Questions and Replies
18 October 2023 - NW1223
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1)Whether any other federations were invited to the safeguarding conference held by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on 17 and 18 February 2023; if not, why not; if so, what federations. (2) whether the sports federation representatives who were present at the conference were only those affiliated to the SA Gymnastics Federation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the statement allegedly made by a certain person (name furnished) about putting names of people on the sexual offenders’ register represents SASCOC policy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1364E
Reply:
- Yes, ALL members of SASCOC were invited to the Safeguarding Conference held 17 – 18 February 2023.
- ALL members of SASCOC were invited to the Safeguarding Conference held 17 – 18 February 2023.
- Yes, this statement is outlined in the SASCOC Safeguarding Policy
THANK YOU
18 October 2023 - NW1351
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). On what date will the safeguarding contract between the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and The Guardian expire. (2). Whether the Safeguarding contract with SASCOC will go out on tender again; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details. (3). Whether he will furnish Mrs. V van Dyk with a list of all the federations that comply with the safeguarding accreditation; if not, why not; if so, on what date? NW1553E
Reply:
(1). In the response by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) they indicated that the contract between themselves and The Guardian expired in July 2023.
(2). SASCOC indicates that they have never initiated a tender process for Safeguarding services and currently has no intention of doing so in the future. Safeguarding matters are managed collaboratively with key stakeholders and National Federations.
(3). The list of federations that comply with the safeguarding accreditation is attached.
THANK YOU
18 October 2023 - NW2883
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1).Whether the Benoni Town Hall is a heritage site; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2). whether his department is aware of the derelict state of the specified hall; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total amount (a) will it cost to repair the hall and (b) has his department allocated to repair the hall? NW3308E
Reply:
(1). The Benoni Town Hall has not officially been declared as a Heritage Site. However, by virtue of the building being older than 60 years, in terms of section 34 (1) of the National Heritage Resources Act, “No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority”.
(2). No, my department is not aware of the derelict state of the building as the City of Ekurhuleni manage it. On enquiring from the City of Ekurhuleni through the Gauteng Provincial Heritage Resources Authority, the Department was informed that the Benoni Town Hall is one of the facilities listed on the Heritage assets of the City of Ekurhuleni as part of the GRAP 103 compliance. The hall was officially opened on 12 October 1938 and closed off in 2014 due to a maintenance backlog on the roof and walls.
(a). My department is not aware how much it would cost to repair the Hall as the City of Ekurhuleni manage it.
(b). My department has also not set aside funds for the maintenance of the hall as it is an asset of and managed by the City of Ekurhuleni.
THANK YOU
17 October 2023 - NW3110
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(a) What is the (i) total number of uncollected ID documents and (ii) breakdown of the number of uncollected ID documents in each province, (b)(i) which Home Affairs offices have the highest number of uncollected IDs and (ii) what has he found to be the main reasons for non-collection and (c) what steps has his department taken to reduce the number of uncollected IDs and ensure that people collect their IDs?
Reply:
(a)(i) Total number of uncollected ID documents is 566 429 Out of 566 429 cases there are 63 452 deceased cases leaving a balance of 502 977 uncollected IDs.
(a)(ii) The breakdown per Province is depicted in the table below:
PROVINCES |
ALIVE |
DECEASED |
TOTAL |
EC |
61839 |
11562 |
73401 |
FS |
34986 |
5004 |
39990 |
GP |
111841 |
13177 |
125018 |
KZN |
68337 |
8492 |
76829 |
LP |
42806 |
6078 |
48884 |
MP |
30839 |
3403 |
34242 |
NW |
33861 |
4396 |
38257 |
NC |
15905 |
2822 |
18727 |
WC |
63500 |
6225 |
69725 |
Mobile Unit |
6596 |
1697 |
8293 |
E-Channel |
32467 |
596 |
33063 |
G /TOTAL |
502977 |
63452 |
566429 |
(b)(i) The table below depicts the offices per Province with 4000 and more IDs on hand pending collection.
NO |
Province |
Top Five (5) Offices Per Province |
Volume on Alive Status |
Volume on Deceased Status |
1 |
Eastern Cape |
Port Elizabeth |
8350 |
2015 |
East London |
3834 |
782 |
||
Mthatha |
3408 |
645 |
||
Uitenhage |
3274 |
646 |
||
Lusikisiki |
2321 |
318 |
||
2 |
Gauteng |
Akasia |
8344 |
1031 |
Pretoria |
7371 |
780 |
||
Johannesburg |
7274 |
1597 |
||
Mamelodi |
6516 |
459 |
||
Randburg |
5996 |
687 |
||
3 |
Western Cape |
Cape Town |
7396 |
745 |
Wynberg |
5726 |
699 |
||
Bellville |
5528 |
506 |
||
Paarl |
4437 |
470 |
||
Nyanga |
4304 |
532 |
||
4 |
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
Ethekwini |
6813 |
639 |
Pinetown |
4867 |
549 |
||
Pietermaritzburg |
4496 |
643 |
||
Commercial Road |
4212 |
683 |
||
Ugu |
3343 |
512 |
||
5 |
Free State |
Bloemfontein |
6744 |
783 |
Sasolburg |
3292 |
635 |
||
Welkom |
3122 |
631 |
||
Koffiefontein |
2519 |
727 |
||
Bultfontein |
2402 |
173 |
||
6 |
North West |
Rustenburg |
4107 |
551 |
Klerksdorp |
3018 |
776 |
||
Brits |
2763 |
392 |
||
Mmabatho |
2203 |
538 |
||
Mankwe |
2035 |
274 |
||
7 |
Limpopo |
Polokwane |
3832 |
641 |
Lebowakgomo |
2704 |
387 |
||
Tzaneen |
2671 |
730 |
||
Groblersdal |
2166 |
561 |
||
Thohoyandou |
2146 |
332 |
||
8 |
Northern Cape |
Upington |
2613 |
749 |
Kimberley |
2109 |
342 |
||
Kuruman |
1798 |
371 |
||
De Aar |
975 |
310 |
||
Jan Kempdorp |
897 |
201 |
||
9 |
Mpumalanga |
Nelspruit |
2505 |
318 |
Witbank |
2485 |
359 |
||
White River |
2128 |
367 |
||
Piet Retief |
1815 |
201 |
||
Lydenburg |
1749 |
193 |
(b)(ii) The main reasons clients are not collecting their IDs are as follows:
- Clients having valid Green ID Books resulting in applicants not returning to collect the new Smart ID Card.
- Financial constraints (e.g. no money to travel to DHA offices).
- Long queues at offices discourages clients.
- Clients are unable to collect Smart ID Cards during system downtime.
- No updated contact details provided by applicant.e.g. number on system no longer exists or contact number not belonging to applicant.
- Time Constraints.
- No money to travel to DHA Offices.
- Travel distance to DHA Offices - office may be far from they stay/ work etc.
- Applicant relocated to another town / city / country etc.
- Applicant is deceased.
(c) The Department recently enhanced its Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) with a “collections” option in order for clients to schedule an appointment to collect their IDs in all live capture offices.
The Modernisation system was also enhanced with a new capability for front offices to “redirect” IDs and passports to alternative offices as required by the client.
The Department also communicates to the public when various offices will open on Saturdays. Clients are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours on Saturdays to collect documents they have applied for and not wait for the last minute.
At local front office level, clients are also being called in to collect while mobile units are taking IDs to rural areas, Schools and high volume communities for distribution of IDs for collection.
There is reactivation of SMS to reminding clients for clients to collect the uncollected IDs at the offices.
There are also Community Outreach Programmes in partnerships with IEC, Department of Basic Education, Metros, Districts and Local Municipalities. Uncollected ID volumes are shared with stakeholders to market and encourage clients to collect their documents through the various platforms provided.
The Department is also in the process of preparing the necessary resources to have high volume offices open on Saturdays from 30 Sept to 11 Nov 2023 (5 Saturdays only) for collection purposes as a build-up to Voter Registration Weekend taking place on 18 and 19 November 2023.
END
17 October 2023 - NW2893
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With regard to the project to employ 10 000 youth to digitise Home Affairs records, what (a) are the relevant details of the location of each office that implemented the project and (b) total number of (i) youth are working on the project and (ii) records have been digitised as at 31 August 2023?
Reply:
(a) The location of each office that has implemented the project is in the attached table marked Annexure A.
(b)(i) The first phase of the project recruited a total of 2000 youth. Of these, some have received other appointments and the number has reduced to 1146. The Department is filling the vacancies. The second phase is to recruit 4000 youth and this recruitment is underway.
(b)(ii) As explained in my previous reply to your question (question 220), the first phase of the digitisation process focused on preparation of records; that is, detailed indexing and condition assessment of records. The second phase which includes full scanning and indexing of records in the production environment started in June 2023 in Gauteng at our New Cooperation Building, Pretoria. As at 31 August 2023, the total number of records that had been digitised are 328 800, inclusive of 3 451 613 images. This performance is far above the target of 12 000 records set for the second quarter (July – September 2023) of the 2023/24 financial year.
END
17 October 2023 - NW3005
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether, given that several questions have already been asked about the poor service offered at his department’s office located in Main Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, but there has been no change and problems are continuing, any progress has been made with regard to dealing with the very bad service offered by the specified office; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the reasons that the queues continue to be so bad that people are queuing overnight to access the office, despite the office allegedly working on an appointment system; (3) whether any progress has been made regarding the issue of assisting the elderly and handicapped people to gain access into to the building; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The following progress has been made:
-
-
- A civic supervisor was appointed who monitors service delivery and the process to clear the long queues.
- A staff member is designated to manage the queues daily.
- The prioritised categories of clients for example, persons with disabilities, the aged (senior citizens) and mothers with babies are referred into the office.
- The office utilizes all possible back office staff to assist at counters during the mornings in order to expedite quicker service to awaiting clients
- The supervisor also assists the team dealing with client queries and complaints. Complaints received are escalated within the office management structure. If not resolved it is escalated to the district and provincial level where necessary.
- Internal formal disciplinary processes are followed where there are complaints against staff not performing or assisting clients properly. There is 1 formal disciplinary matter currently at this office.
- The Somerset-West office now also provides for late registrations of births for all categories. Immigration services are also now rendered at this office.
-
2. The office is not aware of clients queueing overnight. It must be noted that the building is shared with the Department of Employment and Labour and that 1 entrance is used for both. Often clients assume that all awaiting clients are there for the DHA services, which inflates the numbers. It has been stated that DHA queues are demarcated and separated according to services into separate queues in order to assist clients as speedily as possible. The office is obliged to assist clients who made bookings and still seeks to assist as many walk-in clients as possible. The Booking system is advertised with posters and during the mornings an official assist and advise client to use the booking system. Some clients opt however to wait to be served as a walk-in.
3. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are under the categories of clients who are prioritised. These clients report at the entrance and are assisted by officials in a prioritised manner. The Office has a ramp used by clients who have mobility challenges and assistance is afforded by staff and security officials to enter the office.
END
17 October 2023 - NW2718
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)In light of the fact that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) direct payment system was scheduled to be operational from July 2023, (a) on what date was each university and technical, vocational education and training (TVET) college informed to get onboard, (b) what total number of universities and TVET colleges were able to onboard and (c) what total number of students have been on board by 30 July 2023; (2) what challenges have been experienced by students after getting on boarding on the NSFAS direct payment system; (3) what total number of NSFAS beneficiaries at (a) universities and (b) TVET colleges (i) passed, (ii) failed and (iii) dropped out in 2022?
Reply:
UNIVERSITY
1)
a) Rule 7.3.2 of the 2023 NSFAS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS FOR FINANCIAL AID was shared with all the 26 Universities in December 2022, it stated that NSFAS will make allowance for a minimum of 3 months’ notice to institutions where it intends to take over full payment of allowances.
Subsequently, a Notice was issued by the NSFAS on 03 March 2023, informing universities that starting from 01 June 2023, NSFAS will assume responsibility for disbursing allowances to its beneficiaries.
An additional Notice was issued on 26 May 2023 clarifying that the first direct payment will take place on the last day of June 2023. It further clarified that institutions should continue to process June allowances to students.
(b) As of the end of June 2023, a total of 24 universities were successfully onboarded and their students received their July 2023 allowance payments through the direct payments. Two universities, Stellenbosch University and Northwest University, have yet to disburse the allowances for the month of July 2023. These two universities joined the direct payment program towards the end of July 2023, and released August 2023 allowances.
(c) As of 30 July 2023, the total number of KYC complete students is 316 741.
