Questions and Replies

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08 March 2024 - NW90

Profile picture: Phillips, Ms C

Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether, in light of the Auditor-General’s Consolidated Generals Report on National and Provincial Audit Outcomes 2022-23, which indicates a material irregularity of a likely loss of R296 million in relation to fees for prospecting licences, permits and rights that were not collected between April 2020 and March 2023, the licences, permits and rights were awarded without the relevant fees being paid; if not, what were the reasons that fees were not collected; if so, what are the reasons that this was allowed?

Reply:

Prospecting licences, permits and rights were awarded between April 2020 and March 2023. Prospecting Right holders are obliged to pay prospecting fees in terms of section 19(2)(f) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) (as amended) (hereinafter referred to as the MPRDA). According to section 76(2) of the MPRDA Regulations a holder of a Prospecting Right must pay prospecting fees annually in advance and not later than 30 days from the commencement date of such right and thereafter not later than 30 days following the anniversary of each respective year of the right for the duration thereof.

Prospecting right holders usually pay the initial fees when the right is issued, however they fail to pay annual fees in subsequent years due to a variety of reasons. These include less than promising results from initial prospecting rounds compared to expended financial resources and in some cases delinquency on the part of right holders.

Despite efforts from each of the Regions to collect outstanding fees, some right holders failed to respond. These were escalated to State Attorneys for collection and in some cases, there was a positive response. In others, the Department failed to get response. In some cases, holders were not traceable and there were no activities on the site. In other limited cases the Directors were deceased.

08 March 2024 - NW82

Profile picture: Roos, Mr AC

Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)What (a) progress has been made by the Council for Scientific and Industry Research (CSIR) on the development of an IT system for his department in five designated offices to address network challenges and (b) are the (i) main deliverables and (ii) due dates for each deliverable; (2) whether there are any sub-contractors involved in the project; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full details of (a) the sub-contractors and (b) their contract value; (3) what are the reasons that the project did not go out on open tender?

Reply:

(1)(a) The progress made in the five designated offices is contained in the table in (b)(ii) below.

(1)(b)(i) The main deliverable of the Proof of Concept (PoC) is an overlay of the selected sites onto an alternative network.

(1)(b)(ii) The following activities were planned to achieve this deliverable: -

Activity

Responsible party

Due date

PoC site selection

CSIR + DHA

31 May 2023 (completed)

Physical PoC site surveys

CSIR

30 June 2023 (completed)

Procurement guidelines

CSIR + DHA

30 June 2023 (completed)

PoC site connection

DHA

30 June 2024 (in progress) – connections taking place in parallel, last site planned to be connected on 30 June 2024

Reporting

CSIR

30 September 2024 (in progress)

(2) CSIR did not appoint any sub-contractors; nor are there sub-contractors involved in the project. However, three service providers were appointed through an RFQ procurement process by the Department of Home Affairs in support of the CSIR project. Please refer to the contracted values below: -

Service Provider

Scope of Work

Contract value

Dark Fiber

Provide Fibre link with no services or data line (Dark fiber), as the standard to the following offices: Menlyn, Soshanguve, Umgeni, Wynberg and Potchefstroom; which terminate on an Optical Distribution Frame on either end of the link (ODF-to-ODF).

R2,896,918.00

Service Provider

Scope of Work

Contract value

Liquid Tech

Provide Fibre link with no services or data line (Dark fiber), with fibre class G652D as the standard to King Shaka International Airport which terminate on an Optical Distribution Frame on either end of the link (ODF-to-ODF).

R3,078,829.00

CBX Tech

Provide and install Nokia SAS-M 24F switch, with dual power supply (1 year Next business day onsite warranty) for the six sites.

R696,658.00

(3) The decision to deviate from the normal SCM processes and the SITA Act in the appointment of the CSIR was based on the fact the Department had requested SITA to appoint CSIR through a deviation process as the service is within the non-mandatory services to SITA, but SITA was advised by the National Treasury to let the Department transact directly with CSIR as the budget is from the Department. The Department then followed the deviation process due to the following:

• CSIR has an understanding and is familiar with the DHA IT environment;

• The project will assist with stabilising the IT environment and enable the Department to achieve its service delivery objectives; and

• The item is not a SITA mandatory service as it is intended to identify bottlenecks within the IT environment. Should the CSIR recommend new developments, SITA will be approached as the IT procurement agency of the State.

The Department operates in the security cluster and security considerations dictate the use of another Government entity / institution to conduct the systems downtime diagnostics rather than any bidder in the open market.

END

08 March 2024 - NW69

Profile picture: Cuthbert, Mr MJ

Cuthbert, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) Whether he will furnish Mr M J Cuthbert with a full list of (a) completed and (b) outstanding applications for (i) mining rights, (ii) prospecting rights and (iii) mining permits that were received in each province in the 2023-24 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he will provide reasons for the delay in each outstanding application; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a)(b) & (2) Please refer to the attached Annexure A and B.

07 March 2024 - NW366

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health

In light of the staff shortages in the healthcare facilities of the Republic, what specific measures has his department put in place to ensure that when other staff members are on leave there is adequate manpower on duty to ensure the smooth running of healthcare facilities?

Reply:

As a standard practice, staff submit their annual leave plans to their managers in the beginning of the year. Managers analyse the plans and allocate the leave days in such a way that there will be service coverage at all times. Managers discuss the allocations with the staff, reach agreements and finalise the unit or section leave plans. Any unavoidable deviation from the agreed upon plan is managed by seconding staff from other facilities so that service coverage is adhered to.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW309

Profile picture: Roos, Mr AC

Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)How many of the Operation Vulindlela recommendations relating to his department have been implemented during the targeted time frame; (2) (a) which recommendations, if any, have not been implemented and (b) what are the reasons for failure to implement all recommendations; (3) whether his department intend to implement any of the outstanding recommendations; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details and (b) time frames for the implementation of those recommendations?

Reply:

1. Five Operation Vulindlela recommendations were implemented fully during the targeted timeframe.

2. The remaining three recommendations are being processed as they relate to:

a) Firstly, it’s the introduction of new visa categories to cater for remote workers and start-ups. Secondly, it is the expansion of the DHA capacity in Immigration Services and the Third, is modernising IT systems.

b) The DHA is making progress with regard to the remaining three recommendations which can be recorded as follows: The amendment of Immigration regulations for new visa categories was published on 08 February 2024 for public comments until 29 March 2024. The regulations will be finalised after the public consultation process. With regards to DHA capacity, the Department recently received an allocation from the National Treasury to increase its capacity but will take longer to reach the desired level. In terms of modernising IT systems, the DHA is working on a modernisation programme that seeks to modernise IT systems.

3. (a) (b)Yes, the department has committed to the Presidency to implement all the recommendations and is in the process of doing so within the targeted timeframes of Operation Vulindela.

END

07 March 2024 - NW319

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Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What is his department’s plan to ensure that the ratio of environmental health practitioners (EHPs) to members of the population is addressed to meet the norms and standards of the National Environmental Health Policy, which states that there should be an EHP for every 10 000 members of the population; (2) what number of times did the EHPs visit early childhood development centres in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022 and (e) 2023?

Reply:

1. The Department has, in terms of governance, developed and gazetted the “National Environmental Health Norms and Standards for Premises and Acceptable Monitoring Standards for Environmental Health Practitioners” in 2015. In terms of these Norms and Standards, the Department has since 2016 included the “Assessment of Municipalities” in its Annual Performance Plan (APP) to monitor the 1:10 000 ratio of EHP per population in the country. The reports generated from the assessments play a vital role in providing municipalities with evidence to use to motivate for additional human resources at their respective Municipal Councils.

2. The following table reflects the details in this regard.

YEARS

NUMBER OF VISITS TO ECDs

2019

48035

2020

29376

2021

39913

2022

52561

2023

54533

 

END.

07 March 2024 - NW187

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Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What is the percentage of deaths that have been registered with his department within 72 hours in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021, (d) 2022 and (e) 2023?

