Questions and Replies

Filter by year

22 February 2022 - NW9

Profile picture: Wessels, Mr W

Wessels, Mr W to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(1)    What is the current outstanding amount owed by the SA Post Office (SAPO) to (a) landlords, (b) municipalities and/or (c) water and electricity suppliers for (i) outstanding rentals, (ii) water and (iii) electricity across all branches of SAPO; (2) What are the reasons for the specified amounts owed; (3 What is the impact of the arrear accounts on the (a) business and (b) daily (i) activities and (ii) responsibilities of SAPO; (4) Whether there is a plan in place to pay arrear accounts and mitigate the effect thereof on the daily activities of SAPO branches; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1. (a) Landlords

As at 31 January 2022 an amount of R304 million was owed. The amounts owing to landlords include rental and operational/ utilities costs

(b) & (c) Municipalities & Water and electricity

The current balance for municipalities as at 10 February 2022 is R915 000 which is only the current costs for the month.

2. The reason for outstanding rentals is due to SAPO’s constrained cash flow position. SAPO’s costs have continued to exceed revenue resulting in losses for the year ending 31 March 2021 and for the ten months ending 31 January 2022. The losses are unfunded resulting in SAPO having insufficient funds to settle liabilities.

3. (a) Negative impact on customers as branches are closed / locked by landlords.

(b) Also impacts on revenue not being generated by closure of these branches.

4. SAPO currently does not have the required funds to settle the liabilities. SAPO has developed a revised strategy to improve its operational and financial performance – and is in the process of implementing such. In addition, SAPO has requested funding through the MTEF process.

22 February 2022 - NW131

Profile picture: Graham, Ms SJ

Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(a) Which branches of the SA Post Office operate from privately owned properties in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, (b) what are the arrears in rentals to the owners of the properties, (c) what payment arrangements have been entered into with the owners where outstanding amounts are owed, (d) were the payment arrangements honoured and (e) what are the average daily amounts paid out to grant beneficiaries from each of the post offices in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

(a)

  • Graaff Reinet Post Office
  • Aberdeen Post Office
  • Willowmore Post Office
  • Jansenville Post Office

(b)

  • Graaff Reinet – R552,534.75
  • Aberdeen – R150,743.43
  • Willowmore – R103,500.00
  • Jansenville – R0

(c) All SAPO landlords were sent a letter explaining the financial situation of SAPO and negotiating a payment model. The commitment made was that payments would be made as soon as finances become available.

(d) Some payments are honoured based on cash flow, the Jansenville Post Office landlord was fully paid on February 10, hence the outstanding balance is R0.

(e)

Office

SASSA Grants (Average)

SRD Grants (Average)

Graaff-Reinet PO

R117 500

R29 750

Aberdeen PO

R105 750

R13 300

Jansenville PO

R82 250

R9 800

Willowmore PO

R157 450

R 10 850

 

MS. NONKQUBELA JORDAN-DYANI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL (ACTING)

DATE:

Recommended/not recommended

__________________________

HON. PHILLY MAPULANE, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE:

Approved/ not approved

________________________________

HON. KHUMBUDZO NTSHAVHENI, MP

MINISTER

DATE:

18 February 2022 - NW152

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether she and/or her department ever received correspondence from a certain political organisation (details furnished), via email, WhatsApp, hardcopy and/or in any other format of which the original file is dated June 2020; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date was the specified correspondence received, (b) who was the sender of the correspondence and (c) what steps were taken by her department in this regard?

Reply:

No, the department did not receive such correspondence from the Political Party in question.

A rigorous procedure guided by Public Service prescripts is followed in the recruitment and appointment processes in the department.

17 November 2021 - NW2219

Profile picture: Bodlani, Ms T

Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What (a) are the details of the post offices that are and/or were closed to date in Gauteng, (b) informed the decision to close the specified outlets and (c) has she found had been the impact of the closures to the communities?

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:

a) (24) Twenty-four Post Office branches have been permanently closed in Gauteng for which official approvals have been granted. Another (66) sixty-six branches have been closed awaiting official approval for the closure. The closure of these branches relate to landlord disputes, lockouts due to rental arrears, electricity arrears, while others have been looted and vandalised. See details hereunder. The lists hereunder details affected branches but is fluid given the changing circumstances and issues at any point in time.

b) Some have been permanently closed due to optimization of the SAPO branch network as well as forced closures by landlords as a result of rental arrears.

c) Communities have been referred to the nearest alternative branches which are in a radius of +-5km. This does not affect the street delivery of mail in these areas. Where private boxes are to be moved, renters retain their PO Box numbers once transferred to the closest open Post Office.

Official approval granted for permanent closure:

No

Office

Province

When Closed

Reason

Approval granted for closure during April 2021

1.

Linden

Gauteng

Apr 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

2.

Jukskeipark

Gauteng

Apr 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

3.

Thokoza

Gauteng

Apr 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

4.

Fontainebleu

Gauteng

Feb 2021

Forced closure by landlord

5.

De Deur

Gauteng

May 2020

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

6.

Fairland

Gauteng

Aug 2020

Forced closure by landlord

Approval granted for closure during May 2021

7.

Glenharvie

Gauteng

Mar 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

8.

Sonlanpark

Gauteng

Nov 2020

Optimization and amalgamation

with the surrounding offices.

9.

Monumentpark

Gauteng

Feb 2021

Forced closure by landlord.

10.

Henbly

Gauteng

Mar 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

11.

Strubensvallei

Gauteng

May 2021

Forced closure by landlord.

12.

Van Dyk Park

Gauteng

May 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

13.

Brenthurst

Gauteng

May 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

14.

Bakerton

Gauteng

May 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

15.

Edenpark

Gauteng

May 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

16.

Dunnottar

Gauteng

May 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices.

Approval granted for closure during June 2021

17.

Wendywood

Gauteng

Feb 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

18.

Boipatong

Gauteng

Jun 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

19.

Kagiso

Gauteng

Sept 2020

Forced closure by landlord

20.

Welobie

Gauteng

May 2021

Forced closure by landlord

21.

Woodhill

Gauteng

Sept 2020

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

Approval granted for closure during July 2021

22.

Khumalo

Gauteng

Feb 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

Approval granted for closure during August 2021

23.

