (ii) at what cost?
Reply:
Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)
(1)
(b)Project |
(iii)Estimated Value |
(i)Scope of works |
(ii) Period)Status |
New Realigned Runway |
R 3.8 bn |
The construction of a new code F compliant runway with associated taxiways and ancillary systems |
The tender document preparation phase was concluded and was just issued to the market. |
T2 enablement works T2 Main works |
R 2.8 |
International Terminal expansion including check-in, baggage handling systems and arrivals carousels |
The Enablement Works is currently in the procurement phase with tenders in the market The Main Works is in the detail design phase and will be go through the procurement process during the course of next year |
New Domestic Arrivals |
R 688 mn |
Expansion of the Domestic Arrivals Terminal |
The project will be procured 2-3 months |
Several other smaller projects |
Multiple values |
Aprons, taxiway upgrades and minor terminal expansion |
The projects are in the design development phases and will go through the procurement process during the course of next year |
(2) Falls away.
17 September 2019 - NW833
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether he has been informed of the various reports stating that the National Treasury is seeking an initial budget allocation cut to his department of 5% for the 2020-21 financial year, followed by a 6% and 7% cut for the following two financial years; if so, (2) whether the financial cuts will affect the provision of essential services to South Africans by his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the financial cuts will result in (a) any jobs losses and/or (ii) the closure of any Home Affairs offices in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the requirement to present compulsory budget baseline reduction scenarios is set out in the MTEF Technical Guidelines 2020 issued by National Treasury in June 2019. In addition, the CFO presented the compulsory budget baseline reduction scenarios at the Departmental priority setting workshop held on 13 and 14 August 2019.
2. It is logical that when there are budget cuts, it will impact on the capacity to certain services.
(3)(a-b) Budget cuts will have a negative impact on the filling of some posts, but we are not envisioning closure of any Home Affairs office.
END
17 September 2019 - NW683
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the National Public Transport Regulator applications for tourism transport operating licenses, what (a) total number of tourism-related (i) applications have been received and (ii) licenses have been issued in each month in the (aa) past three years and (bb) since 1 January 2019, (b) are the reasons for the delays in the issuing of licenses, (c) is being done to speed up the issuing of licenses and (d) how is the issuing of licenses being measured and/or monitored?
Reply:
a) (i) A total of 5774 applications have been received from the 29 July 2016 to 31 August 2019.
(ii) (aa) 2780 operating licences were issued from 29 July 2016 to 31 August 2019. The variance between the applications received and operating licences issued is attributed to applications that were withdrawn or cancelled by operators and refused by the National Public Transport Regulator.
2016/2017 |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
|
APRIL |
-- |
14 |
64 |
78 |
MAY |
-- |
11 |
90 |
61 |
JUNE |
-- |
53 |
64 |
66 |
JULY |
-- |
40 |
152 |
107 |
AUGUST |
02 |
97 |
110 |
78 |
SEPTEMBER |
06 |
114 |
148 |
|
OCTOBER |
07 |
75 |
125 |
|
NOVEMBER |
33 |
113 |
101 |
|
DECEMBER |
22 |
68 |
132 |
|
JANUARY |
110 |
97 |
29 |
|
FEBRUARY |
83 |
131 |
84 |
|
MARCH |
42 |
119 |
54 |
|
Total |
305 |
932 |
1153 |
390 |
(bb) A total of 557 operating licenses have been issued from 1 January 2019 to 31 August 2019.
b) The cause for the delays in the issuing of operating licenses is related to capacity constraints, IT challenges and the submission of incomplete applications by operators.
c) The Department has appointed additional staff, currently redesigning the National Land Transport Information System (NLTIS) and has organized workshops with operators in partnership with the Department of Tourism to raise awareness on the requirements and the processes of the NPTR.
d) The issuing of operating licences is monitored monthly through the National Land Transport Information System, by submitting quarterly and annual reports together with portfolio of evidence.
17 September 2019 - NW671
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Finance
What is the (a) average time taken to process payouts from the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and (b) cause of the delay in pension payout from the GEPF to Ms Robin-Lee Fortune?
Reply:
a) The average time it takes to process claims are 33-days.
b) Ms Robin-Lee Fortune should enquire herself directly from the GEPF why there was a delay in the payment of the benefit.
17 September 2019 - NW650
Wessels, Mr W to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether, with reference to the replies of the former Minister of Transport to questions 1500 on 4 June 2018 and 2728 on 9 October 2018, he has found that the procedure, as set out in section 4(2) of the Air Services Licensing Act, Act 115 of 1990 for the appointment of boards (details furnished), has been followed in respect of the newly appointed members of the Air Services Licensing Board;
Reply:
Civil Aviation Branch
The prescribed procedure for the appointment of the International Air Services Council and the Air Services Licensing Council was followed and members of both the Councils were nominated and appointed as espoused the prescripts of the Acts.