Reply:

The percentage of deaths registered within 72 hours in each of the following years:

a) 2019: 67%

b) 2020: 68,90%

c) 2021: 66,48%

d) 2022: 65,79%

e) 2023: 66,36%

END.

07 March 2024 - NW161

Profile picture: Smalle, Mr JF

Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What is the total number of deaths registered in the (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23 financial years in each province?

Reply:

a) Total number of deaths registered in the 2021-22 financial year in each province is: -

PROVINCE

TOTAL

EASTERN CAPE

81649

FREE STATE

35399

GAUTENG

122328

HEAD OFFICE

10209

KWAZULU-NATAL

100300

LIMPOPO

56346

MPUMALANGA

38570

NORTH WEST

35297

NORTHERN CAPE

19883

WESTERN CAPE

67828

TOTAL

567809

b) Total number of deaths registered in the 2022-23 financial year in each province is: -

PROVINCE

TOTAL

EASTERN CAPE

73184

FREE STATE

27677

GAUTENG

109770

KWAZULU-NATAL

87070

LIMPOPO

46226

MPUMALANGA

31377

NORTH WEST

27082

NORTHERN CAPE

15337

WESTERN CAPE

55775

TOTAL

473498

END.

07 March 2024 - NW253

Profile picture: Meshoe, Rev KR

Meshoe, Rev KR to ask the Minister of Police

What are the full details of the strategy that he has put in place to root out corruption in the ranks of the SA Police Service (SAPS), which includes a tendency by members of the SAPS to accept bribes from drug lords and thereby allowing for the proliferation of drugs in the Republic?

Reply:

Find here: Reply

07 March 2024 - NW28

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What (a) is the current backlog of visa processing since 1 January 2023, (b) is the breakdown of the specified backlog in each visa category, (c) is the average waiting period for each visa category and (d) are the reasons that visitors are not allowed to extend their visas past the initial 90 days granted?

Reply:

(a)(b) the DHA has 17 visa categories. The other categories are Critical, and General worker's visas have no backlog, however, the Spousal visa category backlog stands at 41083, which is section 11 (6).

The delays and backlogs are on two visa categories, they are section 11 (6) and Section 18. They are for spousal and relative visas respectively. The department experiences challenges concerning the legitimacy of relationships being claimed or cited in the application. It must be noted that some foreign nationals take advantage and follow corrupt methods to legitimise themselves, family members, friends, and others.

Fraudulent marriages, marriages of convenience, and a special category of cohabitation are unfortunately on the increase. The department has to prove the legitimacy of these relationships as well as their notarial contracts.

It is widely known that the department does not have sufficient capacity such as immigration officers who have to be tasked in investigating the authenticity of such relationships. Without proving the authenticity of such documents the department will end up issuing visas to people who do not deserve to be in the country.

(c) The average waiting period is stipulated in the DHA Service Delivery Charter which is available online. For example, the turnaround time for PRP is 8 months.

(d) In terms of Section 11 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, provides that

(1) A visitor’s visa may be issued for any purpose other than those provided in sections 13 to 24, and subject to subsection (2), by the Director General in respect of a foreigner who complies with section 10A and provides the financial or other guarantees prescribed in respect of his or her departure, provided that such visa’ may not exceed three months and upon application may be renewed by the Director General for a further period which shall not exceed three months.

Further, applicants that have applied for extensions that are under consideration by the Department remain legal in the country pending finalisation of their applications. This is in line with our legislative prescripts as passed by the legislature.

END

07 March 2024 - NW414

Profile picture: Khakhau, Ms KL

Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What total number of students have to date been allocated money in accordance with his department’s missing-middle funding model?

Reply:

NSFAS is currently still processing applications based on financial eligibility of a combined family income in the range of R351 000 to R600 000. Academic institutions will assist in establishing academic eligibility (e.g. STEM vs Humanities programmes and the 70:30 split respectively).

Once both requirements of financial and academic eligibility are satisfied, NSFAS will share the loan agreement forms and associated documents for each eligible student with the students. Disbursement will follow thereafter.

07 March 2024 - NW397

Profile picture: Pietersen, Ms M L

Pietersen, Ms M L to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

With regard to water-related grants such as the Regional Bulk Water Infrastructure Grant and Water Service Infrastructure Grant making a huge positive impact in society through the rolling out of water infrastructure projects, (a) how many projects are to be completed by the end of the current financial year and (b) what total number of households across the Republic would have access to water and sanitation upon completion of these projects?

Reply:

The table below summarises the number of projects planned to be completed in the current financial year 2024/25 and the households to benefit from these projects:

Grant Funding

Number of projects to be completed (2024/25 FY)

Number of households targeted to benefit from completed projects

Water Services Infrastructure Grant

103

309 000

Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant

32

467 000

---00O00---

07 March 2024 - NW424

Profile picture: Myburgh, Mr NG

Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

With reference to the negative impact of the lack of adequate water supplies to healthcare facilities on the delivery of healthcare services across the Republic, especially in towns in the Northern Cape where a recent additional R200 million allocation to the provincial Department of Health did not improve service delivery, what are the relevant details of the measures his department has taken to mitigate the devastation wreaked on healthcare by the lack of water services caused by poor governance of the facilities in places such as Kimberley and elsewhere in the Republic?

Reply:

a)  The Sol Plaatje LM developed an emergency intervention to alleviate the water crisis for hospitals in Kimberley, over and above water infrastructure projects that are being implemented with funding from the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) funding program. The project is intended to improve water production at Riverton Water Treatment Works. It will be implemented in terms of the "Six Week Project Plan" to immediately deal with "quick-wins" which can improve production and reduce operational losses.

It should be noted that the key contributing factor to the water challenges being experienced in the Kimberly area is the raw water quality of the Vaal River, due to algal bloom. This has had a direct negative impact on purified water production. The municipality is currently supplementing water supply to hospitals and malls through water tankers, which fill-up the on-site water tanks of health facilities.

The Sol Plaatje LM has been experiencing substantial water supply and quality challenges from the Riverton supply on the Vaal River to their Newton Storage facility located towards the South of Kimberley. The bulk water supply system not only has capacity constraints in meeting the increasing water demands, but Sol Plaatje is having to contend with frequent supply disruptions caused by continued leaks/breakages and poor water quality. The leaks are experienced on the main pipeline from Riverton to Kimberley.

To address this, the Sol Plaatje Municipality submitted an application to the National Treasury for Bulk Funding Infrastructure (BFI) in 2021, with the aim of implementing much-needed upgrades to its ageing water supply infrastructure (bulk and reticulation). The objective is to restore, monitor and control water quality, water supply and non-revenue water to Sol Plaatje Municipality.

The overall Water Supply Intervention Plan has been developed with three key phases:

INTERVENTIONS

SCOPE

Planning and Emergency/Short Term Interventions

(Phase 1: 9 months duration)

(Phase 2: 11 months duration)

Planned to commence in Sept 2023

Planned for completion by Jun 2025

  • Internal and external bulk pipeline condition audits and leak detection.
  • Emergency bulk pipeline repairs.
  • Refurbishment of the Riverton WTW to improve water quality
  • Emergency pipe repairs and level monitoring at Newton Reservoir Site to reduce losses.

Medium Term Interventions (25 - month duration)

Planned to commence in May 2024

Planned for completion by Jun 2026

      • Bulk pipeline cathodic protection and or bulk pipeline replacement, dependent on outcome of the emergency interventions.
      • Newton reservoir and tower pump station upgrades.
      • Finalize water network zoning, meter installation and smart monitoring.
      • Extended network upgrades and pipe repairs.

Long Term Interventions (40 - month duration)

Planned to commence in Nov 2024

Planned for completion by March 2028

  • Water treatment works upgrades, technology improvements and automation to further improve water quality.

---00O00---

07 March 2024 - NW250

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

What is the total number of officials of his department who have been (a) caught and (b) prosecuted for corruption, such as selling documents, and/or working with syndicates from 1 January 2019 until the latest specified date for which information is available?

