Questions and Replies
06 August 2019 - NW174
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the National Treasury approved and/or supported any investments made by the Government in energy resources such as coal, oil, gas or other mineral resources and/or beneficiation process for energy resources or the direct supply of energy outside the borders of the Republic (a) in the (i) 2017-18 and (ii) 2018-19 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2019; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
National Treasury did not support any investments in energy resources outside the borders of the Republic.
05 August 2019 - NW254
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether he has been informed of any serious delays in the application of SA passports and other documentation at the Office for the Department of Home Affairs at consulates abroad; if so, what measures (a) have been put in place to reduce the delays and (b) will be put in place to ensure that his department and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation work together effectively to resolve the issues?
Reply:
a) The turnaround time for applications abroad is up to six (6) months as the Department (DHA) has a co-dependency on involvement of third parties, i.e. Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for receipt inland and dispatching abroad of government documents including passport applications, through diplomatic bags which in itself is a controlled procedure that DIRCO administrates for all Government Departments.
The application process is thereby manual and non-automated, and entails the verification of citizenship which is a separately managed process and over and above, the fingerprint verification process should also transpire which may result in further delays, should the application be rejected due to the poor quality of fingerprints taken abroad.
In order to address the situation, the responsible support and line function units of DHA and DIRCO: Consular Services have created a stakeholder forum to find efficient solutions and redress the situation. This entails specific officials being assigned to receive lists of outstanding applications and then to liaise with the line function officials for processing and feedback to the Diplomatic Missions abroad.
b) The Department is looking into a permanent solution through its Modernisation Programme to ensure that applications made abroad or domestically can be captured and transferred electronically. This would substantially reduce dependency on manual, time consuming processes presently being applied.
END
05 August 2019 - NW309
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of the Trade and Industry
On what date (a) will the investigation by his department into the National Lotteries Commission, as requested by the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry in December 2018, be finalised and (b) does he intend to present the outcome of the investigation to the specified committee?
Reply:
This matter arose during the 5th administration. I am informed by the Director General of the dti that the investigation was conducted by the forensic investigators appointed by the NLC Board. The former Minister of Trade and Industry received the report on 5 March 2019 and requested that additional matters be investigated. The NLC has since requested their investigators to conduct further work and a report was submitted on 9 May 2019. The dti is currently engaging with the Board regarding the implementation of the recommendations. The NLC will be in a position to provide a report to Parliament.
-END-
05 August 2019 - NW288
Mpambo-Sibhukwana, Ms T to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
What (a) total amount is budgeted for his private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) total remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in his private office since 1 May 2019?
Reply:
The current staff that I have in my office was employed from the 1st July 2019, and in employing the staff we were cognisant of the guidelines as provided in the book titled: Guide For the Members of the Executive.
05 August 2019 - NW379
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What (a) is the planned date for the reopening of the Cape Town Refugee Reception Office (CTRRO) and (b)(i) steps have been completed to date to reopen the CTRRO, (ii) delays have caused his department to miss the court deadline, (iii) remaining steps need to be taken to reopen the CTRRO and (iv) interim measures have been put in place to allow new asylum seekers arriving in Cape Town to apply for asylum?
Reply:
(a) The date for the re-opening of the CTRRO is dependent on the finalisation of the lease agreement with the prospective landlord and the related project plan for refurbishment.
(b)(i) Department of Public Works (DPW) and Department of Home Affairs (DHA) have signed the lease contract, awaiting same concurrence with the prospective landlord.
(b)(ii) DPW procurement requirements in acquiring office accommodation have caused DHA to miss the court deadline.
(b)(iii) The concurrence of the prospective landlord on the agreement and the development of the project plan for new office accommodation.
(b)(iv) Applicants who are dependants of existing clients are allowed to apply Cape Town, whilst rest of new applicants are encouraged to apply as they enter the Republic in Refugee Offices closer to northern ports of entries as majority of applicants enter through those ports.
END
05 August 2019 - NW317
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Mr J J Mcgluva (DA)) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What plans does he have in place to address the (a) insufficient capacity at the Department of Home Affairs Contact Centre, (b) continued inability of the State Information Technology Agency that has led to endless network and power down times including excessive long lines and (c) issuing of identity documents on weekends?
Reply:
(a) Due to budget cuts, the Department has not been in a position to fill vacant posts. The Department is, however, in the process of prioritising the filling of critical positions, which when filled, will aid in the reduction of interaction volumes in the Contact Centre.
The implementation of the modernisation strategies at both Front and Back Offices will further reduce Contact Centre volumes, thereby improving efficiency.
To ensure that the current resources are utilised efficiently, the Department reviewed the performance standards and introduced performance measures that will guarantee that production time is utilised optimally. Coupled with this, we enhanced the Contact Centre systems to allow visibility into staff daily activities. This assists management to better manage productivity.
To further increase accessibility to the public, the Contact Centre operates on a shift system, with the working hours being 07h30 to 17h30 on week days and 08h00 to 12h00 on Saturdays.
b) A comprehensive assessment was done by SITA in the last financial year and produced a new network architecture and implementation plan which will provide a fully redundant and high availability network throughout the DHA footprint. DHA has also rolled out power generators in modernised offices to provide alternative power supply during outages or load shedding.
c) The Department is addressing the issuing of identity documents on weekends through its various heads of offices that on voluntary basis, arrange with communities to open offices on weekends as well as during holidays. However, this is not sustainable and as it depends on the volunteerism.
The Department engaged organised labour on working hours at the Departmental Bargaining Chamber with a view to ensure service delivery is not affected and that our offices open on weekends. Work performance over weekends however requires payment of overtime as the staff is not prepared to work ‘voluntarily’ after completing their 40-hour work week, i.e. Mondays to Fridays.
In order to normalise the environment and to ensure our offices open on Saturdays or weekends, the Department is to re-open negotiations with organised labour as well as the Department of Public Service Administration (DPSA), to allow work on weekends through the introduction of a shift system or alternatively performance of remunerated overtime. This will assist clients who find themselves not able to visit DHA offices during the week, to access services on weekends. However due to the current financial constraints in the Department, it is currently not feasible to pay for the performance of remunerated overtime over weekends.
