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06 March 2024 - NW177

Profile picture: Phillips, Ms C

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 - 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 - NW101

Profile picture: Mazzone, Ms NW

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 - NW16

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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 - 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 - 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.

 

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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 - 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 - NW92

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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 - 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 - NW21

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

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

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 - NW165

Profile picture: Powell, Ms EL

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

05 March 2024 - NW127

Profile picture: Msimang, Prof CT

Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether the budget cuts in his department have impacted any programmes run by his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The budget cuts are expected to impact the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development substantially.

Relevant details:

Court Administration: Budget cuts will obstruct the expansion of specialized courts for commercial crimes and impede the full implementation of gender-based violence legislation. A significant increase in case backlogs is anticipated, with an estimated additional 150,000 cases. The delays in processing maintenance cases and administering estates will negatively impact beneficiaries dependent on these funds.

State legal Services: The State Attorney's capacity to settle cases and reduce contingent liabilities will be hindered, leading to potential losses in litigation and increased state expenditure. Additionally, efforts to overhaul the civil justice system and reform legal services will be significantly impeded, potentially undermining the efficacy and reliability of state litigation and legal services.

National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA): The budget cuts will severely disrupt the NPA’s progress in handling complex prosecutions, particularly those involving state capture cases. the provision of adequate protection services for prosecutors, the ceasing of the Aspirant Prosecutors programme which was the training programme for next generation prosecutors and will impede the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres which were introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti‐rape and gender‐based violence strategies, which aim to reduce secondary victimisation, improve conviction rates and reduce the time taken to finalise cases.

Special Investigating Unit: The budget cuts will restrict increasing staff to address a growing number of investigations, which could damage its reputation and hinder its ability to achieve strategic goals such as improved investigation times, data analytics for corruption cases, accelerated civil litigation, and digital transformation.

Legal Aid South Africa: A substantial decrease in the number of courts served and a reduction in civil cases due to a shortage of practitioners. This will also lead to a strained staff complement due to higher caseloads, increased service complaints and a significant rise in court backlogs.

Modernisation: The budget cuts will significantly constrain the Department’s technological operations and infrastructure. Essential system maintenance and the progress achieved with a new data centre are at risk. Planned ICT upgrades and the deployment of the Court Audio Visual System are likely to be delayed, forcing continued reliance on outdated equipment. The department must keep pace with rapid technological changes, which necessitates substantial financial investment.

05 March 2024 - NW121

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Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

With reference to his reply to question 2940 on 16 November 2023, what total number of cases did the National Prosecuting Authority refer back to the SA Police Service with directions for further investigation in the [a] 2018 to 2019, [b] 2019 to 2020, [c] 20/20/21, [d] 2021 to 2022 and [E] 2022 to 2023 financial years?

Reply:

The number of case dockets received for decision that has been referred back to the SA Police Service for further investigation is displayed in the Table below. The decision by a prosecutor when considering a decision docket will reflect if a decision was taken or if more or further investigation is required. These are recorded in a decision docket register at each Magistrate Office and also at the offices of the Directors of Public Prosecutions. The request for further investigation may be required to make a final decision but it may also relate to completing the chain of evidence for evidentiary purposes in court and in getting the case ready for enrolment. Depending on the nature of the charges, some investigation could require financial audit reports or additional forensic or ballistic evidence which a prosecutor from previous experience deem necessary in preparation for the enrolment and subsequent trial. Especially in instances where additional reports are required, these often entail additional costing which the SA Police will only undertake if so guided by the prosecutor. The referral numbers below to the SA Police Service do not include case dockets already enrolled in the courts.

The importance of the investigation to be completed before enrolment, especially in decision dockets where no accused is appearing in court as yet, is that it will prevent unnecessary delays in court and also curb the cost of court appearances. The aim is also to comply with the “Norms and Standards for performance of judicial functions” published in 2024 by the Chief Justice and in terms of which the following guidelines were recommended:

“Finalisation of criminal cases:

a) In order to give effect to an accused person’s right to a speedy trial enshrined in the Constitution, every effort shall be made to bring the accused to trial as soon as possible after the accused’s arrest and first appearance in court.

b) The Judicial Officer must ensure that every accused person pleads to the charge within 3 months from the date of first appearance in the Magistrates’ court. To this end Judicial Officers sall strive to finalise criminal matters within 6 months after the accused has pleaded to the charge.”

Financial Year

FURTHER INVESTIGATION

FY2017-18

305555

FY2018-19

314634

FY2019-20

302192

FY2020-21

296807

FY2021-22

295399

FY2022-23

306034

Total

1820621

05 March 2024 - NW214

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Mkhwebane, Adv B to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What are the reasons that the National Prosecuting Authority issued a nolle prosequi on a perjury case opened by Dr R Kasilembo in Woodstock, case number 273/10/2023, a day after it was opened?