2)
Challenges |
Definition |
Action required |
Cyber Attack |
Instances of cyber-attacks threaten student accounts and system integrity. |
Partners will implement robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding against cyber threats and unauthorized access and ensuring student security. |
Transition Resistance |
Resistance from institutions, students and student leadership to adopt the new payment system. |
Continue to engage stakeholders, address concerns, and highlight system benefits to foster smoother transitions and wider acceptance. |
Inaccurate Claims/ Registration data |
Incorrect allowances were paid due to inaccurate registration data received from the institutions. |
NSFAS opened the adjustment window to allow institutions to correct their registration data. |
Students say the direct payment charges are excessive. |
Students are paid directly to their accounts and charged for withdrawals and services. |
NSFAS and students negotiated a reduction from R89 to R12. Further engagements will commence. |
TVET COLLEGE
1)
a) The direct payment process was introduced at TVET colleges in the last quarter of 2022, with the first payment made in November 2022. The 2023 academic year saw a continuation and improvement in the process. Because students at the 44 colleges were already being paid their allowances directly by NSFAS through the NSFAS Wallet, transition to the direct payment process was gradual with the 6 remaining Western Cape colleges receiving money from NSFAS and paying it over themselves to students.
b) To date all 50 TVET Colleges are onboarded on the direct payment method of payment.
c) There are 187 180 students KYC complaint in the TVET sector, meaning are fully registered to access their allowances.
2)
Challenges |
Description |
Solutions |
Bank Card Shortage / Slow Distribution |
Direct payment project was initially implemented via virtual cards in the TVET sector. When distribution of handheld cards started around March 2023, reports of insufficient bank cards, related delays and queues arose. |
Bank cards have been made available to students and distributions are ongoing at universities. However, the multiple registration cycles in TVET sector continue to complicate logistics. |
Partner Dependency |
NSFAS relies on manual partner reports, causing delays and inefficiencies. Colleges also rely on manual reports being given to them by partners |
An integrated reporting module is being developed to allow for automated sharing of reports for smoother operations. |
Cyber Attack |
Instances of cyber-attacks threaten student accounts and system integrity and cases of alleged fraud. |
Partners are continuously being engaged to implement robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding against cyber threats and unauthorized access, and ensuring student security. |
Non-responsiveness/ Delays in Query Handling |
Both students and institutions complain about not getting through to the partner call centres. Emailed queries not responded to. |
Partners are given feedback directly through bi-weekly meetings held between NSFAS, the partners and the colleges, so that they look at improving their capacity. |
Partner Capacity Limitations |
Long queues at card distribution points because partners do not have adequate resources to service the points. |
Partners are given feedback directly through bi-weekly meetings held between NSFAS, the partners and the colleges so that they improve their capacity. |
Partner/College Relationship Issues |
Some Partners commit to meetings but fail to attend, causing dissatisfaction and potential protests. |
Ensure partners attend meetings, address concerns, and foster cooperation to prevent disruptions and maintain positive relationships. |
NSFAS Data Remediation Impact |
Defunding and funding status changes strained the relationship between NSFAS and the stakeholders and affects integrity of the direct payment method as students are not able to differentiate between NSFAS and partner glitches. Poor systems integration has meant that Students’ NSFAS portal reflect a positive (funded) status, while NSFAS internal system reflect a negative (unfunded) student, resulting in students being turned away by the partner. |
NSFAS is working extensively at gaining student confidence through proper working and integrated systems and integration between student portal and internal system. |
Registration Template Errors |
Errors in registration templates lead to processing delays and blocking of allowances until correction requests from institutions are implemented. |
System enhancements are being developed to put in place technology-driven mechanisms to identify and rectify incorrect allowance claims. |
Students say the direct payment charges are excessive. |
Students find direct payment charges excessive and are lobbying for a fee structure review. |
Fee structure review will start with further engagements. |
Underage Students' Onboarding process |
There has been a delay in the development of a FICA compliant process to KYC underage students. |
Partners have introduced a solution for underage students. |
(3) The total number NSFAS beneficiaries who passed at universities are 390 431. The total number of NSFAS beneficiaries who failed at universities are 102 252.
The total number of NSFAS beneficiaries who passed at TVET colleges are 108 161. The total number of NSFAS beneficiaries who failed at TVET colleges are 90 779.
On the question of number of students who dropped out, NSFAS will be working in conjunction with institutions to finalize this number.
17 October 2023 - NW3097
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) Whether the data contained in the biometric databases of the (a) Home Affairs National Identification System and (b) Automated Biometric Information System is end to end encrypted when accessed by banks and other clients; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the security systems and standards that are implemented in this regard; (2) Whether it is possible for clients to receive any data such as (a) fingerprints, (b) photo, (c) identity number, (d) full name and/or (e) any other personal information in any format that can be stored in a data store of their own; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the data contained in the biometric databases of the (a) Home Affairs National Identification System and (b) Automated Biometric Information System is encrypted. The security systems and standards that are implemented are HTTPS using TLSv1.2 and entrust digital certificates.
2. No, the client cannot store any data on their own. They can only do verification against DHA based on the request of the client.
END
17 October 2023 - NW3119
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What total number of Home Affairs offices (a) have proper information technology support and backup for instances of load shedding and (b) are without support and backup?
Reply:
a) All DHA offices have information technology support even though it is not always on-site support because we have 48 resources in total providing IT support across all DHA offices. One IT support resource is assigned to each District within the Province, while specialists at head office provide assistance for all of them remotely when they log a call. The Department has installed generators in Live Capture offices to ensure backup power during load shedding.
b) As indicated earlier, all offices are given IT support physically and remotely and where no generators are installed like in non-modernised offices, officials collect manual applications for later capturing.
END
17 October 2023 - NW2894
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
During the first quarter of the 2023-24 financial year, what (a) were the total office hours lost due to (i) load shedding, (ii) office closures, (iii) water outages, (iv) system downtime at Home Affairs offices and (v) downtime of Home Affairs verification scanners at health facilities and (b) was the total percentage of uptime of the Home Affairs civic services system hosted by the State Information Technology Agency?
Reply:
(a) Front offices keep registers recording instances and time where offices were unable to operate. During Quarter 1, 2023/2024 FY the total number of office hours lost calculated to 15 289 hours.
(i) Load shedding contributed 6242 hours,
(ii) Office closures (protest action) 46 hours,
(iii) Water outages contributed 329 hours,
(iv) System downtimes contributed 8672 hours.
(v) Verification scanners will only be down as a result of connectivity and or load shedding.
(b) The current generic Service Level Agreement (SLA) status reflects as follows:
Month |
Reachability (network) |
Availability (power) |
April 23 |
87.68% |
85.34% |
May 23 |
85.62% |
82.95% |
June 23 |
94.51% |
91.89% |
END
16 October 2023 - NW3024
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)What total number of months did (a) an import duty investigation take pre-COVID19 from the day the investigation was published for public comment to when the SA Revenue Service either changed the duties or the application was rejected and (b) it take in the 2022-23 financial year; (2) (a) what total amount did the cost in delay cause in duties not collected and (b) how much duties were collected where there was no local production in a specified financial year? NW4091E
Reply:
During the course of the current Administration, two factors required a different approach to the administration of applications and recommendations relating to trade.
First, the new industrial strategy framework was based on a more careful coordination of trade policy measures with industrial policy. This required
1. the development of masterplans and sector growth strategies in particular sectors
2. consideration of the principles underpinning masterplans to other sectors, and
3. consideration of the impact of a trade measure on the growth of the industry and on downstream sectors.
Second, COVID-19 caused a slowdown in world trade, disruption in global supply chains and changing trade flows. Some of these had significant impacts on consumer prices. Following Covid-19, four other shocks affected the domestic market: the July 2021 unrest, the April 2022 floods and the war in Ukraine. The latter in particular saw a spike in food, fuel and fertiliser prices. A number of proposed trade measures were put on hold to enable the effects of extraordinary events to be considered and monitored, and for normal market conditions to return, except where circumstances required otherwise.
The timeframes therefore for introducing specific trade measures have changed, based on the above. Certain tariff recommendations were therefore only considered at a later stage than would have applied in the past. A supplementary reply will be compiled to the question, to provide specific examples of these.
In respect of the costs associated with timing of trade measures, there is no agreed methodology to calculate costs. While local industries may benefit from a tariff increase, importers may see it as a cost. Public policy carefully balances a number of policy goals in setting of trade policy.
More research will be conducted in the form of impact assessments trade measures, including tariff increases. This research may provide additional information that relate to the question above and the results will be made available publicly once these are available.
-END-
16 October 2023 - NW2910
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
What mitigation strategies has the National Treasury put in place to ensure that fiscal consolidation efforts in 2024 do not further hamper the ability of government departments to deliver crucial services?
Reply:
Since the 2020 MTBPS fiscal consolidation measures have been driven by multiple goals: to eliminate the primary fiscal deficit and stabilize debt; support economic growth through fiscal stability and a composition of spending focused on investment rather than consumption; and to protect funding for the most vulnerable. Accordingly, the budget has retained the percentage spent on the social wage at around 60 per cent of the total budget. Government intends to broadly maintain this approach.
In the meantime, and to limit the negative effects of weaker-than-anticipated revenues and more difficult financial conditions, proposed savings and cost-cutting measures are meant to protect the ability of government to sustain the spending on its key service-delivery priorities.
16 October 2023 - NW3099
Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether he will furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with a (a) list of all (i) trade policies and (ii) industrial policies that have been tabled in the National Assembly and/or made public by the Government and (b) copy of each of the specified policies; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) is the title of the document, (bb) year was it drafted and (cc) year was it adopted for all the specified policies in the period 1 January 1995 to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
In May 2021, I set out in the Budget Vote speech details of key policies on trade and industrial development to be publicly released. These were subsequently done, and covered both trade and industrial policy matters, and can be obtained from the relevant government gazettes. A number of masterplans were developed and key trade measures were adopted.
In addition, I will provide the Honourable Member with a list of trade and industrial policies tabled or made public prior to 2021, and will make it available as soon as the process of compiling these are completed.
-END-
16 October 2023 - NW3098
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What (a) was the quantum of the budget allocated to the Ekandustria Revitalisation Programme in the (i) 2019-20, (ii) 2020-21, (iii) 2021-22 and (iv) 2022-23 financial years, (b) phases and deliverables were completed in each financial year and (c) further phases and deliverables are planned beyond the 2023-24 financial year?
Reply:
Industrial Parks fall within the responsibility of Provinces and in some instances, municipalities. The role of the dtic is to consider requests for funding for infrastructure improvements, typically on areas such as fencing and security. The dtic does not manage implementation of upgrading nor does it operate industrial parks. The Department has tabled reports on SEZs and Industrial Parks at the Portfolio Committee of Trade and Industry, addressing the challenges with the existing model and the need for reform.
The Department has provided the following details on developments relating to the Ekandustria Industrial Park, which I set out below.
a) Budget allocations for industrial parks, under the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme (IPRP) of the dtic, are approved on an application basis and there is therefore not a dedicated budget to a specific industrial park.
The Ekandustria Industrial Park received approval for R51,812,604 in the
2015–2016 financial year (FY), and construction was finished in the 2019–2020 financial year.
(i) FY 2019-2020 - R268,398 was spent as the last tranche of the allocation;
(ii) FY 2021-2022 – nil; and
(iii) FY 2022-2023 – nil.
b) (i) The activities listed below that began in FY 2015–2016 were finished in
FY 2019-2020:
- 13 Factory spaces were revamped, amounting to 35 835 square metres of roofing with new ventilators, box gutters and insulation;
- 2km Clear View fencing installed;
- 3 Guard houses constructed;
- 3 Swing gates and 6 boom gates with pedestrian walkways/gates; and
- Refurbishment of Waste Water Treatment Plant;
(ii) 2021-22 – nil; and
(iii) 2022-23 – nil.
c) The original application submitted by MEGA has been reworked to include investors/tenants' priority critical infrastructure needs. A Project Steering Committee comprising of City of Tshwane, MEGA, and Gauteng Department of Economic Development, is finalising the application to be submitted to the dtic.
-END-
16 October 2023 - NW3064
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1) (a) What total number of disciplinary cases within the Public Service are currently outstanding and (b) how long have the specified cases been outstanding? and (2) (a) what total number of public servants within the Public Service are currently on suspension with full pay, (b)(i) how long has each specified public servant been on suspension with full pay and (ii) at what total cost to the (aa) State and/or (bb) public purse and (c) what total number of such public servants occupy a senior position within the Public Service?
Reply:
The response is based on the FOSAD reports submitted by National and Provincial departments for quarter one of the 2023/2024 financial year.
1. (a) What total number of disciplinary cases within the Public Service are currently outstanding?
The total number of disciplinary cases outstanding are 3265 cases.
(and)
(b) How long have the specified cases been outstanding?
The oldest outstanding cases is from 2016 with the latest case being from June 2023.
2. (a) What total number of public servants within the Public Service are currently on suspension with full pay?
417
Questions (b) and (c) are responded to in the table below:
(b)(i) How long has each specified public servant been on suspension with full pay? See table below
(b)(ii)At what total cost to the (aa) State and/or (bb) public purse? See table below
(c) What total number of such public servants occupy a senior position within the Public Service?
A total number of 42 public service employees occupy a senior position within the Public Service. See areas highlighted in yellow.