The Department will however explore possibilities of using alternative channels for collection of enabling documents over weekends.
END
05 August 2019 - NW433
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(1). On what date did his Department ask the President, Mr C. Ramaphosa, to institute a Commission of Inquiry regarding the deaths from the stampede at the FNB stadium on 29 July 2017; and (2). Whether there will be a Commission of Inquiry; if not, why not, if so, a) by what date will it be instituted, b) what are the relevant details and c) has any budget been allocated for such a Commission?
Reply:
The President has taken note of the request and taken the following view regarding the request:
(i) That there is an unprecedented proliferation which has resulted in too many Commissions of Inquiry been established. Besides, the Ngoepe Commission of Inquiry that investigated and reported on the Ellis Park soccer tragedy in 2001 has already constituted rules that relate to incidences in sport at stadiums and elsewhere which should rather be utilized and built on instead of opting to build afresh;
(ii) That we must reflect on all tools in available toolboxes and exhaust all remedies, actions, etc. that stem from the findings and recommendations of the Ngoepe Commission of Inquiry;
(iii) That Commissions of Inquiry have limitations and as such should not be regarded as the first or last resort as there are other avenues to pursue preferably; and
(iv) That even though one can pursue the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, it would be far quicker and practical, amongst others, to execute applicable and available processes to ensure proper law enforcement and criminal investigations for effective outcomes in the above regard.
At the said meeting of the said former Ministers, the following resolutions were subsequently taken:
That a meeting of Ministers of Justice and Correctional Service, Sport and Recreation and the Police and the National Director of Public Prosecutions (Acting) be convened to discuss the following, amongst others:
(a) The state of and progress made in relation to both the FNB Stadium tragedy and the Moses Mabhida incident relating to failure to comply with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act or any other law including common law by any law enforcement entity or functionary;
(b) The state of, progress and outcome of an Inquest relating to the death of two soccer fans during the FNB Stadium tragedy;
(c) All litigation finalized or pending initiated in any court by any of the functionary involved in the FNB Stadium tragedy and the outcome of the said litigation and its impact;
(d) Any intervention that is necessary and required to address:
(i) Failure or inability by any law enforcement entity or agent to comply with the SASREA or any other law, including common law;
(ii) Complicity or perception thereof in relation to the investigation by the SAPS; and
(iii) Possible and potential gaps in the SASREA and possible amendments to the Act to address same; and
(iv) Alternative means to addressing challenges and gaps in organizing and planning major soccer derbies and other major sporting events to avoid recurrence, including communication and awareness raising prior and before such major events.
It will hence not be necessary to –
- establish a Commission of Inquiry any more since we have, on the advice of the Department of Justice, decided to execute alternative applicable and available processes as motivated above so as to ensure proper law enforcement and criminal investigations for effective outcomes in the above regard; and
- cater for any budget for such a Commission of Inquiry any more.
We will liaise with the Department of Justice afresh since they have undertaken to lead the way by coordinating and chairing the meetings referred to above.
05 August 2019 - NW261
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether she will consider introducing a component within her department to help develop and empower the principals of schools in management on an ongoing basis just like there are subject advisors who are employed to assist school teachers in specific subjects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has a component that helps develop and empower the principals of schools in management on an ongoing basis in the same way as Subject Advisors assist schools teachers with subject related matters. These are Circuit Managers who are supervisors of school principals. Each Circuit Manager is responsible for between 25 and 30 school principals according to the Policy on the Roles and Responsibilities of Education Districts with consideration to provincial differences.
05 August 2019 - NW373
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
What (a) number of official international trips is (i) he and (ii) his deputy planning to undertake in the 2019-22 medium term expenditure framework, (b) will the (i) destination, (ii) date, (iii) purpose and (iv) number of persons who will travel with the delegation be and (c) is the detailed breakdown of the expected cost of (i) flights, (ii) accommodation and (iii) any other expenses in each case?
Reply:
The International trips which the Minister and the Deputy Minister are planning to undertake in the 2019-2022 medium term expenditure framework are still being consolidated.
05 August 2019 - NW381
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(a) What actions were taken by his department to provide services in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape since it stopped sending mobile units to those areas, (b) why do mobile units no longer operate in these areas and (c) what steps will his department take to address this issue as a matter of urgency?
Reply:
a) The Department adopted a multi-channel strategy in order to meet the service delivery needs of the citizens. This includes physical offices, mobile units and online services. The Department also has partnerships with the Department of Health for registration of birth in the hospitals. In the Eastern Cape rural areas, the Department has a total of 43 offices of which 15 are modernised to issue Smart ID cards and new passports. Over and above the 43 offices, the Department has service points in 37 health facilities for registration of birth and death located in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. The mobile units serve as a complementary channel not as the main channel.
b) The mobile units are not operating nationwide, not just in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. The reason for halting of the mobile units programmes is that, with the old mobile fleet being over seven (7) years on the roads, and about 54 of the units being economically irreparable, the Department is in the process of refurbishing the existing 61 trucks, and has procured additional 38 trucks to add to the total fleet. The Mobile solution was designed and tested during 2018/19 financial year and declared successful after testing and the units are used for outreach programmes while awaiting the contract for uninterruptable network solution to be finalised. The mobile units will be deployed in the hard to reach areas across the country; including the Eastern Cape once the modernisation process is concluded.
c) As indicated above, mobile units are in the process of being modernised and refurbished, and will be deployed once they are ready. However, the population of Eastern Cape has 59 physical offices located in various parts of the province to service the needs of population.
END
05 August 2019 - NW259
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
(a) What was the (i) total cost of the SA Football Association election? and (ii) breakdown of all relevant costs and (b) what (i) number of members of the electoral commission was paid each day? and (ii) amount was paid to each specified member?
Reply:
(i) The total cost for South African Football Association election amounted to R5,894,689.
