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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 - NW187

Profile picture: Roos, Mr AC

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 - NW292

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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, Ms NN

Chirwa, 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 - 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

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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, Ms NN

Chirwa, 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 - NW272

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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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

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.

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 - NW16

Profile picture: Buthelezi, Ms SA

Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Finance

Considering that the debt owed to municipalities by government departments is at the core of the financial challenges faced by municipalities, what are the full, relevant details of (a) an overview of the municipal debt of each government department and (b) how the National Treasury intends to address the debt issue?

Reply:

a) The high-level analysis of municipal debt for each government department as per MFMA S71 report for the financial period ending 31 December 2023 shows a total outstanding debt of R22 065 billion.

b) An additional breakdown of the total outstanding debt can be summarised as follows:

Total National Departments R8 015 billion

Total Provincial Departments R9 756 billion

Other entities and institutions R4 294 billion

Further details of the actual outstanding debt per department, entity or institution are depicted in Table 1 which is attached (Debtors Age Analysis for Organs of State).

c) National Treasury (NT) has encouraged municipalities to enforce its credit control and debt management policies and bylaws. This implies that if any organ of state neglects to honour their payment arrangement for services rendered by municipalities within the legislative timeframe of 30 days as per the PFMA and MFMA, the municipal, by law, must proceed to terminate or restrict the services to those customers (including government departments and businesses) with immediate effect.

Even if the customer questions the accuracy of the bill issued by municipalities, which may be a valid concern, it is not acceptable not to honour the payment for services that were consumed. In some cases, dependent on the specific credit control and debt management policy, the customer may have to pay first before any dispute is resolved.

In addition, the National Treasury have implemented various legislative mechanisms which are complemented by specific MFMA circulars, particularly those related to budgeting and debt, to guide municipalities towards financial stability and efficiency and applying debtors’ management and collection to all the customers including organ of state debt correctly.

Currently the National Treasury initiatives include smart solutions to enhance consumption accuracy by enabling precise tracking and billing; optimizing revenue collection; and ensuring fair charges for actual usage.

 

Annexure A

(Table 1: Debtors Age Analysis for Organs of State)

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.

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 - 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 - NW102

Profile picture: Mazzone, Ms NW

Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether, with reference to the SA Post Office (SAPO) Business Rescue Plan which speaks of forging strategic partnerships with private sector entities to bolster capabilities and resources, as well as securing a strategic partner in the property company that can provide development capital and intellectual knowledge, SAPO has approached private sector entities to assist in its Business Rescue Plan; if not, what are the reasons the specified engagements with the private sector have not yet occurred; if so, what are the specific details of the discussions held with the private sector?

Reply:

I have been informed by the SAPO as follows:

Strategic partnerships are a fundamental pillar of the Business Rescue Plan. Various interested parties have submitted proposals which will be reviewed by an investment committee. This committee is currently being established.

In parallel, implementation plans are being developed enabling the Business Rescue Practitioners to strategically select partnerships which will be most beneficial to the objective of the SAPO turnaround strategy.

Thank you

06 March 2024 - NW92

Profile picture: Powell, Ms EL

Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Finance

(a) On which date were funds deposited by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into a South African bank account for Sudanese leaders prior to the meeting of the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, (b) which other organisations involved in wars across Africa have been similarly assisted and (c) was this one of the reasons that South Africa was grey-listed by the ratings agencies?

Reply:

a) As the Honourable member would be aware, the Minister of Finance does not have sight of transactions that are facilitated by banks on behalf of their clients. The role of the Minister of Finance, with regard to the operation of banks, is limited to formulating financial regulatory policy.

b) Please refer to (a) above.

c) Government has provided the reasons for South Africa being greylisted through public statements by National Treasury at the time (e.g. statement issued by National Treasury dated 24 February 2023[1], and related frequently asked questions, and responses to the many parliamentary questions, for e.g., Nos PQ943, PQ3967, PQ2641, PQ2642, NW1730E, and a question for oral response for the Deputy President CO254E). The country was greylisted, due to deficiencies on the extent to which the country complied with the 40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and 11 effectiveness outcome measures, as assessed through a Mutual Evaluation process that was conducted by the FATF between 2019-2021.

  1. https://www.treasury.gov.za/comm_media/press/2023/2023022401%20Media%20statement%20-%20Response%20to%20FATF.pdf

06 March 2024 - NW86

Profile picture: Moore, Mr S J

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

While delayed infrastructure projects have seen costs increasing, what are the reasons that repair and maintenance costs by the trading entity only amount to 2,13% of total infrastructure assets balance, as opposed to the National Treasury’s prescribed spend of 8%?