PROVINCE |
b(i) Duration |
b(ii)Cost of suspension(ii) |
(c) Levels |
|
|||
Public Works |
141 days |
R391 980,00 |
12 |
DEDEAT |
17/05/2023 |
R35 033,50 |
8 |
|
|||
Education |
30 days |
R83 053, 19 |
3 |
30 days |
Not disclosed |
9 |
|
30 days |
Not disclosed |
8 |
|
Provincial Treasury |
8 days |
R38 070, 07 |
13 |
Health |
21 days |
R 24 187,51 |
7 |
28 days |
R26 348 |
7 |
|
21 days |
R9 324,00 |
3 |
|
24 days |
R19 309,81 |
7 |
|
53 days |
R29 001,07 |
5 |
|
221 days |
R106 301,00 |
5 |
|
Sport, Arts and Culture, and Recreation |
46 days |
R26 798,22 |
5 |
Public Works and Infrastructure |
400 Days |
R1 201 587,83 |
13 |
267 |
R89 311,50 |
3 |
|
DESTEA |
29 Days |
R28 735.58 |
8 |
29 Days |
R21 498.03 |
7 |
|
Community Safety, Roads and Transport |
79 days |
R294 957,56 |
14 |
39 days |
R146 549,91 |
14 |
|
Social Development |
40 days. |
R44, 308,28 |
5 |
13 days. |
R48, 335,57 |
5 |
|
Human Settlement |
1047 days |
R3 586 959,10 |
13 |
385 days |
R838 716,68 |
11 |
|
301 days |
R1 217 194,50 |
14 |
|
243 days |
R869 916,69 |
14 |
|
308 days |
R1 157 369,40 |
14 |
|
347 days |
R 805440.22 |
11 |
|
223 days |
R687 832,79 |
12 |
|
131 days |
R483 661,32 |
14 |
|
223 days |
R230 609,33 |
9 |
|
54 days |
R286 394,30 |
14 |
|
Office of the Premier |
4 months |
R 530 660,00 |
15 |
Agriculture & Rural Development |
790 days |
R2 333 620, 22 |
13 |
86 days |
R119 586,96 |
6 |
|
|
|||
Social Development |
8 months |
R115 635,76 |
3 |
1846 days |
R1 403 025,75 |
7 |
|
1144 days |
R2 792 245,86 |
12 |
|
778 days |
R890 859,02 |
9 |
|
11 days |
R6 352,00 |
5 |
|
71 days |
R23 719,87 |
6 |
|
30 days |
R10 936,29 |
4 |
|
377 days |
R1 371 630,32 |
14 |
|
Infrastructure Development |
04/02/2022 |
R415 895,25 |
15 |
04/02/2022 |
R408 974,25 |
14 |
|
04/02/2022 |
R270 357,00 |
12 |
|
04/02/2022 |
R295 147,50 |
12 |
|
04/02/2022 |
R408 974,25 |
14 |
|
|
|||
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development |
26/05/2023 |
R73 554,37 |
13 |
Social Development |
240 days |
R32 858,00 |
7 |
Health |
24 months |
R4 294 695,89 |
12 |
18 months |
6 |
||
16 months |
7 |
||
5 months |
13 |
||
11 months |
11 |
||
4 months |
5 |
||
3 months |
7 |
||
8 months |
7 |
||
7months |
2 |
||
7 months |
2 |
||
7 months |
2 |
||
2 months |
7 |
||
2 months |
9 |
||
Office of the Premier |
23 months |
R278 341,39 |
14 |
Education |
2 months |
R76 836,00 |
7 |
20 days |
R100 470,00 |
13 |
|
10 months |
R221 441,07 |
PL1 |
|
6 months |
R152 063,50 |
5 |
|
8 months |
R321 566,04 |
PL3 |
|
4 months |
R109 263,00 |
PL1 |
|
|
13/02/2020 |
R381 537,00 |
2 |
COGTA |
01/05/2023 |
Not disclosed |
8 |
Health |
970 days |
R316 696,00 |
2 |
970 days |
R321 423,00 |
2 |
|
970 days |
R321 423,00 |
7 |
|
970 days |
R783 585,00 |
2 |
|
240 days |
R53 591,10 |
4 |
|
104 days |
R37 957,50 |
9 |
|
90 days |
R9 067,00 |
13 |
|
120 days |
R27 388,80 |
2 |
|
120 days |
R31 949,64 |
3 |
|
950 days |
R3 217 486,00 |
12 |
|
150 days |
R101 534,80 |
5 |
|
Transport and Community Safety |
60 days |
Not disclosed |
5 |
|
|||
COGTA |
821 days |
R1 240 091.68 |
8 |
821 days |
R981 717,9 |
7 |
|
792 days |
R2 803 223.35 |
13 |
|
EDTEA |
14/02/2022 |
R482 027,47 |
15 |
Education |
45 months |
R826 188,75 |
6 |
44 months |
R1 095 402,00 |
7 |
|
26 months |
R653 724,50 |
7 |
|
21 months |
R657 557,25 |
8 |
|
21 months |
R1 048 995,78 |
11 |
|
40 months |
R362 780,00 |
2 |
|
20 months |
R702 455,00 |
9 |
|
15 Months |
R373 432,50 |
7 |
|
17Months |
R304 419,00 |
6 |
|
13 Months |
R364 854,75 |
7 |
|
10 Months |
R376 582,50 |
9 |
|
13 Month |
R379 681,25 |
8 |
|
10 month |
R477 653,80 |
11 |
|
12 month |
R421 473,00 |
9 |
|
11 month |
R124 723,50 |
3 |
|
8 month |
R267 366,00 |
9 |
|
9 month |
R389 571,75 |
7 |
|
8 months |
R128 524,00 |
8 |
|
8 months |
R386 504,00 |
11 |
|
6 Month |
R148 578,00 |
7 |
|
6 Months |
R162 498,00 |
7 |
|
6 months |
R150 057,00 |
7 |
|
6 months |
R147 840,00 |
7 |
|
4 Month |
R108 332,00 |
7 |
|
4 month |
R190 243,00 |
10 |
|
4 month |
R100 547,00 |
7 |
|
2 Months |
R63 542,00 |
8 |
|
2 Months |
R51 536,00 |
7 |
|
1 Month |
R65 708,50 |
12 |
|
5 Months |
R169 731,85 |
8 |
|
5 months |
R152 890,00 |
8 |
|
5 Months |
R410 823,10 |
12 |
|
1 Month |
R6 360,25 |
Intern |
|
1 Month |
R18 809,81 |
8 |
|
1 Month |
R32 836,00 |
8 |
|
1 Month |
R33 623,75 |
8 |
|
1 Month |
R26 932,25 |
7 |
|
1 Month |
R40 398,26 |
8 |
|
1Month |
R56 778,75 |
11 |
|
16 Month |
R154 836,00 |
10 |
|
Health |
279 Days |
R 108 910,70 |
3 |
70 Days |
R 57 898,00 |
7 |
|
544 Days |
R 142 620,00 |
2 |
|
150 Days |
R 95 082,69 |
7 |
|
150 Days |
R 97 398,40 |
7 |
|
122 Days |
R 81 880,00 |
6 |
|
156 Days |
R 166 063,00 |
9 |
|
149 Days |
R 106 601,93 |
7 |
|
127 Days |
R 552 676,25 |
12 |
|
127 Days |
R 206 861,25 |
9 |
|
127 Days |
R187 102,50 |
9 |
|
105 Days |
R62 056,11 |
6 |
|
77 Days |
R68 233,00 |
7 |
|
25 Days |
R32 240,00 |
Not disclosed |
|
96 Days |
R78 730,50 |
8 |
|
133 Days |
R 192 891,70 |
10 |
|
93 Days |
R 34 847,25 |
2 |
|
564 days |
R 412 364,22 |
5 |
|
564 days |
R 412 364,00 |
5 |
|
251 days |
R203 497.98 |
7 |
|
203 days |
R171 619. 83 |
7 |
|
30 days |
R24 517. 83 |
7 |
|
30 days |
R16 582.75 |
5 |
|
30 days |
R16 582.75 |
5 |
|
719 Days |
R 3 419 697,50 |
15 |
|
278 Days |
R1 025 983 |
14 |
|
Office of the Premier |
20/01/2023 |
R3 510 519,00 |
15 |
20/01/2023 |
R3 025 003,00 |
13 |
|
13/06/2023 |
R35 000,00 |
9 |
|
13/06/2023 |
R28 000,00 |
8 |
|
29/12/2022 |
R384 132,00 |
11 |
|
Social Development |
09 months |
R 269 640.00 |
SW-7 |
Transport |
2 months |
R199 659,00 |
12 |
2 months |
R199 659,00 |
9 |
|
|
|||
Sports, Arts and Culture |
29-Mar-23 |
R 12 915,12 |
3 |
Economic Development and Tourism |
608 days |
R2 855 247,04 |
15 |
295 days |
R105 161, 60 |
3 |
|
175 days |
R390 094,26 |
11 |
|
Education |
742 days |
R726 556, 25 |
PL |
591 days |
R471 972,00 |
PL2 |
|
494 days |
R416 475,50 |
PL1 |
|
479 days |
R425 678,50 |
PL2 |
|
228 days |
R105 932,75 |
L5 |
|
228 days |
R112 430, 05 |
L5 |
|
415 days |
R673 175, 75 |
L10 |
|
57 days |
R10 523 |
L4 |
|
43 days |
R34 765,00 |
PL1 |
|
141 days |
R152 199,50 |
L9 |
|
181 days |
R207 603,00 |
PL1 |
|
70 days |
R53 864,50 |
PL1 |
|
219 days |
R165 084,50 |
PL1 |
|
Health |
25months |
R1 055 366,50 |
9 |
3months |
R57 395,00 |
5 |
|
3months |
R48 424,00 |
5 |
|
5 months |
R78 495,60 |
3 |
|
2 months |
R30 109, 19 |
4 |
|
2months |
R408 030,42 |
OSD |
|
157 days |
R265 790,02 |
4 |
|
Roads and Public Works |
4 months |
R63 299, 00 |
5 |
4 months |
R60 555,00 |
5 |
|
DAERDLR |
36 months |
R1 243 207, 52 |
8 |
|
|||
COGTA |
79 days |
R165 504,00 |
13 |
Community Safety |
156 |
R115 764,35 |
6 |
Community Safety |
71 |
R38 290 ,74 |
5 |
Economic Development |
407 Days |
R501 088,1 |
7 |
Education |
161Days |
R55 219, 50 |
2 |
212 days |
R180 295, 50 |
PL 1 |
|
181 days |
R234 628, 42 |
PL4 |
|
121Days |
R35 977,50 |
6 |
|
121Days |
R112 694,31 |
7 |
|
51 days |
R29 548.62 |
PL1 |
|
12Days |
R114 296.50 |
14 |
|
5Days |
R96 850,00 |
13 |
|
Health |
1148 Days |
R4 742 038,59 |
12 |
1016 Days |
R934 778,27 |
7 |
|
1016 Days |
R1 207 441,13 |
9 |
|
1016 Days |
R807 786,02 |
7 |
|
1016 Days |
R1 198 167,36 |
8 |
|
885 Days |
R656 293,87 |
12 |
|
430 Days |
R1 019 954,29 |
12 |
|
252 Days |
R625 308,17 |
12 |
|
484 Days |
R339 262,96 |
13 |
|
58 Days |
R50 083,24 |
6 |
|
Office of the Premier |
234 Days |
R62 602,58 |
13 |
Public Works and Roads |
14 Months |
R1171426,34 |
13 |
03 Month |
R 241 298,40 |
13 |
|
03 Month |
R 251 472,36 |
12 |
|
|
159 days |
R40 905,31 |
9 |
Cultural Affairs |
61 days |
R185 202,22 |
13 |
DSD |
126 days |
R60 688,11 |
4 |
123 days |
R120 922,46 |
8 |
|
92 days |
R91 759,43, |
8 |
|
42 days |
R20 102, 70 |
4 |
|
Health |
34 days |
R30 117,98 |
5 |
34 days |
R37 815, 08 |
7 |
|
11 days |
R17 428,95 |
9 |
|
Local Government |
86 days |
R297 890, 36 |
13 |
PO&CS |
30days |
R18 832,63 |
5 |
53 days |
R30 190,40 |
5 |
|
Education |
79 days |
R94 996,95 |
8 |
376 days |
R579 113,31 |
9 |
|
National Departments |
|
(ii)Cost of suspension(ii) |
(c) SMS |
Department of Sports, Arts and Culture |
57 days |
R63 757,00 |
12 |
Statistics South Africa |
157 days |
R104 626,22 |
6 |
Department of Water and Sanitation |
72 days to date |
R 65 193,52 |
9 |
South African Police Service |
19/06/23 to date |
R7 201,67 |
Band A |
28/06/23 to date |
R1 800,42 |
Band A |
|
11/05/23 to date |
R40 956,97 |
Band A |
|
11/05/23 to date |
R39 267,82 |
Band A |
|
11/05/23 to date |
R31 289,08 |
Band A |
|
16/05/23 to date |
R71 626,38 |
Band D |
|
16/05/23 to date |
R59 595,18 |
Band C |
|
09/06/23 to date |
R16 801,79 |
Band A |
|
01/06/23 to date |
R22 588,00 |
Band A |
|
12/06/12 to date |
R14 510,64 |
Band A |
|
27/06/23 to date |
R3 054,87 |
Band A |
|
09/06/23 to date |
R31 598, 08 |
Band D |
|
27/06/23 to date |
R2 476,24 |
5 |
|
21/06/23 to date |
R7 637,18 |
Band A |
|
15/05/23 to date |
R35 709,04 |
Band A |
|
23/05/23 to date |
R31 398,13 |
Band A |
|
08/06/23 to date |
R26 715,85 |
Band C |
|
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs |
475 days |
R1 808 694,58 |
14 |
Department of Correctional Services |
06/03/23 to date |
R16 224,26 |
5 |
01/10/21 to date |
R318 368,41 |
15 |
|
01/10/21 to date |
R198 286,86 |
13 |
|
01/10/21 to date |
R202 323,61 |
13 |
|
28/03/23 to date |
R11 211,14 |
5 |
|
21/12/23 to date |
R30 332,84 |
5 |
|
13/01/23 to date |
R64 218,58 |
5 |
|
20/02/23 to date |
R41 812,38 |
5 |
|
09/01/23 to date |
R45 021,07 |
5 |
|
13/01/23 to date |
R83 013,09 |
5 |
|
12/04/23 to date |
R61 503,12 |
5 |
|
11/05/23 to date |
R25 737,53 |
5 |
|
19/05/23 to date |
R21 619,53 |
5 |
|
11/05/23 to date |
R25 737,53 |
5 |
|
29/05/23 to date |
R34 168,90 |
7 |
|
25/05/23 to date |
R18 531,02 |
5 |
|
11/04/23 to date |
R104 305,24 |
7 |
|
31/03/23 to date |
R66 884,65 |
5 |
|
31/03/23 to date |
R66 884,65 |
5 |
|
31/03/23 to date |
R47 951,78 |
5 |
|
03/03/23 to date |
R43 066,54 |
5 |
|
26/04/23 to date |