Reply:

(a & b) The information is tabulated below:

Year

Number of Cases received

Arrests

Convictions

2019 - 2020

283

6

None

2020 – 2021

193

5

None

2021 – 2022

232

27

01

2022 – 2023

206

48

09

2023 – 2024

266

40

02

END

07 March 2024 - NW323

Profile picture: Sarupen, Mr AN

Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether, considering the participation of the delegation of the Republic in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 that took place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 15 to 19 January 2024, his department bore the financial responsibility for the expenses of its representatives in terms of (a) accommodation, (b) air travel, (c) ground transportation and (d) any other ancillary expenses; if so, what are the relevant details in terms of the (i) total cost and (ii) breakdown thereof; if not, (2) whether the specified expenses were covered by funds received from the National Treasury; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Minister’s delegation included one technical official and one Personal Assistant.

1. (a)-(d) Yes.

(i) Total cost: R1 101 726.83

(ii) Daily allowance: R 57 390.94

Air Travel: R 211 876.63

Accommodation: R 827 461.51

Travel agent service fee: R 1 083.00

Service fees for accommodation: R 258.75

International handling fee: R 828.00

Back-office processing fees: R 828.00

Meals: R 2 000.00

2. As indicated in (1) above, the costs were born out of the budget of the National Department of Health.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW318

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Regarding the placement of interns and community service medical personnel for each of the different medical categories, including but not limited to doctors, nurses and environmental health practitioners, since 1 January 2019 up to the latest date for which information is available, (a) what total number of foreign nationals who studied in the Republic (i) applied for placement and/or allocation, (ii) were successfully placed and (iii) in which cycle were they placed, (b) what are the details of the backlog of placements and (c) how has his department assisted the students and/or interns to successfully complete their training in cases where they did not get placed; (2) how does his department inform foreign nationals who seek to study medicine in the Republic of the fact that they might never be placed and thus be unable to qualify in their chosen medical fields?

Reply:

1. The employment of Foreign Health Professionals is subject to the conditions contained in South African employment legislation (including, for the public sector, those conditions contained in the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended and the Public Service Regulations, 2001), as well as the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2002 as amended in 2004 (Immigration Act) and the Refugees Act, 1998 (Refugees Act) where applicable.

In accordance with Section 19(2)(a) of the immigration Act 2002, as amended, the employment of Foreign Health Professionals shall only be allowed on condition that there is record that no South African Citizen or Permanent Resident was available or found suitable to fill the particular post. In addition, no Foreign Health Professional is allowed to initially take up employment in a professional capacity or continue with such employment without a valid Work Permit or Refugee's Permit or Treaty Permit and with the appropriate registration with the relevant Health Professional Council in South Africa.

In line with the above Regulations, the Policy on Recruitment of Foreign Nationals informs that posts for internship and community service will be offered to non-South African citizens and refugees within available resources only after all South African citizens and Permanent Residents have been accommodated. The policy further states that, once South African citizens and permanent residents are accommodated, priority will be given to the allocation of non-South African citizens who graduated from South African Universities and finally non-South Africans who have been recognised by the relevant statutory council as being suitable for practice in South Africa. The allocation algorithm will continue to place applicants in this order until all applicants have been allocated or available sites have been exhausted.

a) (i) Applications received for Foreign Nationals for ICSP in each year since 2019:

Non-South African Applications

Field of study

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Audiologist

1

3

4

2

3

1

Clinical Psychologist

7

9

12

5

2

5

Dentist

18

6

10

11

18

11

Diagnostic Radiographer

17

23

33

13

13

12

Diagnostic Sonographer

0

 

 

0

1

 

Dietician

6

9

16

4

7

3

Environmental Health Practitioner

1

63

39

8

1

2

Medical Practitioner

83

27

38

13

11

5

Nuclear Medical Radiographer (Comm Service)

1

5

7

2

0

1

Occupational Therapist

8

7

11

6

4

2

Pharmacist

103

121

140

139

145

43

Physiotherapist

5

11

17

10

6

7

Professional Nurse

40

41

75

49

53

13

Radiotherapy

0

2

4

6

2

3

Speech Therapist

2

6

7

4

3

2

Internship

143

76

107

90

74

48

Grand Total

435

409

520

362

343

158

(ii) & (iii) In the reporting period of 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2024 only 2 foreign nationals were allocated in 2019 and 2023 on a self-funded accredited post or where resources permitted.

(b) There is no backlog of allocations as each Cycle is managed according to the number of applicants received against the number of available posts pertaining to the Cycle. Instead, applicants are always advised to apply in each cycle and treat that as a new application.

(c) Medical training offered across the 10 Medical Schools in South Africa has been accredited and accepted to fulfil the requirements to obtain Medical Degree. To register to practice as a Medical Doctor in South Africa as per the HPCSA Regulations, graduates are expected to undergo a two-year Internship Training programme. Accredited and funded posts for Internship programme are limited and as such unable to accommodate most Foreign Nationals.

It should be noted that the intention of hosting Foreign National African students to study in South Africa is to improve the human resources for health in the Region. Therefore, it is expected that foreign health professional graduates will return to their countries of origin to serve. Similarly, we expect our professionals to undergo Community Service before they can be recognised for independent practice registration.

2. Foreign students who study at various South African Medical Schools are continuously made aware of the above-mentioned processes and legislation throughout their duration of study. Furthermore, the Internship and Community Service Placement (ICSP) website clearly stipulates the allocation criteria. Lastly, the foreign graduates who would have applied still get reminded through the letter of decline the reasons for their ineligibility.

END

07 March 2024 - NW412

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King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

(1)What total number of beds for student accommodation have been approved by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme accrediting agents to date for the 2024 academic year; (2) whether the specified accrediting agents have been paid in full yet; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

(1) The total number of beds that have been accredited by NSFAS is 83 750.

(2) NSFAS has paid accreditation agents for whom invoices have been validated and approved. The total paid to date for 2023 accreditation amounts to R1, 575,740.

07 March 2024 - NW292

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

What (a)(i) is the current backlog on toxicology analysis at the Durban Forensic Chemistry Laboratories, (ii) measures have been put in place to eradicate the backlog and (iii) total number of toxicology tests are run on each day and (b) by what date will the Durban backlog be eradicated?

Reply:

According to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS):

a) (i) There is no backlog of toxicology cases at the Durban FCL.

The Durban FCL does not offer a full toxicology service. Postmortem cases referred from the Kwazulu-Natal and regions of the Eastern Cape provinces that require analysis for carbon monoxide testing only are processed and completed at the Durban FCL. These comprise a small number of samples and no backlog has developed.

(ii) There is no backlog of toxicology cases at the Durban FCL.

(iii) The Durban FCL receives on average 12 carbon monoxide cases for analysis per month and completes these cases each month.

b) There is no backlog of toxicology cases at the Durban FCL.

END

07 March 2024 - NW365

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Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What specific measurements has her department put in place to ensure that houses built by the Government for persons living with disabilities, particularly those who are wheelchair-bound, are indeed adapted to cater for their needs?

Reply:

The Department issued the National Norms and Standards for the Creation of Serviced Stands, the Construction of Stand Alone and Higher Density Semi-Detached and Three Storey Walk-up Residential Dwellings which are financed through National Housing Programmes. Part of the norms and standards cater for persons living with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs. As a minimum, the standards prescribe that a subsidised house for a person living with disabilities must be forty-five square meters (45m2) in gross floor area as size. Additionally, an increased space must be allocated for the bathroom to enable ease of mobility, while accommodating specialised items such as handrails. Other items that cater for persons living with disability include:

  • Access to the house: 12 square metres (12m2)of paving and ramp at the doorway
  • Grab rails and lever action taps in the bathroom (enlargement of the area can be done at the expense of the rest of the house)
  • Visual doorbell indicators

The above-listed provisions serve to cater for people using walking aids, wheelchair-partial usage and persons who are partially or profoundly deaf.