(1)(a) As mentioned above the procedure was duly followed. Section 4(2) of the Air Services Licensing Act, (Act No. 60 of 1990) stipulates that the Minister of Transport has discretionary power to consult with the Aviation industry on the nomination of the Council Members.
(b) There are no steps to rectify since the Air Services Licensing Act, (Act No.115 of 1990) and the International Air Services Act, (Act No. 60. of 1990) have been met in the appointment of the Councils.
(2) No further legal compliance is required. The Members of the Councils were dully nominated and appointed as Council members. The Council members’ appointment was preceded by nominations of people who, in the opinion of the Minister, have appropriate knowledge and experience regarding aviation, or who are well versed in law, finance, transportation or engineering to serve in the Councils as per Section 4 (1).
The nominations were published in the Government Gazette and advertised in the public newspapers for the appointment of members.
The question of dissolving the Councils does not apply since the Councils were dully appointed as prescribed by Section 4 (1) and (2).
17 September 2019 - NW651
Wessels, Mr W to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What (a) is the total number of technical advisors who are currently deployed by the National Treasury under Programme 8 and (b) is the name of each (i) municipality and (ii) provincial department to which each technical advisor is currently deployed; (2) whether he has found that there is any improvement as a result of Programme 8 with respect to the financial management of the specified municipalities and provincial departments; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the progress related to the specific tasks of each advisor is monitored; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what is the (a) specific task of each technical advisor and (b) cost to the National Treasury with respect to each technical advisor; (5) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) What (a) is the total number of technical advisors who are currently deployed by the National Treasury under Programme 8 and (b) is the name of each (i) municipality and (ii) provincial department to which each technical advisor is currently deployed?
(a) There were 82 MFIP technical advisors deployed under the Municipal Finance Improvement Programme (MFIP) as at 30 August 2019.
(b) Attached kindly find annexure ‘A’ which details the deployment of the 83 technical advisors per municipality, National Treasury (NT) and provincial treasuries (PTs).
(2) whether he has found that there is any improvement as a result of Programme 8 with respect to the financial management of the specified municipalities and provincial departments; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
The MFIP III context
The current phase three of the MFIP, which commenced on 1 April 2017 and ends 31 March 2020, is a strategically-driven programme of technical assistance aligned to the six Local Government Financial Management (LGFM) game changers, viz. funded budgets, revenue management, mSCOA implementation, asset management, supply chain management and audit outcomes. The overall strategic goals of the MFIP are to facilitate improved local government financial management capacity, enhanced budget and financial management practices and improved audit outcomes through the provision of direct technical capacity support.
Accordingly, the MFIP III is designed to build the institutional and technical financial management capacity of the National Treasury (NT), provincial treasuries (PTs) and Municipalities. This is mainly achieved through the placement of technical advisors (TAs) within the MFMA support units of national and provincial treasuries, and the Budget and Treasury Offices (BTOs) of municipalities.
Almost 50% of the TAs were sourced by November 2017 with the remaining TAs sourced between January 2018 and August 2019. It should thus be noted that the actual date of deployment is directly associated with the extent of improvements shown.
Has there been any improvement as a result of MFIP with respect to the financial management of the specified municipalities and provincial departments? If yes, provide some details:
Yes, there has been improvement, in some of the following financial management areas:
2.1 Supply Chain Management
a) Capacitation of Councillors specifically in dealing with Unauthorised Irregular Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIF&W) which has resulted in some municipalities that did not have functional MPACs establishing such committees.
b) Establishment of Disciplinary Boards in most of the municipalities now monitoring implementation of the implementation of this reform.
c) Evaluation for alignment of SCM Policy to the legislation and reforms resulting in municipalities increasingly complying with applicable regulations. There has been a marked decline in the utilisation of SCM regulation 32 which was a major source of irregular expenditure for municipalities.
2.2 Audit outcomes
a) Most municipalities with Municipal Advisors improved or retained their previous audit opinions in the 2017/18 financial year, as outlined below:
- 3 out 15 or 20% of municipalities improved on their audit outcomes;
- 4 out 15 or 26% of municipalities retained their unqualified audit opinion;
- 3 out of 15 or 20% of municipalities retained their qualified audit opinion;
- 4 out 15 or 26% of municipalities retained their disclaimed audit opinion; and
- 1 out of 15 or 8% of municipalities regressed from qualified to disclaimer audit opinion
2.3 Asset management
- Reviewed and updated the asset management policies and standard operating procedures for 59 municipalities.