Dower Glen

Gauteng

May 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

24

The Tramshed

Gauteng

Aug 2021

Optimization and amalgamation with the surrounding offices

Branches closed awaiting official approval, locked out by landlords due to rental arrears, electricity arrears, looted and vandalised branches:

No

Office

Province

Reason

1

Alexandra South

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

2

Aston Manor

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

3

Atlasville

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

4

Benoni North

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

5

Bertsham

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

6

Boitumelo

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

7

Bramley

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

 

8

Cleveland

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

9

Dersley

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

10

Doornpoort

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

11

Dunnottar

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

12

Dunswart

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

13

East Lynn

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

14

Ebony Park

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

15

Elardus Park

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

16

Elspark

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

17

Evaton

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

18

Faerie Glen

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

19

Fararmere

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

20

Florida Hills

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

21

Fourways North

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

22

Heidelberg

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

23

Highveld Park

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

24

Ifafi

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

25

Isando

Gauteng

Burglary. Equipment stolen

26

Kaalfontein

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord and vandalised by looters

27

Kagiso East

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

28

Katlehong

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

29

Khumalo

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

30

Kliptown

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

31

KwaXuma

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

32

Kyalami

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

33

Lambton

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

34

Laudium

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

35

Leondale

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

36

Lynnwood Ridge

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

37

Masoheng

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

38

Montana

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

39

Noordheuwel

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

40

Oliefantsfontein

Gauteng

Blocked sewerage drain

41

Orange Farm

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

42

Paardekraal

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

43

Pierre Van Ryneveld

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

44

Protea Gardens

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

45

Quagga

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

46

Randhart

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

47

Randpark Ridge

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

48

Rant en Dal

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

49

Raslouw

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

50

Rensburg

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

51

Ruimsig

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

52

Rusloo

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

 

53

Rynfield

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

54

Sandringham

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

55

Silverton

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

56

Sinoville

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

57

Stretford

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

58

Strubenvale

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

59

Sunward Park

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

60

Tembisa South

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

61

Three Rivers

Gauteng

Locked out by landlord

62

Tiegerpoort

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

63

Turffontein

Gauteng

Closed, awaiting official approval

64

Vosloorus

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

65

Westonaria

Gauteng

Electricity account arrears

66

Zola

Gauteng

Looting and vandalised

17 November 2021 - NW1887

Profile picture: Mabhena, Mr TB

Mabhena, Mr TB to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What (a) prompted the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to move Ikwekwezi FM from Johannesburg to Tshwane a few years ago, (b) are the running costs associated with running Ikwekwezi FM, (c) is the projected savings for the SABC to move Ikwekwezi FM back to Auckland Park and (d) is the total number of other SABC radio stations that are affected by the move.

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

a) The decision to move Ikwekwezi to Tshwane was done by the previous leadership of the SABC and the reasons are unknown.

b) The SABC has moved Ikwekwezi FM back to Auckland Park due to associated previous running costs of R684k per month. The station will be housed at the SABC’s Auckland Park campus with no extra costs to the SABC.  Moreover, the SABC has also upgraded its Auckland Park radio facilities which accommodates all its Gauteng based radio stations and has a disaster recovery capability for all other radio stations.  The additional future costs of upgrading the Tshwane Office is therefore mitigated and the economies of scale, both employees and facilities is leveraged.  

c) The projected direct savings are R684k per month in rental costs.  This excludes the necessary upgrades that would have been required and the additional staff costs associated with running these stand-alone studios.

d) Motsweding FM based in Mahikeng, North West Province, also transmitted a few programmes from Tshwane.

17 November 2021 - NW1821

Profile picture: Majozi, Ms Z

Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What (a) steps has she taken to resolve the litigation given the impasse regarding the auctioning of spectrum and (b) immediate interventions have been put in place to ensure that the impasse caused by the litigation does not put the Republic behind in the rolling out of modern communications offered by 5G technology?

Reply:

a) The Minister continues to facilitate engagements between the parties to the litigation to find an amicable solution. These efforts have resulted in consensus on matters on dispute be they on the release of the spectrum or temporary spectrum.

b) The Department continues to support the development and advancement of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), etc. At this point the Department is working with industry experts and academia to develop South Africa Artificial Intelligence Policy, this is after the country successfully led the development of the AI Blueprint for Africa the Smart Africa Alliance. Of course, the ability to extend the availability of these technologies will highly be influenced by the deployment of the spectrum.

17 November 2021 - NW2262

Profile picture: Majozi, Ms Z

Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether, in light of the fact that the dispute between the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and mobile network operators has dragged on for some time in the courts, preventing the auctioning of much-needed spectrum, the Government has any immediate plans to release spectrum that is held and used by broadcasters which is required for 5G bidding; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) plans, (b) dates and (c) other time frames for the release of the spectrum?

Reply:

The dispute between mobile network operators and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) was finally resolved on 15 September 2021 with the granting of a court order, in terms of which the decision taken by the Authority to publish the Invitations-to-Apply for the release of high demand spectrum and the licensing of the Wireless Open-Access Network (WOAN), was set aside and the matter was referred back to the Authority for reconsideration. Therefore, the Authority will, during the course of Quarter 3, make an announcement on the reconsideration of the matter as directed by the court.

In light of the above, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies intends to conclude the digital migration process by the end of the 2021-2022 Financial Year. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies will outline key milestones before end of October 2021.

This will place ICASA in a position to licence the digital dividend currently occupied by broadcasting service licensees, and which was the subject of the litigation, without any contention. The Department is committed to providing support to ICASA to ensure that it delivers on its legislated mandate and strategic objectives.

17 November 2021 - NW2263

Profile picture: Majozi, Ms Z

Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(1)In light of the fact that the dispute between mobile network operators and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa is set to remain unresolved after the 30 November 2021 extended deadline on temporary spectrum, as gazetted, what steps will the Government take to ensure smooth availability of internet to facilitate working-from-home; (2) whether the Government intends to find a permanent solution of making the spectrum available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps are being taken to bring all parties to a consensus?

Reply:

1. The dispute between mobile network operators and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) was finally resolved on the 15th September 2021 with the granting of a court order, in terms of which the decisions taken by the Authority to publish the Invitations-to-Apply (ITAs) for the release of high demand spectrum and licensing of the Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN) was set aside and the matter was referred back to the Authority for reconsideration.

In light of the above, the Authority will, during the course of Quarter 3, make an announcement on the reconsideration of the matter as directed by the court.

(2) The Department – as the policy maker – will work with ICASA and all stakeholders to ensure that ICASA’s initiation of the process of licensing of spectrum.

15 September 2021 - NW319

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

With reference to the pension of SA Post Office (SAPO) pensioner, Mr Carl Olivier, (details furnished) and the fraud committed on his account, (a) what steps have been taken to stop the fraudulent activity on Mr Olivier’s pension account, (b) what progress has been made in issuing Mr Olivier with a functional SA Social Security Agency card that will allow him to draw his pension, (c) by what date will this matter be resolved, (d) what number of other accounts have been fraudulently accessed in a manner similar to the specified person's account and (e) what steps are being taken by the SAPO to deal with the matter?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

(a) On 11/07/2020 a fraudulent reissue card was performed (Card number 4213 xxxxxx100415) at Umzinto Post Office. The account was reimbursed on the 28/09/2020.

(b)(c) Another card was issued (4213xxxxx991290) on 18/11/2020 at Halfway Post Office which has an active status on the client’s profile.

(d) SAPO did not receive any new affidavit for any other disputed amounts.

Stats below refer:

(e) The modus operandi that criminal syndicates embark on from time to time changes continually. SAPO/POSTBANK have embarked on a process of cleansing its payment system and circumventing unauthorised access.

15 September 2021 - NW665

Profile picture: Walters, Mr TC

Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what is the (i) name of each firm, (ii) purpose, (iii) value and (iv) duration of each specified contract?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and SOEs as follows:

a) DEPARTMENT

Yes

(i) Name of the company

Vimtsire Protection Services

(ii) Purpose

To provide physical security for the department (both Hatfield and Cape Town offices).