Reply:

The correct docket particulars of the perjury case in which Dr Kasilembo is the complainant, is Woodstock CAS 276/10/2023 and not Woodstock CAS 273/10/2023.

No Nolle Prosequi certificate has been issued in this case. The docket has been returned to the police for further investigations to enable the Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape to make an informed decision whether or not to institute a prosecution. Dr Kasilembo was advised that a further communication will be addressed to her regarding the outcome of the investigations.

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 - NW224

Profile picture: Maseko-Jele, Ms NH

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 - 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

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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. 

04 March 2024 - NW119

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) What is the total number of candidates who were (a) awarded Government Certificates of Competence within the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate in each category of certificate in each of the last five financial years and (b) unsuccessful in each specified financial year. (2) What (a) are the names of the current members of the Commission of Examiners for each category of certificate and (b) independent oversight is in place to ensure the integrity of the process of examination and the awarding of certificates; (3) Whether there is an appeals or complaints process in place; if not, what is the position in regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether his department received any complaints about the integrity of the certification process in each of the past five financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the specific details of the complaints and (b) was done about the complaints?

Reply:

1. 

Mine Managers Certificate

 

Certificate Awarded

Unsuccessful

2019/20

113

636

2020/21

15

399

2021/22

69

508

2022/23

58

415

2023/24

64

556

   NB: Certificate is awarded after a candidate has passed a total of 7 subjects.

Mine Surveyors Certificate

 

Certificate Awarded

Unsuccessful

2019/20

5

507

2020/21

5

206

2021/22

10

372

2022/23

9

314

2023/24

3

419

 NB: Certificate is awarded after a candidate has passed a total of 8 subjects.

Mine Engineers Certificate

 

Certificate Awarded

Unsuccessful

2019/20

64

214

2020/21

30

126

2021/22

36

257

2022/23

38

254

2023/24

43

189

 NB: Certificate is awarded after a candidate has passed a total of 2 subjects

(a)

            MINE MANAGERS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

Mr. Thabo Ngwenya

DMRE

Mr. Terence Doyle

DMRE

Mr. Solly Jivhuho

DMRE

Ms. Neo Monareng

Mining Sector

Ms. Katlego Segoe

Mining Sector

Mr. Letuka Moorosi

Mining Sector

Ms. Priscilla Nelwamondo

Mining Sector

Mr. Gawie van Heerden

Mining Sector

Mr. Eugene Moremi

Mining Sector

Ms. Caroline Shirindza

Mining Sector

Ms. Gladys Nkosi

DMRE

Ms. Karin van Deventer

Independent Geologist

Ms. Mitchell Pienaar

Mandela Mining Precinct

Ms. Lerato Mokonyane

DMRE

Ms. Keorapetse Stone

DMRE

Ms. Lesego Mokgethi

Mining Sector

                            

MINE SURVEYORS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

Mr. Ndivhudza Mahwasane

DMRE

Ms. Keorapetse Stone

DMRE

Mr. Obakeng Clifford Nyaqela

Mining Sector

Mr. Mpho Matloga

DMRE

Mr. Dumisani Moloi

Mining Sector

Mr. Adolph Mhlongo

Mining Sector

Ms. Lerato Mokonyane

DMRE

Ms. Christinah Kgosi

Mining Sector

Mr. Thabo Mmulutsi

Mining Sector

                        MINE ENGINEERS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

Mr. Mthokozisi Zondi

DMRE

Mr. Paulus Kambula

DMRE

Mr. Kolani Mamburu

Mining Sector

Mr. Siphamandla Mthethwa

Mining Sector

Mr. Fefa Moleleki

Mining Sector

Mr. Ayanda Zwide

Mining Sector

Mr. Clifford Dlamini

DMRE

     

(b)        Yes,

3. Yes

4. No

    Should the department receive formal complaints regarding the integrity, due processes will be followed in investigating the concerns.

04 March 2024 - NW7

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Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2266 on 30 June 2023, and the reply of the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr P J Gordhan, to question 2772 on 4 October 2023, regarding the announcement nearly three years ago on 18 March 2021 of the preferred bidders for the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) projects – in particular the three Karpowership projects at Coega, Richards Bay and Saldanha – and furthermore, with reference to the tender for the Gas Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (GASIPPPP) issued on 14 December 2023 for 3000 megawatts (MW) to be generated from gas, his department has implemented the long stop date on 31 December 2023 as indicated by the Minister of Public Enterprises in his reply to question 2772, by which time the projects under the RMIPPPP would have had to achieve legal close; if not, why not; if so, which projects achieved legal close; (2) what is the status of the three Karpowership bids, given the appeals against the environmental authorisations; (3) whether the Karpowership bids have been cancelled when the projects have not achieved legal close; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date(s) were the bids cancelled and (b) what are the relevant details in each case; (4) whether, given that the GASIPPPP makes provision for 2 000 MW to be procured from land-based gas-fired power generation facilities and makes special reference to facilities at Coega and within the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, the additional 1 000 MW at Coega and the specified local municipality in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal is intended to provide a further opportunity for Karpowerships to bid and be included in the IPP programmes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) given the continuing loadshedding and the urgency for additional generation capacity, what (a) measures has he implemented to ensure that preferred bidders from previous Bid Windows and the RMIPPPP reach legal close and commercial operation and (b) projects have reached commercial operation and total generation capacity has the projects contributed to electricity supply? NW7E

