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06 March 2019 - NW364

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Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Does a smart meter notify Eskom when it is (a) not being used and/or (b) being bypassed; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom

(a) and (b)

The smart meters installed do allow for checking when not being used and whether these are being bypassed.

The details are:

Fully-fledged smart meters (but not all functions are enabled, as the system to manage these will only be finalised during the course of the next financial year) are installed in Sandton and Midrand and split meters with communication are installed in Soweto.

The fully-fledged smart meters do provide a signal when bypassed but these meters go offline and staff are then sent out to investigate, as there is no real time monitoring systems.

The installations in Soweto only provides a signal if there is tampering with the meter but the system has to be interrogated on a regular basis to check for tampering as there is no real time monitoring.

Meters in Soweto are installed in cubicles however these are continuously vandalised and in many cases, staff are not allowed/prevented to attend to the repair of the faults. This then prevents information been sent via the communications network to the system for fraud detection.

There are plans to install a Meter Data Management System (MDMS) that will have full control of the smart meter that will allow the customer to purchase electricity online, customers to view their usage, enable Eskom to see usage patterns, disconnection for non-payment and notification to the customer to reduce usage in case of low capacity. This system will provide real time monitoring.

06 March 2019 - NW263

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Mulaudzi, Adv TE to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) his department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to him and (b) what number of the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

(i) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) conducted nine (9) tender briefing sessions in 2018 and seven (7) were compulsory tender briefings.

(ii) The entities under the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services informed me as follows:

A. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)

The NPA advertised 16 tenders in 2018. Of these, there were 10 compulsory briefing sessions. Six (6) tenders did not require briefing sessions.

B. Legal Aid South Africa

The Legal Aid SA held 52 briefing sessions in the 2018 calendar year and only two (2) required compulsory tender briefings.

C. Special Investigating Unit (SIU)

The SIU advertised 38 tenders during the period, 1 April 2018 to date, and none required briefing sessions.

The Department of Correctional Services number of tender briefings were held in 2018 are as follows:

(a) Tender briefings held in 2018

(b) Number of briefing sessions compulsory

(i) His Department; and

(ii) Entities Reporting to him

Number of briefing sessions held in 2018

 

Head Office

5

5

Eastern Cape

7

7

Free State and Northern Cape

16

16

Gauteng

2

2

Kwazulu Natal

4

4

Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West

26

26

Western Cape

15

15

Total

75

75

The Office of the Chief Justice:

1. (a) Three (3) tender briefings were held during the 2018/2019 financial year;

(i) by the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ).

(b) Three (3) briefing sessions were compulsory.

06 March 2019 - NW168

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Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(a) what is the current status of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 0f 2000 application lodged in September 2018 by a certain person (Mr IE Lebelo) on behalf of former Aventura employees for a copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement of Aventura Bela Bela to Forever Resorts and (b) were any negotiations and/or was any deal struck in terms of which the Aventura employees would receive shares in the transaction?

Reply:

DPE response

a) The Department has decided to grant the request by Mr IE Lebelo for a copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement.

b) No provision is made for Aventura employees to receive shares in the agreements entered into between the Department, Aventura and Forever Resorts Siyonwaba Consortium.

06 March 2019 - NW10

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

Why does KwaZulu-Natal, despite the high number of cricket fans in the province, have a low number of international cricket fixtures in (i) test, (ii) limited overs and (iii) T20 scheduled for 2019 and (b) what steps will her department take to correct such an anomaly? NW12E

Reply:

1. The official Cricket South Africa (CSA) gate numbers from the International Cricket Committee (ICC) approved stadia, does not confirm this claim.

2. CSA therefore designed a nationally agreed Stadium Model Agreement to maximise efficiencies to ensure an equitable arrangement in the allocation for all international match allocations (i, ii iii) amongst its Members.

MS. Y. XASA, MP

MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION

DATE: /

06 March 2019 - NW262

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Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

In response to the Honourable Members’ question, my department advised as follows:

(a) (i) Eight (8) tender briefings were held in 2018 by the department.

(ii) One (1) tender briefing was held in 2018 for entity reporting to DIRCO.

(b) Eight (8) compulsory tender briefing were conducted in 2018.

06 March 2019 - NW124

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Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

With reference to the reply of the Minister of Public Service and Administration to question 3797 on 21 December 2018, what was the total expenditure incurred by her department relating to the travel privileges contained in the 2007 Ministerial Handbook of former (a)(i) Ministers and (ii) their spouses, (b)(i) Deputy Ministers and (ii) their spouses, (c) Ministers’ widows or widowers and (d) Deputy Ministers’ widows or widowers (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018?

Reply:

We do not have any former Ministers or Deputy Ministers for the time periods requested as the current appointees hold their portfolios since before the dates mentioned in the question.

06 March 2019 - NW237

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Hlonyana, Ms NKF to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

What has he found to have been the financial impact of load shedding on the economy in the period 1 January 2018 to 12 February 2019?

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom

  1. Eskom cannot provide a financial estimate for the cost of load shedding. The last relevant study was conducted in 2008, where Deloitte was commissioned by Eskom to look at the economic impact and how to reduce the short-term economic losses. Various key assumptions used in this study are no longer applicable e.g. GDP contributions by various industries have changed drastically. The study indicated that the cost of load shedding was R9 515/MWh for all industries. However, this study is outdated and cannot be used to estimate financial impact of load shedding in 2019. The 2008 study is provided as Annexure A.

Eskom can confirm that for the period 01 January 2018 to 12 February 2019 there was a total of 316 030.33 MWh (over certain periods of the day over 18 days) that were impacted by load shedding.

06 March 2019 - NW145

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Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

With reference to her reply to question 3558 on 7 December 2018, what was the total amount of the cost to her department of the Committee of Inquiry into the Governance Affairs of the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee?

Reply:

In total, an amount of R978 550.19 was spent for the Committee of Inquiry into the Governance Affairs of the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee which is broken down as follows:

Stenography and transcription services:                  R171 450.00

Catering:                                                              R  37 500.00

Venue:                                                                 R  61 560.00

Fees of Committee Members:                                R580 254.99

Public Relations Branding:                                     R  70 338.00

Witness costs:                                                     R  57 447.20

 

TOTAL COSTS:                                                    R978 550.10

MS. T. XASA, MP

MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION DATE: & “ /

 

06 March 2019 - NW329

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Hlonyana, Ms NKF to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What is the total number of the Reconstruction Development Programme houses that were built in each province in 2018?