(iii) Value

R 18 091 921,34

(iv) Duration

Three years (01 December 2018 – 30 November 2021)

b) State-Owned Entities (SOEs)

Entity

(b)

(i)Name of Firm

(ii)Purpose

(iii)Value

(iv)Duration

ICASA

Yes

Modise Protection Services

Physical guarding

R 5 097 931.15

3 years

   

CIYTech Systems Cc

Maintenance of security systems

(CCTV cameras & biometrics)

R 174 018.00

3 Years

   

ADT Fidelity

Armed response & alarm monitoring

R 88 591.40

3 Years

   

Modise Protection Services

Physical guarding

R 262 649.76

1 Year

   

Televonic Systems

Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics)

R 56 223.50

3 years

   

Rishumele Trading

Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics)

R 95 041.17

3 years

   

Ubomi Technologies

Physical guarding

R 298 515.13

7 months

   

Pro-Secure PTY Ltd

Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics)

R 99 056.80

2 years

   

Multi-Locking systems

Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics)

R 268 984. 16

4 Years

   

Multi-Locking systems

Maintenance of security systems (CCTV cameras & biometrics)

R 173 111.71

3 Years

   

Postbank

Yes

Vusela Security Company

Monitor access control; screening employees; escorting clients; protection of company assets and personnel, report criminal activities to SAPS and assist in handover of Postbank Visa and SASSA cards

R 44 000 per month

5 years

   

Nemisa

Yes

Rise Security Services

Provide physical protection in the Parktown Building

R 3 732 056.51

3 years (ending March 2021)

   

PEPLER ALARMS CC

Provide reaction service and 24/7 monitoring of the alarm in the Franschhoek Building

R 462.30

Month to month contract

   

SABC

Yes

Mafoko Security Patrols

(Head Office-Gauteng)

Provision of physical security services at SABC Auckland Park offices and TV Outside Broadcasts

R 185 519 425. 61

5 years

   

Khayalami Security CC

(Eastern Cape)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 13 838 216. 62

2 years

   

Khayalami Security CC

(Western Cape)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 11 525 746. 05

3 years

   

Vhugi Protection Services (Limpopo)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 17 421 396. 43

3 years

   

Modise Protection Services

(North West)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 17 415 286. 04

3 years

   

Mafoko Security Patrols

(Free State)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 7 186 607. 46

3 years

   

Khayalami Security CC

(Northern Cape)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 4 569 137. 04

3 years

   

Mafoko Security Patrols

(Mpumalanga)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 4 966 994. 66

2 years

   

Mafoko Security Patrols

(Gauteng)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 3 236 391. 24

2 years

   

Mafoko Security Patrols

(KwaZulu Natal)

Provision of physical security services at TV Outside Broadcasts and Provincial offices

R 7 361 514. 50

3 years

   

Broadband Infraco (BB)I

Yes

Selkirk Security services

Provision of security services at Head Office

R 2 440 944. 00

3 years

   

Mzuzovama (Pty) Ltd

Provision of alarm monitoring and ad hoc call outs for emergency responses at Newcastle Point of Presence

R 148 940. 00

2 years

   

Nthuthuko Zulu Innovative Holdings

Provision of alarm monitoring and ad hoc call outs for emergency responses at Mzintlava Substation

R 20 400. 00

2 years

   

Azifani Security and Cleaning Services

Guarding services on emergency basis and escorting of technical employees to dangerous sites in the Northern Cape and Gauteng regions

R 1 220 662.12

As and when – value is for the period 1 April 2020 to 28 February 2021

Provision of alarm monitoring and ad hoc call outs for emergency responses at Mzintlava Substation

R 20 400.00 - 2 years

   

National K9 Security Services

Guarding services on emergency basis and escorting of technical employees to dangerous sites in KwaZulu-Natal

R 572 784. 00

As and when – value is for the period 1 April 2020 to 28 February 2021

   

Bohlale Security Services

Guarding services on emergency basis and escorting of technical employees to dangerous sites in the Free State

R 208 874. 00

As and when – value is for the period 1 April 2020 to 28 February 2021

     
   

Sentech

Yes

Collins Sebola Financial Services (PTY) LTD JV Ramadzwi Security Services and Training Agency (PTY)

NKP Security guards’ deployments

R 14 532 175. 93

3 years

   

Afriguard Security Services

Security guarding for the sites

R 4 591 766. 81

2 years

   

Fidelity Security Services

Emergency security guard’s deployment due to power and RF cable theft on site

No contract value, services charged on a month to month basis

Month to month until new contract is set up.

   

Fidelity-ADT Security Services

Armed Response and monitoring

R 32 905. 00

5 years

   

Buyisa Security Services

Guarding of the offices afterhours only and 24 hours on weekends and Holidays

R 753 210. 36

3 years

   

Fidelity ADT and Technical

Armed Response and monitoring

R 27 000. 00

3 years

   

National Security and Fire

Armed Response and Monitoring

R 24 443. 64

3 years

   

National Security and Fire

Armed Response and Monitoring

R 15 120. 00

3 years

   

Red Alert (PTY) LTD

Armed Response and Monitoring of all four areas/sites

R 85 523. 71

3 years

   

Harambe Technologies

CCTV system maintenance

R 663 964.56

5 years

   

Craddock Sekuriteit CC

Armed Response, monitoring and escorts to sites

R 9 457,20

3 years

   

SAPO

Yes

Fidelity Cash Solutions

** All Provinces

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Pay point Services

  • Cash-in transit (CIT) & Guarding

R 825 000 000. 00

2 years (RFP to be issued)

   

Fidelity Security Services

** Gauteng

Guarding Services

  • Static and SASSA

R 201 032 089. 00

5 years

   

Fidelity Security Services

** Eastern Cape

Guarding Services

  • SASSA

R 81 449 264. 51

5 years

   

Fidelity Security Services

** Western Cape

Guarding Services

  • SASSA

R 33 376 527. 70

5 years

   

G4S

** All Provinces

CIT Services

R 400 447 987. 28

5 years

(New Award pending)

   

Vusela Sanmva Joint Venture

** Free State

** North West

** Kwazulu-Natal

** Northern Cape

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 240 656 922. 50

5 years

   

Isidingo (UNITRADE 1047 CC)

** Western Cape

Guarding Services

  • Static

R 33 422 400. 00

5 years

   

Tyeks Security Services

** Eastern Cape

Guarding Services

  • Static

R 59 942 143. 30

5 years

   

Marumofase Security

** Limpopo

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 2 859 247. 04

1 year

   

Ally’ s counter Force Security

** Limpopo

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 1 714 828. 32

1 year

   

Clearpoint Security & Hygiene

** Mpumalanga

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 1 153 047. 60

1 year

   

Sakhile Ezweni Group

** Mpumalanga

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 4 191 095. 23

1 year

   

Khayalami Security

** Mpumalanga

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 8 667 153. 9

5 years

   

Ndivhuwo Security Training

** Limpopo

Guarding Services

  • Static & SASSA

R 3 302 970. 48

5 years

 

Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA)

Yes

PMT Security Service

Provision of physical security services

R 29 000 per month

1 year

 

SITA

 

SITA currently does not have security contracts in place for the East London, Bhisho and Port Elizabeth offices.

SITA is receiving security services from the Landlord’s Security at East London and Bhisho that are on site.

At Port Elizabeth there is currently no security on site. It is for this reason that a new Security Contract for SITA has been concluded for all 3 sites.