(ii) Breakdown is provided below;
Flights Air Travel R448,672
Road Travel R137,500
Accommodation R393,904
Venue (Sandton Convention Centre) R196,869
Sound and lighting R310,224
Branding R22,620
Election stationery R9,900
Electoral Committee members fees R2,137,500
Other Costs R100,000
(Drivers' fees, fuel, security, NEC members, etc.)
TOTAL R3,757,189
(b)(i) and (ii) Below are the amounts paid per member of the Electoral Commission;
McCaps Motimele R855,000
Ntambi Ravele R360,000
Mthobi Tyamzashe R360,000
Abel Ramolotja R315,000
Bongani Zondi R247,500
TOTAL R2,137,500
The Honourable Member must note that this is the money in which SAFA fundraised privately from their sponsors.
05 August 2019 - NW312
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether her department has set a deadline to remove the gear used for octopus fishing after imposing a temporary ban in False Bay; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether all live fish and other animals caught in the gear will be released; (3) Whether her department has a map of where all the gear was placed in order to ensure that all traps are removed; if not, how will her department ensure that all the traps are removed in order to combat the illegal fishing of octopus in False Bay?
Reply:
(1) The Permit Holders were instructed on 28 June 2019 to remove all octopus fishing gear with immediate effect. The process of removal of the entire octopus fishing gear in the False Bay area was completed on 11 July 2019.
(2) Permit Holders were allowed to retain all their catch.
(3) The Department has all the GPS coordinates where all the octopus gear was deployed. The Department also works with the South African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO) to ensure that all the areas where their octopus gear is deployed, are recorded on the Navigational Chats in support of safe navigation. All the 46 lines and 987 pots that were deployed, have been removed and the removal was monitored by the Fisheries Compliance Officers at the Kalk Bay Fishing Harbour.
Regards
MS BARBARA CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
DATE: 02/08/2019
05 August 2019 - NW189
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture
Whether, with reference to the reply of the former Minister of Sport and Recreation to question 3557 on 14 December 2018, his department has received the outstanding information from Athletics SA; if not, by what date can the information be expected; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The department has not received the outstanding information from Athletics SA; and we will follow up with Athletics SA.
05 August 2019 - NW177
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to schools in Johannesburg Wards 23, 54, 55, 56, 57, 124 and 125, what (a) assessments have been done to ascertain the number of additional schools needed in each ward, (b) were the outcomes of the assessments, (c) plans are there to build additional schools in the specified area and (d) are the time frames and deadlines in each case?
Reply:
The response below is as received from the Gauteng Department of education.
a) The Gauteng Department of Education completed infrastructure assessments with regard to the number and type of facilities during the 2018/19 financial year. This data informs the number of additional facilities, including classrooms, required per school and by implication the number of new schools required in any given residential area.
b) There is a total of 38 public ordinary schools in the wards referred to above of which 28 are primary and 10 are secondary schools. There is a total shortage of 23 classrooms in 9 primary schools and 3 classrooms in 1 secondary school, whilst there is a surplus of 53 classrooms in 19 primary schools and 61 classrooms in 9 secondary schools, based on our learner: classroom ratio of 40:1.
c) There are no plans to build additional schools in the area as there isn’t a need for additional schools based on our learner: classroom ratio of 40:1. After the construction of Glenvista Primary School in 2015 the overcrowding in primary schools in these areas was significantly reduced.
d) See (c) above.
05 August 2019 - NW414
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:
(1) What is the current outstanding number of identity documents (IDs) to be collected from his department by citizens; (2) Are any IDs being destroyed by his department; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons; (3) What is the current quantity of documents earmarked for distribution by his department around the Republic in each of the nine provinces; (4) Whether he has found that the collection of IDs in each province is satisfactory; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) Whether there is any delay in the collection of IDs; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1386E
Reply:
1. Currently there are 389 574 uncollected ID documents.
2. Yes, the ID’s are being destroyed by the Department, if the client was issued with a new ID or the client is deceased.
3. Currently ± 15 000 ID documents are distributed per day.
4. Not Satisfactory. The Department has dedicated counters for collection however clients delay to collect their ID documents after receiving the SMS notification.
5. Yes, there are delays in the collections of ID documents. Clients are not collecting their ID documents immediately after they receive the SMS notification that the ID document is ready for collection.
END
05 August 2019 - NW149
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
In light of the shooting incident that recently took place along the border in the area of Ndumo in KwaZulu-Natal between South African soldiers and Mozambican Border Police resulting in the death of two Mozambican border police officials, what does she intend to do (a) with the findings of the board of inquiry’s investigation, (b) with the South African soldiers who are found to be involved in something untoward in respect of the incident and (c) in order to ease tensions and resume good relations between the two countries?
Reply:
1. (a) A Joint Multinational Board of Inquiry (BOI) was convened where the representatives of the respective countries involved will investigate the shooting incident. The agreed upon target date for the completion of the BOI is 30 July 2019. The normal legal process will be followed thereafter to ensure that the findings will be implemented.
(a) As this matter is sub judice at this stage, till the completion of the BOI, this question cannot be answered, but it needs to be mentioned that all members will be dealt with in accordance with the findings and recommendations of the BOI.
(b) With the SANDF agreeing to convene a Multinational Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident, it demonstrates the intention to be completely transparent and not to cover up any wrongdoing on the side of the SANDF members that resulted in the sad incident. This approach is believed to contribute and to ensure continued good relations between the two countries.
05 August 2019 - NW188
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)What was the total projected cost of the construction of the women’s hostel in Mzimhlope in Orlando in (a) 2006, (b) 2012, (c) 2014 and (d) 2016; (2) what (a) amount has actually been spent on the construction of the specified project to date and (b) portion of the specified actual costs were borne by the City of Johannesburg; (3) by what date will the finalised project be handed over to its beneficiaries?
Reply:
The Mzimhlope Women’s Hostel is located in Orlando and falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, through the Gauteng Province of human Settlements, indicated that:
(1) In 2006 the cost was R2 476 600
In 2012 the cost was R51 485 997
In 2014 the cost was R5 403 373
In 2016 the cost was R6 353 601
(2) The total amount that has been spent since the inception of the project is approximately R140 000 000, inclusive of the costs borne by the City of Johannesburg.