Reply:

According to information confirmed with Provincial Departments of Human Settlements, the Provinces in conjunction with their respective Local Municipalities built a total of 86 006 partially or fully subsidised houses (excluding 50 309 Serviced Sites) across the various national housing programmes. Of these houses that were built, 76 929 houses may be deemed to be categorised as Reconstruction Development Programme (RDP) houses, implying that they were fully state-subsidised, and provided at no cost to the approved, qualifying beneficiaries.

The total number of the Reconstruction Development Programme houses that were built in each province in 2017/2018 (01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018) is as follows:

PROVINCE

NUMBER OF RDP HOUSES BUILT: 2017/18

EASTERN CAPE

10 664

FREE STATE

2 935

GAUTENG

14 562

KWAZULU-NATAL

18.781

LIMPOPO

9 077

MPUMALANGA

8 574

NORTHERN CAPE

780

NORTH WEST

5 770

WESTERN CéPE

5 786

TOTAL

76 929

06 March 2019 - NW134

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Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

With reference to the reply of the Minister of Public Service and Administration to question 3797 on 21 December 2018, what was the total expenditure incurred by his department relating to the travel privileges contained in the 2007 Ministerial Handbook of former (a)(i) Ministers and (ii) their spouses, (b)(i) Deputy Ministers and (ii) their spouses, (c) Ministers’ widows or widowers and (d) Deputy Ministers’ widows or widowers (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018?

Reply:

The travel privileges of former Ministers/Deputy Ministers and their spouses are paid for and administered by Parliament and I would therefore suggest that the Honourable Member approach Parliament in this regard.

06 March 2019 - NW366

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Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether Eskom has put any measures in place to address nonpayment of electricity connections by municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

According to the information received from Eskom

Yes, Eskom has measures in place to address non-payment of electricity by municipalities.

Eskom has an electricity supply agreement (ESA) with each of the municipalities that it supplies electricity to in bulk. This agreement specifies the terms and conditions and obligations of the parties. On 01 July 2017 Eskom implemented a concession to the municipalities that allows them to pay their Bulk electricity account in 30 days from the date that it becomes due and no longer 15 days as per the original agreement (except for Metro’s). This was done in an attempt to allow the municipalities more time to collect their revenue from their customers before they have to pay Eskom.

Should the municipality not pay their account on time Eskom implements credit control measures that could end up in the municipality’s electricity supply been disconnected. The Eskom process also makes provision for negotiations to enter into a repayment plan over a period of time.

Should the municipalities fail to enter into such an agreement and/or fail to honour the terms of such agreement Eskom initiates an administrative process in line with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) before the supply to the municipality can be terminated.

In terms of the ESA Eskom may disconnect the supply to the municipality completely however due to the impact to the customers and the economy Eskom opted to interrupt supply for limited hours of the day only.

Unfortunately, municipal customers, customer groupings, business chambers or even the municipality are getting interdicts against Eskom that prevents Eskom from interrupting the supply and thus from implementing its credit control measures. An escalation of the debt is very noticeable when this happens as the municipalities seem to take a payment holiday as soon as the interdict application is successful.

Notwithstanding the above, government continuous, through the Inter-Ministerial Task Team, Chaired by Minister Mkhize, developing and implementing plans to increase the capacity of municipalities to collect revenue.

06 March 2019 - NW270

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Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

Number of tender briefings held in 2018 by

(a) (i) the department (SRSA) has held SIX (6) TENDER BRIEFING SESSIONS.

(ii) the entities reporting to her department (SRSA) - NONE

(b) the specified briefings were compulsory? ALL THE TENDER BRIEFINGS WERE COMPULSORY

MS T. XASA, MP

MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION DATE: IQ

05 March 2019 - NW288

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Rawula, Mr T to ask the Minister of Tourism

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) his department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to him and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

Institution

(a)What number of tender Briefings held in 2018

(b) What number of the specific briefings were compulsory

(i)Department

Seven

Seven

(ii)Entity – South Africa Tourism

One

One

05 March 2019 - NW223

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Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications

Whether, with reference to a memo purportedly sent by the Group Executive: Human Resources of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 27 September 2018, which suspended with immediate effect submissions for the creation and/or filling of positions, advertising of positions and all new offers of employment, the SABC hired any staff following the circulation of the memo; if so, (a) who was hired, (b) on what salary and (c) who allowed the deviation from the memo?

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

After publication of the memorandum, all vacancies were frozen, except for the appointments relating to core and critical functions. 

(a)

Name

Positions filled

N Gcabashe

 Accountant

J Mocoma

Senior Producer

M Ramsimphi

 Climatologist

L Snyman

Account Executive

b) All appointments were done in line with the SABC’s recruitment and selection policy and salaries were determined in line with the SABC’s remuneration guidelines.  Specific salary information cannot be divulged as this is confidential information pertaining to an individual.

c) The Vacancy Committee which was established to deal with critical appointments took the decision.  All requests to deviate from the memo are sent to the vacancy committee who then determines the merits of the request and take a decision if recruitment can go ahead.  Once a decision is taken by the vacancy committee, HR manages the recruitment process in conjunction with the relevant line manager.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

05 March 2019 - NW255

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

What number of new rooms for accommodation were built at each (a) university and (b) technical and vocational education and training college in 2018?

Reply:

a) The number of additional beds (not rooms) constructed and completed at each university in the 2018 academic year is as follows:

Institution

Number of beds

Durban University of Technology

260

University of the Free State

268

Mangosuthu University of Technology

630

University of Mpumalanga

100

Rhodes University

264

Vaal University of Technology

300

University of the Witwatersrand

351*

Total number of beds completed

2 173

*Extension of various residences

Larger projects are at different phases of planning, procurement and construction. As part of the first phase, eight universities are embarking on large projects for which funding is being secured. These projects once finalised, will yield about 18 000 new beds over the next three years starting in 2019.