It is important to note that the policy also permits that in instances wherein a member of a beneficiary's household is disabled, a variation to the subsidy amount is made available to cater for them.

Furthermore, the policy allows that if a person who has already owned a subsidised property becomes disabled, or if any of his or her dependents become disabled, the Provincial Department concerned may award the beneficiary an increase in the subsidy amount by a maximum amount in line with the classification/category of disability. This addition to the subsidy amount is determined taking into account the severity of a person’s disability and the cost of providing assistance measures to cater for the specific disability.

Similarly, the Department has introduced a Special Housing Needs Subsidy Programme to provide group housing to persons with special housing needs and for people suffering from various other disabilities who require assisted housing. This programme is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Social Development.

In 2023, the Department pronounced on the revision of the quantum which included the installation of burglar bars in their houses to ensure their security.

07 March 2024 - NW49

Profile picture: Komane, Ms RN

Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)With reference to her statement that there is a high rate of unqualified senior management officials, how (a) many unqualified officials have been identified and (b) were they employed without relevant qualifications; (2) what is the impact of unqualified senior management officials on public service; (3) (a) what steps will she take to correct this and (b) by when?

Reply:

  1. (a)

As of 31 December 2023, there are 1,779 Senior Management Service (SMS) members whose qualifications are not listed on PERSAL. The total composition of SMS members in the Public Service as of 31 December 2023 was 9,278. This implies that 19% of the composition did not have qualifications listed on PERSAL.

The table below presents the detailed information sourced from PERSAL.

National and Provincial Government Departments SMS Members with Qualifications Unspecified on PERSAL

Occupational Classification

Date Appointed In SMS

Total

 

Before 1 August 2016

From 1 August 2016

 

Total

1 216

563

1 779

Administrative Related

89

56

145

Advocates

 

1

1

Agriculture Related

2

 

2

Communication and Information Related

4

2

6

Computer Programmers.

 

1

1

Computer System Designers and Analysts.

 

1

1

Crime Investigators/Misdaad Ondersoekers

 

1

1

Custodian Personnel

 

1

1

Economists

2

 

2

Finance and Economics Related

20

6

26

Financial and Related Professionals

18

13

31

Financial Clerks and Credit Controllers

2

 

2

General Legal Administration & Rel. Professionals

2

1

3

Head Of Department/Chief Executive Officer

20

6

26

Health Sciences Related

3

2

5

Human Resources & Organisation Development & Relate Prof

10

5

15

Human Resources Related

11

6

17

Identification Experts

3

 

3

Information Technology Related

4

 

4

Legal Related

4

1

5

Natural Sciences-Related

1

1

2

Operational Planning

 

1

1

Other Administrative & Related Clerks and Organisers

2

3

5

Other Administrative Policy and Related Officers

2

1

3

Other Information Technology Personnel.

8

 

8

Other Occupations

9

 

9

Police.

 

1

1

Professional Nurse

1

 

1

Prosecutor

 

1

1

Risk Management and Security Services

4

 

4

Saps

 

1

1

Secretaries & Other Keyboard Operating Clerks

 

3

3

Senior Managers

989

448

1 437

Social Sciences Related

1

 

1

Social Work and Related Professionals

2

 

2

Trade/Industry Advisers & Other Related Profession

2

 

2

Veterinarians

1

 

1

Table 1: PERSAL Data as of 31 December 2023 Occupation Specific

(1) (b)

Of the total of 1,779 senior managers, 1,216 (68%) were employed before 1 August 2016, prior to the implementation of the minimum requirements. Additionally, of the 1,779 senior managers, 563 (32%) were employed after 1 August 2016, following the introduction of the minimum requirements. Of the 9,278 senior managers, 1,779 (19%) either do not have the minimum NQF level qualifications or are not recorded on PERSAL. The Public Service Commission initiated an investigation to establish the employment circumstances of senior managers without qualifications. The outcome of the investigation will determine the course of action as the impact of having unqualified managers could erode public trust in government institutions and undermine the Government’s standpoint for the professionalisation of the Public Service.

2. Public service performance does not depend only on academic qualifications, as qualifications are not the exclusive measure of competency. Competency includes the acquired knowledge, skills, behaviours, and aptitudes an employee contributes to their position. The public service has implemented a comprehensive performance management and development system for assessing the performance of individuals in their designated roles. As a learning organisation, the public service is committed to fostering continuous improvement among its Senior Management Service (SMS) officials. Officials are supported in advancing their competencies through ongoing education and skill development guided by personal development plans. These plans are created collaboratively by employees and supervisors to pinpoint developmental needs and select appropriate training measures.

In the public service, performance monitoring is rigorous, with each department held accountable for the performance of its SMS officials, irrespective of their qualifications. Departments report underperformance to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and undertake the necessary corrective measures. In addition, the DPSA is initiating a verification process to confirm the qualifications of SMS officials as part of the skills audit project.

(3) (a) what steps will she take to correct this and (b) by when?

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is presently investigating the qualifications of all Senior Managers. Given that the outcomes and recommendations from this investigation are still pending, it is too soon to discuss any possible measures for SMS officials who do not possess the necessary qualifications for their positions. The conclusions will inform the determination of reasonable actions. It is essential to recognise that some SMS officials occupied their roles before the 2017 Directive on Minimum Entry Requirements came into existence, and their extensive experience might reflect the requisite knowledge and skills for their positions. The project to verify qualifications is expected to be completed by 30 June 2024.

End

07 March 2024 - NW403

Profile picture: Shikwambana, Mr M

Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

(a) On what date will the contracts of the four direct payment service providers for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) be terminated, as recommended by the Werkmans Attorneys in October 2023 and (b) what total amount in Rand of NSFAS funds are still held by the direct payment service providers?

Reply:

a) The NSFAS Board is currently undergoing legal processes related to the cancellation of these contracts. Contracts will be cancelled upon completion of this process.

b) In terms of the agreed upon process, the partners do not hold on to NSFAS funds in the partners bank accounts; funds are paid into students individual NSFAS bank accounts and these funds are immediately available to students upon them completing the know your client (KYC) bank processes.

07 March 2024 - NW345

Profile picture: Gwarube, Ms S

Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) her, (ii) her department and (iii) officials of her department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?

Reply:

The following details are available:

1. The (i) Minister, (ii) The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) (iii) and the officials of the department have not received any (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes from the following:

(aa) Qatari organ of state, organisation and/ resident since 1 January 2021 up to date.

(bb) Iranian organ of state, organisation and/ resident since 1 January 2021 up to date.

2. (cc) The DPSA has received (a) a sponsorship worth R86 thousand rands in June 2023 from (cc) Russia organ of state (Tag A), the full details are as follows:

In 2020, the Russian Federation identified anti-corruption education and training as a priority of its Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Presidency and decided to host an “anti-Corruption tailor-made training for ethics and integrity officers in public administration”, in collaboration with the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA). As the sponsor of the training Russia insisted that the training be in-person. The training was held on the 19 to 23 June 2023 in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Russia sponsored the training through UNODC.

DPSA is the focal point for all activities of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and represents the countries in the Implementation Review Group (IRG) and the working Group on Prevention, four officials from each of the BRICS Countries were accommodated in the training. The Director General of DPSA nominated 2 officials to attend the training.

No (b) donations, (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes were received by the (i) Minister, (ii) The DPSA and (iii) and the officials of the department from (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/ resident since 1 January 2021 up to date.

End

07 March 2024 - NW293

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What total number of medico-legal claims (a) have been filed and (b) have been paid out as (i) settlements and (ii) court-ordered payments; (2) what total (a) number of claims were awarded based on (i) lost patient files and (ii) duplicate claims that have been filed and (b) amount has been spent on (i) legal costs and (ii) claim costs from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023?