Reply:

With regard to (1), (2), (3) and (5)(a), all Preferred Bidders appointed under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) and the fifth bid window under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP Bid Window 5) were given an absolute deadline of 31 December 2023 to meet their specific conditions precedent to reach Legal and Commercial Close. Such conditions are at the Preferred Bidders’ own risk. Accordingly, the Department is applying all relevant steps in accordance with the provisions of the Request for Proposals (RFP).

With regard to (4) all IPP Procurement Bid Windows were implemented in line with public procurement prescripts on the basis of competitive bidding against specific requirements as stated in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The Department does not design procurement programmes based on specific potential bidders, but on the requirements of the System Operator. The Department released a 2000MW Gas to Power Bid Window on 14 December 2023 which specifies an exclusion in respect of any potential Project(s) located in the area known as Zone 13 near the Port of Ngqura, as it is envisaged that a separate procurement process will be undertaken for the establishment of a gas-fired new generation project at that location. The RFP specifications for the 1000MW Gas to Power IPP Progragmme at that location is still under development.

With regard to 5(b), by 31 December 2023, 95 IPP Projects are in operation and contributing 7362.2 MW to the national grid. A further 16 IPP Projects, totaling 1687MW, are currently in construction and are expected to start operations from September 2024 onwards.

04 March 2024 - NW282

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Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Whether she will furnish Mr Z N Mbhele with copies of the performance (a) agreements and (b) assessment outcomes that were signed between the current administration and the Directors-General (DGs) since May 2019, as the DGs are senior accounting officers in the national government departments responsible for strategic management and implementation of their departmental programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? [

Reply:

(a) The Performance Agreements (PAs) of National Directors-General (DGs) and Provincial Heads of Department (HoDs) are signed between the relevant Ministers/MECs to outline the agreed performance areas and indicators in a particular financial year. The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) monitors the signing of performance agreements and provides recommendations to the performance agreements based on a quality assurance process. The DPME are not part of the signing of the agreements which is between the DG/HOD and the particular Executive Authority (EA) and is therefore not in a position to share the performance agreements.

(b) The DPME facilitates and acts as a Secretariat during the performance evaluations of National DGs and is not in a position to share the performance information that is between a particular Executive Authority and a DG. This will result in a loss of credibility in the process of the HoD evaluation. Assessment outcomes of National DGs is a personal matter between the Executive Authority (EA) and the DG and the DPME as the third party cannot share this information. It is suggested that individual EAs and DGs be approached to release the information. Further to this, the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) emphasises the fundamental human right to protect people’s privacy. This applies both with PAs and performance assessment outcomes until such time that the South African government declares these as public documents. To ensure a high level of confidentiality, the officials dealing with this work undergo “top secret” security clearance every five years.

The DPME will present the adherence of Departments with regards to implementation of the Policy on Performance Management Development System for the Heads of Department for 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial year at the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation meeting taking place on 8 March 2024. It is proposed that further engagement be held at the meeting above.

04 March 2024 - NW326

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Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

What are the full relevant details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) her, (ii) her Office and (iii) officials of her Office 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:

No.

a) Sponsorships

b) Donations

(c) Financial transfers

 

(aa)

(bb)

(cc)

(aa)

(bb)

(cc)

(aa)

(bb)

(cc)

(i)

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

(ii)

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

(iii)

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

04 March 2024 - NW213

Profile picture: Ceza, Mr K

Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What benefits do the communities of (a) Clewer in Witbank and (b) Tokologo in Middelburg derive from the mine operations in their respective areas in line with the Social and Labour Plans?

Reply:

a) In relation to Clewer in Witbank, the community benefits derived from mining operations under Social Labour Plans are as follows:

  • Construction of Clewer health post
  • Construction of a Clewer hall
  • Integrated waste management project: mini transfer station
  • Community skills development project (AD Security training)
  • Basic welding project for the greater Emalahleni community members

b) The community of Tokologo in Middelburg benefits are as follows:

  • Tokologo road construction
  • 8hr New town clinic in Middelburg
  • SMME Industrial Park
  • Water purification plant
  • 24-hour Rockdale clinic
  • Additional classrooms at Phumelele Primary School

01 March 2024 - NW194

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Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

(a) How will his department handle the failure to disclose/declare financial interests by healthcare workers in the 202324 financial year, (b) what are some of the reasons there is failure to comply with the processes of disclosure and (c) how does his department plan to empower healthcare workers with sufficient knowledge on disclosures, including why they are important and the technical aspect of making submissions easier?