R33 458,79 |
5 |
|
23/03/23 to date |
R10 389,48 |
6 |
|
12/01/23 to date |
R23 278,29 |
5 |
|
12/01/23 to date |
R23 278,29 |
9 |
|
04/04/23 to date |
R15 442,52 |
5 |
|
14/06/23 to date |
R8 580,82 |
5 |
|
05/06/23 to date |
R19 219,73 |
6 |
|
19/05/23 to date |
R12 062,58 |
7 |
|
13/04/23 to date |
R55 012,41 |
5 |
|
18/04/23 to date |
R42 309,60 |
5 |
|
26/05/23 to date |
R34 538,10 |
6 |
|
27/03/23 to date |
R51 439,54 |
5 |
|
10/05/23 to date |
R27 351,37 |
8 |
|
10/05/23 to date |
R59 860,31 |
7 |
|
15/03/23 to date |
R89 799,05 |
5 |
|
06/02/23 to date |
R69 959,80 |
5 |
|
09/12/22 to date |
R46 842,31 |
5 |
|
23/12/22 to date |
R102 820,03 |
8 |
|
03/11/22 to date |
R79 405,60 |
7 |
|
14/10/22 to date |
R159 059,07 |
12 |
|
04/11/22 to date |
R41 812,38 |
5 |
|
31/03/23 to date |
R35 577,62 |
7 |
|
18/01/23 to date |
R29 659,32 |
7 |
|
12/02/23 to date |
R13 402,65 |
5 |
|
20/06/23 to date |
R6 919,10 |
5 |
|
13/03/23 to date |
R36 509,56 |
5 |
|
04/04/22 to date |
R61 370,04 |
7 |
|
06/06/23 to date |
R19 219,73 |
5 |
|
28/06/23 to date |
R1 609,15 |
7 |
|
23/06/23 to date |
R4 532,19 |
5 |
|
03/04/23 to date |
R69 763,86 |
7 |
|
11/04/23 to date |
R64 994,59 |
7 |
|
06/06/23 to date |
R23 317,40 |
9 |
|
19/05/23 to date |
R22 134,28 |
5 |
|
20/05/23 to date |
R22 542,66 |
5 |
|
26/04/23 to date |
R50 740,08 |
5 |
|
26/04/23 to date |
R50 740,08 |
5 |
|
26/04/23 to date |
R77 466,28 |
8 |
|
26/04/23 to date |
R35 395,89 |
5 |
|
15/05/23 to date |
R62 700,96 |
CB4 |
|
08/02/23 to date |
R64 191,65 |
7 |
|
07/03/23 to date |
R86 431,41 |
6 |
|
20/03/23 to date |
R106 809,57 |
9 |
|
09/11/22 to date |
R61 400,32 |
5 |
|
28/11/22 to date |
R63 243,25 |
5 |
|
28/10/22 to date |
R71 800,29 |
5 |
|
15/09/22 to date |
R45 687,48 |
5 |
|
15/08/23 to date |
R43 063,69 |
5 |
|
08/08/22 to date |
R57 8880,49 |
5 |
|
04/08/22 to date |
R61 401,07 |
5 |
|
30/07/22 to date |
R40 593,81 |
5 |
|
10/11/21 to date |
R60 493,81 |
5 |
|
10/11/21 to date |
R16 619,18 |
5 |
|
08/03/22 to date |
R5 283,71 |
5 |
|
01/12/22 to date |
R40 858,32 |
7 |
|
17/11/22 to date |
R11 525,09 |
5 |
|
Department of Higher Education and Training |
268 days |
R669 775,10 |
13 |
268 days |
R452 247,80 |
10 |
|
268 days |
R386 108,91 |
10 |
|
268 days |
R498 682,36 |
12 |
|
268 days |
R342 747,83 |
3 |
|
219 days |
R442 432,35 |
12 |
|
214 days |
R528 714,22 |
12 |
|
212 days |
R529 806,28 |
13 |
|
154 days |
R181 011,85 |
9 |
|
126 days |
R115 549,22 |
1 |
|
104 days |
R42 345,90 |
3 |
|
107 days |
R222 559,50 |
12 |
|
Government Printing Works |
21/12/22 to date |
R162 885,75 |
6 |
20/02/23 to date |
R353 010,96 |
12 |
|
02/06/23 to date |
R19 351,29 |
5 |
|
02/06/23 to date |
R21 508,71 |
8 |
|
02/06/23 to date |
R21 508,71 |
5 |
|
02/06/23 to date |
R16 858,93 |
4 |
|
31/03/23 to date |
R97 880,21 |
7 |
|
01/11/22 to date |
R229 284,61 |
7 |
|
24/06/22 to date |
R695 917,58 |
12 |
|
Independent Police Investigative Directorate |
103 days |
Not disclosed |
9 |
103 days |
Not disclosed |
5 |
|
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development |
825 days |
R435 901,45 |
5 |
542 days |
R2 125 501,17 |
SMS |
|
548 days |
R1 433 339,75 |
SMS |
|
Department of Mineral Resources |
305 days |
R466 639,00 |
10 |
National Prosecuting Authority |
456 days |
R1 649 743,22 |
14 |
456 days |
R557 892,50 |
9 |
|
348 days |
R633 012,57 |
10 |
|
340 days |
R456 438,05 |
9 |
|
248 days |
R533 730,65 |
9 |
|
249 days |
R297 745,23 |
9 |
|
220 days |
R896 251,08 |
12 |
|
214 days |
R264 509,32 |
7 |
|
218 days |
R349 459,07 |
7 |
|
210 days |
R261 794,20 |
9 |
|
200 days |
R194 784,77 |
8 |
|
199 days |
R421 653,71 |
11 |
|
192 days |
R177 220,80 |
8 |
|
165 days |
R208 316,06 |
9 |
|
127 days |
R396 187,24 |
12 |
|
Department of Public Enterprise |
342 days |
R2 083 033 |
16 |
Department of Public Service and Administration |
989 days |
R4 374 399,82 |
15 |
211 days |
Not disclosed |
11 |
|
Department of Science and Innovation |
983 days |
R1 921 430.00 |
11 |
END
16 October 2023 - NW2954
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Given that the 6th Administration has been in the Executive since 2019, (a) on what dates were performance agreements for (i) him and (ii) his Deputy Ministers concluded and (b) what are the relevant details of how each specified performance agreement was performed?
Reply:
The 2019-2024 Executive Performance Agreement was entered into in November 2020 following an agreement on Ministerial priorities and activities with the President.
Key elements of the Performance Agreement are included in Annual Performance Plans by the department and entities. Detailed quarterly reports are provided to the portfolio committee setting out performance on key areas, as shaped by the performance agreements.
In addition, the annual reports of the Department and Entities for the following years provide further details:
- 2020/21
- 2021/22
- 2022/23
In May 2023, a review of the department's priorities and the executive's performance occurred, resulting in a revised priorities agreement for the 2023/24 financial year. These have mainly been incorporated in or are reflected in the Annual Performance Plan of the dtic-group for 2023/24.
-END-
16 October 2023 - NW2920
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Finance
(a) What were the reasons that the National Treasury failed to anticipate and include the 7,5% public sector wage increase agreed to recently in the main 2023-24 Budget and (b) on what basis was the 0% increase modelled?
Reply:
The mis-alignment between the budget process and the finalisation of wage agreements has been a feature of South Africa’s public sector remuneration system for many years.
The budget included a 1.5 per cent pay progression increase for civil servants in 2023, which was the baseline that existed at the time, taking into account the projected change in staffing numbers. The National Treasury excluded any further adjustments to compensation of employees to steer clear of pre-empting the outcome of the wage settlement in 2023/24. This was in line with the discussions at the Public Service Labour Summit on collective bargaining, that was convened and attended by both Government and Labour Unions, from 28 to 31 March 2022. It was also agreed in the Summit that parties will work towards the alignment and the timing of the annual budget process, with the PSCBC wage negotiations process for public service employees.
An ideal situation moving forward, as agreed with labour unions, would be to conclude the wage negotiations processes before the finalisation of the budget for the subsequent financial year to ensure the credibility of the fiscal framework.
16 October 2023 - NW2877
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1) What total number of (a) magistrates and (b) prosecutors (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023 have been (aa) criminally charged and (bb) convicted in each specified financial year; (2) what (a) were the criminal charges in each case and (b) number of each specified charge was raised?
Reply:
(1)(2). The breakdown detail for Magistrates is as follows:
1(A) MAGISTRATES- |
||||
(i)Year. |
(aa) charged. |
(bb) convicted. |
(2) (a) what charges. |
(b) Numbers of each specific charge. |
2018 |
1 |
1 |
Crimen injuria. |
1 Charge. |
1 |
Passed Away |
Corruption. |
1 Charge |
|
1 |
Acquitted |
Exceeding the Speed Limit. |
1 Charge. |
|
2019 |
1 |
Pending |
Corruption. |
1 Charge. |
2020 |
1 |
Pending |
Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. |
1 Charge. |
2021 |
1 |
Withdrawn. |
Theft. |
1 Charge. |
1 |
Resigned. |
Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. |
1 Charge. |
|
(ii) 01 April 2023 |
1 |
Withdrawn. |
Assault. |
1 Charge. |
1 |
Pending. |
Defeating the ends of justice. |
1 Charge. |
.
(1)(2) The total number of prosecutors criminally charged and convicted in the past five financial years and the current year, since 01 April 2023, is 41. The breakdown detail, which includes number of counts / charges where relevant, is as follows:
PROSECUTORS |
|||||||
Charges |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
Total |
Defeating the ends of justice |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|||
Reckless and negligent driving |
1 (Plus defeating ends of justice) |
1 |
|||||
Driving under influence |
2 (1:C & 1:A) |
1 |
3 |
||||
Fraud |
1 |
1 (1: C) |
1 |
2 (1 includes money laundering,S5 & S6 POCA) |
5 |
||
Corruption |
1 |
4 (1:C) |
2 |
4 (2:C) |
2 |
2 (1:A) |
15 |
Rape / SO |
1 |
1 |
2 1 (x2 counts) |
4 |
|||
Domestic Violence |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||
Stock Theft |
1 |
1 |
|||||
Unlawful possession of firearm and discharge |
1 |
1 |
|||||
Theft |
1 convicted |
1 |
2 |
||||
Assault |
1 (GLD) - mediated |
1 |
|||||
Malicious injury to property |
1 (GLD) Includes Assault - mediated |
1 |
|||||
Bribery |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||
Total |
41 |
Legend: C = Convicted; A = Acquitted; M = Mediated
16 October 2023 - NW3096
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether the National Treasury has done a due diligence to determine the ability of the Takatso Consortium to make the R3,0 billion payment to SA Airways (SAA) as is required in the agreement pertaining to the transfer of 51% of the shares to the Takatso Consortium; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) process followed to conduct the due diligence and (b) outcome of the due diligence; (2) whether the due diligence process made a determination that the R3 billion will be made available to SAA by the consortium; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The process of selecting a Strategic Equity Partner for SAA and the subsequent negotiations and conclusion of the terms and conditions for the sale of 51% of SAA’s shareholding was performed by the Department of Public Enterprises.