Reply:

The following table reflects the details in this regard:

NAME OF THE PROVINCE

1 (a)

Total number of medico-legal claims filed

1 (b)

Total number of the claims paid out

1 (b) (i)

Total number of claims paid out as settlements

1 (b) (ii)

Total number of claims paid out as court ordered payments

2 (a) (i)

Total number of claims that were awarded based on lost patient files

2 (a) (ii)

Total number of duplicate claims that have been filed

2 (b) (i)

Total amount spent on legal cost

2 (b) (ii)

Total amount of claim cost

 

Eastern Cape[1]

               

Free State

651

53

50

3

0

0

R37 259 798.24

R2 484 606 393.54

Gauteng

322

449

0

449

108

0

R634 637 738.31

R1 897 283 000.00

KwaZulu- Natal

779

 94

0

 94

 0

1

R328 252 675.68

R8 677 266 708.80

Limpopo

903

30

2

28

0

1

R63 145 941.00

R266 804 823.43

Mpumalanga

569

62

32

30

15

0

R224 990 555.00

R245 485 320.00

Northern Cape

57

28

27

1

7

0

R24 670 478.26

R152 235 223.45

North West

241

22

15

7

0

0

R59 270 605.65

R99 136 357.41

Western Cape[2]

               

Totals

3522

738

126

612

130

1

R1 372 227 792,14

R23 637 317 204,63

  1. Eastern Cape still verify the figures.

  2. Still waiting the information from WC. We have been advised that the responses have been forwarded to the HoD for approval.

07 March 2024 - NW423

Profile picture: Myburgh, Mr NG

Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether he has found that the various water boards and entities that report directly to him have put adequate insurance plans in place to cover claims that might arise from damage to property and/or environmental damage caused by pipe breaks or other infrastructure failures; if not, what steps will he take to ensure that the water boards and entities put adequate insurance plans in place; if so, what (a) steps has his department taken to ensure that the water boards and entities meet their obligations when claims are lodged and (b) are the further details in this regard?

Reply:

All water boards have put in place adequate insurance to cover for claims that may arise due to loss or damage to infrastructure, namely Asset All Risk Policy. The policy covers all perils for material damages to the water boards assets inclusive of claims of pipe bursts that may occur; loss or damage to insured property as declared; material damage, property damage and business interruption; pipelines, plant and machinery.

a) In terms of (a) for claims lodged against the water board an insurance assessor is appointed to investigate the legitimacy of the claim including assessment of possible liability to the waterboard. The cover is subject to policy terms and conditions outlined in the policy of insurance of various water boards which are renewable annually.

b) Any losses or damage to insured property are attended to immediately to limit liability to 3rd parties.

---00O00---

07 March 2024 - NW221

Profile picture: Chabane, Mr MS

Chabane, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Considering that his department had issued directives to extend the validity of the exemption permits for nationals from Lesotho and Zimbabwe, what are the plans to finally deal with the matter of the (a) Zimbabwe Exemption Permit and (b) Lesotho Special Permit?

Reply:

The Department is implementing the Directive issued by the Minister on 29 November 2023.

In this regard, both Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals have started applying for the extension in line with the Directive. The new exemption permits will not be renewable (see paragraph 5.6 of the Minister’s press statement on the granting of exemptions to the Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals in terms of Section 39 (2) of the Immigration Act No.13 of 2002).

END

07 March 2024 - NW373

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Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

(1)With reference to his recent statement on reviewing the approach of employing medical doctors, what is the salary scale of the doctors who will be employed by his department; (2) whether the review also includes the employment of experienced doctors; if not, why not; if so, what categories are included?

Reply:

1. Based on the current Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) salary scales of 1 April 2023, the appointed medical officers will be remunerated as follows:

 

Category

Salary Structure

 

Basic Salary

Commuted Overtime (8-12 hours weekly)

Total Cost of Employment (per capita)

Medical Officer Grade 1

R 906 540

R 253 135

R1 159 657

Note: Designated facilities may also offer Rural Allowance at R 148 740

2. The Department is not reviewing the approach of employing medical doctors. Instead, the review is on conditions of service and relatively all employment categories will be included in the process. The envisaged outcome of the review is to optimize the retention of health care workforce in the public health sector and for the department to remain the employer of choice.

END

07 March 2024 - NW251

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

What is the current status of the backlog and/or delays of the (a) processing and (b) issuing of visas as at 1 February 2024? QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO. 251 DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2024 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4 – 2024 251.Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs: [51] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is more than quota (Rule 137(8))] What is the current status of the backlog and/or delays of the (a) processing and (b) issuing of visas as at 1 February 2024? NO283E REPLY: (a) (b) The Department has 17 visa categories. As of 31 January 2024, the total number of Critical Skills, Business, and General Work Visas that form part of the annual performance plan have no backlogs. The delays and backlogs are on two visa categories, they are section 11 (6) and Section 18. They are for spousal and relative visas respectively. The department experiences challenges concerning the legitimacy of relationships being claimed or cited in the application. It must be noted that some foreign nationals take advantage and follow corrupt methods to legitimise themselves, family members, friends, and others. The backlog in this category is 41083. Fraudulent marriages, marriages of convenience, and a special category of cohabitation are unfortunately on the increase. The department has to prove the legitimacy of these relationships as well as their notarial contracts. It is widely known that the department does not have sufficient capacity such as immigration officers who have to be tasked in investigating the authenticity of such relationships. Without proving the authenticity of such documents the department will end up issuing visas to people who do not deserve to be in the country. END

Reply:

(a) (b) The Department has 17 visa categories. As of 31 January 2024, the total number of Critical Skills, Business, and General Work Visas that form part of the annual performance plan have no backlogs.

The delays and backlogs are on two visa categories, they are section 11 (6) and Section 18. They are for spousal and relative visas respectively. The department experiences challenges concerning the legitimacy of relationships being claimed or cited in the application. It must be noted that some foreign nationals take advantage and follow corrupt methods to legitimise themselves, family members, friends, and others. The backlog in this category is 41083.

Fraudulent marriages, marriages of convenience, and a special category of cohabitation are unfortunately on the increase. The department has to prove the legitimacy of these relationships as well as their notarial contracts.

It is widely known that the department does not have sufficient capacity such as immigration officers who have to be tasked in investigating the authenticity of such relationships. Without proving the authenticity of such documents the department will end up issuing visas to people who do not deserve to be in the country.

END

07 March 2024 - NW333

Profile picture: Bond, Mr M

Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour

What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) him, (ii) his department and (iii) officials of his department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?

Reply:

Please note that NO gifts or donations were received from any of these countries for the period stated.

END

07 March 2024 - NW362

Profile picture: Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN

Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What are the reasons that the Lenasia South District Hospital, which services a great number of communities, remains under resourced and unable to admit patients overnight, (b) what plans have been put in place to increase the capacity for the hospital and (c) on what date(s) will the (i) plans be fulfilled and (ii) infrastructural decay be addressed?

Reply:

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has made plans to visit the Lenasia South District Hospital, with the MEC for Health, to assess the state of affairs at the Hospital. This visit will take place on Wednesday, 13 March 2024 and the Minister will then provide the Honourable Member with a full report on the state of health services in that Hospital.

END

07 March 2024 - NW376

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health

What are the full, relevant details of the plan that his department has put in place to address the compromised health services in Kimberley, Northern Cape, particularly the (a) reliance on domestic water storage tanks or JoJo tanks for water supply, (b) clinic closures and (c) increased cases of diarrhoea?

Reply:

a) The National Department of Health requirements is that each facility should have clean running water. All clinics that are constructed in the Northen Cape province, particularly around Kimberley are having water, and also provided with back up water system through boreholes. Most of the old facilities are getting water from municipalities and those that don’t have borehole are prioritised in 2024/25 to get back up water.

b) No clinics have been closed as a result of poor water supply or quality.

c) Provision of water is the competency of municipalities, the Department interacts with other departments like Water and Sanitation and municipalities to ensure that communities have access to safe clean water. The challenges of unsafe water negatively impact on the health of communities. Random samples are taken to check safety of water at laboratories if there is a sudden increase of diarrhoea cases at certain areas as a precautionary measure.