Reply:

a) The disclosure/ declaration of financial interests by employees in the public service is regulated by Regulation 18 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, which requires designated employees to submit particulars of their financial interests to their respective heads of departments and non-compliance in this regard is handled in line with the provisions of Section 16A of the Public Service Act, which require the head of the department to take appropriate disciplinary steps against an employee who does not comply with a provision of a regulation.

b) Some of the reasons for failure to comply with the disclosure processes include forgetting the personal log-in details (usernames and passwords). In some instances, it is with regard to properties that employees acquired a long time ago and are no longer in possession of, but those properties are still registered in their names. As a result, they are of the view that they are not required to disclose such properties, while that is not the case.

c) Ethics Officers inform designated officials that are required to disclose their financial interests timeously before the period of disclosure starts and they are constantly reminded about the process of disclosing their financial interests. There are also dedicated officials who are responsible for providing assistance and technical support to all officials who are experiencing challenges in accessing the e-disclosure system.

END.

01 March 2024 - NW204

Profile picture: Manyi, Mr M

Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(a) Which province in the Republic have employed cloud seeding techniques in the 2023-24 financial year, (b) what specific reasons and/or circumstances led to its usage in the specified province and (c) how does she ensure (i) regulation and (ii) oversight to safeguard environmental integrity and public welfare?

Reply:

Find here: Reply

01 March 2024 - NW168

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Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What are the relevant details of any meeting and agreements she had reached with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in 2023 and/or during the period 1 January 2024 until the latest specified date?

Reply:

There had been no meeting and agreements between the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in 2023 and/or during the period 1 January 2024 until the latest specified date.

01 March 2024 - NW166

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Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

(1)What is the position of her department regarding the request by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr S O R Mahumapelo, to the Director-General of her department that all senior members of all official royal and traditional households throughout the Republic must be issued with diplomatic passports; (2) whether her department will accede to the request and issue the specified passports according to the request; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any members of official royal and/or traditional households in the Republic have diplomatic passports issued by her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of all the diplomatic passport holders from official royal and/or traditional households? NW172E

Reply:

1. Diplomatic Passports are issued to the 13 recognised Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders as well as the spouse and the Personal Assistant when accompanying in terms of the South African Diplomatic Passport Policy.

2. Diplomatic Passports will only be issued to those who qualify in terms of the South African Diplomatic Passport Policy.

3. The details of any members of official royal an/ or traditional households in the Republic who have been issued with diplomatic passports may not be divulged in terms of the following:

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;

South African Passports and Travel Documents Act, No. 04 of 1994;

Identification Act, No. 68 of 1997;

Promotion of Access to Information Act, No. 02 of 2000;

Protection of Personal Information Act, No 04 of 2013;

South African Passport and Travel Documents Regulations, 1996;

Intelligence Services Act, 2002 (Act No 65 of 2002)

Intelligence Services Oversight Act, 1994 (Act No 40 of 1994)

01 March 2024 - NW130

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Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1) Whether, with regard to textbooks issued and/or funded by the government that are meant to be distributed to schools throughout the Republic, all (a) primary and (b) secondary schools have received their textbook allocation for the 2024 academic year; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether the total number of textbooks allocated for schools match the total number of enrolled students in both (a) primary and (b) secondary schools; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

(1) The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has the responsibility to develop the National Catalogue which lists all Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) and from which Provinces have to procure for their  respective schools. Subsequently, the DBE develops a sector plan which is a guide for provinces to develop their aligned provincial management plans for procuring learning materials for the ensuing year. The Sector plan details the procurement activities and timeframes to be observed when procuring any learning material. The Sector plan is attached as reference, as to when provinces can start with the procurement processes.

(2) The procedure is that Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) receive their budget allocations from their respective Provincial Treasuries to carry out their activities, amongst which is the buying and distribution of textbooks relative to the number of enrolled learners per school (see attachment). The detailed information regarding receipt and amount of budgets / allocations received, can be requested from the Provincial  Education Departments. The Honourable Member is kindly advised to source the details from the Province(s) concerned.

01 March 2024 - NW169

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Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What (a) is the position of the Republic on the current war in the Republic of Sudan and (b) steps will the Republic take to assist in bringing an end to the war?

Reply:

It would be recalled that South Africa, immediately after the start of the hostilities, issued a statement wherein it strongly condemned the fighting and called for peace and calm among the parties involved in the conflict, in keeping with the AU objective of silencing the guns on the Continent. South Africa appealed to the different factions of the Sudanese army to immediately cease all fighting, spare the Sudanese people any further violence and immediately return to the negotiations table to agree on a sustainable military and security sector reform programme as part of the Final Agreement towards the restoration of a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan. South Africa also joined the UN Secretary-General in calling on the parties to return to the negotiating table and continue their dialogue with the aim of transiting the country to a civilian-led government.