SITA is not paying for security service exclusively, as it is incorporated in the lease agreements.

We can thus not quantify any value for security service.

East London

Lease Term: 01 Mar 2019 to 28 Feb 2024

Port Elizabeth

Lease Term: 08 Jul 2020 to 07 Jul 2021

Bhisho

Lease Term: 01 Nov 2019 to 31 Oct 2024

   

Bangilizwe Security Services

Physical Building security for SITA Eastern Cape premises (East London, Gqeberha and Bhisho)

R 475 410. 00

6 months

   

Tyeks Security Services

Provide guarding and security services for SITA Free State premises ( Fort Drury Building and DATA CENTRE in Bloemfontein)

R 2 752 318. 30

3 years

   

4B Protection Services

Provide 24/7 Physical Security Services for SITA Gauteng premises (Erasmuskloof, Centurion, Beta and Numerus Buildings )

R 50 248 823. 29

3 years

   

Sbu & Sbo Protection Services (Pty) LTD

Provision of 24/7 Physical Security Services for SITA KZN premises (Pietermaritzburg & Durban Office)

R 4  839 720. 07

3 years

   

R5 Security services Pty Ltd

Provision of physical security services for SITA Limpopo premises (Polokwane Office)

R 2 741 598. 87

3 years

   

Mthenjankave Security Service

Provision of physical security service for SITA Mpumalanga premises

R 1 495 315. 01

3 years

   

This forms part of the Landlord (Bridge Trust) Lease agreement. The security company is CCL Services

Provision of physical building security for SITA Northern Cape premises (Kimberley office)

R 151 800. 00

(Only 1 day shift guard, seven days a week from 06h00 to 18h00)

1 year

   

SITA currently does not have a security contract in place as this forms part of the Landlord Lease agreement.

Provision of security services for SITA North West premises (Mafikeng, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom)

SITA is not paying for security service exclusively in terms of the lease agreements.

We can thus not quantify any value in terms of security.

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) and ZADNA do not make use of any private security firm as their offices are located at an office park which has its own security company.

15 September 2021 - NW539

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether the SA Post Office offers a registered email communication and/or registered SMS service to its customers; if not, why not; if so, (a) what IT system/supplier is being used to provide this service, (b) on what date was the service procured, (c) at what cost was the service procured and (d) what are the full details of the relevant tender?

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:

Yes, the South African Post Office does offer registered digital communication. There is one system in operation, namely:

(a) Registered electronic mail system on RiPoste TrEx from Escher Group (IRL) Ltd;

b) SAPO entered into the Escher contract on 29 November 2013 and a modification was done on 27 June 2016. The original design of the service was one sender to one recipient. One sales engagement with customers, it became clear that customers were looking for an automated system to cater for one sender to many recipients (bulk). The cost of the modification amounted to R17 398.00.

c) The original cost was R 8 512 830.00. The maintenance cost amounted to R677 988.00 per quarter. SAPO has not paid maintenance for nine quarters due to the process of changing hosting providers. However, SAPO does not anticipate the need to pay outstanding maintenance costs.

d) The registered electronic mail system was concluded on agreement number 4600000491. The tender number was RFP No 03 E Registered Mail 12/13/HM. There was no tender conducted for the revenue sharing concept, it followed an investment procedure. The SAPO/Service Provider Agreement; SAPO Limited Bidding Document; and e-Registered Mail Statement of Work Agreement is attached as Annexures B1, B2 and B3 respectively.

08 September 2021 - NW2071

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Given the crucial importance of private sector players in the communications and digital technologies arena with regard to their expertise, resources and assets, what steps has she taken or does she plan to take towards cultivating value-creating and synergistic public-private partnerships that will contribute to the imperative of advancing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and narrowing the digital divide in the Republic?

Reply:

We believe in the founding tenets of this country of a social compact between government, business, labour and the value that cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders adds to the reach and depth of any programme.

21 July 2021 - NW1099

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 538 on 16 March 2021 and the appointment of a certain company (name furnished) as an authorised representative of the SA Post Office (SAPO) on 5 February 2020, any services, technology and/or products have been supplied by the specified company to the SAPO; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the nature of the services rendered, technology and/or products supplied, (b) what is the monetary value of the services, technology and/or products and (c) was any request for proposal and/or request for quotation issued?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

The contractual matters involving the parties, including possible requests for proposals and/or requests for quotations are currently under review as part of an internal disciplinary process. SAPO is therefore unable to provide details until such time that this process has been finalised.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

21 July 2021 - NW1100

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 538 on 16 March 2021 and the appointment of a certain company (name furnished) as an authorised representative of the SA Post Office (SAPO) on 5 February 2020, any requests for proposals and/or requests for quotations have been issued by the SAPO for electronic registered post technology; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, will she furnish Mr C MacKenzie with the full details of the requests including any tenders and awards; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

The contractual matters involving the parties, including possible requests for proposals and/or requests for quotations are currently under review as part of an internal disciplinary process. SAPO is therefore unable to provide details until such time that this process has been finalised.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

21 July 2021 - NW1098

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 538 on 16 March 2021 and the appointment of a certain company (name furnished) as an authorised representative of the SA Post Office on 5 February 2020, she will furnish Mr C MacKenzie with the full details of the contract entered into by a certain person (name furnished) and the specified company; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

The contractual matters involving the parties are currently under review as part of an internal disciplinary process. SAPO is therefore unable to provide details until such time that this process has been finalised.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

02 July 2021 - NW1015

Profile picture: August, Mr SN

August, Mr SN to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, in light of the recent announcement by the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) of its intention to publicly auction the Rocklands Villas residential property in Sea Point, Western Cape, she has considered leasing the specified building to any other government department, particularly to provide social and affordable housing within the Cape Town Central Business District; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details (2) Whether she intends on having discussions with other government departments regarding making the best use of the property in order to address spatial justice within the society; if not, why not; if so, which government departments

Reply:

1. On 21 September 2020, the SABC was granted concurrent approval by the Ministers of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and Finance to dispose of 25 non-core properties including Rockland Villas through an open market auction in terms of section 54(2)(d) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999. The concurrent approval was also granted in keeping with National Treasury’s prefunding conditions which were attached to the financial bailout allocation and turnaround plan implementation to dispose of all residential properties as the leasing of properties does not form part of SABCs core mandate.

2. The Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has since submitted a request and proposal to the DCDT on 05 May 2021 for possible acquisition of the Rocklands Villas residential property based in Cape Town, Sea Point by the Housing Development Agency for human settlement development purposes. DCDT is currently facilitating engagements between the SABC, Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation as well as the Housing Development Agency (HDA) seeking to find an amicable solution between the parties (SABC and the HDA).

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

 

02 July 2021 - NW1717

Profile picture: Hill-Lewis, Mr GG

Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

With reference to the directive of the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, which she refers to in her remarks in Government Gazette No. 42388 of 9 April 2019, that her Office assumes responsibility to oversee and lead the work of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR), what are the full details of all fees and monies paid to the (a) individual members of the PC4IR and (b) Chairperson of the PC4IR?