Reply:

The majority of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) infrastructure are large civil structures such as dams, which needs much less than the 8% as mooted by National Treasury.

DWS norms for maintenance are as follows:

  • 0.5% of the pipeline capital cost
  • 0.25% of the capital cost of civil structures, including the civil portion of pump stations
  • 4% of the electrical and mechanical installation cost of a pump station

A rough weighted estimate is that approximately 2% of the replacement value of the DWS infrastructure value should be spent on maintenance annually.

The repair and maintenance costs by the Water Trading Entity amounted to 2.13% of total infrastructure assets balance for the 2022/2023 financial year. It should be noted that the DWS is addressing the Auditor General’s findings which identified some of the drawbacks in relation to asset management:

AG findings

DWS actions to mitigate

There is no maintenance policy in place to guide the maintenance of infrastructure assets

The DWS has a maintenance policy which was developed and approved in 2008.

Asset management plan is outdated and was last updated in 2018

DWS is in the process of preparing a tender to appoint professional service providers to assist with the following:

  • To update and improve the Asset Management Plans.
  • To update and improve the Scheme Reports.
  • To ensure that Operations & Maintenance manuals are available for all DWS dams and associated infrastructure.
  • To undertake a condition assessment of critical installations regarding mechanical, electrical, and civil infrastructure maintenance.

Maintenance plan is not complete and does not make reference to the asset number in the infrastructure asset register. In addition, it was not in line with Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA).

 

Poor performance of contractors not identified in a timely manner.

Improved internal capacity will enable better oversight and monitoring of the performance of internal and external contractors involved in operation and maintenance.

Poor oversight and monitoring by the department

Improved internal capacity will enable better oversight and monitoring of the performance of internal and external contractors involved in operation and maintenance.

Poor project management

 

Delays in the procurement process both for appointing contractors and for procurement of the some materials

DWS has developed a new infrastructure procurement policy and strategy to improve the situation.

 

---00O00---

 

06 March 2024 - NW60

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the President

(1)What total number of (a) Heads of Department (HODs) and (b) Directors-General (DGs) were on suspension with full pay in the (i) 2020-21, (ii) 2021-22 and (iii) 2022-23 financial years and (c) in which department were the suspended HODs and/or DGs employed in each case; 2) what (a) were the reasons for the suspension in each case and (b) was the duration of the suspension and (c) total amount was paid in salaries for the duration of their suspension?

Reply:

In the 2020-2021 financial year, three (3) Directors-General were placed on suspension with full pay:

  • Public Service Commission: August 2020 to December 2020
  • Public Works and Infrastructure: July 2020 to July 2022
  • International Relations and Cooperation: February 2021 to September 2021

In each case the reason for the suspension was investigation into misconduct allegations.

In the 2021-2022 financial year, no Director-General was placed on suspension.

In the 2022-2023 financial year, two (2) Directors-General were placed on suspension with full pay:

  • Defence and Military Veterans: March 2023 to date
  • Public Enterprises: June 2022 until May 2023

In both cases the reason for the suspension was investigation into misconduct allegations.

The total amount paid to the Directors-General placed on suspension in the financial years 2020-2021, 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 is R10 533 280.71.

The salaries paid to the Directors-General while on suspension are due and payable by virtue of the country’s labour laws.

The career incidents of the HoDs/DGs referred to above are handled by the President in terms of Section 12 of the Public Service Act, 1994. Career incidents of the Heads of Department at provincial departments are handled by relevant Premiers in terms of Section 12 of the Public Service Act, 1994, and as such the Presidency does not have information on the suspension of the HODs at the Provincial government.

06 March 2024 - NW101

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Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether the National Treasury has approved the request for a R3,8 billion cash injection for the SA Post Office Business Rescue Plan, considering that the plan hinges on the approval of the cash injection; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW106E

Reply:

The National Treasury has not allocated any funding in the 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) preliminary allocations of January 2024. However, it has committed to further engage with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) on the South African Post Office (SAPO) rescue plan as it forms the basis for the R3,8 billion funding requirement. These discussions have commenced and the outcome will be provided upon the conclusion of engagements with the National Treasury.