The tap water in Carnavon was tested and results were positive faecal organisms and therefore not fit for human consumption. Information from District Health Information System (DHIS) for Carnavon CHC and Carnavon clinic for the past six month showed only 1 new case of diarrhoea reported. The matter is dealt with Water and Sanitation Department and outbreak response team has been activated for health education in the community.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW276

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Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police

Considering that the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address on 8 February 2024, stated that the Government is determined to introduce further measures to strengthen anti-corruption agencies, protect whistle-blowers, regulate lobbying and prevent the undue influence of public representatives in procurement, how will the SA Police Service and its pivotal units deal with issues like staff shortages and tightened budget?

Reply:

Find here: Reply

07 March 2024 - NW189

Profile picture: Roos, Mr AC

Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

With reference to magistrates refusing to entertain enquiries pertaining to section 34 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, which were lodged between 29 June 2019 and 30 October 2023, what total number of persons detained (a) as illegal foreigners were released and (b) for the purposes of deportation were held beyond 30 days without appearing before a magistrate?

Reply:

The non-application of section 34(1)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 in some magistrates’ courts in the country commenced in February 2022, and not on the lapse of the court order on 29 November 2019.

  1. The illegal immigrants who were not confirmed in court in terms of section 34(1)(b) were not released, but charged criminally as per the provisions of section 49(1) of the Immigration Act, 2002.
  2. No person whose illegal status in the country has been verified is detained beyond 48hrs without appearing before a magistrate. Should it be clear that the court appearance will not be possible, the person is released before the end of that period. Therefore, no illegal immigrant is detained for up to 30 days without ever Appearing before a magistrate.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW227

Profile picture: Mogale, Mr T

Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO. 227 DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2024 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4 – 2024 227.Mr T Mogale (EFF) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs: [19] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is more than quota (Rule 137(8)]s: (a) What number of mobile units of his department are operational in the Free State and (b) in which areas do the mobile units operate?NO250E REPLY: (a)There are currently eleven (11) mobile units in the Department of Home Affairs in the Free State. (b)Mobile units are stationed in the following areas: Bloemfontein services Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Soutpan, Glen and Bainsvlei. Botshabelo services Hobhouse, Excelsior, Tweespruit, Thaba Pachoa. Koffiefontein services Oppermansgronde, Jacobsdal, Petrusburg, Fauresmith, Jagersfontein, Trompsburg, Philippolis, Edenburg, Reddersburg, Bethulie, Springfontein, Gariepdam and Luckhoff. Zastron services Smithfield, Vanstadensrus and Rouxville. Bultfontein services Boshof, Wesselsbron, Hoopstad, Dealasville, Brandfort and Hertzogville. Welkom services Windburg, Ventersburg, Henneman, Odendaalsrus, Virginia, Theunissen, Verkeerdevallei and Windburg. Kroonstad services the Steynsrus, Vredefort, Edenville, Koppies, Heilbron and Viljoenskroon. Sasolburg services Villiers, Cornelia, Deneysville, Oranjeville and Frankfort. Phuthaditjhaba services Kerstell and Phuthaditjhaba. Harrismith services Memel, Swenbam, Roadside, Verkykerskop, Magolokweng Intabazwe, Tshiame A.B.C. Diyatalawa and Warden. Bethlemen services Lindley, Arlington, Clocalan, Reitz, Fouriesburg, Clarence, Paul Roux, Marquard, Rosendal, Meatz, Danielsrus Senekel, Libertasie, Kransfontein, Tweeling and Petrussteyn. END

Reply:

(a) There are currently eleven (11) mobile units in the Department of Home Affairs in the Free State.

(b) Mobile units are stationed in the following areas:

  • Bloemfontein services Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Soutpan, Glen and Bainsvlei.
  • Botshabelo services Hobhouse, Excelsior, Tweespruit, Thaba Pachoa.
  • Koffiefontein services Oppermansgronde, Jacobsdal, Petrusburg, Fauresmith, Jagersfontein, Trompsburg, Philippolis, Edenburg, Reddersburg, Bethulie, Springfontein, Gariepdam and Luckhoff.
  • Zastron services Smithfield, Vanstadensrus and Rouxville.
  • Bultfontein services Boshof, Wesselsbron, Hoopstad, Dealasville, Brandfort and Hertzogville.
  • Welkom services Windburg, Ventersburg, Henneman, Odendaalsrus, Virginia, Theunissen, Verkeerdevallei and Windburg.
  • Kroonstad services the Steynsrus, Vredefort, Edenville, Koppies, Heilbron and Viljoenskroon.
  • Sasolburg services Villiers, Cornelia, Deneysville, Oranjeville and Frankfort.
  • Phuthaditjhaba services Kerstell and Phuthaditjhaba.
  • Harrismith services Memel, Swenbam, Roadside, Verkykerskop, Magolokweng Intabazwe, Tshiame A.B.C. Diyatalawa and Warden.
  • Bethlemen services Lindley, Arlington, Clocalan, Reitz, Fouriesburg, Clarence, Paul Roux, Marquard, Rosendal, Meatz, Danielsrus Senekel, Libertasie, Kransfontein, Tweeling and Petrussteyn.

END

07 March 2024 - NW259

Profile picture: Hendricks, Mr MGE

Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether he intends acting against any persons who obtained their South African citizenship by naturalisation in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, Act No 88 of 1995, who is rendering services under a foreign flag in a plausible genocide that the Republic does not support or agree with after such persons neither applied for permission and/or were declined permission to render such services in the commission of plausible acts of genocide; if not, why not; if so what steps does he intend to take? QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO. 259 DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2024 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 4 – 2024 259.Mr M G E Hendricks (Al Jama-ah) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs: [61] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is more than quota (Rule 137(8)] Whether he intends acting against any persons who obtained their South African citizenship by naturalisation in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, Act No 88 of 1995, who is rendering services under a foreign flag in a plausible genocide that the Republic does not support or agree with after such persons neither applied for permission and/or were declined permission to render such services in the commission of plausible acts of genocide; if not, why not; if so what steps does he intend to take?NO296E REPLY: Section 6 of the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 makes a provision for Loss of citizenship” and subsection (3) specifies as follows:” “Any person who obtained South African citizenship by naturalisation in terms of this Act shall cease to be a South African citizen if he or she engages, under the flag of another country, in a war that the Republic does not support.” END

Reply:

Section 6 of the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995 makes a provision for Loss of citizenship” and subsection (3) specifies as follows:”

“Any person who obtained South African citizenship by naturalisation in terms of this Act shall cease to be a South African citizen if he or she engages, under the flag of another country, in a war that the Republic does not support.”

END

07 March 2024 - NW336

Profile picture: De Villiers, Mr JN

De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Health

What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) him, (ii) his department and (iii) officials of his department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?

Reply:

(a) (b) There were no sponsorship, donations and financial transfers that were received from the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Minister, Officials and the National Department of Health.

(c) A mobile laboratory, various laboratory equipment and the associated consumables were donated to the National Department of Health by the Russian Government during COVID-19. The Russian government paid for the importation of both the laboratory and other items, but unfortunately the test kits were not approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and were not used. The vehicles (a large truck and a trailer) have been stationery and parked since importation while alternative applications are sought, either in South Africa or in another SADC country.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW278

Profile picture: Khanyile, Ms AT

Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 3898 on 21 December 2023, his department has any plans, other than the funding from the European Union, to capacitate the Refugee Appeal Authority of South Africa to work through the remaining backlog of appeals; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

In my previous response I indicated that the Refugee Appeals Authority (RAASA) Backlog Project had 30 legally qualified members that were remunerated from the funding from the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR). Unfortunately, the number of members decreased to 22 later. Due to limited funding received from the UNHCR, the Backlog Project is currently left with only 10 members as the rest of the members’ (12) contracts of employment were terminated in December 2023.

The future plan is to have two (2) RAASA members stationed at each of the five (5) Refugees Centres in the Republic at all material times. This will in essence go a long way in preventing the recurrence of further backlogs.

END

07 March 2024 - NW363

Profile picture: Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN

Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

What are the relevant details of the steps of intervention his department has taken to ensure that the community of Mountain City in Orange Farm receives a healthcare facility that is able to cater for its health needs?