Moreover, on 08 May 2023, South Africa issued a second statement, reiterating the centrality of the African Union and IGAD in the pre-negotiation and subsequent Jeddah talks to ensure long-lasting solutions to the challenges faced by Sudan, and commended the role played by the President of South Sudan, HE Salva Kiir, African leaders and others, who worked tirelessly to negotiate several cease-fire agreements between the parties. In keeping with the principle of African solutions to African problems, South Africa expressed the hope that the AU and IGAD will continue to play a central role in the current and subsequent talks and reiterated its call for both parties to negotiate an agreement that would end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, finally also noting that a peaceful Sudan, led by a civilian government, is essential not only for Sudan but also for the broader region and the Continent.

In addition, South Africa is guided by its Foreign Policy Objectives and its values of advancing peace on the continent and globally, informed by resolution of conflict through dialogue. South Africa in line with the prescripts of the African Union, supports the International Governmental Authority for Development stance taken during the 41st Summit in Dember 2023, urging the two warring parties to consider the principle of engaging face to face to among other, pave the way for a series of confidence-building measures that will lead to the launch of a political process and hopefully the end of hostilities.

01 March 2024 - NW195

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Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) are the reasons that the Gauteng Department of Health failed to use over R2.6 billion of its budget in the 2022-23 financial year and (b)(i) total amount did each provincial health department fail to spend in their budgets in the 2022-23 financial year and (ii) what are the reasons that each provincial health department failed to spend all of its allocated budget?

Reply:

Responses as received from the provincial departments of health.

a) (i) Gauteng Department of Health underspent the total allocated budget with R2.7 billion of which R937 million was for provincial equitable share and R1,7 billion for conditional grants,

The reasons for underspending are -

  • Late receipt of invoices and claims from suppliers that are subjected to a verification process.
  • The reduced number of nursing students enrolled for the academic year and delays in the submission of Non-Profit institution's claims.
  • Claims for the South African Cuban Doctor programme was received and subjected to reconciliation and review and could not be processed for payment at year-end.
  • Slow construction and contractors abandoning sites due to poor contractors performance.
  • Underspending on conditional grants was due to the unavailability of contracts, and probity audit processes towards procurement of high-value medical equipment that could not be delivered and paid at year end.
  • Underspending was also incurred due to price reductions of antiretroviral drugs, non-contracting of general practitioners performing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) and shortage of condoms within the country.

Rollover application of R582.2 million was submitted and R279 million was approved as follows;

  • National Tertiary Services Grant R515.8 million requested and R226.8 approved
  • District Health Services Grant (HIV/AIDS component R38.4 million requested and R32.8 approved and
  • Statutory Human Resources component R27,9 million requested and R19.4 approved

b) (i) (ii) The following table reflects the details in this regard:

Name of the province

Underspending in 2022/2023 FY R’million

Reasons for underspending

Eastern Cape

R62,2

R31.7 Conditional grants

R30.5 Voted funds

Delays in the payment of medico-legal settlement due to Trust registration delays by plaintiff attorneys.

The rollovers amount to R24,8 million for the National Tertiary Services Conditional Grant and R6,1 million for the District Health Programme Conditional Grant (Comprehensive HIV Component) has been approved.

Free State

-R’4.4

R85 Conditional grant

-R89 voted funds

The underspending on the grant totalling R85 million was as a result of the process of reconciliation for payment at year end and could not be finalised.

The roll over amount of R84 million on Health Revitalization Grant was requested and approved to be spend in 2023/2024

Kwa Zulu Natal

R’000

The Province spent the total allocated budget in 2022/23 financial year.

Limpopo

R103,5

R49.3 Conditional grant

R54.2 voted funds

The unspent budget of R103 million is attributable to delayed deliveries of medical equipment caused. The Department successfully secured R78 million through roll over request to be paid during 2023/2024 financial year.

Mpumalanga

R25,3

R12.8 conditional grants

R12.5 Voted funds

Department experienced delays in the procurement of equipment due to revised Public Procurement Regulations.

Northern Cape

R141,4

R131.3 conditional grants

R10.1 Voted funds

Underspent funds due to delay in the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of the linear accelerator. National Health Insurance grant rollover amount was requested and R47,484 million was approved to be spent in 2023/24 financial year. National Health Revitalisation Grant underspent by R82,211 million, attributed by the delay in the monitoring and implementation of infrastructure projects.

North West

R4.8

R200.6 conditional grants

-R209 voted funds

Delays in submission of invoices by service provider, late delivery of medical equipment (Catheterization and Lab Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

Rollovers were requested and approved to be spent in 2023/24 financial year, Health Facility Revitalisation Grant - R178,9 million, National Tertiary Services Grant - R1,9 million and National Health Insurance Grant -R15 million

Western Cape

R180

R14.4 conditional grants

R165.6 voted funds

Savings on approved post list due to delays in the filling of funded vacancies and in-year attrition rates.