The Department’s Student Housing Infrastructure Programme (SHIP) aims to provide 300 000 new student beds, 200 000 at universities and 100 000 at TVET colleges over the next ten year period. More than R4.1 billion has been allocated from the Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant for university student housing for the period 2015/16 to 2020/21 and are mostly for equity in large projects (2000 beds) although some smaller projects have been funded (250 to 500 beds). At this stage no specific funding is available to TVET student housing within the baseline grant to colleges. Additional funds are in the process of being sourced for TVET Colleges.

(b) No new beds were constructed at Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges during 2018.

05 March 2019 - NW66

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Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Whether she has been informed that she has been implicated in testimony made under oath and in written documents by Mr Agrizzi at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to Inquire into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo; if so, were the allegations made by Mr Agrizzi in respect of her true; (2) whether she declared any financial or material gifts from Bosasa as required by the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, Act 82 of 1998; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. I have not been informed by the Commission that evidence has been or will be led.

2. In 2009, in response to Parliamentary question 1661, I confirmed that I am a founding member of Dyambu and that I have always declared this in the Register of Members’ Interests. I further indicated that I have not received any dividends from Dyambu and that I have declared such in either the public or private part of the Register of Members’ Interests over the years. I have continued to declare same in both the Parliamentary register, as well as the Register of Member’s Interests of the Presidency.

04 March 2019 - NW25

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Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Does the National Codification Bureau employ certain persons (names furnished); if so, (a) in what position is each specified person employed, (b) were the positions advertised, (c) what are the qualifications of each person, (d) what salary level is each person currently getting paid on, (e) on what date was each person appointed and (f) who approved the appointment of each person; (2) are any of the specified persons relatives of other employees of her department; if so, who?

Reply:

(1) Yes; the National Codification Bureau employed contractors between year 2015, 2016, and 2018 respectively. The total amount of contractors employed is 71.

a) The persons specified are currently utilised as codifiers since they were all trained for the codification environment.

b) No; the positions were not advertised since in line with the provision of the Department of Defence Instruction C PERS NO 89/99 the advertisement of contract positions within the Department of Defence is not regulated.

c) Contracted members qualification in various fields are as follows:

i. Honours (1)

ii. National Diploma (18)

iii. N4 (2)

iv. N5 (1)

v. N6 (3)

vi. Matric (46)

d) Salary Lev 7 (47), Salary lev 8 (23) and Salary Lev 9(1).

e) The appointment of contract workers took place in the following dates:

i. 01 October 2015 – 37 casual workers were appointed.

ii. 01 April 2016 – 3 casual workers were appointed.

iii. 01 February 2018 – 31 casual workers were appointed.

f) The Chief of the Division approved all appointments of contract workers.

(2) Seven (7) are related to already retired military veterans and 3 are related to active members of the Department of Defence.

04 March 2019 - NW192

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications

Whether she intends to merge the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) with the Universal Services and Access Agency of SA (USSASA); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) on what ground(s) will the two entities with different mandates be merged and (c) how will the board members of each entity be accommodated after the merger; (2) are any of the specified persons relatives of other employees of her department; if so, who?

Reply:

1. In line with the Presidential pronouncement that there will be a configuration of Government departments as well as entities to improve efficiency in the delivery of Government services, there has been engagements with various entities to look for synergies. This is still work in progress and currently there is no definite decision that has been made on the merger of USAASA and MDDA.

2. Once discussions are finalized and a decision is made, further details will be provided. However, it should be noted that the Board Members referred to were not removed following a damning report by the Public Protector, but instead the Board was dissolved due to a fundamental breakdown of their relationship with Minister.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

04 March 2019 - NW152

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Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Has the National Prosecuting Authority initiated any investigation to ascertain whether funds used to pay for the family holiday of former Minister of Sport and Recreation, were the proceeds of money laundering, as recommended by the Public Protector; if not, why not; if so, what is the current status of the investigation?

Reply:

The National Director of Public Prosecutions has informed me that the matter was referred to the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for investigation. The National Prosecuting Authority will only be involved after the investigation has been finalized and the docket is forwarded to them.

04 March 2019 - NW55

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Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

What number of grant applications for military veterans is waiting to be processed?

Reply:

The Department of Military Veterans does not disburse grants to military veterans.

04 March 2019 - NW210

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Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Minister ofTelecommunications, Postal Services and Communications

Whether she has appointed a panel to advise her on the 2018 turnaround strategy of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC); if so, what (a) is the name of each person serving on the panel, (b) is the expertise of each member, (c) are the qualifications of each member, (d) amount is each member paid to serve on the panel, (e) is the total number of meetings that have been held since the panel was appointed and (f) was the outcome reached by the panel regarding the turnaround strategy of the SABC?

Reply:

No, the Minister did not appoint a panel to advise her on the 2018 Turnaround Strategy of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

04 March 2019 - NW211

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Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications

(1)       Why did she not invoke section 8(3)(a) of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, Act 13 of 2000, for the removal of a certain person (name furnished) as soon as Parliament began proceedings; (2) whether the specified person has appealed the (a) conviction and (b) sentencing; if not, why has this not been reported to Parliament; if so, what are the relevant details.

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

1. The Minister intended to invoke section 8 (3) of Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Act, Act 13 of 2000, at the time. However, Mr Mohlaloga filed urgent application to interdict the process of Parliament on consideration to removal before the Western Cape High Court. Settlement agreement was reached between the parties to remove item on the agenda dealing with removal of Mr Mohlaloga. The settlement agreement was made an order of the court.

2(a) Mr Mohlaloga was convicted on 15 January 2018. Subsequent to conviction, he lodged an application an application for leave of appeal against the whole judgement.

(b) On 14 February 2019, Mr Mohlaloga was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by Regional Court for Gauteng (held at Pretoria). Subsequently, Mr Mohlaloga lodged an application for leave of appeal against the sentence which was granted.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

04 March 2019 - NW193

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications

By what date will the interviews for the board members of the Media Development and Diversity Agency be conducted?

Reply:

As members of Parliament would know, the appointment of MDDA board members is a Parliamentary process in terms of section 4(1) (b) of the MDDA Act. The date for the interviews is determined by the Portfolio Committee on Communications.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

04 March 2019 - NW276

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Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by each of (i) her departments and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

I have been advised by the departments and entities as follows:

Dept. and Entities

What number of tender briefings were held in 2018?