(3) The project had an original scope of 186 units which were planned to be constructed as double storey structures but to date only 34 units have been completed. Blockages that have contributed to the delays in the project have since been resolved. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has subsequently appointed a contractor and the process of appointing professionals and engineering services are currently being finalised. It is expected that the project will resume in August 2019 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the 2020/21 financial year. Once this has been completed, the units will be allocated to qualifying beneficiaries for occupation.
05 August 2019 - NW242
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)(a) Whether, with regard to the testing of electrical equipment by the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS), the high voltage laboratory is functional, (b) what number of tests on individual electoral equipment has SABS conducted over the past seven years, (c) what income has been generated from the tests, (d) what number of persons work on the electoral equipment testing facility and (e) what is the annual cost of running the unit; (2) whether any equipment in the unit needs to be (a) repaired and/or (b) replaced; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) which equipment in each case and (ii) what is the estimated cost in each case?
Reply:
I am advised by the SABS as follows:
The high voltage laboratory is currently functional, though with capabilities principally in alternating current testing.
The number of test reports conducted by the facility for the past seven years is provided in the following table:
Financial year |
Number of reports |
2012/13 |
149 |
2013/14 |
108 |
2014/15 |
110 |
2015/16 |
80 |
2016/17 |
76 |
2017/18 |
47 |
2018/19 |
50 |
The income generated from the tests is provided in the following table:
Financial Year |
Revenue |
2012/13 |
R8 893 421 |
2013/14 |
R9 467 604 |
2014/15 |
R13 070 036 |
2015/16 |
R10 456 255 |
2016/17 |
R10 023 898 |
2017/18 |
R6 739 603 |
2018/19 |
R6 433 130 |
Between 4 and 7 employees have worked at the facility at any time. The annual running cost of the laboratory is provided in the table below:
Financial Year |
Annual running costs (expenditure) |
2012/13 |
R7 019 826 |
2013/14 |
R7 650 153 |
2014/15 |
R9 776 543 |
2015/16 |
R7 730 499 |
2016/17 |
R6 244 888 |
2017/18 |
R4 369 121 |
2018/19 |
R5 352 030 |
A number of equipment items need to be repaired, at an estimated cost of R23 million, while equipment items that need to be replaced have an estimated cost of R32.2 million, both sums inclusive of equipment and the linked engineering, project management and operational alignment services.
-END-
02 August 2019 - NW279
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What (a) total amount is budgeted for her private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) remuneration, (ii) salary level,(iii) job title,(iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office since 1 May 2019?
Reply:
(a) R49, 119,048.00
(b) (i) R1,662,678.30 (June 2019 and July 2019)
(b) Table is attached
Response: On the {i) remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualifications and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office in each of the specified period.
02 August 2019 - NW313
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
(1)(a) On what scientific data did her department rely when setting its quotas for octopus fishing in South African waters; (b) on what date was the scientific data collected; and (c) who collected the data (2) Whether her department appointed any independent observers to attest to the accuracy and veracity of the scientific data; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The purpose of the exploratory fishery is to gain scientific knowledge regarding octopus harvesting in various areas in terms of catch, effort, as well as seasonal trends and gear efficiency.
(a) The purpose of the exploratory fishery is to gain scientific knowledge regarding octopus harvesting in various areas in terms of catch, effort, as well as seasonal trends and gear efficiency.No quota has been set for octopus fishing in South African waters. The octopus fishery is managed by effort (number of pots).
Effort for this fishery was determined and set below the sustainable levels based on data collected through a desktop study prior to the establishment of the exploratory phase of the fishery.
(b) The desktop studies were conducted in 2003 and 2004 prior to the first phase of the experimental fishery and were further inferred by a PhD thesis titled: A Development and Management Framework for a New Octopus Vulgaris Fishery in South Africa, which was published by Ané Oosthuizen of Rhodes University. The study focussed on the first phase of the theoretical framework and protocol and was implemented by using a proposed octopus pot fishery in South Africa as a case study.
This was followed by a scientific paper in 2004 titled Economic Feasibility of an Experimental Octopus Fishery in South Africa which was published in the South African Journal of Science 100(11). The Study generated baseline information necessary in the design of the experimental fishery, giving guidelines as to which vessels, fishing gear and markets would be most feasible. The proposed fishery, gear and vessel type, fishing techniques and expected catch rates were described, the results of market research were also outlined, as well as the estimated cost of fishing.
(c) The data was collected by Departmental officials.
(2) No. The infromation was considered was information that was available in the reports and published works from a variety of sources. With regard to the long-term future of whether or not the Department plans to set up a permanent octopus fishery, we have instructed our marine scientists to urgently review all existing scientific data to inform the way forward with regard to this fishery. This process must be complete within this financial year.
Regards
MS BARBARA CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
DATE: 02/08/2019
02 August 2019 - NW278
Seitlholo, Mr IS to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
What (a) total amount is budgeted for her private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) total remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office since 1 May 2019?
Reply:
(a) Honourable Member, there is no separate budget for the private office which is a component in the Ministry of Hunan Settlements, Water and Sanitation. My private office comprises of the Private Secretary, Assistant Private Secretary, Receptionist and two domestic workers.
(b) Conditions of employment such as salaries and qualifications of staff is confidential. The Protection of Personal Information Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, amongst others, protect the confidentiality of such information.
However, I wish to indicate to the Honourable Member that Private Secretaries, Assistant Private Secretaries, receptionist in offices of Ministers share the responsibilities of managing the Ministers’ diaries, providing administrative support and protocol services as well as coordinating all the meetings between the two offices, i.e. Pretoria and Cape Town. The two domestic workers assist the Executive in their Cape Town and Pretoria residences.
02 August 2019 - NW293
Mphithi, Mr L to ask the Minister in the Presidency:
(1) What (a) total amount is budgeted for his private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) total remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in his private office since 1 May 2019?