Thank you

06 March 2024 - NW310

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Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether, in light of the underway construction of a chrome wash plant on Portion 17 of the farm Rhenosterfontein 336 JQ in Rustenburg, North West, he will advise if a water use licence was applied for on the specified land for the running of a chrome wash plant; if not, (a) what action will his department take to prevent the illegal use of water on the land and (b) on what date does he envisage his department taking this action?

Reply:

 

The Department of Water and Sanitation has No Water Use Licence Application (WULA) for chrome wash plant in Remainder of Portion 17 of Farm Rhenosterfontein 336 JQ.

(a) An investigation was conducted on 26 February 2024 on the remainder of Portion 17 of Farm Rhenosterfontein 336 JQ in Rustenburg. No water uses were observed on remainder of Portion 17 of Farm Rhenosterfontein 336JQ.

(b) No enforcement action will be taken for now; as there were no water uses that required authorisation in terms of the National Water Act, 1998. The Department will conduct further follow-up inspection to ascertain compliance to the National Water Act, 1998.

 

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06 March 2024 - NW159

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Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance

What are the reasons that the late Mrs Gertrude Malouw [details furnished], who passed away on 10 October 2013, is still receiving final letters of demand from the SA Revenue Service for an outstanding amount of R2 500,00?

Reply:

Without getting into taxpayer confidential information as prescribed in Chapter 6 of the tax administration act, in a scenario where a taxpayer passes on, a family member or Executor of the deceased estate would normally inform relevant parties including SARS of the death of the taxpayer so that the matter may be coded accordingly as deceased. This includes publishing the death notice on the Government Gazette.

Where SARS does not have a record indicating that a matter is an estate, such a matter is treated as active and the debt is pursued consistently until it is paid or a payment arrangement is made. SARS would like to encourage executors of the estates and family members of the deceased, to inform SARS as soon as possible once the family member passes on. This will allow SARS to immediately change the status from an “active” taxpayer to an “Estate Late” status. This will stop all future returns and allow the Executor to finalise the final return of the Estate to ensure that all outstanding tax returns, to the date of death, are filed and that applicable tax amounts are dealt with appropriately to have the estate account wound up accordingly.

SARS is currently working on a project to automate the coding of estates through the use of third party data, but this will take time.

06 March 2024 - NW267

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Singh, Mr N to ask the President of the Republic

Whether any progress has been made by the Presidential Climate Commission and his Office in (a) finalising the Just Energy Transition Partnership and (b) accessing the R163 billion funding from the partnering nations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether, given the importance of a fair and just energy transition, his Office has taken any steps to address concerns raised by (a) the National Union of Mineworkers and (b) other stakeholders regarding (i) job losses and (ii) the impact of the transition on affected communities; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details? NW304E

Reply:

The Just Energy Transition Projects Management Unit (JET PMU) in the Presidency manages the JET Implementation Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023.

The Just Energy Transition Partnership between South Africa and the International Partners Group (IPG) was concluded with the signing of the Political Declaration at COP26 held in Glasgow in 2021. The original members of the IPG are the European Union, France, Germany, United Kingdom and United States. In 2023, Denmark and Netherlands joined the IPG.

Total international pledges to South Africa’s JET investment requirement of R1.5 trillion currently stand at US$11.6 billion (approximately R232 billion), made up as follows:

  • US$ 450 million (approximately R9 billion) is in the form of highly concessional climate loans which are currently being programmed for investment in the repowering, repurposing and decommissioning of retiring coal power stations when they reach the end of economic and operational life.
  • US$ 5,7 billion (approximately R114 billion) of the total pledges is in the form of concessional loans to the State.

Concessional loans under the JET Partnership which have been negotiated and accessed by the National Treasury to date are as follows:

  • EUR 300 million (approximately R6.2 billion) concessional loan from KFW Development Bank in Germany, concluded in November 2022.
  • EUR 300 million (approximately R6.2 billion) from AFD Development Bank in France, concluded in December 2022.
  • EUR 500 million (approximately R10.3 billion) from KFW Development Bank, concluded in November 2023.
    • US$ 2.8 billion (approximately R56 billion) is in the form of commercial debt and equity, which has not yet been programmed.

A just transition is critical to South Africa’s decarbonisation journey. Government has consulted widely, including with affected labour unions, on the core provisions that are required to manage any anticipated economic shifts as a result of the energy transition.

The results of these consultations have been captured in the Just Transition Framework and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, amongst others.