What number of tender briefings were compulsory?

DoC

None

Not applicable

DTPS

Four (4)

All briefings were compulsory

GCIS

4

All briefings were compulsory

FPB

Three (3)

Two briefings were compulsory

Brand SA

3

All briefings were compulsory

ICASA

Fifteen (15)

Twelve of the briefings were compulsory

MDDA

None

Not applicable

SABC

Forty (40)

Twenty three briefings were compulsory

SENTECH

Forty four 44

Twenty five briefings were compulsory

SAPO

Seventy four 74

All briefings were compulsory

NEMISA

One (1)

One was compulsory

zaDNA

1

None

USAASA and USAF

7(seven) (USAASA) 2 (two) (USAF)

All the briefings were compulsory

BBI

1

The briefing was compulsory

SITA

35 (thirty five)

One briefing was compulsory

_____________________________

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

01 March 2019 - NW261

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Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What number of (a) tender briefings was held in 2018 by (i) his department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to him and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

The Department and entities responded as follows:

(i) Department of Home Affairs

  1. Twenty seven (27) tender briefings were held in 2018 by the Department of Home Affairs.
  2. Twenty five (25) specified tender briefings were compulsory

(ii) Electoral Commission

  1. The Electoral Commission held fifty-nine (59) briefing sessions.
  2. None of these briefing sessions were compulsory.

(iii) Government Printing Works

  1. Five (5) tender briefings were held.
  2. Four (4) out of the five (5) tender briefings were compulsory.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Ms N Mohoboko Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP

A/Director-General Minister of Home Affairs

Date: Date:

01 March 2019 - NW159

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Carter, Ms D to ask the President of the Republic

Whether any steps have been taken to give effect to the recommendations of the Nugent Commission of Inquiry Into Taxation and Governance by SARS that criminal prosecution be instituted against Mr Tom Moyane for awarding a certain contract (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps and (b) what is the current status of the specified steps?

Reply:

Government has started implementing the most pressing recommendations that were made by the Commission. These include terminating the appointment of Mr Tom Moyane as the Commissioner of SARS on 1 November 2018, and initiating the process to appoint a new Commissioner.

A new commissioner is expected to be appointed in the near future.

While some of the organisational recommendations can only be implemented by the Commissioner, the Minister of Finance announced during the Budget speech that the Acting Commissioner has already taken steps to:

  • Re-establish the large business unit, which will be formally launched in early April 2019.
  • Launch an illicit economy unit to investigate syndicated tax evasion schemes in high-risk sectors, including the tobacco trade.
  • Harnessing opportunities from information-sharing agreements between tax authorities to fight cross-border tax evasion.
  • Reviewing contracts that breached procurement regulations and acting to recover funds from any fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

The Minister of Finance has requested Judge Davis to assess the tax gap, which is the difference between revenue collected and what ought to be collected.

The Minister also intends to introduce legislative amendments this year, giving effect to a number of the Commission’s governance recommendations. These matters will be included in this year’s draft tax legislation.

01 March 2019 - NW346

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Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

(a) On what date were the invitations to the 2019 Ubuntu Awards sent to the various foreign missions in the Republic, (b) why was the event cancelled and (c) was the cancellation communicated?

Reply:

(a) Honourable Member, I am not aware of any invitation issued or sent out for the Ubuntu Awards in 2019.

(b) Falls away.

(c) Falls away.

01 March 2019 - NW16

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Hlonyana, Ms NKF to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:

What is the basis on which the residents of Steenvilla Housing Project in Steenberg, Cape Town, are being evicted?

Reply:

The reason for the evictions at Steenvilla is that there is an order of court to this effect following non-payment of rentals by residents, which is a breach of the lease agreement.

In October 2016, SOHCO applied to court for an eviction order for 22 households. The High Court granted the eviction order at the end of March 2017.

01 March 2019 - NW453

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Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)(a) On what date did the National Treasury last conduct an audit of artwork owned by Government which is under the curatorship of the National Treasury and (b) what are the details of each artwork under the curatorship of the National Treasury according to the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice 103; (2) whether any artworks under the curatorship of the National Treasury have gone missing (a) in each of the past five financial years and (b) since 1 April 2018; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a) The artwork under the curatorship of National Treasury is recorded in its asset register and audited on an annual basis by the Auditor General of South Africa. There is no artwork owned by the rest of Government under the curatorship of National Treasury;

(1)(b) The National Treasury does not have any artwork under its control that meets the definition of Heritage Assets in accordance with Generally Recognised Accounting Practice 103.

(2)(a) During the past five financial years the National Treasury has not written off any artworks after completion of its physical verification process, due to loss or other reason. During the current financial year starting 1 April 2018 to date, no artwork has been found missing;

(2)(b) There is no applicable detail, as there is no missing artwork at the National Treasury.

01 March 2019 - NW222

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McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)(a) What is the total current value of South Africa’s gold reserves, (b) where are the reserves currently stored, (c) what is the annual total cost of transporting the reserves to respective places of storage and storage and (d) what procurement process was followed in identifying service providers in respect of each separate service required; (2) what are the details of the date and results of each complete and thorough stock-take and audit of the gold reserves that has been undertaken in the past three financial years; (3) (a) when last did South Africa sell any of its gold reserves, (b) whose decision was it to make the sale, (c) at what price per ounce of gold was the sale made, (d) what total quantity of gold was sold, (e) to whom was the gold sold and (f) for what purpose was it considered necessary to make such a sale?

Reply:

The South African Reserve Bank publishes information on our gold reserves every month, which can be accessed from its website. In particular, for this question, I refer you to the following link on its website:

https://www.resbank.co.za/Lists/News%20and%20Publications/Attachments/8974/GoldFXReserves_November2018.pdf.

I also refer the Honourable Member to the previous response to his question PQ2333 (as published on 19 June 2015).

1. (a) The value of the official gold reserves as at 31 October 2018 was US$4,9 billion (ZAR72,4 billion) (as outlined in the above monthly release), which is approximately 4 million fine ounces.