The National Treasury did not perform any due diligence related to the transaction as it was not subject to section 54(2) of the PFMA. The Minister of Finance’s approval in terms of Section 54(2) of the PFMA was not required for this transaction. Section 54(2) of the PFMA does not find application in this instance as it is the government, as the shareholder selling its stake in SAA. Section 54(2) of the PFMA only finds application where a public entity concludes any of the transactions mentioned under Section 54(2) of the PFMA. In other words, Section 54(2)(c) would apply in an event whereby SAA was seeking to dispose a significant shareholding in any of its subsidiaries or was seeking to acquire significant shareholding in another company.
16 October 2023 - NW3130
Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Finance
Given the numerous complaints by the State Owned Companies in terms of being hamstrung by provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000 (PPPFA), including their inability to compete on equal footing with the private sector companies, what are the reasons that he does not proactively exercise the applicable provisions of both the PFMA and the PPPFA to exempt all the stateowned companies for complying with the PPPFA and the PFMA, just like Telkom was exempted?
Reply:
In terms of section 3 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act No. 5 of 2000 – “the PPPFA”), the “Minister may, on request, exempt an organ of state from any or all the provisions of this Act if –(a) it is in the interest of national security; (b) the likely tenderers are international suppliers; or (c) it is in the public interest.
The Minister, before exempting any organ of state, including State-Owned companies, must receive a request from that organ of state, setting out the reasons for the exemption request, which reasons are limited to the three grounds provided for in the PPPFA, whereupon the Minister must then assess the reasons provided in the application for exemption.
The objects of the PPPFA are to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution by providing a framework for the implementation of the procurement policy contemplated in section 217(2) of the Constitution. If organs of state are exempted from the PPPFA, they will not have any basis on which to provide for empowerment objectives in their institutional policies.
With regard to Telkom, it should be noted that Telkom was exempted from the PFMA and PPPFA because the State is no longer the majority shareholder in Telkom.
13 October 2023 - NW3118
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What measures has she put in place to ensure that time frames set for clearing the housing backlog are met, particularly in the rural parts of the Republic?
Reply:
The following measures have been put in place to ensure that the time frames for clearing the housing backlog are met, particularly in the rural parts of the Republic:
- The Department has a multi-year development plan that outlines projects that are going to be funded and implemented over a number of years. The multi-year development plan is a bottom-up plan, which is informed by the need for housing that is identified at the local municipality ward level, escalated to a consolidated local, district municipalities and finally provincial level. The plans cover projects that respond to the housing needs in both urban and rural areas. The multi-year development plan gets disaggregated into annual business plans with clear timelines to achieve the project deliverables and budgets to fund the projects.
- The Department funds the Provincial annual business plans through the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) and the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grants (ISUPG) to fund the development of human settlements projects and upgrade informal settlements.
The Department also funds the Metropolitan Municipalities’ annual business plans through the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) and the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grants (ISUPG) to fund the development of human settlements projects and upgrade informal settlements.
- To ensure that the plans are implemented within the set time frames and allocated budgets, the Department conducts ongoing monitoring and oversight in all projects under implementation.
13 October 2023 - NW2859
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, considering that rhino poaching has been declared a national priority crime, he shares a joint corresponding database with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the Minister of Police, of all rhino poachers (a) who have been arrested and (b) details regarding the (i) trial and custody status, (ii) convictions, (iii) prison status and (iv) the associates of each person in order to understand the linkages and/or networks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) There is currently no database that is shared among the Ministers. The National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) recently adopted by Cabinet requires law enforcement agencies to nationally consolidate all forms of wildlife compliance and enforcement efforts, which would enhance the sharing of the information, cases enrolled and identification of linkages, networks, and associations.
Various stakeholder forums have been established between the NPA, DFFE, SAPS and DPCI inter alia, addressing the sharing of information and identification of linkages and association between persons and networks, to institute organised crime prosecutions and to centralise cases, where an association or linkages between the accused persons have been identified.
With respect to information about people who have been arrested, law enforcement agencies are unable to share information relating to cases under investigation that link perpetrators to other persons or networks. The identification of networks and persons involved in these offences are intelligence-based. This information can only be shared between the law enforcement agencies with an investigative mandate, viz. DFFE, SAPS and the DPCI.
Working together, law enforcement agencies managed to achieve a conviction rate of 99% in relation to the cases involving rhino poaching over the five (5) year period. This is significant considering the challenges associated with identifying and arresting perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
(b) With respect to (i) trial and custody status; (ii) convictions of rhino poachers, the NPA manually monitors the progress on rhino related cases. The table below represents rhino poaching cases that were manually collated for the past five years:
YEAR |
NUMBER OF FINALISED CASES |
NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS |
NUMBER OF ACQUITTALS |
NUMBER OF PERSONS CONVICTED |
2019-20 |
41 |
41 |
0 |
59 |
2020-21 |
42 |
40 |
2 |
63 |
2021-22 |
46 |
46 |
0 |
72 |
2022-23 |
65 |
65 |
0 |
94 |
2023-24 |
21 |
21 |
0 |
28 |
TOTAL |
215 |
213 |
2 |
316 |
With respect to (iii) prison status and (iv) associates of each person, the NPA can report that in the first six months of this financial year (2023-24), and through the efforts of the relevant law enforcement agencies and the NPA, 28 offenders were convicted. The majority of sentences were custodial.
END
13 October 2023 - NW2871
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What number of children on substance abuse (a) in the Republic and (b) in each province have been assisted through the rehabilitation programmes of her department in the past three years?
Reply:
a) For the period under review, the Department provided treatment services to 5 966 children. This number only relates information on children who received treatment services through public treatment centres as guided by the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse.
The actual number is likely to be higher given the prevalence of illegal drugs in South Africa (Act No. 70 of 2008). The Department does not have information on children who receive treatment services from other treatment facilities, including privately-owned rehabilitation centres.
b) The following are the number of children who received treatment services in the past three years, per province:
Province |
Financial Years |
Children who Received Treatment Services |
Eastern Cape |
2020/2023 |
259 |
Free State Province |
2020/2023 |
51 |
Gauteng |
2020/2023 |
1889 |
Kwazulu-Natal |
2020/2023 |
214 |
Limpopo |
2020/2023 |
150 |
Mpumalanga |
2020/2023 |
112 |
North West |
2020/2023 |
156 |
Northern Cape |
2020/2023 |
52 |
Western Cape |
2020/2023 |
3 083 |
13 October 2023 - NW2874
Makesini, Ms M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What (a) progress has been made in the construction of Talana Hostel in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province and (b) are the main reasons for the delays in completing the Hostel?
Reply:
a) As advised by the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), the Talana Hostel has been identified as a priority for upgrading. The planning, design and packaging phase was recently concluded for the hostel.
It consists of fifty-five (55) residential block units with residents comprising of families and individuals- The hostel is highly overcrowded.
It is envisaged that the old/ existing hostel blocks as well as the informal houses erected on the site will be demolished and redeveloped into three-storey medium density walk-up buildings comprising of one and two-bedroomed units. The upgrades will be effected via the Community Residential Units programme.
b) There is no delay in the upgrading of the hostel. The planning phase has just been concluded and the province is in the process of procuring an implementation agent that will take the project further in preparation for the construction upgrade.
13 October 2023 - NW2972
Mogale, Mr T to ask the MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
(1)(a) On what date will she pay an oversight visit to the Thembelihle housing project in Ward 58, Tshwane, which her department has erected without electrical services or any source of power provided for over a year, in order to get first-hand information on what is happening, (b) what are the reasons that the situation in Thembelihle has been allowed to reach the level in which it is and (c) what role has her department played in resolving the problems in Thembelihle; (2) whether she has found that the intervention measures that her department has put in place are appropriate and will resolve the challenges; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Date for oversight visit for Thembelihle Housing project has not been determined. Information about the oversight visit will be made available once it has been determined.
Thembelihle Project is one of the completed and tenanted social housing projects and was completed with all services including electrical services. The services were only disconnected by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality due to default in payments of services as a result of rental boycott by residents.
(b)The primary reason for the current situation at Thembelihle is a result of the rental boycott that has been ongoing for over 5 years. The consequences of rental boycotts are the suspension of municipal services, lack of maintenance and non payment and default by the delivery agents on their senior debt covenants. All these factors ultimately expose any project to illegal invasion and hijacking thus posing a real threat to the sector’s stability.
(c) It must be restated that rent payment is a non- negotiable for sustainable social rental programme. Until now the approach by the Department has been to avoid evictions but to engage the tenants to start paying for their stay at Thembelihle. The evictions are only considered as a measure of last resort.
(2). On the 19 September 2023 the board of Yeast City Housing, the Social Housing Institution responsible for the management of Thembelihle, convened an urgent board meeting to consider amongst other matters the low levels of rent collection, the financial stability of the project, the possibility for business rescue and finding ways of restoring municipality services.
It must be noted that recently there has been a change of management at Thembelihle to try and turn around the current situation. The new management must be supported and given space to attempt to rescue the situation. A comprehensive report will be made available by the SHRA and Yeast City Housing which will allow for a more focused intervention.
13 October 2023 - NW2955
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) By which date will the amended proclamation be signed as the Special Investigating Unit has since amended the Fort Hare proclamation, following the court challenge by a certain person (details furnished) regarding the scope of the probe and (b) what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
a) The Special Investigating Unit submitted a motivation to amend the scope of Proclamation R.84 of 2022 to the Department of Justice and Correctional Services on 07 July 2023. The Department of Justice and Correctional Services is processing the motivation.
b) The motivation is in relation to allegations of maladministration in the affairs of Fort Hare University in the awarding of degrees.
END.
13 October 2023 - NW3106
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to the widespread reports that hundreds of thousands of grant recipients did not receive their payments for September 2023 due to technical glitches with the new payment system at the SA Postbank, all the monies have now been paid out; if not, why not; if so, what (a) measures have been put in place to prevent the nonpayment from happening in October 2023 and (b) are the full relevant details of how the new payment system at Postbank was tested before going live?
Reply:
All September 2023 payments to social grants recipients were made.
a) Postbank has assured the Department that they have implemented the following measures in relation to the October 2023 social grants payments preparations.
- Enhanced monitoring mechanisms to track the payment process in real-time.
- Strengthened their technical infrastructure to handle higher transaction volumes, ensuring swift and uninterrupted disbursements.
- Engaged specialists for a comprehensive review of their system and to continuously rectify any vulnerabilities.
(b) The new payment system was tested in accordance with acceptable industry system testing protocols including Component Integration Testing (CIT), System Integration Testing (SIT) and Industry Testing prior to system go-live.
National Assembly written Reply: 3106 of 2023
________________________
Approved by the Minister of Social Development
Date……………………….
13 October 2023 - NW2927
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether prior to appointing a certain person (name and details furnished) he was informed that the specified person (a) was allegedly earning a salary as the Chief Operating Officer of a state-owned entity while also serving as a member on the entity’s Board of Directors and/or (b) allegedly submitted a fraudulent court order clearing him of misconduct while serving in a certain position (details furnished); if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
a) No, I was not informed.
b) No, I was not informed.
13 October 2023 - NW3093
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 5 on 9 March 2023 by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, that the Department of Public Enterprises will cease to exist after the 2024 national elections when the new administration is sworn into office (details furnished), his department has taken any steps to start the handover process of the entities that currently report to him; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The process to reconfigure Government is underway. DPE participates in this process which is coordinated by Presidency. The steps to start the handover / reconfiguring of Government will be informed by this process.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
13 October 2023 - NW3059
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With major financial institutions, both local and international, intending to stop the financing of fossil fuel-powered energy projects with the next decade and Eskom projecting that it will only end its fossil fuel dependence by 2050, how does the Government intend to obtain low-cost concessionary funding for the green energy economy during a time when the Republic is still dependent on coal for the basic functioning of its electricity supply; (2) Whether the Government envisages to intervene directly in the financing of fossil fuel projects, when private finance institutions exit the sector; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
This question should be referred to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date:
13 October 2023 - NW2814
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) With reference to her reply to question 1509 on 11 May 2023, what (a) are the reasons for the inability of the surveillance measures in the livestock biosecurity to detect the outbreak of African horse sickness and report the carnage and (b) steps has she and/or her department taken to address the challenges of dying horses faced by horse farmers; (2) whether she intends to compensate those farmers who lost their horses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3229E
Reply:
1.(a) Both passive and active surveillance for African Horse Sickness (AHS) are
implemented within the AHS controlled area. Our passive surveillance has been shown to be excellent for the rapid detection of AHS outbreaks within the AHS controlled area while our active surveillance provides assurance that no outbreaks circulate undetected in these areas. In the AHS infected zone, only passive surveillance is implemented as active serological surveillance using unvaccinated sentinel animals would be impractical and even detrimental to the welfare of such horses in this zone.
b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development periodically sends out media alerts which encourages all horse owners to protect their animals from AHS by shielding horses from midges by stabling them two hours before sunset to at least two hours after sunrise; using registered insecticides and repellents to repel and kill midges; keep horses away from areas where midges breed such as damp and wet areas as well as refrain from moving infected horses to other properties or uninfected horses to properties where there are cases of AHS.