Delayed in the implementation of contracts with training providers resulting in training that could not be implemented as planned. The use of covid-19 rapid ag tests instead of the more expensive laboratory based PCR tests and decrease in audit fees and legal fees.

END.

01 March 2024 - NW167

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Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether it is the policy position of her department to consider Hamas, that has been designated by certain countries like the United States of America and the European Union as a terrorist group, to be the legitimate government of the people of Gaza; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons for such a consideration?

Reply:

South Africa does not consider Hamas as a terrorist organisation in line with the United Nations. South Africa maintains open lines of communication with all Palestinian political formations, including Fatah, Hamas as well as with all other political factions.

01 March 2024 - NW164

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Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether the Government has received any (a) financial, (b) legal and/or (c) communications assistance from any specified (i) organisation and/or (ii) state in respect of the Republic’s litigation against Israel at the International Court of Justice over allegations that Israel is responsible for violations of the Genocide Convention in respect of its actions taken in the war between Israel and Gaza; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Government of South Africa has not received any (a) financial, (b) legal and/or (c) communications assistance from any specified (i) organisation and/or (ii) state in respect of the Republic’s decision to institute legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (“Genocide Convention”) with respect to the Israeli conduct in the present conflict in Gaza.

01 March 2024 - NW198

Profile picture: Mafanya, Mr WTI

Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) is the position of his department on the Public Service Commission investigation of the alleged irregular appointments in the Gauteng Department of Health in the past three years and (b) intervention steps has his department employed to resolve the matter?

Reply:

a) The position of the department is to implement the recommendations of the Public service Commission (PSC).

b) The department has implemented some of the recommendations which have no financial implications, the implicated employees are still in the employ of the department and the findings have not been challenged by the implicated employees and/or the PSC reports have not been taken on judicial review.

 

END.

01 March 2024 - NW329

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Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education

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:

None 

01 March 2024 - NW203

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Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environmen

Whether cloud seeding technology has been utilized in the Republic in the past three years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the primary objectives and/or purpose for the use?

Reply:

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01 March 2024 - NW128

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Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity

Considering that during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 8 February 2024, the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, promised the nation that loadshedding will soon be a thing of the past, and noting that following the SONA the Republic’s loadshedding stages escalated to stage 6, what are the full, relevant details of (a) all functional power plants across the Republic and (b) the plans that are in place to ensure that the electricity generated at the specified power plants will align with the promise that the President made on 8 February 2024?

Reply:

In contextualising the Energy Availability Factor (EAF), one needs to understand the following equation:

EAF=100% Generation Available Capacity-% Unplanned Capability Load Factor (UCLF)-% Planned Capability Load Factor (PCLF) -% Other Capability Load Factor (OCLF).This means that the EAF is dependent on three variables, namely, Planned maintenance, Unplanned Outages as well as other outages. When either of these variables changes, the EAF is impacted negatively or positively depending on whether the variables increase or decrease respectively.

The EAF shown below depicts our performance over the past eight (8) years and also reflects the improvement when comparing January 2023 and January 2024. From January 2023 to January 2024, the unplanned outages have been decreasing as depicted on the graph below. In January 2023, UCLF was at 34% but it was 30% in January 2024. Other outages also saw a declining trend.  These other outages are unpredictable and outside management's control.

On the other hand, planned maintenance increased from September 2023 to December 2023 and January 2024. These outages are within management control in terms of whether to implement them or not and are essential for safety, statutory and performance improvement reasons. It does, however, mean that as planned maintenance necessarily increases, then EAF decreases. For example, planned maintenance was at 17.6% in January 2024 vs 13.5% in January 2023

(b) (i) The Eskom Board has approved the Generation plant recovery programme which details actions per power station that are in alignment with the President’s statement made during SONA.

(ii) Government has implemented the Energy Action Plan which also looks at energy crisis or resolutions. This runs at a government level and involves private business.

 

01 March 2024 - NW176

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Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Whether it is the official position of (a) her department and (b) the SA National Biodiversity Institute that a legal, well-regulated trade in rhino horn is key to solving the rhino poaching crisis; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full, relevant details of the official position?

Reply:

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01 March 2024 - NW141

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) is the current backlog on toxicology analysis at each forensic chemistry laboratory of the National Health Laboratory Service in each province, (b) what measures have been put in place to eradicate the backlog, (c) what total number of toxicology tests does each laboratory run on each day and (d) by what date will the backlog at each forensic laboratory in each province be eradicated?