(b) The SARB holds a large percentage of South Africa’s gold reserves in vaults of official sector institutions at offshore bullion centres, while a smaller amount is held locally. It is operationally efficient to store gold at offshore bullion centres should the need arise to conduct gold transactions. The exact percentage allocation per location is not made public.

(c) There is no material transportation cost incurred currently, as the bulk of the gold reserves were transferred to the respective places of storage in the 1990s.

(d) No particular procurement processes have been conducted in recent years as no service provider has been required for many years. In the past, the South Reserve Bank utilised government and state institutions to provide the necessary services.

2. The SARB performs monthly reconciliations on its gold reserves held at various centres, while senior SARB officials conduct due diligence visits as well as formal audits (which include sample verifications) at offshore centres, every three years and at local centres, on an annual basis. An audit of locally held gold is also conducted annually.

3. (a) 31 March 2004 (b) The South African Reserve Bank (c) USD423.00 (d)161.51 fine ounces (to put it into perspective, a standard gold bar weighs approximately 400 fine ounces) (e) A Bullion Bank (Nova Scotia) (f) Settlement of a gold swap transaction

01 March 2019 - NW64

Profile picture: Ntlangwini, Ms EN

Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Police

Whether he has been informed that he has been implicated in testimony made under oath and in written documents by Mr Agrizzi at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to Inquire into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo; if so, were the allegations made by Mr Agrizzi in respect of him true; (2) whether he declared any financial or material gifts from Bosasa as required by the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, Act 82 of 1998; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) Yes, the Minister of Police, Honorable B.H Cele is aware of the testimony

given by Mr Agrizzi at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to Inquire into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. In his capacity of the former Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Honorable B.H Cele was invited by the former President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency G.J Zuma to go and view an Aqua Cultural project by two (2) brothers, which was later known to be the Bosasa CEO and his blood brother who manages the Aqua Cultural prawn farm in the Vaal.

(2) No, there were no gifts either financial or material received from Bosasa by the former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Honorable

B.H Cele.

R O POLICE, MP

B.H CEL DATE:

01 March 2019 - NW230

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Mr M

Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic

Whether he will take action against the (a) Minister of Environmental Affairs, (b) Minister of Mineral Resources and (c) Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services responsible for Correctional Services who are implicated through allegations in testimony given at The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the action he intends to take?

Reply:

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in public institutions is currently underway.

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the Commission will submit findings and recommendations to the President. The President will await the report of the Commission before determining what action needs to be taken, including against any Members of Cabinet that may be implicated in the report.

Nothing prevents the relevant authorities within the criminal justice system from investigating allegations of impropriety by Ministers or any other persons. In any such instances, legal processes must be allowed to be concluded with due regard for the rule of law.

01 March 2019 - NW177

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Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services

Whether the post office in Ennerdale in Gauteng has been closed due to non-payment of rent; if not, what are the relevant details in this regard; if so, (a) what total amount in rent is outstanding, (b) by what date will the outstanding amount be settled by the SA Post Office and (c) what arrangements have been made for the collection of postal items from the specified post office?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

The Ennerdale Post Office has been closed due to a dispute with the landlord regarding rental amount for the office. A meeting between SAPO and the landlord took place on 21 February 2019 to reconcile. Agreement has been reached on the following:

(a) That total amount outstanding is R489,846.36

(b) That settlement for the total outstanding amount will be effected on 08 March 2019.

(c) After negotiations with the landlord and partial payment, the branch was re-opened on 21 February 2019.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

01 March 2019 - NW166

Profile picture: Lekota, Mr M

Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance

Has the National Treasury found that the Government’s policy of fee-free higher education for the poor is fiscally sustainable?

Reply:

Under this new bursary scheme where funded students are not required to pay back money, the scheme is reliant on an allocation from the fiscus to meet its obligation to students in line with government’s commitment in this regard. Thus, any shortfalls, should they arise, will be met by the fiscus in line with resources available in the fiscal framework.

01 March 2019 - NW205

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Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Police

(a) What is the total amount of Mr Robert McBride’s legal costs which his department was ordered to pay in terms of the ruling in the Constitutional Court case of McBride v Minister of Police and Another (CCT255/15) [2016] and (b) on what date did his department pay Mr Robert McBride the costs as ordered by the court?

Reply:

I have provided my reasons to the Police Portfolio Committee on the 18th of February 2019.

Kind reg ds,

MINIS ER OF POLICE

B.H CELE DATE:

28 February 2019 - NW72

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Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

(1) With reference to the reply to question 2700 on 26 September 2017, (a) what are details of the total amount (i) actually paid to Okhahlamba Local Municipality up to 31 December 2018 and (ii) committed to be paid to the Okhahlamba Local Municipality for the Bergville Sports Complex project; (2) whether she will furnish Mr T J Brauteseth with a copy of the formal request from the Mayor of Okhahlamba Local Municipality dated 24 February 2018; (3) did any person or entity, including a certain company (name furnished) act as an agent for the Okhahlamba Local Municipality; if so, what are the details of such agent?

Reply:

1. (a)

(i) The Department contributed R20 million to the now successfully completed project which is approximately half of the total value of the project; the other half was funded by Okhahlamba Municipality. R20 million was paid in total to Okhahlamba Municipality, in 2 payments of R10 million during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years.

(ii) The agreement was to pay R20 million which has been paid already. The project is completed and so are the payments for this exemplary first class facility that provides amenities to youth and the larger rural community of Bergville.

2. No. The Department is not aware of such a request. The decision to support the project was made years prior to that date following engagements between officials of the Department and the Okhahlamba Local Municipality.

3. No.

28 February 2019 - NW291

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr P

Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of State Security

(a) What number of tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her and (b) what number of specified briefings were compulsory? RESPONSE: (i) SSA held eight (8) briefing sessions in 2018. (ii) Not applicable Eight (8) compulsory briefing sessions were held in 2018.

Reply:

a) (i) SSA held eight (8) briefing sessions in 2018.

(ii) Not applicable

b) Eight (8) compulsory briefing sessions were held in 2018.