- Drafted and circulated various methodologies and guidelines to assist municipalities on how they can correctly apply the GRAP standards on Property, Plant and Equipment, Investment Property, Intangible assets, Heritage assets and Inventory
- Training and capacity building for municipal officials for 65 municipalities on asset management practices such as
- GRAP compliance when valuing and accounting for the municipality’s assets
- Implementation of municipal asset management policy and procedures
- Internal control systems of assets and liabilities, including an asset and liability register, as prescribed
2.4 The following are some of the key institutional and technical factors that contribute to areas that do not show the requisite improvements?
- Some provincial treasuries and municipalities are severely incapacitated by the absence of staff (warm bodies) in the MFMA units and BTOs respectively impacting adversely on the programme’s impact.
- Some MPACs and Councils not taking decisive action (consequence management) to deal with officials responsible for causing UIF&W expenditure resulting in recurrence of such incidents.
- Municipalities adopting unfunded budgets, which generally leads to cash flow challenges during the financial year.
- Poor revenue management, cash flow management and expenditure management practices resulting in liquidity and business continuity risks.
- Severe cashflow challenges is experienced by a number of municipalities resulting in high level of fruitless and wasteful expenditure (interest payable on overdue accounts) emanating from the late or non-payment of ESKOM, water board and other creditor accounts.
- Over reliance on external service providers to perform functions like the preparation of annual financial statements and the compilation of fixed asset registers.
- Poor asset management, ageing infrastructure and low levels of maintenance resulting in high distribution losses and service delivery breakdowns or interruptions.
- Municipalities not budgeting, transacting or reporting in/from their core financial system (FS) impacting the quality and reliability of financial information.
- Poor or non-implementation by municipalities of audit action plans to effectively address the root causes of audit findings.
(3) Whether the progress related to the specific tasks of each advisor is monitored; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
Yes, the progress related to the specific tasks of each advisor is monitored by the MFIP Programme Management Unit (PMU) as part of the overall performance management protocols of the programme. The following are the key steps involved:
-
- Each advisor prepares a support plan or workplan, in line with the original scope of work, within one to three months after appointment and placement for approval by the relevant entity and the PMU;
- Each advisor captures his/her effort/time daily on the Capture Effort Application against the approved support- or workplan. This is then reviewed and approved by the relevant NT Director/ Chief Director/ Senior Advisor/ Director at the PMU.
- Monthly reports for each advisor are submitted to the PMU signed off by the Municipal Manager / NT Chief Director and/ or PT MFMA Coordinator.
- Formal performance reviews of all technical advisors are conducted bi-annually by the PMU in consultation with the relevant NT, PT or municipal counterparts.
(4) What is the (a) specific task of each technical advisor and (b) cost to the National Treasury with respect to each technical advisor;
a) Each technical advisor signs a support plan or workplan that details the specific key focus areas, functional areas, tasks/activities and timelines that they will be performing, in accordance with the original scope of work published in the procurement terms of reference. The support- or workplan is also signed by the counterpart at the relevant entity and approved by the MFIP PMU.
(b) The cost of each technical advisor is capped as follows:
- Senior Advisors are currently paid on average R861.12 per hour and are contracted for a maximum of 1 840 hours per annum, amounting to an average annual cost of R1 584 460.80 exclusive of VAT per senior advisor.
- Advisors and Specialists are currently paid on average R807.30 per hour and are contracted for a maximum of 1 840 hour per annum, amounting to an average annual cost of R1 485 432.00 exclusive of VAT per advisor or specialist.
(5) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
The Minister is prepared to make a statement relating to the above responses.
17 September 2019 - NW653
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What is the annual contribution by foreign-owned businesses operating within the borders of the Republic to the gross domestic product, in particular businesses owned by (a) Chinese, (b) Pakistani, (c) Somali, (d) Bangladeshi, (e) Nigerian nationals and (f) all others; (2) (a) what number of the specified businesses are registered for value-added tax and pay tax and (b) has he found that this constitutes 100 per cent of all businesses owned by foreign nationals trading within the Republic; (3) whether he has been informed of reports that the Republic allegedly loses R7 billion annually in revenue due to foreign-owned tuck shops that have replaced local spaza shops; if so, (a) can he verify such reports and (b) what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
South Africa has enjoyed substantial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and seeks to grow FDI in order to improve economic growth. FDI ranges from small investments to billion Rand investments by multinational enterprises.
“Business ownership” structures and compositions are varying in nature. Businesses can be incorporated and established in the Republic for example as either a sole proprietorship, partnership; proprietary limited company and, public company.
The shareholder ownership composition as well can vary between 100% locally owned, 100% foreign-owned, a combination of both local and foreign ownership (i.e. Foreign-owned can include 100%, 50.1%, 25% or something in between). Furthermore, stock exchange listed companies can be owned by persons from over 240 countries worldwide.