Reply:
(a) Total amount budgeted for 2019-20: R30.5 million
(i) Total remuneration: R12, 152,230
Find here: Office of the Minister
02 August 2019 - NW298
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(a) What are the legislative requirements concerning the operational aspects of the offshore bunkering operation in Algoa Bay; and (b) what number of (i) litres of oil have been spilled since the specified operation commenced, (ii) ships have docked alongside the bunkering ship since the specified operation commenced, and (iii) people are directly employed as a result of this bunkering operation?
Reply:
a) Offshore oil bunkering operations are authorised through the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). Application requirements and procedures are outlined in SAMSA’s Marine Notice No. 4 of 2016, which also identifies Section 21 of the South African Marine Pollution (Control and Civil Liability) Act, 1981 (Act No. 6 of 1981) as the main piece of legislation authorising this activity. There is currently no gazetted regulation or authorisation process in place for this activity (and there is no process in place for public participation/consultation with interested and affected parties prior to authorisation.)
If an incident impacting on the environment were to occur, as a result of the bunker operations, the responsible parties are required to submit reports to the Department as per Section 30 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).
b) (i) The Department is aware of two (2) oil spill incidents related to offshore bunkering in Algoa Bay. The first incident took place on 14 August 2016 wherein approximately 100 liters of oil was spilled. The second incident occurred on 6 July 2019 and, reportedly, 200 liters of oil was spilled. This latest incident is still under investigation by SAMSA, after which a confirmed volume of oil spilled will be reported. Further information can be obtained from SAMSA.
(ii) and (iii) SAMSA and Transnet National Ports Authority for the Port of Ngqura are the authorities who jointly authorise and monitor the bunkering activities in Algoa Bay, and will therefore be able to provide this information.
Regards
MS BARBARA CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
DATE: 02/08/2019
02 August 2019 - NW314
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether she will consider introducing a ban, as she did in False Bay, on octopus fishing in Mossel Bay, in order to prevent any further deaths of whales; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
At this stage we are not considering a further ban. Our marine scientists are currently in discussion with licence holders on mitigation measures that can be introduced in all licensed areas. These options still require testing. If however entanglements are reported the situation will be re-evaluated. In line with the Permit conditions of Octopus Exploratory Fishing, if there are entanglements of cetaceans, operators are required to suspend their fishing operations.
Regards
MS BARBARA CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
DATE: 02/08/2019
02 August 2019 - NW272
Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
What (a) total amount is budgeted for her private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) total remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office since 1 May 2019?
Reply:
(a)
|
2019/20 |
||
Compensation |
Operational |
Total |
|
|
R'000 |
R'000 |
R'000 |
Ministry Environment, Forestry and Fisheries |
23 595 |
14 687 |
38 282 |
Minister |
2 500 |
3 712 |
6 212 |
Ministerial Support |
21 095 |
10 975 |
32 070 |
|
|
|
|
(b) i) ii) iii) iv) v)
NAME OF OFFICIAL |
LEVEL |
SALARY |
POST NAME & JOB DESCRIPTION (Purpose) |
QUALIFICATIONS |
|
1. |
Feroze Shaik |
L14 |
R1 327 974 pa |
Chief of Staff: To manage the office of and render a support service to the executive authority (EA). |
B. Hon. Degree: Public Administration |
2. |
Mamonkwe Sipilica |
L12 |
R922 335 pa |
Private Secretary: Provide assistance with secretarial services and support the EA with private obligations. |
National Certificate: Public Administration National Diploma: Human Resource Management (Currently studying) |
3. |
Bongani Ngquba |
L10 |
R646 193 pa |
Stakeholder Relations Officer: Provide assistance to the EA with community outreach and stakeholder relations management |
National Diploma: Productivity |
4. |
Liesel Jacobs |
L9 |
R532 814 pa |
Assistant Appointments Secretary: Provide secretarial support to the EA |
National Diploma: Business Management |
5. |
Buchule Mbuli |
L7 |
R443 929 pa |
Secretary / Receptionist: Provide secretarial support and Reception services to the EA. |
B tech: Public Management |
6. |
Gift Mnguni |
L11 |
R863 748 pa |
Cabinet and Parliamentary Officer: To manage and coordinate matters emanating from Parliament/ Cabinet / other legislative structures and community outreach |
Certificate in Public Management B. Degree: Public Management (Currently Studying) |
7. |
Sylvester Pandelani |
L8 |
R528 654 pa |
Registry Clerk: Provide registry support services in the office of the EA |
Matric Nat Diploma: Public Management and Administration (Currently Studying) |
8. |
Clifford Seanego |
L6 |
R373 987 pa |
Driver Messenger: Provide messenger and driver services in the office of the EA |
Matric Certificate: Computer Literacy |
9. |
Nicholas Leontsinis |
L11 |
R733 257pa |
Media Content Manager: To manage and coordinate the development of content for speeches/ inputs of the EA |
Masters Degree: African Studies BA Hon Degree |
Regards
MS BARBARA CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
DATE: 02/08/2019
01 August 2019 - NW240
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether (a) the City of Ekurhuleni has a mobile electricity substation and (b) the substation is operational; (2) what are the reasons the mobile substation was not used during the recent Glen Marais substation outage; (3) whether the City of Ekurhuleni tried to borrow and/or hire any mobile substations during the Glen Marais outage from any entity; if not, why not; if so, (a) who did the City of Ekurhuleni approach, (b) what is the cost of hiring such machinery and (c) what are the reasons the City of Ekurhuleni did not hire such machinery in order to alleviate the inconvenience of thousands of residents; (4) what number of batteries for substations has the City of Ekurhuleni purchased in the past five financial years?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW223
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether any (a) financial, (b) logistical and/or (c) administrative assistance has been provided to the Makana Local Municipality to deal with its ongoing water crisis; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what was the nature of the support provided, (ii) which service provider was appointed to provide support, (iii) what was the cost of rendering the support and (iv) what are the relevant details of the result of providing the assistance?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW332
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 187 on 25 March 2019, she has received the information from the City of Ekurhuleni; if not, by what date will the information be available; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW409
Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What number of municipalities have implemented the cost containment measures as gazetted for implementation with effect from 1 July 2019?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW331
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 188 on 25 March 2019, she has received the information from the City of Ekurhuleni; if not, by what date will the information be available; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW399
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What (a) are the qualifications and (b) is the relevant experience of each (i) municipal manager, (ii) chief financial officer, (iii) technical manager, (iv) planning manager and (v) electrical engineer of certain municipalities (names furnished) in Limpopo; (2) whether each of the specified municipalities has a department responsible for parks; if so, what duties are performed by the departments?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW406