28 February 2019 - NW285

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Matiase, Mr NS to ask the MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

(a) Tender Briefings: 242

(i) Department: 218

(ii) Entities: 24

Entity

No of tender briefings

Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB)

4

Office of the Valuer General (OVG)

2

Deeds Trading Account

18

(b) Compulsory Tender Briefings: 234

Department

214

ITB

4

OVG

2

Deeds Trading Account

14

27 February 2019 - NW34

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Mente, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether the National Treasury awarded any contract to a certain company (name furnished) in the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017; if so, (a) what was the (i) duration, (ii) value and (iii) purpose of the specified contract and (b) was the contract approved by the relevant Minister in the specified period?

Reply:

(a)(i)(iii) and (b) No contract was awarded during the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017.

27 February 2019 - NW286

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Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Science and Technology

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) her department (ii)and each of the entities reporting to her and (b) the specified briefings were compuIsory?

Reply:

 

Number of tender briefings

in 2018

 

Number of Compulsory briefings

Department of Science Technology

6

 

5

Entities reporting to the DST

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

 

86

82

National Research Foundation

 

22

22

Technology Innovation Agency

 

3

3

Human Sciences Research Council

 

11

11

South African National Space Agency

 

5

1

Academy of Science of South Africa

 

None

None

27 February 2019 - NW251

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Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

What is the projected number of teachers that will graduate from the higher education institutions in each of the next three academic years?

Reply:

The targeted number of teacher education graduates for 2019 as approved in the mid-term review of the Enrolment Plan (2014 to 2019) is 20 414.

Universities are currently working on their new enrolment plans for the period 2020 to 2025 for approval by their Councils. These plans are due to be submitted to the Department on
15 April 2019 for consolidation and finalisation. Once the enrolment planning statement has been approved by the Minister, the enrolment and graduate targets for the next period will be made available.

27 February 2019 - NW266

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Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

a) (i) The following tender briefings were scheduled and concluded by the Department during 2018:

Bid Number

Number of tender briefings held in 2018

(b) Compulsory /
Non Compulsory

DHET118

1

Compulsory

DHET120

1

Compulsory

b) (ii) The entities reporting to the Department have provided the following responses to the questions posed:

Entity

Number of tender briefings held in 2018

(b) Compulsory /
non-compulsory

1. Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority

1

Compulsory

2. Banking Sector Education and Training Authority

13

12 Compulsory and 1 non-compulsory briefing

3. Construction Education and Training Authority

3

Compulsory

4. Council on Higher Education

5

Compulsory

5. Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority

2

Compulsory

6. Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority

3

Compulsory

7. Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority

4

Compulsory

8. Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority

6

Compulsory

9. Food and Beverage Sector Education and Training Authority

7

Compulsory

10. Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority

1

Compulsory

11. Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority

5

Compulsory

12. Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority

14

5 Compulsory and 9 non-compulsory briefings

13. Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority

1

Compulsory

14. Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority

3

Compulsory

15. Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority

4

Compulsory

16. Mining Qualification Authority

3

Compulsory

17. National Student Financial Aid Scheme

4

Compulsory

18. Public Sector Education and Training Authority

10

Compulsory

19. Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

2

Compulsory

20. South African Qualifications Authority

4

2 Compulsory and 2 non-compulsory briefings

21. Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority

14

Compulsory

22. Services Sector Education and Training Authority

10

Compulsory

23. Transport Education Training Authority

15

13 Compulsory and 2 non-compulsory briefings

24. Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority

4

Compulsory

27 February 2019 - NW394

Profile picture: Nkomo, Ms SJ

Nkomo, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)Whether he can provide the (a) names and surnames and (b) dates of birth of the (i) company directors and (ii) managing directors of African Global Operations, formerly known as Bosasa Operations, since its inception in 1991 to date; (2) whether he can provide the (a) broad-based black economic empowerment certificates, (b) financial statements and (c) annual turnover of the specified company from the time of inception to date? NW418E

Reply:

1. (a) and (b)(i) Please refer to the enclosed Annexure A and (ii) CIPC does not have a record of the managing directors of African Global Operations.

(2) (a) CIPC cannot provide B-BBEE certificates. (b) CIPC can only provide the enclosed financial years statements referred to as Annexure B. (c) CIPC can only provide Turnover from 2005 at this stage as per the table below.

 

Year

Turnover total declared to CIPC[1]

2005

R133 434 460

2006

R248 349 915

2007

R390 507 954

2008

R445 554 000

2009

R467 509 494

2010

R432 884 566

2011

R345 212 894

2012

R0

2013

R648 181 225

2014

R753 166 122

2015

R818 397 894

2016

R806 893 890

2017

R115 497 288

Please note that according to the CIPC, the figures for 2015 and 2017 as provided by the companies as contained in the table below, differ from the recently received audited financial statements. The CIPC will be investigating the difference in figures.

27 February 2019 - NW8

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Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether, with reference to the reply to question 2618 on 7 September 2017, he was informed of the proposed plan in due course to close the roads adjacent to the entrances of O R Tambo International Airport to the public because of security considerations; if not, what are the relevant details of the plan, including (a) the full explanation of the plan and concomitant periods of time, (b) the legal grounds on which the execution of the plan is based, (c) any traffic, social and economic impact studies undertaken in this regard, (d) any public participation opportunities in which role players were offered the chance to make inputs and (e) any workable alternatives for (i) travellers who will be affected by the intended plan and (ii) businesses conducting parking services from the specified airport; (2) whether he has been informed that the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has been in contact with the SA National Airport Parking Association (SANAPA) and that ACSA has given SANAPA an undertaking to participate in the process regarding the proposed road closures; (3) whether he has been informed of the current form of intimidation being conducted against parking operators by ACSA and the Ekurhuleni metro police, who allegedly are having cars picking up and dropping passengers at the entrances towed and stored, and that this has the result of random removal and storage of the cars of bona fide users of the pickup and drop-off points; if not, will he conduct an investigation in this regard; if so, (a) why is this happening and (b) what steps will he take in order to ensure that individuals are given a reasonable time to pick up or drop off passengers?