Based on wide-ranging consultation, including with labour unions, the Presidential Climate Commission has developed proposals for employment-creation opportunities in Mpumalanga that can be realised before 2030. The proposals are being used by the Mpumalanga province and JETIP PMU to inform planning and implementation, including the rollout of social employment programmes in areas such as Komati power station.

The skilling, reskilling and upskilling of workers is essential to transition workers to new opportunities. The JET-IP is channelling funding into three Skills Development Zones (SDZs) around each core value chain, namely: renewable energy, green hydrogen and new energy vehicles. These bring together local partners to support localisation and local economic development.

06 March 2024 - NW325

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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 - NW177

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Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)With reference to his reply to question 3475 on 8 November 2023, in which he confirmed that no water use license has been applied for and/or granted for the Serendipity Truck Wash situated on Portion 150 of the Farm Buffelshoek 468JQ, (a) what action will he take to ensure that the continued illegal use of the scarce water resource is stopped and (b) on date will the specified action be taken; (2) considering that no other licenses have been issued to the company as there were no other applications that were received by his department from the company on the specified property for the discharge of water containing waste as required by section 21(f) of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, (a) what action will he take against the company for the continued discharge of water from the truck wash containing waste into the local water course and (b) on what date will the specified action be taken?

Reply:

1(a) Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) received a pre-application enquiry from Serendipity Truck Wash (Pty) Ltd dated 27 November 2023 for a truck wash with water from boreholes and wastewater generated, collected or stored in a pit within Portion 150 of the Farm Buffelshoek 468JQ. The Department is still assessing the submitted file.

(b) A notice of intention to issue a directive was issued to Serendipity Truck Wash Pty Ltd for engaging in water use without authorisation. The Department received representation to the notice issued from Serendipity Car Wash Pty Ltd, and the Department is in the process of assessing and responding to the representation submitted.

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06 March 2024 - NW165

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Powell, Ms EL to ask the President of the Republic

(1)What was the purpose of his meeting with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on 4 January 2024; (2) what are the reasons that his spokesperson, Mr Vincent Magwenya, referred to Mr Dagalo as the President of Sudan and later retracted his post on social media?

Reply:

1. The purpose of the meeting with General Mohamed Dagalo was to discuss the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the efforts undertaken to resolve the impasse.

General Dagalo provided a briefing on the initiative by the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in mediating between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the participation of the people of Sudan and civil society in finding a lasting solution to the security and political challenges.

I conveyed to General Dagalo my commitment to engage with the other leaders of the Transitional Sovereign Council to encourage them to return to the negotiating table to address the current deadlock. I further conveyed my full support for the mediation efforts undertaken by IGAD and other regional initiatives to bring an end to the conflict.

2. I am informed that a caption on the images that were circulated erroneously referred to General Dagalo as the President of Sudan. A social media post on the Presidency’s X account – and not Mr Magwenya’s account – used the inaccurate caption. The post was immediately removed once the error was identified.

06 March 2024 - NW70

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Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What temporary arrangements are in place to accommodate the Rocklands community where the Caravelle Post Office building in Mitchells Plain was closed due to a fire that led to the building being demolished; 2. Whether his department is in the process of finding a long-term solution; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW71E

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

1. At present customers are directed to the Grassy Park Post Office or Gatesville Post Office for financial and postal services. The delivery of mail to the Mitchells Plain community is provided by two mail delivery depots, namely, Mitchells Plain mail delivery depot and Strandfontein mail delivery depot daily.

2. SAPO has been informed by the landlord that they are in talks with various stakeholders regarding the re-development of the Rocklands property / Caravelle Post Office. However, they are unable to provide exact timelines at this stage and will keep SAPO informed.

SAPO has also reached out to the City of Cape Town to source alternative premises.

Thank you

06 March 2024 - NW39

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Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Whether there are systemic issues and/or broader challenges in the implementation of the plan to construct 1 million houses in Stjwetla; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures have been taken to address the challenges to ensure the timely delivery of housing, not only in Alexandra, but also nationwide. 2) In light of the above the collaboration with stakeholders in Stjwetla, how does her department intend to extend its engagement to the national level, fostering collaboration with various political parties, community leaders and advocacy groups, to create a comprehensive strategy for addressing housing issues whilst ensuring transparency and avoiding similar delays in other regions of the Republic?