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What is the total (a) number and (b) extent of all local state-owned land parcels that was lost to illegal land invasions (i) in the (aa) 2016-17, (bb) 2017-18 and (cc) 2018-19 municipal financial years and (ii) since 1 July 2019?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW390
Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether her department will provide any financial assistance to the Sedibeng District Municipality to compensate for a R25 million operational deficit in its 2019-20 budget; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has found that the specified district municipality’s financial recovery plan will be successful; if not, what is the position in this regard?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW311
Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) What action has she taken against municipalities who have received poor audit outcomes in the past financial year and (b) have any officials been suspended and/or had disciplinary action been taken against them as a result of the specified outcomes?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW405
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether any municipalities awarded any tenders to certain companies (names and details furnished) (a) in each of the past six financial years and/or (b) since 1 April 2019; if so, in each case, (i) which municipality awarded the tender, (ii) to which company was the tender awarded, (iii) what services were rendered and (iv) what was the cost of the services rendered; (2) whether she has found that any of the specified contracts were awarded by means of a deviation from supply chain management processes and legislation; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW398
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)(a) What are the amounts of the debt owed to Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo, by (i) Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, (ii) Greater Giyani Local Municipality, (iii) Greater Letaba Local Municipality, (iv) Maruleng Local Municipality and (v) Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality as at the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) for what period is the debt outstanding, (c) what is the reason for the non-payment in each case and (d) what steps have been taken by the district municipality to collect the outstanding debts; (2) whether her department intends to intervene in this matter; if so, (a) on what date and (b) in what way?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW393
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Which municipal officials involved in opening or maintaining accounts for their respective municipalities with the Venda Building Society Mutual Bank (a) are still employed in their respective municipalities, (b) are currently on precautionary suspension, (c) have resigned from their positions and/or (d) resigned from their positions but were subsequently appointed in another municipality?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW392
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether, with reference to the reply to question 2851 on 20 November 2018, the specified municipalities completed their investigations; if not, (a) which municipality’s investigation is still outstanding and (b) by what date will it be completed; if so, (2) whether the specified municipalities have tabled the reports in their respective Councils; if not, (a) which municipality has not yet tabled the report in the Council and (b) by what date will it be tabled; if so, what are the details of the recommendations contained in each case?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW355
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) number of official international trips is (i) she and (ii) her deputies planning to undertake in the 2019-22 medium term expenditure framework, (b) will the (i) destination, (ii) date, (iii) purpose and (iv) number of persons who will travel with the delegation be and (c) is the detailed breakdown of the expected cost of (i) flights, (ii) accommodation and (iii) any other expenses in each case?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW239
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
With regard to the recent fire at the Glen Marais substation, situated within the boundaries of the City of Ekurhuleni, (a) on which date was the substation last inspected and preventative maintenance conducted in order to ensure it met with the minimum safety standards as stipulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission, (b) whether he can provide Mr M Waters with all maintenance records signed by the responsible engineer, (c) when was the substation built and the switchgear installed, (d) was the battery trip unit in working order, (e)(i) when last were the batteries replaced and (ii) whether he can provide Mr M Waters with proof of inspection and maintenance records and (f) what are the reasons that the City of Ekurhuleni engineers initially failed to clean the substation after the fire to ensure that the new switchgear would not be contaminated with carbon and root?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW270
Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) total amount is budgeted for her private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) total remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office since 1 May 2019?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW347
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What steps will her department institute in each of the 48 municipalities flagged by the Auditor-General as municipalities that need intervention in the 2017-18 Municipal Audit Outcomes?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
01 August 2019 - NW226
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she intends to introduce amending legislation in the National Assembly to devolve powers to local governments on matters such as transport and rail, energy supply and safety, in order to contribute to the professionalisation of local government; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available
Thank you
31 July 2019 - NW326
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to each tourism site that has become dilapidated in the past three years, (a) why have the specified sites become dilapidated, (b) what is being done to restore the sites to optimal condition and (c)(i) what are the timelines and/or time frames and deadlines to restore each site, (ii) how is this being monitored and (iii) by whom in each case?
Reply:
(a)-(c)
The Department does not own or operate any tourism products, and can thus not account for the state of any tourism products. However, in the course of preparations for the Jobs Summit in 2018, the Department initiated a process to supplement a maintenance programme for major state owned products. This programme will train SMMEs with a focus on women, youth and cooperatives to undertake regular maintenance. In recognition of the tourism values of our National Parks, the three year programme is being piloted in National Parks, in collaboration with SANParks. Subsequent rollout of this programme will require a dedicated budget allocation, to prevent deterioration of products.
31 July 2019 - NW235
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With regard to performance agreements for her and the Deputy Minister, what are the (a) key performance indicators, (b) measuring and monitoring mechanisms and (c) timelines, milestones and deadlines in this regard?
Reply:
Approval of the MTSF by Cabinet provides a basis for the Minister and Deputy Minister’s performance agreements. As such, the Minister and the Deputy Minister’s performance agreements for the current term will be finalised in line with the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is due to be approved by Cabinet in August 2019.
(a) Key Performance Indicators
Not applicable
(b) Measuring and Monitoring mechanisms
Not applicable
(c) Timelines, milestones and deadlines
Not applicable
31 July 2019 - NW237
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to targets set for tourism for the next three years, (a) what countries of origin are being focused on, (b)(i) why and (ii) how have the specified countries been selected in each case and (c) what is being done to market the country in these markets?
Reply:
a) Countries of origin being focussed on
There are 44 countries that SA Tourism focusses on as identified through its Marketing Investment Framework.