Reply:

According to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS):

a) Toxicology tests are conducted at three of the four Forensic Chemistry Laboratories namely, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. The toxicology tests are supposed to be tested within 90 days from the date the samples are registered in the testing laboratory. Any test that has not been completed and authorised within 90 days is classified as backlog. Multiple factors have contributed to the backlogs that developed at the three laboratories, including incomplete information on the request forms, inadequate infrastructure, aging analytic equipment, interruptions in power supply, inadequate water supply, the COVID-19 epidemic, and shortages in human resources.

The current backlog at the Cape Town Forensic Chemistry laboratory is 6,792 cases with Johannesburg and Pretoria laboratories at 15,358 and 16,824 cases respectively

 

b) The measures taken by the NHLS to eradicate the backlog include:

    • Increasing laboratory processing capacity to analyse samples and ensuring the optimal use of resources within the laboratories.
    • Acquiring additional laboratory space in Pretoria to process both the toxicology and blood alcohol samples.
    • New posts for toxicology analysts were created for the new laboratories in Pretoria.
    • The new toxicology laboratory will analyse new cases and the old laboratory will focus on the backlogged cases only.
    • Similar plans are in process to increase laboratory capacity for toxicology cases at the Johannesburg and Cape Town laboratories and to offer a toxicology service at the Durban laboratory.
    • The NHLS, in conjunction with the Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) in the Department of Health, is developing strategies to address ageing samples in the backlog and how to best manage these samples.

c) Each toxicology case that is registered in the laboratory may include a varying number of biological specimens that were taken during the autopsy and each specimen may require to be tested more than once or on different sets of instruments, depending on the test requirements. In the pre-analytic stage, specimens may require specialised preparation, depending on the tests that will be conducted.

As a result, it is difficult to quantify the number of toxicology tests that are processed in a day as tests run concurrently and completion periods differ vastly between cases. Hence, Toxicology cases are allocated in batches of 15 cases per analyst per month.

d) It is difficult to estimate when the backlog will be eradicated, however, the NHLS remains committed to improving service delivery at all four Forensic Chemistry Laboratories and to accelerating the reduction of the toxicology backlogs at these laboratories.

END.

01 March 2024 - NW170

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Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether her department will furnish Mr W F Faber with a full list of all South African citizens who currently hold diplomatic passports?

Reply:

(a) The full list of all South African citizens who currently hold diplomatic passports may not be divulged in terms of the following:

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;

South African Passports and Travel Documents Act, No. 04 of 1994;

Identification Act, No. 68 of 1997;

Promotion of Access to Information Act, No. 02 of 2000;

Protection of Personal Information Act, No 04 of 2013;

South African Passport and Travel Documents Regulations, 1996;

Intelligence Services Act, 2002 (Act No 65 of 2002)

Intelligence Services Oversight Act, 1994 (Act No 40 of 1994)

29 February 2024 - NW199

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Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he will furnish Mr T Mogale with the details of the food contract between the Gauteng Department of Health and the provincial government of Limpopo; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full, relevant details?

Reply:

The details of the food contract is as follows:

Tender Number: HEDP021/19/20

Duration: 01/07/2023 to 31/04/2024

Contract description: Supply and delivery of perishable provisions at all hospitals in the Limpopo Department of Health for 36 month.

Items covered in the tender:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Bread
  • Chicken Breast and Wings
  • Fish
  • Full Cream Milk/ Low-fat milk
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt plain low-fat
  • Mageu

END.

29 February 2024 - NW205

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

With reference to his address to residents in Verulam, Phoenix and oThongathi, north of Durban on 5 February 2024, what prompted his decision to advise the 64 municipalities whose water provision services have collapsed to outsource water provision to external service providers?

Reply:

The Water Services Act distinguishes between the Water Service Authority (WSA) and Water Service Provider (WSP) functions at municipal level. Only a municipality can be allocated the power and function for the WSA function in terms of the Municipal Structures Act. The WSA function is the primary Constitutional role of municipalities with regard to water and sanitation services.

The key role of the WSA is to ensure that the WSP provides services which meet minimum norms and standards, and to deliver on the legislative and executive functions such as promulgation of by-laws, approval of integrated plans and budgets and approval and regulation of service delivery mechanisms. Very few municipalities are implementing their WSA function as envisaged in the Act.

The Water Services Act, read together with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act provides that a WSA can approve any legal entity (municipality, municipal entity, another municipality, CBO, NGO, organ of state, private company, or water board) to function as a WSP in the municipality. However, almost all municipalities are currently both WSA and WSP (they have approved themselves as the sole WSP). The Water Services Act requires municipalities to manage and account for their WSA and WSP roles separately – but very few municipalities are doing this.