Foreign-owned businesses can include companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships and so forth that have indicated to be non-South African in their records with SARS.
The top three countries that contribute to foreign-owned businesses in the Republic are the United Kingdom, United States and Germany.
1. Per the SARS records, the annual contribution by foreign-owned businesses that include but are not limited to companies, sole proprietorships and, partnerships that are trading in the Republic is approximately R2.4 trillion gross income declared per tax returns submitted for the tax year 2017.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)
The SARS does not maintain a distinction of foreign-owned businesses based on country of nationality in our records. Our records only reflect the classification of foreign-owned businesses where the taxpayer completed the required indicator or specified the country of nationality.
2. (a) Of the 14 269 foreign-owned businesses on our records, 1 266 are registered and contribute to value-added tax (VAT).
(b) The VAT return filing rate is 52.09% with a correlating VAT payment compliance rate of 88.15% as per the SARS annual report for 2018/19. SARS is on an ongoing journey to improve compliance and close the tax gap through compliance interventions in both the formal and informal sectors.
3. The report in question Shifting Market Frontiers: Africa Rising indicates that South Africa has an estimated annual revenues of R7 billion from “spaza shops” that are operated in the Republic that can be owned by both South Africans and Foreign nationals.
There has been no record or evidence found that “the Republic allegedly loses R7 billion…”, it has been noted per aforementioned report that the “estimated annual revenues of R7bn, spaza shops are a significant retail channel in South Africa, especially in townships and informal settlements. This stems from the fact that their business structure is established to cater to the buying patterns, rising purchasing power and product preferences of consumers living there”. As such, spaza shops play a vital role in serving local communities as part of the informal economy.
This segment does contribute to indirect taxes (Value-add Tax) through their purchasing from suppliers and direct taxes (Income Tax) on their income earned. SARS endeavors to expand efforts through our outreach programme by way of clarification, awareness and education to improve compliance efforts with traders alike.
17 September 2019 - NW832
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether, with reference to providing protection for refugees, taking into consideration the first safe country principle for refugees to first sought asylum between transit routes, his department has any formal bilateral agreements between transit route countries and destination countries in order for refugees to first seek asylum in the transit country; if not, (a) will he consider such decision and (b) by what date; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, the Department has no formal bilateral agreement/s with transit route countries and countries of destination on application of the first country of asylum principle. As an international practice, any person may request asylum in any country outside his/her own country. The first country principle as practiced in international law requires that:
(i) an asylum seeker should have been recognised in that first country of asylum as a refugee and he or she can still avail himself or herself of that protection; or
(ii) he or she otherwise enjoys sufficient protection in that country, including benefiting from the principle of non-refoulement.
(a-b) No, the Department will not consider such decision, because management of asylum and refugees in South Africa is centred on the cardinal principle of non-refoulement; and inclusion before exclusion, at the core of which is the 1951 UN Convention and its 1967 Protocol. This means that South Africa has an international obligation to receive asylum applicants who may have transited a number of countries before arrival in South Africa.
Furthermore, South Africa will in terms of Section 2 (a) – (b) of the Refugee Act, Act No. 130 of 1998, not return such applicants to a country where:
(i) they may be subjected to persecution on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group; and or
(ii) their life, physical safety or freedom would be threatened on account of external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or other events seriously disturbing or disrupting public order in either part or the whole of that country.
END
17 September 2019 - NW684
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the National Public Transport Regulator applications for tourism transport operating licenses, (a) why is there incomplete and insufficient information online in this regard, (b) what is being done to improve online information and (c) why are applicants required to provide a route when making such applications?
Reply:
a) The National Land Transport Act of 2009, which is the blue print for the processing and issuing of operating licences together with supplementary information such application forms and templates, checklists indicating requirements, accreditation guidelines, question and answer booklet are available on the website.
b) The online information is updated as and when there are changes to the requirements and to post notices and announcements.
c) Regulation 36 (5) (b) of the National Land Transport Regulations of 2009 provides that an operating license for tourist services must stipulate the area within which the vehicle may be operated, which may be within a province, across provinces or the Republic as a whole.
17 September 2019 - NW758
Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether his department hosted any event and/or function related to its 2019 Budget Vote debate; if so, (a) where was each event held, (b) what was the total cost of each event and (c) what is the name of each person who was invited to attend each event as a guest; (2) whether any gifts were distributed to guests attending any of the events; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the gifts distributed and (b) who sponsored the gifts?
Reply:
(1) Yes.
(1)(a) In Parliament.
(1)(b) Catering for 60 Journalists R 4,440.00
Catering for 200 stakeholders R48,400.00
Sound system R25,000.00
Exhibition R27,160.00
Total R105,000.00
(1)(c) See attached list
(2) No.
(2)(a) Not applicable.
2(b) Not applicable.