Reporting challenges regarding AHS outbreak in the Eastern Cape Province earlier in 2023 have been addressed with the relevant officials. The officials have indicated education and awareness was to be undertaken with farmers and reporting would be improved.
The map below shows the AHS controlled area consisting of the free, surveillance and protection zones vs the AHS infected zone.
(2) No. Compensation in terms of section 19 of the Animal Diseases Act,1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) is only applicable for animals which have been destroyed under supervision of Veterinary Services pursuant to a control measure. Table 2 of the Animal Diseases Regulations R2026 of 1986 states that AHS infected horses shall be isolated for a certain period and destruction of infected horses is not prescribed. The horses mentioned in the question died and were not destroyed pursuant to any control measure or order. Section 19 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 is therefore not applicable to these animals.
13 October 2023 - NW2545
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What has she found was the estimated turnaround time for which an applicant has to wait for an approval of his or her application for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant; (2) whether, since the pandemic has been overcome, the SRD grant will be changed into a Basic Income Grant; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1). The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (cSRD) operates differently to other grants in that applicants are assessed every month to determine if they meet the qualifying criteria. The estimated time a client has to wait each month for his grant to be assessed is 3 weeks or less (depending on the turnaround time for receipt of all databases).
The various databases from other organisations, which are used for the verification of clients are received from the 8th of each month. SASSA is only able to complete the verification process of all clients following receipt of all various databases which is usually by the 3rd week of the specific month. The approved clients are then paid in the following week.
(2). Given the ongoing vulnerability of the beneficiaries to hunger and poverty because of continuing high unemployment and the escalating food prices, the Department is proposing the extension of the cSRD until end of 2025/26 financial year, this will allow the Department to finalize the Basic Income Support (BIS) policy on a more permanent and sustainable intervention. DSD is intending to approach Cabinet to seek approval to publish the draft BIS policy for public comments in the current financial year.
13 October 2023 - NW2806
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2163 on 26 June 2023, she will indicate which specific (a) members of (i) her department, (ii) industry, (iii) research institutions and (iv) sector entities are involved in the Sector Energy Crisis Task Team and (b) criteria the farms and/or businesses in agriculture must meet to be taken into account for (i) reducing load shedding and/or load curtailment and (ii) grants from the Agro-Energy Fund for the construction of renewable energy infrastructure; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
(a)(i),(ii),(iii),(iv),(v) Yes. Please refer to table 1 below.
Table 1(METTA)
MEMBER |
ORGANISATION |
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
|
Mooketsa Ramasodi |
Director-General, DALRRD (Chairperson) |
Clinton Heimann |
|
Nasele Mehlomakulu |
|
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES |
|
Theo Boshoff |
|
Wandile Sihlobo |
|
Annelize Crosby |
|
Kulani Siweya |
|
Christo Van der Rheede |
|
M Matlou |
|
Dr S. Ntombela |
|
Ferdi Meyer |
|
LAND BANK |
|
Mr T. Rikhotso |
Chief Executive Officer / Land Bank |
(b) (i),(ii) The focus of the Agro-Energy Fund is on energy intensive agricultural activities. These include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems, and on-farm cold chain related activities. Criteria for accessing the Agro-Energy Fund as part of the measures to reduce the impact of load shedding on farming enterprises is as follows:
QUALIFYING CRITERIA
- To be eligible, a company must be applying to implement an energy efficiency project or to implement a project that offsets electricity from the grid, through self-use renewable energy;
- Only one application per entity or applicant will be considered;
- No debt takeovers; debt settlements or refinancing;
- South African citizens with a valid ID and/or registered business entity;
- Must be 18 years and above;
- The Applicant must be operating an Agricultural Business at the Primary/ Secondary level;
- Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to utilize the energy requirements applied for;
- The grant will not be eligible to fund any alternative energy project/transaction on a stand-alone basis BUT will always be utilised to blend with a loan from the Land Bank. Furthermore, the grant cap per category may not be exceeded, however, depending on the business’s ability to afford a loan, the loan component may exceed the threshold stated;
- Smallholder, medium-scale, large-scale and mega commercial producers as defined;
- Producers involved in energy-intensive farming enterprises including on-farm cold chain related activities;
- Proof of land ownership or proof of access to land (e.g. Leases or PTOs – must be aligned to the term of the loan at the minimum);
- Allocation to prioritize Women, Youth, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans;
- Co-funding by DFIs, equity participants, private sector grants, other debt/equity programmes for the same purpose and project (sharing risks) is allowed if it forms part of the total project proposed. The process will be handled in-line with Land Bank policies and procedures;
- Producers meeting the Credit policy, procedures and processes of the Land Bank; and
- Product offering and product terms for the Agro-Energy Fund to be guided by the Land Bank Product Manual.
REQUIREMENTS
- Operating entities - Financial statements for the last three years as a minimum if operating for more than 3 years (if available);
- New entrants – will be assessed in-line with the cash flow projections of the proposed business;
- Business Plan demonstrating the impact of the grant on the business’s operations, to be supported by cash flow projections of at least 24 months;
- All the normal Land Bank requirements for the blended Agro Energy facility will apply;
- Feasibility/ energy expert report determining the energy requirement and significant energy uses of the farm. This must include the Infrastructure design;
- For existing farmers proof of historical energy consumption (three months municipality bill or equivalent) and for new entrants as per the energy expert requirements report;
- Environmental authorisations (EIA/EA) where applicable (an EIA is not required for ground mount systems below 10MW and with a physical footprint of less than 1 ha. Rooftop systems, floating PV on dams etc. do not require EIA as they are on existing infrastructure. However, if the installations require activity clearance of vegetation or working off a watercourse might trigger the need for an EIA);
- A generation license from NERSA where applicable in terms of the regulations;
- Health and Safety requirements to be complied with;
- Quotations for Capex requirements: Specifying the aftercare service, warranties, lifespan;
- Certification of the service provider of choice as a qualified entity/individual for installation registered with relevant competent authorities e.g. South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) https://www.sapvia.org.za/members-service-directory/ for the solar energy industry; as well as other similar bodies for the various other energy solutions that the fund will consider; and
- Technical support pre and post installation: Possibly provided by DBSA (through DALRRD partnership with DBSA). The technical support will be used to obtain certification or confirmation that the installations meet the requisite standards and requirements.
(2) No, since the Ministerial launch of the fund was done on 29 August 2023.
13 October 2023 - NW3022
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
In light of the fact that the Potchefstroom Magistrates Court has been unusable for well over a year, after the roof collapsed and portions of the building were condemned and noting that the court is meant to serve not only Potchefstroom, but also all surrounding areas and the Circuit Court (details furnished), what has he precisely done to (a) ensure that the sorry state of affairs is attended to and (b) expedite the obviously essential repairs?
Reply:
a) Attached is the mitigating operational plan of the court see Annexure (A).
b) The roof members – trusses, rafters, brandering etc. had decayed and this led to the collapse of the roof. The roof was not part of the original contractor’s scope of work for the repairs onsite.
The collapsed roof specification is now part of the scope of work which will be executed through a variation order. The variation order has since been approved on the 08 September 2023 by the DPWI and the contractor is currently on site undertaking remedial repairs.
REPLY:
OBJECTIVE |
ACTIVITIES |
TARGET DATE |
PROGRESS (Daily) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interim Court sittings arrangements |
Daily court sittings |
ongoing |
There are Daily Court sitting Court clerks are preparing the court rolls daily, and supplied to the
01. Town Hall (JB Marks) 2 halls converted to 2 court rooms :District and Regional Court sitting no in-custody inmates ) 02. Ikageng Court : Criminal District and Family, Civil 03. Ventersdorp : Proceeds with normal Periodical Court & Regional court 2 sitting @ Ventersdorp 04. Children’s Court and adjacent judicial boardroom : Children’s Court Domestic Violence and harassment : Maintenance (Family Court and Civil)
05. High Court (Potchefstroom) : District Criminal Court (Prisoners awaiting trial/ custody inmates) :Regional Criminal Court (Prisoners awaiting trial Custody inmates) : Bail applications(Formal and Informal) : First appearances and new cases : Prioritised cases in custody awaiting trials JB Marks Traffic Court- Traffic cases held at the court on Tuesday and Friday |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virtual setup for postponements |
On the 6th September 2023 Meeting was held with Correctional Services for the possibility to have virtual court sitting (MS Teams) for awaiting trial detainees. Office space has been provided; Matter tabled to the management meeting, support staff and DEEC meeting. All parties gave their blessings Logistics needed identified; Laptop- to Utilise current ACM laptop and data application made for a pool phone |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Court Roll |
Outstanding Criminal roll as at 31 August 2023 |
On going |
District Court 21.15% backlog
Regional Court 46.8 backlog
|
OBJECTIVE |
ACTIVITIES |
TARGET DATE |
PROGRESS (Daily) |
Facilities management: |
Movement of staff from the offices with mould Occupation of the available space on the 2nd floor Office space occupied by DOJ in the building Increase scope of work within the existing project - variation order approval |
Completed Completed On going On going |
7 Officials were moved from the ground floor to the 2nd floor. 3 Regional Magistrates,3 district court Magistrates, 7 prosecutors, intermediary and ACM including support staff moved to the 2nd floor( renovated area) Part of ground floor(not yet renovated) 1st floor( not yet renovated) 2nd floor( renovated)2 court rooms created at the Town Hall The variation order was approved by the DPWI variation order committee on 08 September 2023. The construction of the roof commenced on the 11 September 2023. The contractor is currently busy removing the damaged roof and has ordered the new roof trusses to re-roof the building as of 15 September 2023 |
13 October 2023 - NW3134
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, in light of the allegations that prison officials in the Kutuma Sinthumule Correctional Centre are selling food to the inmates, any investigation had been initiated to determine the facts and veracity thereof; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, the officials in Kutuma- Sinthumule Correctional Centre are not selling food to inmates.
The allegations were found to be baseless as inmates received their daily ration as prescribed by the contract.
The kitchen in Kutuma-Sinthumule Correctional Centre (KSCC) provides daily rations to inmates as prescribed by the contract. Over and above what the kitchen provides on a daily basis, the kitchen also avails special meals on weekends and public holidays to inmates who can afford to buy meals. The proceeds of the sales thereof are channelled in sponsoring annual sports events for inmates.
END
REPLY:
(a) There is currently no database that is shared among the Ministers. The National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) recently adopted by Cabinet requires law enforcement agencies to nationally consolidate all forms of wildlife compliance and enforcement efforts, which would enhance the sharing of the information, cases enrolled and identification of linkages, networks, and associations.
Various stakeholder forums have been established between the NPA, DFFE, SAPS and DPCI inter alia, addressing the sharing of information and identification of linkages and association between persons and networks, to institute organised crime prosecutions and to centralise cases, where an association or linkages between the accused persons have been identified.
With respect to information about people who have been arrested, law enforcement agencies are unable to share information relating to cases under investigation that link perpetrators to other persons or networks. The identification of networks and persons involved in these offences are intelligence-based. This information can only be shared between the law enforcement agencies with an investigative mandate, viz. DFFE, SAPS and the DPCI.
Working together, law enforcement agencies managed to achieve a conviction rate of 99% in relation to the cases involving rhino poaching over the five (5) year period. This is significant considering the challenges associated with identifying and arresting perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
(b) With respect to (i) trial and custody status; (ii) convictions of rhino poachers, the NPA manually monitors the progress on rhino related cases. The table below represents rhino poaching cases that were manually collated for the past five years:
YEAR |
NUMBER OF FINALISED CASES |
NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS |
NUMBER OF ACQUITTALS |
NUMBER OF PERSONS CONVICTED |
2019-20 |
41 |
41 |
0 |
59 |
2020-21 |
42 |
40 |
2 |
63 |
2021-22 |
46 |
46 |
0 |
72 |
2022-23 |
65 |
65 |
0 |
94 |
2023-24 |
21 |
21 |
0 |
28 |
TOTAL |
215 |
213 |
2 |
316 |
With respect to (iii) prison status and (iv) associates of each person, the NPA can report that in the first six months of this financial year (2023-24), and through the efforts of the relevant law enforcement agencies and the NPA, 28 offenders were convicted. The majority of sentences were custodial.
END
13 October 2023 - NW2959
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the reply to question 1927 on 18 July 2023 by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, what are the details of the time frames that have been put in place for initiating repairs to the Qalakabusha Correctional Services facility in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal?
Reply:
Following the storm that affected the Qalakabusha Management Area on the
03 April 2023, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) visited the site on 04 April 2023, to prepare an assessment report on the damages that occurred. The DPWI inspection was limited to the crafting of a damage report and indicated that a follow-up inspection will be conducted to provide a detailed report and specification.