Reply:

Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)

(1)(a) The terrorist attacks in the landside area of Brussels Airport on 22 March 2016 and Istanbul Airport on 28 June 2016, has brought aviation security sharply into focus from all aviation stakeholders, governments and the media. Ensuring the security of the traveling public is a top priority for ACSA. The appropriate authority has defined “landside.” To include areas of mass gathering inside or close to the terminal, where there is a regular concentration of people. There is collaboration with the appropriate authority responsible for civil aviation security matters and other security agencies to conduct risk and vulnerability assessment of Airports to determine if any adjustments to current security measures are warranted. This requirement is contained in our National Civil Aviation Security Programme that allocate responsibilities to state agencies. Engagement with the National and Airport Security Committees on appropriate measures to implement on specific threat scenarios.

(i) Metal barriers and bollards are being used to prevent drive-in attacks

(ii) The separation of vehicle drop-off and pickup areas from the terminal building

(iii) Relocation of vehicle parking close to the terminal building to open areas further from the buildings

(iv) Management of crowds around the landside areas to reduce gatherings of meters and greeters has been implemented.

(v) Security considerations have been considered for access areas such as balconies, terraces or windows that open, close to the terminal building where an active shooter or bomber might have access to crowded public areas by enhancement of patrols and CCTV surveillance.

(vi) Airport workers & passenger awareness & communication, there is a continuous reminder through the public-address system to passengers and visitors to be vigilant and report unattended baggage or suspicious behavior.

(vii) Security awareness training is provided for all Airport workers (both airport and non-airport employees, including those not involved directly in security) to recognize suspicious behavior, and provide a simple and quick means to report it.

(b) Airports Company South Africa is not obligated under any legal grounds to implement the restricted road access. This road is under the jurisdiction of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan municipality. The municipality is charged with this legal responsibility. The management of O.R Tambo International Airport has raised its concerns and suggested that the airport controls the access and egress onto the airport frontage roads.

(i) Aviation-specific security regulations focus on the airside spaces (non-public spaces of airports accessible only to air passengers who hold a valid boarding pass and to security cleared staff). These regulations are designed to prevent unlawful interference with air transport. Landside spaces (airport spaces accessible to the public) are subject to general security regulations enacted by national civil aviation authority. It is therefore up to the national civil aviation authority to review and coordinate with airports to identify the appropriate measures that match their specific threat scenario.

(ii) A new set of standards regarding landside security are included in Amendment 15 to Annex 17 of the Chicago Convention (April 2017) which require States to ensure that landside areas are identified, that measures are established to mitigate and prevent attacks based on a risk assessment, that measures are appropriately coordinated, and that responsibilities are allocated within a State’s national civil aviation security programme.

(iii) Accompanying this standard is guidance material within Doc8973, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Manual, which provides additional information on how measures might be implemented. DOC 8973 states that no vehicle shall park within 50 meters from the terminal building.

(iv) The following list provides some best practices in detection, deterrence or mitigation of landside threats that reflect current ICAO guidance material and other industry best practices.

(v) Consider infrastructure and airport design features to mitigate the threat from attack. These might include:

(vi) bollards, flowerpots and other structures to prevent drive-in attacks

(vii) the separation of vehicle drop-off and pickup points from the terminal

(viii) Reduce access areas (such as terraces) where an active shooter or bomber might have access to crowded public areas.

(c) Studies was conducted by a traffic consultant in accordance to municipal by laws

(d) Public participation will be done prior to implementation

(e) Workable alternatives are:

(i) the separation of vehicle drop-off and pickup points from the terminal

(2) (a) none

3. (i) ASA and the Ekurhuleni metro police, doesn’t intimidate parking operators at the airports. In terms of ICAO Doc 9873 and National Civil Aviation Program vehicles cannot be left unattended on the roadway and within 50 meters from terminal building.

(ii) ACSA must ensure adequate road marking and appropriate signages in accordance to road ordinance act.

27 February 2019 - NW32

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Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Finance

Has any (a) municipality, (b) state-owned entity and (c) department opened an account or deposited money in any other mutual bank other than the VBS Mutual Bank during the period 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) who opened such accounts or deposited money in a mutual bank, (ii) what amount was deposited in each case and (iii) in which mutual bank was the money deposited?

Reply:

a) According to information at our disposal there are only two other mutual banks operating in South Africa which are:

  1. GBS Mutual Bank; and
  2. Finbond Mutual Bank.

There are no records of any municipal investments for 01 January 2009 to 30 June 2014. Based on municipal reports submitted to the National Treasury from 01 July 2014 to December 2018, there were no municipal investments in either GBS Mutual Bank or Finbond Mutual Bank.

b) In terms of section 7(2) of the PFMA the above-mentioned banks are not approved in writing by the National Treasury.

  • Therefore, approval was not granted to national or provincial departments or national or provincial public entities to invest funds with these institutions.

In terms of section 7(3) of the PFMA Schedule 2 entities (SOE’s) may open bank accounts without the approval of the National treasury.

In terms of Treasury Regulation 31.2.1 The South African Library for the Blind reported that they held an account with GBS Mutual Bank. 

27 February 2019 - NW184

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Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)With reference to the reply to question 3520 of 10 November 2017, on which specific date did (a) the Bus Rapid Transport kerbside and (b) trunk route both become fully operational; (2) have negotiations with taxi associations been completed; if not, what are the obstacles preventing finalisation of the negotiations; (3) on what date were all the pedestrian bridges (a) completed and (b) opened?

Reply:

(1) With reference to the reply to question 3520 of 10 November 2017, on which specific date did (a) the Bus Rapid Transport kerbside and (b) trunk route both become fully operational;

(a) The Kerbside operations of the City of Ekurhuleni’s Bus Transport commenced in October 2017 with an introductory service (operating with limited buses) which will be ramped up to full operations as the system matures.

(b) The trunk route is not fully operational. The operations of the trunk route have been delayed by the construction of median trunk stations and the stream crossing. The trunk route is expected to be fully operational early 2019/20 financial year.

(2) Have negotiations with taxi associations been completed; if not, what are the obstacles preventing finalisation of the negotiations;

Significant progress has been made regarding the negotiations with the Taxi industry, however the negotiations were suspended due to the expired contract of the Taxi Industry Technical Advisory (TITA) Team. The pending appointment of TITA and Market surveys are the main obstacles preventing the conclusion of the negotiations.