Reply:

a) The Department set aside an amount of R1 650 000, as a once-off gratuity payment to (33) thirty-three PC4IR Commissioners, wherein each Commissioner would receive an amount of R50 000. Of the 33 Commissioners, (6) six were already in employment of the State which eliminated them from receiving the gratuity. In addition, (11) eleven Commissioners opted not to receive the gratuity, while (1) one Commissioner resigned during the beginning of the work of the PC4IR. A total of (15) fifteen Commissioners who complied with the conditions of registration in the Central Supplier Database (CSD) were paid. Accordingly, a total amount of R750 000 was paid to individual members of the PC4IR out of the allocated R1 650 000.

b) No payment or fees were paid to the Chairperson of the PC4IR.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

02 July 2021 - NW1535

Profile picture: Buthelezi, Mr EM

Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Given the recent publication of the annual report of the SA Post Office’s financial results for the 2019-20 financial year, which shows that the Post Office is technically insolvent, how does she and/or her department intend to return the Post Office to solvency?

Reply:

The SA Post Office has prioritised initiatives that focus on improving service delivery, revenue recovery and growth and cost reduction. The Department is concluding the procurement process to appoint a team of experts to develop a restructuring and turnaround plan for a sustainable post office of the future. The turnaround plan will inform the MTEF funding submission for the post office.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

02 July 2021 - NW1469

Profile picture: Mabika, Mr M

Mabika, Mr M to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(1)Whether her department has concluded any work exchange and/or employment agreements with any entity of the Republic of Cuba from the 2010-11 financial year up to the 2020-21 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) total number of Cuban nationals (i) have been employed in each of the specified financial years and/or (ii) are due to be employed in the 2021-23 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, (b) are the details of the work that each of the specified Cuban nationals was and/or will be employed to perform, (c) are the details of the specific skills sets that each of the specified Cuban nationals possessed and/or will possess that South African nationals did or will not possess and (d) are the details of the total cost of employing each of the specified Cuban nationals in each case; (2) Whether her department took any steps to ensure that the specific skills set of the specified Cuban nationals were and/or will not be available in the Republic amongst South African citizens; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) steps taken and (b) outcomes of the steps taken in this regard?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

  1. No
  2. Not applicable

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

02 July 2021 - NW1244

Profile picture: Majozi, Ms Z

Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Given current litigation surrounding the auctioning of spectrum, (a) how does the Government intend to ensure availability of high demand spectrum and (b) for how long will such initiatives last?

Reply:

(a)(i) With regards to the pending litigation, the effect of the interdict granted on 8 March 2021, is that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is prohibited from proceeding with auctioning the spectrum as planned. The Ministry and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies remain desirous of the speedy resolution of the matter out of court and continues to support the auctioning of spectrum as government is in dire need of the proceeds that will be derived therefrom. The Ministry and Department respect the interim relief granted by the court and abide thereby. Government can therefore only ensure the availability of high demand spectrum when all parties submit to mediation to resolve the matter out of court or the court rules thereon, whichever comes first.

(a)(ii) As far as it relates to temporary spectrum, the Minister issued the Electronic Communications, Postal and Broadcasting Directions under the Disaster Management Act on 26 March 2020. In terms of the Directions so issued temporary licensing of high demand spectrum must be provided for the duration of the COVID-19 national disaster.

(b)(i) The litigation is set down for hearing on 26 to 29 July 2021 and the Ministry and Department are not in a position to pre-empt the outcome and length thereof.

(b)(ii) ICASA, in its latest amendment of the ICT COVID-19 Regulations (28 May 2021), extended the validity of the temporary radio frequency spectrum licences to 31 August 2021.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

02 July 2021 - NW1178

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Techgnologies

With regard to the broadcast digital migration project, what (a) total number of households (i) have been identified as requiring state assistance, through subsidies or otherwise, to migrate from analogue to digital broadcast signal reception and (ii) that were identified have already been migrated to date in each province, (b) are the cumulative monthly household broadcast migration targets in each province until the envisaged completion of the project and (c) are the (i) allocated budgets for the project and (ii) anticipated shortfalls in relation to the specified household migration targets in each province?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a)(i)   See table below. The data provided below is from StatsSA and has a margin of +/- 15% accuracy - noting the dynamic circumstances of households that proceed to voluntarily migrate via the existing commercial digital broadcast platforms. The Department used data from StatsSA as a reference point for planning.

 

  1.  
  •  

ESTIMATED SUBSIDY BENEFICIARY HOUSEHOLDS

Free State

322 970

Northern Cape

101 885

North West

391 767

  •  

646 116

  •  

381 717

Eastern Cape

551 649

KwaZulu Natal

817 383

Western Cape

380 100

  •  

1 091 256

  1.  

4 684 843

 

 

(a)(ii)   See table below. Installations are conducted in a sequential provincial schedule, as depicted in the order of provinces below:-

PROVINCE

Total Registrations Completed as at June 2021

Total Installations Completed as at June 2021

Free State

278 069

213 902

Northern Cape

72 429

44 356

North West

155 530

85 224

Limpopo

86 817

37 381

Mpumalanga

97 095

49 288

Eastern Cape

163 162

25 231

KwaZulu Natal

206 652

77 639

Western Cape

54 860

2

Gauteng

33 895

8

TOTALS

1 148 509

533 031

 

(b)       Monthly household migration targets are not used as a yardstick. Instead, a determination is made to conclude a critical mass threshold of 70% household migration within a target transmitter coverage area (which covers a number of predetermined towns/villages). The outcome is then applied to determine the analogue transmitter switch off (ASO) in the provincial sequence. The ASO is carried out in a provincial transmitter sequence in this controlled manner until the final transmitter within the province is switched off.

The table below provides depicts the preliminary migration schedule for each province. The ASO process is carried out in an overlapping manner between provinces. The schedule is subject to continuous revision to optimise where practical, taking  external circumstances and internal implementation variables into account.

 MIGRATION AND ANALOGUE SWITCH-OFF (ASO) PROVINCIAL SCHEDULE 

PROVINCE

Start

Finish (revised)

FREE STATE ASO

08/01/2018

07/03/2022

NORTHERN CAPE ASO

08/01/2018

21/02/2022

NORTH WEST ASO

05/04/2021

21/01/2022

LIMPOPO ASO

06/09/2021

08/03/2022

MPUMALANGA ASO

03/06/2021

14/02/2022

EASTERN CAPE ASO

02/08/2021

31/01/2022

KWAZULU-NATAL

26/07/2021

15/03/2022

WESTERN CAPE ASO

23/08/2021

01/03/2022

GAUTENG ASO

13/09/2021

22/03/2022

 

(c)(i)   Total budget allocated so far for decoder subsidy, excluding goods and services, is approximately R1,2 billion.

(c)(ii)   The anticipated combined national decoder subsidy shortfall is approximately R563-million for the vouchers; an additional amount will be required for the voucher system which still needs to be determined.