Reply:

  1. The government never announced any programme to implement 1 million houses in Stwetla. Further. the land in which the Stjwetla Informal Settlement is located is not suitable for human habitation. However, there are portions of land parcels in Frankenstein and Linksfield areas where the City of Johannesburg is finalising plans with various stakeholders to build approximately 40,000 (forty thousand) houses to cater, including those in the Stjwetla informal settlement households.
  2. The City of Joburg is engaging with the residents through the ward councillor, and the leadership in the affected areas in and around Stjwetla. The City of Joburg has through the appointed consultants also established a broad Social Facilitation, Communications and Stakeholder Plan to foster collaboration among all key stakeholders including but not limited to all spheres of government, various affected communities through their community leaders and advocacy groups.

06 March 2024 - NW21

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Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether he has given any consideration to positioning what is left of the SA Post Office’s (SAPO) postal network as contributors to the country’s e-commerce space, given that business rescue practitioners have stated that SAPO is in need of investment in technology, considering that his Department has consistently remained behind the Republic’s digital evolution curve and the burgeoning e-commerce space; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been informed by the SAPO as follows:

SAPO’s logistics strategy, currently in development, will initially stabilise parcel delivery and modernise this business segment over time. The strategy will also enhance the organisation’s logistics skills and management capabilities.

A specific focus of SAPO’s broader strategy is South Africa’s growing e-commerce market as outlined in the entity’s Business Rescue Plan (BRP) (sec 18.5.5.4.2.1, pg. 63). To this end, the rescue plan aims to position the SAPO as a preferred service provider to e-Commerce retailers by strategically investing in the organisation’s depot network, transport fleet and logistics technologies. Apart from strengthening its domestic delivery standards, SAPO will work with its international peers to improve international shipping to and from South Africa.

However, due to the highly competitive nature of the e-Commerce market, SAPO will leverage strategic partnerships to enhance its competitiveness in this sector. Envisaged partnerships include logistics, technology, warehousing, infrastructure and e-commerce as well as industry expertise.

SAPO is cognisant of the fact that it has a low trust deficit within the courier sector, and with commitment from management and the support of government stakeholders, it is anticipated that the entity will return to being a leading courier and logistics company within the next three years.

Thank you

05 March 2024 - NW224

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Maseko-Jele, Ms NH to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1) Whether any impact assessment of the track-and-trace system that is aimed at addressing issues regarding defaulters of child maintenance has been made; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the findings; (2) how is his department dealing with the concealment by defaulting parents of income and assets in the informal sector

Reply:

1. No impact assessment has been conducted of the current Maintenance Track and Trace System as it has been found to be generally helpful by Maintenance Investigators. This system is used in conjunction with manual investigation mechanism where further or additional information is required. In response to what is the position in regard to an assessment being conducted, there are no plans in place to conduct an impact assessment of the system as it is a private provider system and plans are underway to support it through the development of a Person Verification System which will enable intergovernmental information sharing as an initiative to be implemented in conjunction with the Integrated Justice System (IJS).

2. Various forms of manual or physical investigations are conducted into the financial information of an informal trader or business owner who defaults on paying maintenance obligation in line any Maintenance Order. This manual or physical investigations include searching of financial information through conducting in-depth banking information analysis of Contra Nepsa reports obtained from several banking institutions through issuance of subpoenas on the individuals. These reports provide a trail of inflows and outflows of movement of funds from different accounts and to different banks. This provides expenditure trends which are analyzed and submitted to courts for consideration.

Where an informal trader or business owner is not found on the banking system a lifestyle trend analysis is drawn to track and trace the expenditure trends. Here institutions including Local Government’s Vehicle Registration Departments are approached to determine whether the individual owns any vehicle(s) or whether any of his payees from his or accounts own vehicles used by the person investigated, Deeds Offices are serve with subpoenas to determine home ownership or ownership of persons with close personal relations whose homes are used as residential premises of the person investigated. These are linked with the Contra Nepsa reports to determine whether other persons may be concealing properties or monies belonging to the person investigated. SARS searches are also conducted to determine whether income tax payment trends or whether there are any monies due to the individual investigated. These manual or physical investigations are conducted according to the circumstances of each individual Application.

05 March 2024 - NW374

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Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education

In light of the increasing number of learners who commit suicide due to being exposed to bullying, both on and off school premises, either by schoolmates, classmates or even staff members, what urgent steps of intervention, excluding awareness campaigns, has her department taken to deal with bullying in schools?