(3) On what date were all the pedestrian bridges (a) completed and (b) opened?

(a) The pedestrian bridges are still underway construction. The completion of the pedestrian bridges was delayed by design related issues including the bulk water pipeline which was detected during construction and plexiglass specifications.

(b) The planned completion date for pedestrian bridges is during May 2019.

27 February 2019 - NW175

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Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(1)With reference to the reply to question 647 on 11 April 2018 regarding the Rules and Guidelines for the Administration and Management of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training College Bursary Scheme, which was to be completed by no later than 30 September 2018, what led to the specified document only being released to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges on 14 December 2018; (2) has she found that the late release and downward changes in amounts when comparing the specified document with an earlier draft that was circulated, created risks for the management of budgets and learner-relationships at our public TVET colleges; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what new steps will her department introduce to prevent a re-occurrence of the continued late release of this important document to TVET colleges;

Reply:

1. The Department was exploring the possibility of converting the bursary tuition amount into a conditional grant to minimise the bursary administrative processes, which would have had an impact on the 2019 Bursary Rules and Guidelines. However, it was not possible to implement this for the 2019 academic year. In addition, the process of introducing standardised allowances for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges were also protracted.

2. The Department introduced a new category of allowance, i.e. a personal care allowance, for all bursary recipients to assist them with their necessities. The introduction of standardised allowances and a new category of allowance changed the amounts that were initially considered for travel and accommodation contained in the draft version that was sent out to colleges for their comments.

The Department, in collaboration with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), had numerous engagements with Principals and financial aid practitioners towards the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019 to prepare for the administration of bursaries. In addition to the ongoing engagements with colleges, the Department also issued Circulars to all colleges which set out the immediate and key steps that colleges had to follow to ensure a smooth 2019 bursary application process.

3. Preparing the draft guideline documents for my approval by June at the latest.

4. Engagements with college Principals and Student Representative Councils will start in June 2019 to finalise the 2020 Bursary Rules and Guidelines, which the Department aims to release early in October 2019. Concluding all of these activities timeously will allow colleges and students to focus on teaching and learning rather than on student financial aid matters.

27 February 2019 - NW321

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Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

What was the contribution of artificial intelligence to the gross domestic product in 2018?

Reply:

i) Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence demonstrated by machines. At the present time, there is no globally agreed methodology for calculating the contribution of artificial intelligence to gross domestic product (GDP).

ii) Nevertheless, it is expected that AI will impact economies in at least three inter-related ways. Firstly, on the production side the deployment of artificial intelligence capabilities will raise the productivity of firms by reducing costs, and/or production time, and/or improve product customisation.

iii) Secondly, on the consumption side artificial intelligence will upgrade or fundamentally modify traditional goods and/or services, thereby increasing their utility and value to consumers. In additional, artificial intelligence will likely reduce the time required for routine tasks to be concluded, thereby freeing consumers’ time which can be spent on other activities including consumption of other goods and services.

iv) According to Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), 2017, “AI to drive GDP gains of $15.7 trillion with productivity, personalisation improvements”, global GDP will be 14% higher in 2030 as a result of artificial intelligence.

26 February 2019 - NW278

Profile picture: Mashabela, Ms N

Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Energy

What number of (a) tender briefings were held in 2018 by (i) his department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to him and (b) the specified briefings were compulsory?

Reply:

a) (i) Twelve (12) tender briefings were held in 2018 as follows:

Number

Reference

Date

1.

DoE/001/2017/18

1 February 2018

2.

DoE/002/2017/18

3 April 2018

3.

DoE/003/2017/18

3 April 2018

4.

DoE/004/2017/18

5 April 2018

5.

DoE/005/2017/18

5 April 2018

6.

DoE/001/2018/19

3 May 2018

7.

DoE/002/2018/19

3 May 2018

8.

DoE/003/2018/19

15 May 2018

9.

DoE/004/2018/19

16 May 2018

10.

DoE/005/2018/19

28 May 2018

11.

DoE/006/2018/19

11 June 2018

12

DoE/007/2018/19

24 July 2018

b) Yes, all the twelve (12) briefings were compulsory.

Entity

a) (ii) Number of tender briefings held in 2018

b) The specified briefings were compulsory

Central Energy Fund (CEF)

86 (inclusive of PetroSA and SFF)

CEF 10 briefings – 9 compulsory

1 non-compulsory

SFF 11 briefings – All compulsory

PetroSA 65 briefings – 1 compulsory

17 non-compulsory

45 non-briefings

 

National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)

5

Yes

National Nuclear Regulator (NNR)

1

Yes

National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute (NRWDI)

None

N/A

South African National Energy Development

Institute (SANEDI)

7

Yes

South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA)

13

Yes

26 February 2019 - NW325

Profile picture: Ntlangwini, Ms EN

Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

How many tons of steel has the country produced in each of the past 15 years?

Reply:

Over the past 15 years, South Africa’s primary steel industry consisted of the following major flat and long steel producers: ArcelorMittal SA, Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium, Cape Gate, Columbus Stainless Steel and SCAW. Small mini-mill players (Agni Steel, Fortune Steel, SA Steel Mills, Cape Town Iron and Steel Works and Veer Steel Mills have started operation in recent years.

The steel industry has been in decline in the last 15 years. Apart from weak demand, a major cause of the decline is the influx of steel imports which adversely affect the profitability and capacity utilization rates of the domestic steel producers. This trend has been aggravated over the years by massive global excess capacity, high production costs and aged plants.

The table and diagram below depict the decline from 2004 where production was 9.4 million tons per annum compared to current production of 6.3 million tons per annum in 2018. Highveld Steel and Vanadium closed in 2015 accounting for a reduction in 1 million tons per annum of steel capacity.

SA’s crude steel production per annum (2004-2018)

Year

SA Crude steel production (tonnes)

2004

9 405 568

2005

9 393 123

2006

9 603 324

2007

8 985 805

2008

8 154 958

2009

7 483 932

2010

7 616 762

2011

7 546 489

2012

6 938 400

2013

7 161 900

2014

6 412 200

2015

6 417 100

2016

6 141 300

2017

6 299 200

2018

6 328 300

Source: South African Institute of Iron and Steel