 

 

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 June 2021 - NW1358

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, with regard to the preparations of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for the coverage of the upcoming 2021 local government elections, and with reference to the mandate and obligations of the SABC as the national public broadcaster to educate and inform the public, the SABC will be broadcasting any practical and specific public education content related to municipal governance, especially with reference to sections 151 to 164 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as well as its Schedules 4 and 5; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

Yes, public education has historically formed part of the SABC’s standard elections coverage mandate and will continue to do so during this current election cycle. The SABC News will drive this process from an editorial perspective as has always been the case post democracy with covering and contextualizing the elections, Constitution and functioning of municipalities.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

16 April 2021 - NW318

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What is the total number of bank accounts that the SA Post Office have and (b) will she furnish Mr C MacKenzie with the account balances as at (i) 31 March 2020, (ii) 30 June 2020, (iii) 30 September 2020 and (iv) 31 December 2020?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

a) SAPO has fourteen (14) bank accounts for different operational requirements.

b) The request for the bank account balances is noted. SAPO is however mindful that responses to parliamentary questions are public documents and given the sensitivities surrounding its finances, the bank account balances cannot be provided.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

16 April 2021 - NW174

Profile picture: Faber, Mr WF

Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Communications

What has she found to have been the impact of the closures that were as a result of late or non-payment for the monthly rental to owners of the buildings utilised by the SA Post Office on (a) SA Social Security Agency grants and the (b) renewal of motor vehicle licenses that took place at the specified Post Offices?

Reply:

(a) & (b) The closure of any SA Post Office as a result of late or non-payment for the monthly rental to owners of the buildings - or for whatever other reasons - is a concern and can be an inconvenience to all parties concerned.

The impact to both the SA Social Security Agency grant recipients and the renewal of motor vehicle licenses is that the customers often must incur additional costs as they are redirected to other branches.

The impact to SAPO staff members is that they often must attend to additional customers that are re-directed from the closed branches.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

16 April 2021 - NW175

Profile picture: Faber, Mr WF

Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to the branches of the SA Post Office that closed down, (a) what number of post offices have been shut down by the owners of the buildings and/or premises in 2020 due to non-payment of the monthly rental and (b) how does the SA Post Office intend to solve these closure problems that occur on a regular basis?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

a) Of the 1 110 premises that are leased only 43 have been closed. The closure is mainly as a result of under utilisation of the core business of the SA Post Office by the customers.

b) The SA Post Office is currently embarking on processes to re-purpose its business model to adapt to new technologies, including digitising the services.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

16 April 2021 - NW317

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What is the total number of retail post offices in the Republic, (b) of these post offices, what number is (i) SA Post Office (aa) owned and (bb) rented and (ii) postal agencies premises and (c) will she furnish Mr C MacKenzie with an aged analysis of all rentals due to landlords for each retail post office?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

(a) 1 414 Post Offices

(b)(i)

(aa) 458 owned Post Offices

(bb) 956 rented Post Offices

(b)(ii) 694 postal agencies

(c) Age analysis of rentals due as at January 2021 which includes 154 other rented

sites such as mail centres, depot’s box lobbies, etc. (A detailed list is attached hereto)

+30 days

+60 days

+90 days

+120 days

TOTAL

-24 514 125,63

-26 371 402,36

-26 803 607,04

-51 586 293,58

-129 275 428,61

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

15 April 2021 - NW184

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)   (a) Why and (b) for how long has the electricity been turned off at the Reygersdal Post Office in Atlantis; (2) What steps are being taken to ensure power is restored? (3) What steps are being taken to ensure a backup power system is put in place?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1. (a) The Reygersdal branch’s electricity was disconnected due to cable theft in the area.

(b) The electricity was disconnected in mid-January 2021.

2. The electricity has since been restored.

3. The disconnection of electricity due to cable theft can not be predicted and planned for due to its nature. However, in instances where cable theft unexpectedly occurs, the Municipality is contacted to ensure urgent restorative maintanance to avoid prolonged disruption of services.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

08 April 2021 - NW957

Profile picture: Phillips, Ms C

Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(1)(a) What is the total monetary value of each concession that welfare, charitable and public benefit organisations used to receive on their annual fees for the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) TV licence(s), (b) in which financial year was each terminated, (c) what was the total cost of the concession for the three financial years prior to termination and (d) what is the reason that the concession was terminated; (2) whether the SABC has any intention of reviewing the concession for welfare, charitable and public benefit organisations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by SABC as follows:

1. (a) The concessionary license of R74 per annum is discounted as per the Broadcasting Act. According to the TV License Regulations, the qualifying persons for discounted license fees (concession) are: a person who receives a social grant from the state by virtue of age or disability or a war veteran, a person aged 70 years or older. The above mentioned persons are the only concessions provided for in the legislation. The legislation does not make provision for welfare, charitable and public benefit organisations, therefore concessions are not applicable to these entities.

(b) The SABC has not terminated any concessions provided for in the legislation.

(c) This information is not available as indicated under (a) and (b). The licence holder criteria on the database are in accordance with legislative requirements. Welfare, charitable and public benefit organisations are not specifically stipulated in the legislation and therefore not exclusively indicated on the database.

(d) The SABC has not terminated any concessions in the legislation.

2. The SABC has a responsibility to provide various types of specialised content aimed at all our audiences’ needs, including educational content; dramas; news and programming for audiences with disabilities. This mandate comes at a significant cost to the SABC. It is therefore not possible for the SABC not to request the license fee payments from welfare, charitable and public benefit organisations. The SABC relies on these funds to continue providing specialised content delivery to our audiences, in line with our public mandate.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

08 April 2021 - NW794

Profile picture: Arries, Ms LH

Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What (a) total number of Post Office branches have closed their doors over the past five financial years and (b) are the reasons for the specified closures?

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

a) A total of 144 Post Office branches have been closed over the past five financial years.

b) Most of these branches were closed due to Network Optimisation strategy and only six were closed due to forced landlord evictions.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

08 April 2021 - NW720

Profile picture: Julius, Mr J

Julius, Mr J to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

1. Whether there are any plans to sell the vacant stand on erf 1536 Oranjerivier Street in Toekomsrus, Randfontein, belonging to the SA Postal Services which is allegedly being used as a drug den and other criminal activities; if not, why not; if so, how far is the process; 2. What amount was spent to date on services paid to the Rand West City Local Municipality for the vacant land; 3. What has she found to be the social impact on the community due to this vacant land being used for criminal activities?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

  1. The Toekomsrus vacant land has been identified for disposal, subject to the requisite governance and approval processes.
  2. Municipal service charges amount to about R1 202 per month.
  3. To date, SAPO have not received any complaints from the community, however this matter will be investigated and if necessary, reported to SAPS.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

16 March 2021 - NW503

Profile picture: Sarupen, Mr AN

Sarupen, Mr AN to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

(1)      Whether any staff member in her department (a) performed work in addition to the responsibilities related to his or her work, outside normal working hours, in the past five financial years and (b) has been performing such work during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, in each case, how is it determined whether such work is being performed or not; if so, in each case, (i) what number of staff members and (ii) in what job or work categories are the specified staff members employed; (2) whether approval for such work was obtained in each case; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the policy of her department in this regard, (b) by whom are such applications considered and approved, (c) what number of contraventions of this policy were brought to the attention of the National Treasury in the past five financial years and (d) what steps have been taken against the transgressors?

Reply:

The Department has advised me as follows:

(1)(a) Yes

(b) By completion and submission of application of approval for Other Remunerative Work and financial disclosures on an annual basis

(i) It differs each year based on the number of applications received each year. (refer to the table below developed from the actual applications and disclosures).

(ii) It differs each year based on the applications received and disclosures made. (refer to the table below developed from the actual applications and disclosures).