Qalakabusha and Empangeni Medium Correctional Centres were affected, with some parts of the property left torn down, including the security fence, office accommodation, in-mate housing units and staff accommodation.
At the time of submission of this response the DPWI had not submitted the detailed specification and condition assessment for the required repair and renovation of the damaged Correctional Centres, which prompted the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to implement urgent repair and renovations, considering that the roof structure suffered major damages and the perimeter fence was completely compromised, posing a security risk.
Following several inspections and evaluations by DCS in-house build environment professionals’ comprehensive specifications were compiled and subsequently prospective contractors were also briefed during the month of April 2023 for the repair and refurbishment of the perimeter fence, area lights and roof structures.
The following project activities have either been achieve or are on schedule for completion:
- Replacement of the 1620-meter perimeter fence at Qalakabusha was completed;
- Refurbishment of the damaged roof structure was partially completed, by prioritising the inmate housing units;
- Replacement of damaged area lights (street lights) is in progress and under construction, which is scheduled for completion by 30 October 2023; and
- Replacement of the 30-meter perimeter fence at Empangeni is in progress and under construction, which is scheduled for completion by 30 October 2023.
The DCS is currently compiling specifications for the refurbishment of the entire damaged roof structure, which is scheduled to be completed by 30 March 2024.
END.
13 October 2023 - NW2906
Wolmarans, Mr M to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) is the status of the projects that are yet to reach financial close and sign agreements under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme aside from the three projects of Karpowership and (b) steps has his department taken to resolve some of the challenges faced by Karpowership’s three projects?
Reply:
With regard to 1 (a) the status is as follows:
• Two (02) projects reached Legal Close on 30 August 2023 and are working towards reaching financial close;
• Project Agreements for two (02) additional projects are being prepared for legal Close. One (01) of the 2 projects is experiencing port access issues which are currently being attended to in conjunction with the relevant authorities; and
• One (01) project is experiencing difficulties with its project economics and bankability.
With regard to 1 (b) in so far as the department’s role in assisting all the projects including Karpowership, we have engaged, to the extent permitted by law, the Ports Authority to facilitate logical resolution of the port access challenges. What remains is for the projects to engage the relevant authorities and finalise all the outstanding matters.
13 October 2023 - NW2579
Stock, Mr D to ask the Minister of Social Development
How (a) will the DSDTV material be packaged to make it more appealing and accessible to the youth to address socioeconomic challenges affecting them, such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence and (b) interactive will the platform be for the users?
Reply:
(a) Like their global counterparts, South African young people are increasingly using download sites to access video entertainment and social media sites as tools for communication and a source of news and information. Mobile data continues to be the most used means through which South African young people access the internet. Social network platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and twitter have become an integral part of everyday life with over 60% using social media as their primary source of information.
The current audio-visual platform caters to all South Africans, with specific focus on young people. Key features such as video-on-demand, live streaming, podcasts and children’s corner are all targeted at young people.
(b) Yes, the platform is interactive and participatory by enabling users to provide suggestions to ensure meaningful engagement and fresh content.
13 October 2023 - NW2755
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
a) (i) In September 2020, the Department of Social Development engaged in a three-year (202-2023) contractual agreement with LSM Communications through a competitive bidding process. The service level agreement encompasses a range of crucial services, including editing, design, layout, printing, finishing, packaging, labelling, and the timely delivery of essential documents such as the DSD Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plans, Operational Plans, Annual Reports, and CDA Annual reports and the quarterly Social Budget Bulletin.
The rationale behind opting for a multiyear printing contract was rooted in the Department's historical practice of separately commissioning these materials from different service providers. This approach presented several challenges, including difficulties in maintaining uniformity in the visual presentation of these documents, in line with the Department's branding guidelines and guidelines on compilation of strategic plans and APPs. Additionally, it often led to delays in the procurement process due to the Department's limited internal capacity.
By adopting a multiyear contract with LSM Communications, the Department has successfully mitigated the risk of potential delays and inconsistencies in meeting critical deadlines for tabling these strategic documents. The arrangement has not only streamlined the process but also ensured a consistent and timely production of these materials. Furthermore, it has saved the department from the year-in year out cost escalation that comes with inflation adjustment, hence the price is fixed for the duration of the contract.
(ii) (aa) (b) (bb) (c) (cc) (i) (ii) for DSD Refer to the table below:
Financial Year |
Total Amount in Rands |
Names of suppliers |
Total number of copies |
(aa) 2020-2021 |
R372 612,54 |
LSM COMMUNICATIONS |
100 X printed copies 1 X electronic flip book, 3 X Large font, 20 X Braille |
(bb) 2021-2022 |
R372 612,54 |
LSM COMMUNICATIONS |
100 X printed copies 1 X electronic flip book, 3 X Large font, 20 X Braille |
(cc) 2022-2023(Yet to be printed by the same Service Provider for the same amount |
R372 612,54 |
LSM COMMUNICATIONS |
100 X printed copies 1 X electronic flip book, 3 X Large font, 20 X Braille |
(ii) (aa) (b) (bb) (c) (cc) (i) (ii) for the Central Drug Authority refer to the table below:
CDA Financial Year |
Total Amount in Rands |
Names of suppliers |
Total number of copies |
(aa) 2020-2021 |
R372 612,54 |
LSM COMMUNICATIONS |
100 X printed copies 1 X electronic flip book, 3 X Large font, 20 X Braille |
(bb) 2021-2022 |
R372 612,54 |
LSM COMMUNICATIONS |
100 X printed copies 1 X electronic flip book, 3 X Large font, 20 X Braille |
(cc) 2022-2023 Not yet printed and will be printed separately by the CDA since it is not part of the existing contract |
Not yet printed and will be printed separately by the CDA since it is not part of the existing contract |
Not yet printed and will be printed separately by the CDA since it is not part of the existing contract |
Not yet printed and will be printed separately by the CDA since it is not part of the existing contract |
(ii) (aa) (b) (bb) (c) (cc) (i) (ii) for SASSA refer to the table below:
Financial year |
Total Amount in Rands |
Names of suppliers |
Total number copies printed |
2020-21 |
R296 457.11 |
45th Media |
|
2021-22 |
R237 971.17 |
45th Media |
|
2022-23 |
R203 821.40 |
Shereno Printers |
|
(ii) (aa) (b) (bb) (c) (cc) (i) (ii) for NDA refer to the table below:
Financial year |
Total Amount in Rands |
Names of suppliers |
Total number copies printed |
2020-21 |
R147 501-00 |
Atlarela Consulting |
300 |
2021-22 |
R78 699-00 |
Add Markable |
300 |
2022-23 |
The plan is to print 250 copies |
13 October 2023 - NW3036
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether he will furnish Mrs C Phillips with the (a) prescribed monthly returns with accurate and correct information and data from 1 July 2020 to 31 July 2023 from a certain plant (details furnished) situated on Portion 71 of the Farm Groenkloof, in the Bojanala District, North West, (b) audited annual financial reports and/or financial statements for the specified period, reflecting the balance sheet and profit and loss account, (c) annual reports detailing the extent of the holder’s compliance with the provisions of section 2(d) and (f), the charter contemplated in section 100 and the prescribed social and labour plan, as required by section 28(2) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 (MRPD Act); if not, (i) why not, (ii) what steps will he take to ensure compliance by the specified company and (iii) what actions will be taken against Saferro Chrome and Resources Limited for non-compliance with the provisions of section 26(3) and 28(2) of the MPRD Act; if so, on what date?
Reply:
The Department does not have information on the owner of Portion 71 of the Farm Groenkloof in the Bojanala District, North West. Saferro Chrome and Resources Limited are not the holder of a mining right or mining permit. Section 28 (2) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 applies to the rightful holders of a mining right or mining permit.
- Please refer to the above paragraph
- Please refer to the above paragraph
- Please refer to the above paragraph
The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA) provides for regulation of activities which cannot be undertaken without an Environmental Authorisation, such listed activities includes mining and prospecting activities. If any person conducts a listed activity without an approved Environmental Authorisation they are committing an offense in terms of section 49A of NEMA and can be prosecuted following an investigation.
13 October 2023 - NW2995
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
Regarding the Enterprise Investment Programme bank account that the Republic has opened jointly with the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), (a) what total amount in funds have been deposited into the bank account by (i)(aa) the USADF and (bb) her department and/or acting Director-General Mchunu and (ii) were the date(s) of the specified deposit(s) and (b) from which budget did the money come?
Reply:
The Department of Social Development has not opened any bank account with the United States African Development Foundation (USADF).
In relation to (a) this question is not applicable as no bank account has been opened.
In relation to (i) (aa) this question is not applicable as no bank account has been opened.
In relation to (i) (bb), this question is not applicable as no bank account has been opened.
In relation to (b), this question is not applicable as no bank account has been opened.
13 October 2023 - NW3023
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
In light of the fact that the Masters’ Offices around the country continue to be dysfunctional to a degree that is totally unacceptable, which all have ceased to function, with waiting time for essential documents now reaching months (details furnished), what are the (a) details of what he intends to do to turn the situation around and (b) timeframes thereof?
Reply:
The Master’s Offices deals with not only deceased estates, but also bankruptcy matters, registration of Tests, Curatorships as well as the Guardian’s Fund.
Performance on all of the above is measured against targets set in terms of the Masters’ Annual Performance Plan.
The statement that all the Master’s Offices are dysfunctional and have ceased to function is wide as there are no specifics provided in order for the Master to respond to same.
However, in a bid to improve service delivery, the Master’ Branch together with the ICT Branch, have been developing an Online Deceased Estates Solution to address challenges experienced by our clients when reporting an estate with the Master.
The Online Deceased Estate System seeks to enable South African citizens to submit their deceased estate applications online, giving the user the ability to register an estate from the comfort of their home or office without the need physically to visit any Master’s Office or Service Point of the Master. This system was already successfully piloted in 3 Master’s Offices (Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town) and it is envisaged that it will be launched into live production during October 2023 in five Master’s Offices (Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria and Thohoyandou).
Together with this Online System, a QR-coded appointment letter has been developed. This appointment letter is being sent electronically to the applicant instantly, upon approval of the appointment by the Assistant Master. The client then merely downloads the appointment letter, which can now be verified by scanning the QR-code, and then proceed with the administration of the estate. This alleviates the challenges experienced with collecting of original appointment letters at the Master’s Office, delays caused by postal services not being available, relevant institutions causing delays due to first awaiting verifications of appointments letters from the Master and the need for requesting copies from the Master in this regard. QR-coded appointment letters have already been implemented with great success in three Master’s Offices (Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town) and the rest of the country is to follow suit as soon as possible.
Though the Master’s Offices are hard hit by challenges such as loadshedding, struggling to obtain files from off-site facilities, understaffing, budget cuts and constant network challenges, we are forever striving to implement solutions to better service delivery and ease the frustrations of not only the citizens, but also the employees of the Branch, who are working in a challenging environment.
13 October 2023 - NW2780
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What is the current status of the implementation of the Framework for the Professionalisation of the Public Sector?
Reply:
Since the approval of the Framework for the Professionalisation of the Public Sector by Cabinet in October 2022 the following has happened:
1. A Directive on its implementation has been drafted to guide Departments on how to go about implementing it. The Directive will be issued before the end of the current calendar year and will cover areas related to revisions on recruitment and employment management, human resource development, and performance management;
2. A partnership approach has been adopted where the DPSA is coordinating the implementation of the Framework with the support of the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the National School of Government (NSG);
3. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been engaged to provide technical support, as well as the development of an independent monitoring capacity for the implementation. To this end, a senior technical assistant resource has been appointed to specifically work on the Professionalisation Framework;
4. In August 2023, the Cabinet endorsed the guiding principles for revising the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) specifically for Heads of Departments (HoDs). This revised PMDS will be implemented from the next cycle (1 April 2024) and will prioritise productivity, introduce objectivity, and provide a direct link between the performance of the institutions and that of the HODs and DDGs;
5. The revised set of Public Service Regulations has been consulted and a SEIAS assessment conducted. These will provide clarity on a number of definitions to improve interpretation and compliance.
From the above, it should be noted that the Framework comprises multiple pillars, with targeted interventions for phased implementation, which have commenced.
End
13 October 2023 - NW3006
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)With reference to the old Somerset West Police Station located on Somerset West Main Road, which is currently used by the Department of Correctional Services, what (a) progress has been regarding filling and moving the files that are filling the ceiling space and (b) are the details of the relevant precautions that have been taken given that the building is a national monument;
Reply:
1. (a) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is not able to dispose of any public records in its custody, be it records of deceased members or deceased offenders due to the moratorium on the destruction of records imposed by Cabinet as per Circular 02 of 1998 due to non-completion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
As a result, files and records are inundating DCS offices.
On numerous occasions, DCS has written to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) requesting them to approach Cabinet to consider partial upliftment of the moratorium on the destruction of records that are not related to the TRC and feedback is awaited in this regard.