Americas |
Europe |
Asia, Australasia and Middle East |
Africa |
Argentina Brazil Canada USA |
Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland UK |
Australia China India Japan Malaysia New Zealand Singapore Turkey UAE |
Angola Botswana DRC Ethiopia Ghana Kenya Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Namibia Nigeria Eswatini Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe |
b) i) Why were these countries selected
These countries ranked highly in the South African Tourism’s Marketing Investment Framework. The Marketing Investment Framework brings together the elements of the target (i.e., the what?), markets (i.e., the where?) and investment (i.e., the how?), and has prioritised 44 countries where South African Tourism should invest.
ii) How were these countries selected
The selected countries were selected based on the attractiveness and South Africa’s ability to win. Market attractiveness is assessed on socio-economic indicators as well as the outbound tourism potential. South Africa’s ability to win is determined based on how easy it is for South Africa to operate and perform in each market. Here we consider our visa regime for each country, South Africa’s diplomatic centres in each country and air connectivity between the country and South Africa.
c) What is been done to market the country (SA) jn these markets?
SA Tourism’s major marketing activities covers brand building initiatives as well as strategic partnerships to drive sales. SA Tourism has developed and launched brand campaigns in the various markets, worked with trade partners to develop deal-driven campaigns and joint marketing campaigns, educated the trade to better sell South Africa, hosted trade and media on familiarisation trips. This work is supported by stakeholder engagements, PR campaigns to drive brand positivity, events and activations that raise the profile of South Africa as a tourism destination. Furthermore, South African Tourism conducts active training through targeted programmes across the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) network (embassies and consulates) to enable them to actively promote tourism to South Africa.
31 July 2019 - NW236
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Tourism
With regard to targets set for tourism for the next three years, what (a) targets have been set for (i) international tourism and (ii) local tourism, (b) steps have been taken to achieve the targets and (c) monitoring and measuring mechanisms exist to measure the targets?
Reply:
a) Tourism Targets for next 3 years for international and local tourism.
(i) International:
2019: - 11,4 million
2020: - 11,9 million
2021: - 12,3 million
(ii) Local tourism – Holiday trips
2019: - 2,7 million
2020: - 2,8 million
2021: - 2,9 million
b) Steps taken to achieve targets
South African Tourism has developed a recovery plan to ensure targets are met. The plan looks at areas that require intensive focus to turn around the current performance. The areas of focus were determined through an analysis of markets that have not been performing as expected and has negatively impacted performance relative to the targets. The analysis also identified markets that are showing opportunity for increased growth and these need to be exploited. The recovery plan identifies six points to focus on to achieve the aggressive growth needed to meet the targets. The 6-points are:
- Focus on prioritized markets and segments which includes India, China, Nigeria, USA, UK, Germany and Australia
- Craft a brand campaign to improve top of mind awareness
- Driving Conversion through partnerships with trade
- Enhanced focus on Domestic Tourism
- Industry partnerships
- Intergovernmental relationships
c) Monitoring and measuring mechanisms
SA Tourism has multiple platforms for monitoring performance of targets:
- Monthly EXCO meetings where each executive provides a monthly update on the implementation of the APP;
- Organisational Performance Reviews held quarterly chaired by the CEO;
- Quarterly Performance Reports which show the performance of SA Tourism against its APP targets and are reviewed by Board and the Department of Tourism.
31 July 2019 - NW238
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What are the monthly statistics of international tourist arrivals in the past three years and since 1 January 2019 to date, (b) where did these international tourists arrive in each month, (c) what targets were set, (d) how did the targets measure up to actual arrivals in each month and (e)(i) what is being done to ensure that targets set are met and (ii) how is this measured?
Reply:
a) Monthly statistics of international tourist arrivals in the past three years and since 1 January 2019 to date see the link below
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW238Monthly_Stats.pdf
Source: Statistics SA, P0351 Tourism & Migration Monthly reports
b) Where did these international tourists arrive in each month? see the link below for 2016:
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW238Internation_tourist_arrival_2016.pdf
Source: Statistics SA, P0351 Tourism & Migration Monthly reports
see the link below for 2017:
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW238Internation_tourist_arrival_2017.pdf
Source: Statistics SA, P0351 Tourism & Migration Monthly reports
see the link below for 2018:
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW238Internation_tourist_arrival_2018.pdf
Source: Statistics SA, P0351 Tourism & Migration Monthly reports
see the link below for 2019:
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW238Internation_tourist_arrival_2019.pdf
Source: Statistics SA, P0351 Tourism & Migration Monthly reports
c) What targets were set?
Targets are set on a quarterly basis and are detailed in the table below responding to question d).
d) How did the targets measure up to actual arrivals in each month?
Measured since the 5 in 5 strategy was implemented
Source: South African Tourism Annual Performance Plan 2019-20; Statistics SA, P0351 Tourism & Migration Monthly reports
e) (i) What is being done to ensure that targets set are met?
South African Tourism has developed a recovery plan to ensure we meet our targets. The plan looks at areas that require intensive focus to turn around the current performance. The areas of focus were determined through an analysis of markets that have not been performing as expected and has negatively impacted performance relative to targets. The analysis also identified markets that are showing opportunity for increased growth and these need to be exploited. The recovery plan identifies six points to focus on to achieve the aggressive growth needed to meet the targets. The 6-points are:
- Focus on prioritized markets and segments which includes India, China, Nigeria, USA, UK, Germany and Australia
- Craft a brand campaign to improve top of mind awareness
- Driving Conversion through partnerships with trade
- Enhanced focus on Domestic Tourism
- Industry partnerships
- Intergovernmental relationships
(ii) how is this measured?
Performance is measured through the tourist arrivals statistics as reported monthly by Statistics SA through the report P0351 Tourism & Migration.
31 July 2019 - NW315
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)(a) What number of persons were employed by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (i) in each of the past four years and (ii) since 1 January 2019 to conduct gradings, (b) where did and does each person conduct gradings and (c) what qualifications are required in order to perform on-site gradings; (2) whether each of the specified persons possessed the necessary qualifications to conduct on-site gradings; if not, (a) why not, in each case and (b) what number of the persons did not possess the necessary qualifications; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a) Number of persons employed by Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
1 January 2015 |
1 January 2016 |
1 January 2017 |
1 January 2018 |
1 January 2019 |
38 |
45 |
40 |
40 |
59 |
(b) Where did each person conduct gradings
The Assessors are located throughout the country and can conduct gradings within each province they can assess and have been allocated to.