Table 1: This table provides the employees that have applied for and disclosed their other remunerative work performed in the past five years:

No

Level

Other Remunerative Work approved and disclosed in the financial disclosures

   

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2016/15

 

Chief Director

2

3

3

3

1

 

Director

5

1

4

3

5

 

Deputy Director

2

2

2

2

1

 

Assistant Director

2

2

1

1

1

 

Other lower levels

1

1

1

3

1

(2)   Yes

(a) The policy is in line with the Public Service Act section 30 and Public Service Regulations 2016. The Financial Disclosures Policy further requires employees that are required to complete financial disclosures to disclose any other remunerative work performed. In line with the policies and legislation including section 195 of the RSA Constitution, employees are made aware that they have to complete the relevant forms to request permission to perform other remunerative work, disclose any other remunerative work in their financial disclosures and to ensure:

  • The Work of the Department is prioritised (comes first);
  • They cannot use the Department’s resources to conduct the other remunerative work;
  • They are prohibited from doing business with an organ of state (Regulation 13(c) of the Public Service Regulations 2016; and
  • They cannot perform the work during office hours.

(b) There are different levels where they are considered such as:

  1. Supervisor: - to consider if the work will not interfere with the employee’s Departmental duties and recommend for approval;
  2. Ethics Officer: - to ensure the correctness of the form and compliance with the relevant legislation and policies; and
  3. Executive Authority or Delegated Authority: - Approval.

(c) None

(d) N/A

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

16 March 2021 - NW538

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

1. What position does a certain person (name furnished) occupy at the SA Post Office? 2. Whether the specified person is authorised to (a) enter into contractual agreements and/or (b) contract or appoint official representatives on behalf of the SA Post Office; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1. Acting Group Executive Sales/Commercial

2. (a) In terms of the Board approved Generic Delegation of Authority, Group Executives (EXCO members) have the authority to sign off contractual agreements on behalf of SAPO, depending on the value, nature, complexity and type of contract and delegation of Authority or sub-delegation of authority (if permitted).

(b) See reply (a) above in as far as it relates to contract/s. It further depends on the nature, type etc and exigency of the appointment of the official representatives and in which capacity such official is officially appointed by SA Post Office SOC Ltd.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

09 March 2021 - NW480

Profile picture: King, Ms C

King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What are the reasons that the Pefferville Post Office in East London was closed and (b) on what date will services resume at the specified post office? (b) on what date will services resume at the specified post office?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

a) The Pefferville Post Office in East London was closed in March 2019 following a housebreaking/robbery which caused extensive damage to the building and point of sale equipment. Despite the numerous attempts to repair the damages and equipment, several further incidents of housebreaking were reported and criminals continue to vandalise and steal the equipment of the Branch. The repeated incidents of housebreaking/robbery has resulted in the building being in an unhabitable state. Some of the damages that have been caused occurred whilst a guard was supposed to be securing the building.

b) Several attempts to repair and open the branch were unsuccessful due to repeated break-ins. This is despite security guards being deployed to secure the premises. Due to the above factors, the continued trading at this Post Office is under review and a decision will be made in due course. (Customers who require Post Office services may utilise the Buffalo Flats Post Office which is 4.5 kms away from the Pefferville Post Office)

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

09 March 2021 - NW579

Profile picture: Brink, Mr C

Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether she has been informed that the Post Office in Highveld Park, Centurion, was closed during business hours for a number of days in November 2020; if not, why not; if so, what (a) were the reasons for the closure and (b) steps will she take to ensure that the unnecessary closures do not recur?

Reply:

No, I was not aware of the closure of the aforementioned Post Office branch as SAPO did not provide such information to the Department.

I have since been informed by the SAPO as follows:

a) The Highveld Park Post Office, Centurion branch was locked by the landlord on 13 November 2020. The reason for the closure is due to non-payment of rent as the landlord decided to lock the branch until payment is made.

b) SAPO is currently paying a rental amount of more than R 50 000 per month at the Highveld Post Office and as such an alternative site nearby (Eco Park Centre) +/- 2 km away has been secured, at a negotiated rental amount of R 8 000 per month for the next 3 years. SAPO intends to move the Post Office to that site around March 2021. Preparations are at an advanced stage and business will resume soon for all the customers in and around Highveld Park.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 March 2021 - NW173

Profile picture: Faber, Mr WF

Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What total number of buildings and/or premises are currently utilised by the SA Post Office under lease agreements and (b) at what total cost?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

a) SAPO is currently renting 1 110 premises from landlords and is currently considering ownership option in some areas and releasing some where they are under-utilised.

b) Currently, the total rental bill is approximately R30 million per month.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

25 February 2021 - NW186

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)    What number of post offices have electronic National Traffic Information System (e-NATIS) vehicle licence machines? (2) Whether staff are trained on the use of the e-NATIS machines; if not, why not; if so, what (a) number of people are trained in this regard in each branch and (b) is the nature of the training?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SAPO as follows:

1. There are 520 Post Offices nationally across the Provinces, except for the Western Cape (which SAPO does not service currently) that have e-Natis with a current total of 580 machines.

2. Yes, staff are trained on the use of e-Natis machines.

(a) Approximately 2080 staff were trained nationally with a minimum of at least 2 per branch.

(b) Training needs change continually based on specific operational requirements and with the service offerings of the respective branch that are based on specific provincial negotiated agreements. Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and North West have a combination of full service and renewals. SAPO also has a supervisor and teller functions per branch as per e-Natis requirements.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

25 February 2021 - NW192

Profile picture: Phillips, Ms C

Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to her reply to question 2995 on 6 January 2021, what total number of (a) persons paid their TV licences in (i) 2017-18, (ii) 2018-19 and (iii) 2019-20 financial years and (b) accounts were sent out via (i) mail, (ii) sms and (iii) email in each financial year?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

(a)

Financial Year

Business Licence

Dealer Licence

Concessionary Licence

Domestic (Normal)

Total

2017 - 2018

37 003

4 079

514 653

2 181 630

2 737 365

2018 - 2019

36 400

4 007

461 621

2 265 324

2 767 352

2019 - 2020

29 522

3 418

393 963

1 896 586

2 323 489

(b)

Financial Year

E-mails

SMS

Mailed letters

2017 - 2018

23 846 458

103 909 803

372

2018 - 2019

23 793 849

82 655 991

0

2019 - 2020

8 025 851

28 055 096

0

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

25 February 2021 - NW185

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and the annual renewal of certain electronic communication licences that were awarded and for which payment was made on 28 July 2020, but have not been received (details furnished), (a) on what date(s) were the specified licences issued for 2020, (b) on what date can the clients expect to receive the licences and (c) by what means are actual licences delivered to successful applicants?

Reply:

I have been advised by the ICASA as follows:

License Numbers

District Monitoring-License numbers 545-461-2 and 552-562-1

District Watch-License numbers 493-819-8, 145-617-2 and 483-730

District Bassetti-License numbers 532-539-4

a) ICASA issued all invoices for the annual Radio Frequency Spectrum (RFS) licence fees in respect of the RFS licences for the 2020-21 financial year on 22 July 2020. A batch of RFS Licences – including those held by District Watch, District Basset and District Monitoring - were printed on 29 November 2020.

b) The printed RFS licences are posted to licensees by the Authority’s service provider via unregistered postage. However, in light of the question posed it is apparent that the licensees may not have received their licences via post. The Authority will contact the licensees to arrange a reprint of the RFS licences for delivery or collection by the licensees at the Authority’s offices.

c) As stated above, printed RFS licences are posted to licensees by a service provider via unregistered postage. The Authority has however, noted the inefficiencies of this process and is currently implementing a new system (an Automated Spectrum Management System (“ASMS”)) for the processing of applications / renewals and delivery of RFS licences.