As at, 18 September 2023, 50 boxes have been filled with inactive files and stored in one of the offices with the intention of moving them to the Regional Office.
As at, 19 September 2023, boxes of inactive files have been moved to appropriate archive facilities at the Regional Office, the active files will remain at the Community Corrections office in Stellenbosch.
The remainder of the inactive files will be packed in boxes and moved to the Regional office with the due date of 30 September 2023, for the project to be completed.
(b) The Minor renovations of the building listed below are underway using own resources. However, it must be indicated that major renovations must be done by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure:
- Cleaning all ceilings
- Prepare internal walls, doors and doorframes.
- Prepare wooden floors and tiled floors
- Prepare and varnish all wooden window frames
- Paint internal walls, doors and doorframes
- Repair Electrical and DB board
- Repair Plumbing
- Repair broken door handles and locks
- Replace broken window panes and restore old putty
- Prepare walls and external window frames
- Repair broken tar floors
- Clean court house wall
- Steel frames
- Kitchen cupboard
- Steel cabinet for gas
- Shift all IT cabling into trunking
- Replacement of Carport nets
- Removing of stored files
DPWI RESPONSIBILITIES
- Replace gutters and facial boards
- Replace broken asbestos roof sheets
- Repair roof leaks
The target date for the completion of all minor renovations by DCS is
01 December 2023.
2. (a) Somerset Community Corrections office serves 07 Areas.
Namely: Macassar, Somerset West, Lwandle / Nomzamo, Strand, Gordons Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Faure Farms.
(b) The current caseload is 183 with 25 parolees reporting to the office on a weekly basis for consultations and interventions.
3. (a) There are no parolees registered in the system of Community Corrections without confirmed addresses. Confirmation of address is a pre-requisite for admission.
(b) Regular monitoring and Monthly Special Monitoring:
Special monitoring is to check on absconders and also to ensure that parolees comply with their conditions;
- Involve relevant stakeholders such as South African Police Service (SAPS), Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Neighbourhood Watch members and Private Security with Special Monitoring as part of stakeholder’s engagement and visibility in the communities;
- Arrange employment where possible;
- Parolees in programmes by stakeholders (Badisa, Help Me Network and Helderberg Cares) e.g. Parenting, Drug Addiction Programmes etc;
- Hope Prison Ministry (Restorative Justice Awareness Program);
- Social work programmes presented are Life Skills, Anger Management, Sexual Offenders Treatment Program, Group work and Individual interviews; and
These activities are aimed at ensuring that reintegration into the communities becomes successful.
END.
13 October 2023 - NW2833
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the relevant details of the emergency response plans and contingency measures that her department has implemented to assist farmers to mitigate the impact of fires on farmlands; (2) (a) by what means have the specified plans been communicated to the farming community and (b) what is the budget allocation for the implementation of the plans?
Reply:
1) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) implements the following mitigation measures to address the risk of veld fire:
- DALRRD compiled contingency plans which were shared with provinces for their consideration and implementation during fire emergencies;
- The South African Weather Services (SAWS) issues monthly seasonal weather forecasts and highlights the dry winter season with the possibilities of fires being experienced during the forecast period. SAWS also issue early warning information in case of high possibilities of fires and this information is shared with provinces to alert the farming communities of possible fires; and
- DALRRD shares the advisories on the issued winter forecasts and early warnings, as well as strategies for farming communities to be able to respond once they experience such fires. These allow the provinces and farming communities to put measures in place to address the risks associated with the predicted weather forecast for the fire season such as creation of fire breaks and moving their livestock to barred lands during possible fires.
(2) (a) The contingency plans are discussed and shared with all provinces through emails, virtual and physical meetings. The plans are also discussed during farmers’ days outings.
(b) Both national and provincial departments of agriculture have operational funding to implement these plans. In cases where the hazard leads to a disastrous situation, DALRRD approaches the National Disaster Management Centre for financial assistance.
12 October 2023 - NW2911
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) How has the Government assisted black-owned farms to reach successful yields of crops and other farm produce and (b) what impact has COVID-19 had on the ability of the specified farm owners to produce a sufficient yield to mitigate food and/or produce scarcity within the Republic?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing various financial assistance programmes to enable farmers to improve production together with the provision of production inputs and access to the markets. These include the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Ilima/Letsema programme. These conditional grants are aimed at promoting and facilitating agricultural development and increased production by beneficiaries of land reform or other black producers who have acquired land privately. The Ilima/Letsema in particular is aimed at supporting rural communities and vulnerable households to produce their own food. Since its inception in 2008, the Ilima/Letsema programme has supported 1,572,952 (one million five hundred and seventy-two thousand nine hundred and fifty-two) beneficiaries to produce their own food. The support includes starter packs for households, schools and community gardens, mechanization support as well as production inputs.
In 2020/21, the DALRRD started implementing the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) initiative with the support from Presidency. Through PES, the DALRRD is supporting the Subsistence Producers with agricultural production inputs. This initiative is aimed at supporting the agricultural sector to retain self-employment and strengthening local food value chains. The agricultural production inputs support is through the e-voucher system for commodities such as fruit and vegetables, grains, poultry, and small and large stock. The support targets women, youth, child-headed households, people living with disabilities and Military Veterans.
Moreover, the Agricultural Research Council has assisted farmers with technological support, drought-resistant cultivars, and advice on cultivars and soils to support their decision-making on their farms. The Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) have provided support to farmers by providing services like Extension and Advisory Support, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary, and Agricultural Economics such as business plans, market access, training and mentorship.
To mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development ensured that agricultural activities were designated as essential services so that farm operations and related backwards and forward linkages were not affected or restricted during the lockdown. The agricultural activities were gazetted as such in the Disaster Management Act Regulations.
In addition, the Department provided support measures for all main categories of farmers as follows:
- Commercial farmers had an amount of R100 million available (though only about R10 million was accessed) at the Land Bank to support them to carry on with production during the COVID-19 pandemic; these measures were over and above the business support administered by banks.
- Smallholder farmers: the department made available a grant of up to R50 000.00 [fifty thousand rands] and an amount of R1,1 billion was applied and approved for this category of farmers benefitting 15746 smallholder farmers.
- Household and subsistence farmers: the department has allocated more than R991 million since the pandemic. To date, about 110 225 subsistence producers have been supported through PES.
FINANCIAL YEAR |
EXPENDITURE ON PES SUPPORT
|
NUMBER OF FARMERS SUPPORTED |
R |
||
2020/21 |
242 677 000 |
104 906 |
2021/22 |
518 680 600 |
|
2022/23 |
229 805 470,00 |
5 319 (a total of 36 895 is targeted for support in 2023/24 |
TOTAL |
991 163 070 |
110 225 |
Table 1: PES support 2020/21 – 2022/23
12 October 2023 - NW2929
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to her reply to question 2451 on 30 August 2023, what are the relevant details of the economic returns and benefits the Republic has received from the Government’s substantial investment in agri-hubs to date?
Reply:
A total of 1 578 temporary jobs have been created to date.
- In Zanyokwe Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU), Eastern Cape: vegetable farmers have been assisted with market access to several Boxer Retailers to supply cabbage and spinach. Corporate Enterprise Development (CED) is also facilitating relations with other retailers such as Spar etc. where farmers can also supply.
- Three (3) entities have benefited through leasing of the infrastructure at the Tarlton FPSU sites, Gauteng.
- Farmers can easily access Government programmes.
- FPSU Packhouses is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers and sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hubs and Markets.
- The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the auction facility.
- Farmers will benefit from the Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).
- Secondary Cooperatives have been registered to manage allocated resources.
- Farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.
- Training facilities are being utilised by the local farmers to conduct their meetings.
- FPSUs act as a distributing centre for production inputs for farmers within 30km radius.
- Agri-Hubs are meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from the FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market.
- Farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through auctions.
- The Bulk Irrigation System (revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation System) completed in 2021 provides water to 153 emerging farmers. This includes a reservoir with capacity of 35 000 m3. A gravity pipeline system from the reservoir delivers water to each of the 153 plots through 53 water clusters (distribution points). To date the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation System has resulted in increased agricultural activity for 153 farmers. The famers supply their produce to well established market players like Tiger Brands and Up-To-Date fruit and vegetable store.
Please refer to the table below for details per province.
PROVINCE/ AGRIPARK |
ECONOMIC RETURNS AND BENEFITS |
EASTERN CAPE |
|
Butterworth Agri-hub (Mnquma) |
|
Zanyokwe FPSU |
|
FREE STATE |
|
Thaba-Nchu Agri-Hub |
|
Springfontein Agri Hub |
|
Kroonstad FPSU |
|
Ondedaalsrus FPSU |
|
Ficksburg FPSU |
|
Makholokoeng FPSU |
|
Zastron FPSU |
|
GAUTENG |
|
Tarlton FPSU |
|
Carmel Estate FPSU |
|
Bekkersdal FPSU |
|
Eikenhof FPSU |
|
Sokhulumi FPSU |
|
KWAZULU-NATAL |
|
Hlathikhulu FPSU |
|
Makhathini FPSU (Oil Seed Storage) |
|
Noordsbereg FPSU |
|
Qwabe FPSU |
|
Jozini FPSU |
|
Felixton FPSU |
|
Fezela FPSU |
|
Matikulu FPSU |
|
Bernsdorp FPSU |
|
KwaShinga FPSU |
|
Mkhuze Rail Logistic Hub |
|
Nsuze FPSU |
|
Tugela Ferry FPSU |
|
Jiki Jela FPSU |
|
St Paul FPSU |
|
Clanso FPSU |
|
Amanzabomvu FPSU |
|
Hopewell FPSU |
|
Hlabisa FPSU |
|
Pomeroy FPSU |
|
Makhathini Cotton Ginnery |
|
LIMPOPO |
|
Witpoort FPSU |
|
Vleeschboom FPSU |
|
Masalal FPSU |
|
Sekhukhune Agri-hub |
|
MPUMALANGA |
|
Mkhuhlu Agri-hub |
|
Thulamahashe FPSU |
|
Huntington FPSU |
|
Mzinti FPSU |
|
Dundonald FPSU |
|
Sydbrandskraal FPSU |
|
Kameelrevier FPSU Hydroponics |
|
Malelane-Nkomati FPSU |
|
NORTH WEST
|
|
Makweleng FPSU |
|
Jericho FPSU |
|
Bedwang FPSU |
|
Taung FPSU |
|
Springbokpan Agri-hubs |
|
Makapanstad Agri-hub |
|
Vryburg Agri-hub |
|
Matlosana Agri-hub |
|
NORTHERN CAPE |
|
Heuningvlei FPSU |
|
Eksteenskuil FPSU |
|
WESTERN CAPE |
|
Haarlem FPSU |
Benefits and Future Plans:
|
Ebenhaeser FPSU |
* 1 raisin grape farmer (1 ha); * 4 hybrid seed farmers (1 ha); * 4 processing tomato farmers (4 ha); and * 62 permanent jobs and 200 seasonal jobs have been created during harvesting periods.
|
Saron FPSU |
• The proximity to production of main and support commodities.
|
Suurbraak FPSU |
|
11 October 2023 - NW3115
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether provinces report matters related to fraud and corruption of provincial staff to him and/or his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what has been the progress on the matter at the Limpopo Department of Health concerning a certain person (name furnished)?
Reply:
There is no obligation on the Provincial Departments of Health to report to the National Department of Health matters that relate to discipline, fraud and/or corruption committed by the provincial staff members. The National Department of Health is not privy to any matter that relates to Mr Ntshane Lephoto as that matter has not been reported to the National Department of Health.
END.
11 October 2023 - NW3138
Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, in light of the allegations that Intercape buses are sharing permits, she will furnish Mr Y Tetyana with proof of operating permits issued for the entire fleet of Intercape buses, including all routes that each bus is permitted to use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The National Public Transport Regulator issued to Intercape Ferreira Mainliner PTY (LTD) 74 operating licences comprising of 40 operating licences authorising the conveyance of tourist, charter and bus services; 16 operating licences which authorises tourist and bus services, 05 operating licences authorising tourist and charter services and 13 operating licences authorising tourist services only.
Over and above 74 licences, there are 17 applications for renewal of licences comprising of 2 operating licences authorising tourist and charter services and 15 operating licences authorising tourist, charter and bus services applications that were approved by the National Public Transport Regulator but were not uplifted.
Detailed routes are attached
11 October 2023 - NW3132
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
What are the relevant details of the steps that he has taken to deal with the challenge of cats roaming inside the wards of patients in the Siloam District Hospital, in Vhembe, Limpopo?
Reply:
According to Limpopo Department of Health;
Cats in Siloam District Hospital, in Vhembe, Limpopo come from nearby households for the purpose of food. The cats increase in numbers due to reproduction. The hospital has an informal agreement with farmers from the area to periodically collect cats to assist them with rodents on their farms. The first collection already happened in September 2023. The NDoH is advising the Limpopo Department of Health to consult the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to arrive at a good solution to this problem.
END.