Reply:

A meeting was held on 9 November 2022 with Mountain City Community Leaders whereby the issue of the clinic was addressed at length. During the meeting, it was communicated to the Community Leaders that there are two clinics at close proximity to Mountain City, namely Thulamntwana clinic which is 2.8 km and Weilers Farm Clinic which is 3.4 km from Mountain City. The two facilities provide health services to the community of Mountain City, thus ensuring access to health services. Both health facilities are within the national norm of the 5km radius access to communities. The Department of Health will continue monitor the situation Mountain City area and respond appropriately.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW364

Profile picture: Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN

Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

What is the (a) total number of nurses that are currently unemployed in the Republic and (b) statistical breakdown of unemployed nurses in each province?

Reply:

The Department of Health does not keep a database of unemployed health professionals including the nurses. However, all health professionals, including nurses, whether employed or unemployed, are required to remain registered with their relevant statutory health councils, this being the South African Nursing Council in the case of nurses.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW413

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King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

On what grounds has he decided not to take a leave of absence while the investigation related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and other matters is conducted?

Reply:

The act of taking leave of absence in the face of malicious allegations is usually exercised as an ethical step to allow a formal disciplinary process to proceed without any prejudice or hindrance, by an implicated party. As it relates to NSFAS, I have never been subjected to any disciplinary process or investigation and as such, the requirement of leave of absence doesn’t arise.

07 March 2024 - NW415

Profile picture: Khakhau, Ms KL

Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What steps has his department taken to ensure that Coinvest and other service providers roll out National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds on time?

Reply:

The Department does not oversee the operations of service providers appointed by NSFAS, this is the role of senior management. NSFAS has advised that as per their agreements with service providers, they provide on boarding files to all partners in anticipation of the agreed upon monthly payment dates. A NSFAS payment file follows, after all partners have confirmed that students have been on boarded. Within 24 hours of NSFAS paying funds over to the partners, they release funds into students’ individual NSFAS bank accounts.

07 March 2024 - NW272

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Ms MD

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Considering that he recently stated that the salaries of South African doctors are straining his department’s budget and that the department has had several bilateral engagements with the National Treasury to find creative ways to shield the healthcare service and the frontline workforce, and noting that his department has undertaken to place unemployed doctors in public service employment by 1 April 2024, how will his department’s budget be adjusted to account for this?

Reply:

1. Health sector relies on employment of doctors, nurses and other critical posts hence most of the budget is allocated to compensation of employees. Currently in 2023/2024 about 63% of total budget has been allocated to compensation of employees and 64% in 2024/2025 financial year.

2. As reflected during the media briefing hosted on 05/02/2024, we do acknowledge fiscus challenges the country is facing and the impact in the health care system. The Provincial Departments of Health continue to actively engage their Provincial Treasuries to find ways of addressing the unemployment of health professionals, including medical doctors. The ongoing provincial engagements will allow provinces to get leverage of activating the posts that were previous unfunded due to the budget pressures and subsequent austerity measures encountered last year.

Indeed the “several bilateral engagements” with National Treasury have yielded very positive results and become a confirmatory expression that government departments work together to better the lives of the people. On 21st February 2024, the Minister of Finance announced allocation of R848 billion for the health sector which is inclusive of the following obligations:

  • Payment of current employees and the impact of the wage bill agreement
  • Provision of the health services in all facilities
  • Medical equipment
  • Maintenance and construction of new facilities

Included in the budget above is an additional budget of R3.7 billion has been allocated towards compensation of employees in the sector for the financial year 2024/25 to address the wage bill increase and recruitment of additional staff including nurses and medical doctors.

As a result of the provincial inter-departmental engagements, Provincial Departments of Health have already advertised 823 since December 2023 and have reported projections of 1103 Medical Officer appointments by 1st April 2024. According to the 09th February 2024 persal print out, 425 Medical Officer appointments were captured for January 2024 of which 371 are Grade 1 category.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW184

Profile picture: Khanyile, Ms AT

Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4076 on 8 January 2024, in which he did not provide the details of the backlog of processing applications for temporary residence visas, he will furnish Ms T A Khanyile with full details of the current backlog of processing applications for temporary residence visas as at the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) what exactly is meant by “moving” the older Temporary Residency Visa applications from 2022 concurrently with the current applications of 2023 and (b) how will that assist in dealing with the backlog?

Reply:

1. The Department has 17 visa categories. As of 31 January 2024, the total number of Critical Skills, Business, and General Work Visas that form part of the annual performance plan have no backlogs.

The delays and backlogs are on two visa categories, they are section 11 (6) and Section 18. They are for spousal and relative visas respectively. The department experiences challenges regarding the legitimacy of relationships being claimed or cited in the application. It must be noted that some foreign nationals take advantage and follow corrupt methods to legitimise themselves, family members, friends, and others. The backlog in this category is 41083.

Fraudulent marriages, marriages of convenience, and a special category of cohabitation are unfortunately on the increase. The department has to prove the legitimacy of these relationships as well as their notarial contracts.

It is widely known that the department does not have sufficient capacity such as immigration officers who have to be tasked in investigating the authenticity of such relationships. Without proving the authenticity of such documents the department will end up issuing visas to people who do not deserve to be in the country.

2. The backlog plan aims to work on and finalise both the old and new applications to avoid creating another backlog with the latest applications/workflow.

END

07 March 2024 - NW317

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Regarding the placement of intern and community service medical personnel for each of the different medical personnel categories in 2024, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and environmental health practitioners, (a) what total number of such personnel (i) has rejected their allocation and/or placement and (ii) were not eligible for placement, (b) what were the reasons they were not eligible and (c) on dates will they be placed as from 1 March 2024; (2) whether interns and community service medical personnel who are to start on 1 March 2024 have already been informed of where they will be placed; if not, why not; if so, (3) whether they have accepted their placement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) (i) The total number of Internship and Community Service applicants who rejected their allocation for the 2024 Annual Cycle is 70. The table below provide a breakdown of the total applicants who rejected per field of study.

2024 Annual Cycle - Medical Internship and Community Service - Allocation rejections

Community Service

61

Audiologist

2

Dentist

1

Dietician

5

Environmental Health Practitioner

1

Medical Practitioner - Community Service

29

Occupational Therapist

6

Pharmacist

2

Physiotherapist

8

Professional Nurse

4

Speech Therapist

3

Internship

9

Medical Practitioner - Internship

9

Grand Total

70

(ii) The total number of applicants who were not eligible for placement to commence duty on 1 January 2024 is 619.

(b) The table below provide a breakdown per field of study with reasons why they were not eligible to be placed

2024 Annual Cycle - Medical Internship and Community Service - Not eligible applicants

Row Labels

Can only register and commence duty between March to August 2024

Not eligible for Registration with HPCSA

Grand Total

Clinical Psychologist

2

2

Diagnostic Radiographer

 

4

Environmental Health Practitioner

15

8

23

Medical Officer Community Service

215

1

216

Pharmacist

 -

177

177

Physiotherapist

 -

5

5

Radiotherapy

 -

1

1

Speech Therapist

72

72

Medical Internship

119

119

Grand Total

234

385

619

(c) Statutory placements are managed as replacements posts that requires applicants to commence duty on 1 January of each year to ensure that there is constant availability of health professionals to render health services at a certain required time including after-hour roster cover. As a result, the department targets to release allocation outcomes between October and November of the preceding. This allows allocated applicants enough time to make necessary arrangements to commence duty on time and avoid late start that affects health services and the Cycle management.

When applicants timeously declare their late start dates, due to various reasons, a provision is made to align their date to the allocation. However any applicant that has a date beyond 1st April is then expected to apply for the Mid-year Cycle which allocates for 1st July commencements.

2. The department continues to assist applicants who were unable to commence duty on the required date. However, this is done in consultation with Provincial Departments of Health where budgets permits.