There is evidence that water services delivery performance shows an alarming declining trend, as illustrated by the Department’s Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop regulatory reports. Further, the recent cholera outbreak highlights the risks associated with allowing the trend to continue unabated. Many municipalities are in a vicious circle of decline with regard to their water and sanitation services. The main elements of this vicious circle are poor and declining services; reducing payment for services; poor governance, poor management and under- investment.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is actively intervening in poorly performing municipalities, and the Minister has been meeting with Mayors and agreeing on action plans to address issues. The DWS assists with its grants where possible and monitors and supports the municipalities with implementation of the action plans. Notwithstanding the above, municipal water and sanitation services continue to generally deteriorate. To break the vicious circle, it is necessary to ensure that water services are provided by professionally managed, capable, efficient and financially viable institutions.

On 18 and 19 January 2024, Minister Mchunu had a two-day Summit with all the water services authorities in the country, to discuss the results of the Drop reports. The drop reports found that, of the 144 water services authorities in the country, 67 had drinking water or wastewater systems in a critically bad state of performance. One of the resolutions of the Summit is that this group of water services authorities should initiate processes in terms of Section 78 of the Municipal Systems Act to review their Water Service Provider arrangements and to consider alternatives for more effective water service provision.

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29 February 2024 - NW239

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Golding, Mr B C to ask the Minister of Police

What are the details of the contingency plans that the SA Police Service (SAPS) has put in place to ensure the safety of citizens and SAPS officers following the recent breakdown of the communication systems and radio networks of the SAPS in the Western Cape.

Reply:

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29 February 2024 - NW196

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Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) options of contraceptives are offered in public clinics for sexual reproductive health rights and (b) is the name and method of each contraception?

Reply:

a) The options are as follows:

  1. Permanent method
  2. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives
  3. Short term hormonal contraceptives
  4. Barrier methods
  5. Emergency contraceptives

b) Name and method:

  1. Permanent method Sterilizations (Vasectomy and Tubaligations)
  2. Hormonal (Oral Contraceptive (OC), Subdermal implants and Injectables)
  3. Barrier (Intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and Condoms)
  4. Emergency (Combined Oral Contraceptives and IUCD)

END.

29 February 2024 - NW200

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Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Health

What are the reasons that the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is outsourcing the patient care of cancer patients requiring treatment?

Reply:

Infrastructure and capacity to treat adults with cancer are variable throughout the country and thus Gauteng Province has the additional responsibility of rendering oncology services to its neighbouring Provinces. However, comprehensive oncology services in the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) are currently only rendered by Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) and Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH). This places a huge burden on service delivery for these two centres which according to the 2020 National Cancer Register (NCR) of South Africa are estimated to ensure that the 23 634 new people with cancer in the public health facilities in Gauteng Province are treated. With only two Central Hospitals rendering a comprehensive oncology service, long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment leads to disease progression and poorer cancer related outcomes. Lack of infrastructure and lack of human resources are also additional contributory factors to the extreme waiting times. The Department is thus outsourcing radiation oncology services to reduce the current radiotherapy waiting times at both CMAJH and SBAH.

END.

29 February 2024 - NW245

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Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police

Whether he has found that the SA Police Service has the capacity to maintain law and order in the Republic, in light of the unprecedented crime wave that the Republic is currently experiencing, where an average of 75 murders and 115 cases of rape are reportedly daily; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

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29 February 2024 - NW197

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Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Health

(a) How has he responded to the more than 800 incidences of food poisoning in Gauteng in a space of five months, (b) what steps of intervention have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future and (c) what initiatives have been taken to curb food poisoning in communities?

Reply:

a) Response teams in all the affected areas were activated and investigations commenced immediately to try and establish the type of food consumed by the affected people.

  • Specimens were collected and sent to National Health laboratories to detect and identify the chemicals/organisms in the samples.
  • The Gauteng Provincial Public Health Directorate further established the Incident Management Team that meets twice a week to monitor the progress of the outbreak and the response by each thematic area such as Environmental Health, Communicable Disease Control, Surveillance Officers, South African Police Services and Consumer Services.

(b)-(c) Steps and initiatives:

  • Routine inspections are being conducted at food premises.
  • Routine food and water samples are being taken for microbiological and chemical analysis.
  • Joint operations are conducted with the following stakeholders: local councillors, consumer protection, metro police, border management, home affairs, and SAPS.
  • Health education and awareness are provided to all formal and informal food operators and surrounding community on food preparation, storage, and handling, including chemical poisoning handling. This intervention is especially focussed on food vendors close to schools.
  • Prohibition notices and fines are issued to owners of non-compliant premises.
  • All suspected food samples are taken to the laboratory for analysis.
  • All non-compliant foodstuffs were and will continue to be seized and disposed.
  • Radio health talks are done on different community radio stations to create awareness.
  • Health education and awareness campaigns are ongoing on food safety. This is being done on multimedia platforms e.g. TV, radio stations, social media and newsletters.
  • Draft SOPs have been developed with all relevant stakeholders on how to deal with foodborne illness.
  • Support visits are done to Early Development Centres to raise awareness.
  • Information sharing with relevant stakeholders is ongoing.

END.