Reply:

1. National School Safety Framework

The Department in collaboration with Provincial Education Departments, has continued to train schools on the implementation of the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) which is a guiding framework in addressing all forms of violent incidences in schools including bullying. The NSSF empowers schools to identify and manage all safety threats in schools, establish school safety committees comprising of stakeholders such as teachers, police officers, school governing body members and learner representative council members. By the end of December 2023, The following number of schools were physically trained on the NSSF: 1441 schools were trained in the North West, 3220 schools were trained in KZN, 229 schools were trained in Gauteng, 535 schools were trained in Northern Cape, 508 schools were trained in Mpumalanga, 1483 schools were trained in the Eastern Cape, 151 schools were trained in the Western Cape, 18 schools were trained in the Free  State.

The Department in collaboration with the Wits RHI has also developed and rolled out the NSSF digital training course. This course has received SACE Accreditation and a circular was released to all provinces, districts and schools to complete the training. To date, over 130 000 people nationwide competed the training.

2. The Prevention and Management of Bullying in schools

The Provincial Education Departments have continued to train schools on the Prevention and Management of Bullying in schools. The schools have been empowered to identify various forms of bullying, identify perpetrators and victims of bullying, develop reporting mechanisms of bullying in schools and develop anti-bullying policies which are aligned to Codes of conduct. By the end of 2023, at least 1441 schools participated in the training in the North-West.  

Moreover, the Department also requires schools to develop and implement anti-bullying policies, in line with the schools' codes of conduct. The Codes of conduct are developed by the School Governing Bodies and adopted by learners and parents of the schools. They further highlight the disciplinary procedures to be undertaken after incidents are reported and sanctions which will be undertaken against the perpetrators who are found guilty.  The Department is also in the process of developing a new Bullying Prevention Strategy which will guide the sector on how to deal with bullying in schools holistically. 

3. District Monitoring of School Safety Programmes

In the financial year of 2023-24, the Department has monitored 25 districts across nine provinces on all school safety programmes including bullying prevention in schools. Through the monitoring sessions, the Department encouraged districts to regularly monitor schools on the implementation of codes of conduct and collaborate with various key partners such as the Department of Social Development, Childline and civil society organisations, and parents to address the scourge of bullying in schools.  

4. Learner Support Agents (LSA) 

Through the HIV and AIDS Conditional Grant, the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Global fund support, Learner Support Agents (LSAs) are placed in schools to provide support to vulnerable learners, link learners to health and other social welfare services and ensure that care and support activities function better in schools.

LSAs play a crucial role in providing capacity to existing structural arrangements in schools that aim to ensure the school environment remains inclusive, with particular attention paid to vulnerable learners. They are a key liaison between the school and external partners, including other government departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private partners who provide care and support to vulnerable learners and their families. 3947 Schools have LSAs placed, with 323 Child and Youth Care Workers also allocated to schools to support bullying and mental health and psychosocial support programmes.

5. Suicide Prevention and Mental Health

A School information pack for Principals, Educators, School Support teams and leaners was developed and disseminated to raise awareness on risks, warning signs and support for teenage suicide during the Teenage Suicide Prevention week which ran from 11 – 18 February 2024. The information pack included: A poster, pamphlets, a video and social media posts.

The Department is in the process of putting together a suicide prevention school kit. The school kit will capacitate schools to assess their ability to prevent suicide among students and respond to suicides that may occur, understand strategies that can help students who are at risk for suicide, understand how to respond to the suicide of a student or other member of the school community, identify suicide prevention programmes and activities that are effective for individual schools and respond to the needs  of each  students. The kit will be rolled out in September 2024.

05 March 2024 - NW339

Profile picture: Engelbrecht, Mr J

Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships. (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purpose 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 Minister, her department and officials of her department did not receive any sponsorships, donations and or financial transfers by any Qatari, Iranian and or Russian organ of state.

05 March 2024 - NW265

Profile picture: Boshoff, Dr WJ

Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)       Whether, with reference to her reply to question 4118 on 18 December 2023, she will indicate what timeline her department is considering for (a) public comment and (b) the consideration of comments for the (i) Protocol for the Elimination of Unfair Discrimination in Schools and (ii) Guidelines for the Socio-educational Inclusion of Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sex Characteristics in Schools; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether she will furnish Dr W J Boshoff with a list of names of the (a) individuals consulted and (b) management of each of the 15 engagement platforms of stakeholders mentioned in the specified reply; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)The consultations happened over a period of the last two years with 15 platforms of engagement that are coordinated by 15 different Secretariates, internally and externally. 

(2) The requested information will be collated and made available to the Honourable Member as soon as possible.