In terms of the HPCSA regulations, medical interns has to comply with a three months rotation in one domain. Therefore there are 0 medical interns that can legally commence duty on 1 March 2024.

According to the ICSP records, only 11 Medical Community Service doctors have proclaimed that they will assume duty on 1 March 2024. Provinces have been requested to assist with their appointment to 1 April 2024.

3. They have not accepted posts as yet.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW377

Profile picture: Mohlala, Ms MR

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health

What measures has his department taken to ensure that healthcare facilities in areas such as Kimberley have reliable access to (a) water, (b) electricity and (c) sufficient staffing to provide adequate healthcare services?

Reply:

a) The National Department of Health requirements is that each facility should have clean water. New clinics that are constructed in the Northen Cape province, particularly around Kimberley since 2011/12 are provided with water supplied though municipality line and back up water system through boreholes. Facilities that were build prior 2011/12 that does not have back up water system are attended to through Borehole Water Programme.

A service provider has been appointed during 2003/24 financial year in Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) in Kimberley to build a 2 Mega Liters (2 million litters) water tanker as additional water capacity to the current 360,000 Liters.

b) All facilities around Kimberley have electricity and some also have back up generators. There is a program running to provide generators to facilities that don’t have any back up system. The province is also benefiting from People Republic of China donated generators. Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital is also equipped with GenSets in case of electricity went off during loadshedding.

c) Ideally the Department of Health wishes to fill all health care worker posts in order to improve the health outcomes of the population. Due to current financial constraints, annually, the Provinces appoint Employment Recruitment Teams led by Heads of Health Departments or delegated officials at senior level to develop recruitment plans, prioritising the filling of critical posts with required skills mix. However, they must guard against overspending on provided / available budgets.

END.

07 March 2024 - NW428

Profile picture: Moore, Mr S J

Moore, Mr S J to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)By what total amount has the cost of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project escalated since its inception; (2) whether the second phase of the specified project is on track to be completed by 2028; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1.  Since the date of inception of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II the costs have escalated to the current estimated total project cost of R42.1billion. It is important to note that these are overall costs which incorporate costs that are not directly related to the LHWP infrastructure costs and are shared costs to be borne by South Africa and the Lesotho Government.

The cost escalations are owing to several challenges including:

a) Longer time to conclude negotiations with Lesotho and obtain governmental approvals for the Phase II Agreement, 3 years to Dec 2022.

b) Procurement related delays due to policy interventions, delayed decision making and in the conclusion of funding arrangements, 2 years to Dec 2024.

c) Project implementation related delays due to Covid which delayed the project by 2 years.

d) Slow issuance of various permits by Lesotho, contractor performance and one year shift in the impoundment date due to a lost rainy season, 4 years to Nov 2028.

All major contracts have now been awarded and construction of the dam and tunnel is in progress.

e) The time value of money (escalation) impact of the 9 years delay from 2019 to 2028 on the R42.1 billion is estimated at R16.64 Bn.

2. Water delivery is expected to start in November 2028.

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06 March 2024 - NW350

Profile picture: Le Goff, Mr T

Le Goff, Mr T to ask the Minister of Tourism

What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) her, (ii) her department and (iii) officials of her department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?

Reply:

(i) (a)-(c) I have been informed that Former Minister Sisulu went to Russia from 10- 13 July 2022. All costs were paid by the Department. According to Parliaments’ Register of Members’ Interest for 2021 and 2022, no sponsorships, donations or financial transfers were paid to her by any Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to 30 November 2022. (https://www.parliament.gov.za/register-members-Interests )

(ii) (a)–(c) According to Parliament’s Register of Members’ Interests for 2021,2022 and 2023, no sponsorships, donations or financial transfers were paid to Minister de Lille by any Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to date. (https://www.parliament.gov.za/register-members-Interests )

(iii) (a)–(c) The department did not receive any sponsorships, donations or financial transfers from Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to date.

(iv) (a)-(c) I am also informed that the Department is not aware of any sponsorships or donations to officials from the Department of Tourism by any Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to date.

06 March 2024 - NW325

Profile picture: Alexander, Ms W

Alexander, Ms W to ask the President of the Republic

What are the full relevant details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for any purposes to him, by any (i) Qatari, (ii) Iranian and/or (iii) Russian organ of state, organisation or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

Reply:

No sponsorships, donations or financial transfers have been received from any organ of state, organisation or resident of any of the specified countries.

Any sponsorships, donations or other financial contributions received by the President form part of the annual declaration of interests to the Secretary of Cabinet.

06 March 2024 - NW368

Profile picture: Matumba, Mr A

Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) On what specific date will the SA Tourism Board be appointed and (b) what are the full, relevant details of the time frames that her department has put in place for the appointment process of the Board?

Reply:

(a) On what specific date will the SA Tourism Board be appointed?

On Wednesday 28 February 2024, Cabinet approved the appointment of the full Board of SA Tourism. The appointments are in the process of being gazetted.

(b) What are the full, relevant details of the time frames that her department has put in place for the appointment process of the Board?

Cabinet approved the appointments on 28 February 2024. The appointments will be gazetted by mid-March 2024.

06 March 2024 - NW369

Profile picture: Matumba, Mr A

Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether there are currently any service providers who are still waiting for their payment after 30 days of providing services to SA Tourism; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the reasons behind the late payments and (b) is holding the specified entity from paying those service providers in time?

Reply:

Are there currently any service providers who are still waiting for their payment after

30 days of providing services to SA Tourism; if not, what is the position in this regard?

I have been informed that SA Tourism’s policy is to pay valid invoices within a period of 30 days. This is also monitored as deliverable in the approved Annual Performance Plan, and the entity has achieved 100% payment of valid invoices within 30 days in the previous reporting quarters.

If so, (a) What are the reasons behind the late payments?

In the instance where the supplier is not paid within 30 days, the invoice is placed on hold due to the invoice being non-compliant or there is a dispute with the supplier. The supplier is advised of the circumstances and once rectified the invoice is paid. This measure is in place to prevent any irregularities.

(b) What is holding the specified entity from paying those service providers in

time?

SA Tourism has on record paid suppliers within 30 days of receipt of the valid invoice. Where an invalid invoice or dispute exists, the invoice is placed on hold until the compliant invoice is received from the supplier.

06 March 2024 - NW370

Profile picture: Matumba, Mr A

Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) total amount did SA Tourism spend on the 2023 Summer Campaign and (b) amount of the budget was spent on the activation programmes of the specified campaign and (c) total number of jobs were created during activation programmes of the 2023 Summer Campaign compared to the 2022 Summer Campaign?

Reply:

(a) What total amount did SA Tourism spend on the 2023 Summer Campaign?

I have been informed that South African Tourism spent R6 861 415.28 on the 2023 Summer Campaign activations.

(b) What amount of the budget was spent on the activation programmes of the

specified campaign?

R6 861 415.28 was spent on the activation which included branding, sustainability village for arts & craft SMME exhibition and the youth activation teams at each activation in the eight participating provinces.

(c) What total number of jobs were created during activation programmes of the 2023

Summer Campaign compared to the 2022 Summer Campaign?

Overall, the economic impact for the campaign was that over 359 jobs, through the activation’s recruitment of temporary workers, were created or sustained over 3 weeks.

For the 2022 Summer Campaign, 1350 jobs were created over 32 days across all 9 Provinces. This was done at an activation cost of R 20 465 016.00,00 million. It must be noted that the budget for executing the 2023 activation was significantly reduced to fund efficiencies and manage costs.

SA TOURISM BUDGET LIMITATION

The delay in the transfer of funds to SA Tourism created a challenge to plan for a larger commitment to activations and youth employment. This led to SA Tourism having to develop a plan that could leverage the Summer campaign given the financial circumstances. This plan focused on economic growth, and included a combination of leveraging existing Provincial Tourism events, youth employment through activations, and creating SMME market access opportunities.

The first activation commenced on the 14 of December 2023. It must be noted that SA Tourism funds were transferred on 13 December 2023 and therefore this impacted the scale of the activation.