(c) What qualifications are required in order to perform on –site gradings?
Comprehensive training is provided by the TGCSA to shortlisted candidates in order to assess tourism products effectively. All learners need to achieve an 80% pass mark in order to be accredited as Grading assessors. Furthermore, the successful candidate needs to possess the following:
- A post-Matric qualification in Tourism and/or Quality Management;
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry is strictly necessary with proven and demonstrable knowledge of domestic or international quality standards in accommodation and tourism products;
- Previous quality grading experience in tourism and accommodation products would be an advantage;
- Sales and / or marketing experience;
- Tourist/guest experience in tourism products;
- Previously Disadvantaged individuals will be given preference;
- Excellent computer literacy; and
- Proven ability to operate independently for extended periods, without close supervision.
2. Whether each of the specified persons possessed the necessary qualifications to conduct on-site gradings:
All candidates possessed the necessary qualifications.
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
31 July 2019 - NW316
Gumbi, Mr HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)What are the relevant details of the (a) breakdown of the total remuneration package received by on-site graders employed by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and (b)(i) various income brackets and (ii) criteria that need to be met in order to qualify for the various income brackets; (2) what (a) number of days does it take the TGCSA to grade a place of accommodation once an application is received and (b) is the average cost for receiving the grading; (3) what are the relevant details of the criteria that needs to be met in order to receive a star grading from the lowest to highest grading? NW1282E
Reply:
1. (a) Total remuneration package for on-site graders
- The Grading Assessors are remunerated on a commission-only basis.
- Accredited Assessors are not permanent staff and are contracted for 36months with specific deliverables and duties governed by Service Provider Agreements.
(b) (i) various income brackets
Should an assessor have between 0 – 100 properties in his/her portfolio, they will invoice the TGCSA 50% of the establishments’ grading fee. If they have more than 100 properties, they will invoice 55% of the grading fee. If more than 200 properties, they will receive 60% of the grading fee. Over 300 properties, the Assessor will be paid 65%. The commission is only paid out if the assessor has submitted properties to the Monthly Property Approvals EXCO Meeting.
The Assessors are required to cover the costs of transport and communication from the fee paid for the assessment.
(ii) Criteria to be met in order to qualify for various income brackets
- Only individuals who hold a hospitality qualification and have suitable experience in the application of hospitality operating standards are considered for contracts.
- An assessor needs to have undergone training and achieved an 80% pass rate before the TGCSA enters into a Service Provider Agreement. The Grading Assessor must also ensure that they are registered on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD);
- If an assessor has a property portfolio of less than 200, they need to ensure that they grade a minimum of 24 new properties annually until they get to a minimum portfolio of 200.
- Where an assessor has a portfolio of 200 or more properties, they need to ensure that they achieve a minimum of 95% of their establishments renewals.
- To ensure that establishments are allocated to Assessors fairly, and to ensure that Assessors are not inundated with establishments to assess and to ensure service delivery standards are maintained, the assessor’s portfolio monitored carefully and may be limited in size.
(2) (a) Numbers of days to grade a accommodations once the applications is received
- The assessment of an establishment after receiving the application thereof is reliant on a number of factors i.e. application process; Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP)funding; payment of outstanding invoice. The Establishment Assessment can only be done once an Establishment is assigned to an Assessor; the Assessor must then schedule assessment appointment and update Grading System:
- The Assessment must be scheduled within 5 calendar days of assignment of Establishments to the Assessor;
- The Assessor must conduct the grading assessment within the prescribed time frames:
- For new applications – As soon as possible but not longer than 4 calendar months from the date of the invoice payment reflecting on Grading System;
- For renewals – from the date of the invoice payment reflecting on Grading System and Establishment assigned to the Assessor but before the Monthly Property Approvals EXCO Meeting within the month of expiry;
- If Assessors do not adhere to the stipulated times, the properties will be retrieved from their system and reallocated to other Assessors to ensure that business processes are followed.
(b) Average cost to grade
Grading fees are determined by three (3) variables, namely number of rooms, category of the establishment and the average room rate the said property charges its’ client. The average cost to grade a small accommodation establishment is approximately R3 500.00 should no discount be applied for by the property.
3. What is the detail of the criteria to be met to receive a star grading from the lowest to the highest grading
There is lengthy set of Core Requirements and Quality Standards that are utilised by the Assessors when conducting assessments. These Requirements and Standards cover specific areas of assessments which are clearly outlined in the published Grading Criteria. A copy can be provided but are also available on the TGCSA Website for reference.
Establishments are assessed according to the type of accommodation they provide. There are currently 7 category groupings of the 13 types of establishments:
1. Formal Accommodation
1.1 Hotel
1.2 Small Hotel
1.3 Boutique Hotel
1.4 Apartment Hotel
2. Guest Accommodation
2.1 Bed & Breakfast
2.2 Guest House
2.3 Country House
3. Self-Catering
3.1 Self- Catering Exclusive
3.2 Self- Catering Shared
4. Backpacker and Hostelling
5. Caravan and Camping
6. Venues
7. Game and Nature Lodges
Each of the above category has its core requirements and quality standards and the grading criteria to be met in order for an establishment to be successfully accredited.
STAR LEVELS
A brief description of what each star level represents is as follows:
NO. OF STARS |
POINT ALLOCATION |
OUTCOME |
|
880 – 1000 |
Outstanding quality and luxurious accommodation matching the best international standards. 5 Star Premium is reserved for properties who far exceed core requirements and quality standards in the five star sector. |
|
740 – 879 |
Excellent quality in the overall standard of facilities, furnishings, service and guest care. |
|
580 – 739 |
Very good quality in the overall standard of facilities, furnishings, service and guest care. |
|
440 – 579 |
Good quality in the overall standard of facilities, furnishings, service and guest care. |
|
300 – 439 |
Acceptable basic quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care. |