The ASMS system provides an online portal for receipt of – amongst others - new and renewal applications. The ASMS automatically sends invoices for administrative and licence fees via e-mail to the applicants as required. The system also automatically issues the RFS licences and e-mails them to successful applicants once processing and verification processes have been finalised. Going forward – with effect from 1 April 2021 - licensees will be able to download copies of their licenses from the ASMS and will no longer require the Authority to post licenses.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

06 January 2021 - NW2600

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to her sponsored any events over the past two financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what (i) was the nature of the specified event, (ii) date was it held, (ii) total amount was paid, (iv) was the purpose of the event, (v) budget were the funds derived from, (vi) were the expected benefits to her department and (vii) actual benefits were derived from the specified sponsorship?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and Entities as follows:

DEPARTMENT:

(a) None

(i) Not Applicable

(ii) Not Applicable

(iii) Nil

(iv) Not Applicable

(v) Not Applicable

(vi) Not Applicable

(vii) Not Applicable

(b) The South African Post Office; Postbank; South African Broadcasting Corporation; Film and Publication Board and NEMISA did not sponsor any event in the last two financial years.

Broadband Infraco (BBI) does not actively sponsor events, however it does entertain sponsorships, if able to, that are aligned with the BBI mandate and are developmental oriented and enable a platform for engaging with their customers.

The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) did not sponsor any events in the 2018/2019 financial year, however it did in 2019/20.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) did not sponsor any events in the past two financial years, however it supported the Department in the ITU campaign in 2018. South Africa was voted back into the ITU Council following a four-year absence. This event was funded from the International Relations Conferences Budget as it was in line with the mandate of ICASA.

Entity

(i)Nature

(ii)Date held

(iii)Total Amount Paid

(iv)Purpose

(v)Budget funds derived from

(vi)Expected Benefits

(vii)Actual Benefits derived

BBI

SITA GovTech Golf Day

26 October 2019

R26 086

The event provided a platform for networking with ICT industry executives, suppliers and stakeholders, including the shareholder and other regulatory bodies.

Own generated funds were used, as BBI does not receive any Treasury allocations

N/A

The expected benefits were achieved during the event.

State Information Technology Agency

(SITA)

Conference specifically targets SMMEs.

3 – 4 April 2018

Trade Zone 123 t/a Imbizo Events

R216 600.00

SMME in ICT and Expo Summit

SITA 2018/19 BUDGET

None

 
 

A biannual conference hosted by ARMSCO, DoD and SITA

18 May 2018

Military Basis Wonderboom Fonds 

R82 500.00

MICSSA Conference

SITA 2018/19 BUDGET

None

 
 

ICT Publication. Provides SITA profiling in the ICT industry

13 June 2018

My Broadband Events

R172 500.00

MyBroadband Cloud Conference 2018

SITA 2018/19 BUDGET

None

 
 

SITA invited to represent Public Sector ICT

19 – 20 June 2018

Manufacturing Indaba

R230 000.00

Manufacturing Indaba 2018

SITA 2018/19 BUDGET

None

 
 

Stakeholder Relations

5 October 2018

SENTECH SOC LTD

R65 000.00

SENTECH Chairperson’s Charity Golf Day

SITA 2018/19 BUDGET

None

 
 

Stakeholder Relations

29 October 2018

MSG IT Solutions

R50 000.00

Woman in ICT Conference /Awards

SITA 2018/19 BUDGET

None

 
 

Customer Relations

31 October –

3 November 2018

Kimberley Golf Club

R35 200.00

Barney Barnato Golf Tournament

SITA 2018/19 budget

   
 

Annual ICT Summit hosted in the Eastern Cape, SITA exhibited services and a speaking opportunity as the Lead ICT Agency for Government

20 - 22 November 2018

Trade Zone 123 t/a Imbizo Events R552 000

Eastern Cape 14th Annual ICT Summit 2018

SITA 2018/19 budget

None

 
 

Annual ICT Summit hosted in the Eastern Cape, SITA exhibited services and speaking opportunity as the Lead ICT Agency for Government

20 – 21 November 2019

Trade Zone 123 t/a Imbizo Events R287 500

Eastern Cape 15th Annual ICT Summit 2019

SITA 2019/20 budget

None

 

ICASA

SA Reception

02 November 2018

R 300 000

To ensure that delegates were able to hear the SA proposal to be voted back into the ITU Council as well as Board Member for the Radio Regulations Board (RRB)

International Relations Conferences Budget

SA to be voted back into the ITU Council

SA was voted back into the ITU Council following a four year absence

Sentech

Attached as Annexure

           

USAASA

SITA

GovTech

2019

conference

to be held

at the Durban ICC

27 – 30

October

2019

R 145 000.00

The Conference

bringing together

Government, Industry

and Business on a

multi-layered

engagement. SITA provides a platform

that not only

showcases the latest

technologies,

solutions and trends,

but also brings

together diverse

stakeholders across

the public and private

sectors.

Stakeholder

Engagement

and

Communications

The conference

assists USAASA

to build

successful private

public partnership

for USAF projects that are

implemented by

the Agency

through

exhibition,

attendance of

sessions and

networking

opportunities.

Sponsorship

through

Exhibition space

and Marketing

opportunity pre,

during and post conference

 

The 15th

Annual ICT

Summit

hosted by

Imbizo

Events at

the East

London International Convention Centre

in East

London,

Eastern

Cape

19 - 21

November

2019

R 30 000.00

The Summit is a

platform that aims to

showcase the latest

trends and discuss

solutions and issues,

innovative ideas, and

online

communications

within the industry

across South Africa

with a focus on the

Eastern Cape

Stakeholder

Engagement

and

Communications

The Agency has

interests in ICT

Solutions

highlighting latest

developments,

policies and

growth in the ICT

Industry to

develop South

Africa, As such

this summit

provides an

opportunity to

network with

Government, the

public sector

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Private

Sector to solicit

partnerships for

projects in the

Eastern Cape

Sponsorship

through

Exhibition space

Networking and

Marketing

opportunity pre,

during and post

Summit

zaDNA

iWeek

21-23 August 2018

26-28 August 2019

R 49 205.87

For ZADNA to market its services to the core internet audience (stakeholders)

in South Africa

ZADNA’s annual iWeek budget item

Yes

Yes

Notes: (vii) SITA - Note that whereas the activity is called sponsorship, it is actually payment for participation in the event, by exhibition of services, attendance of the event, in most cases summits or conferences by SITA representatives and SITA’s speaking slot and branding. The events are strategically targeted and aimed at promoting SITA services and the brand.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 January 2021 - NW3021

Profile picture: Waters, Mr M

Waters, Mr M to ask the Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

What is the justification of (a) charging persons with mobile devices the cost of a television (TV) licence and (b) transferring all the income of TV licences derived from mobile devices to the SA Broadcasting Corporation?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

On 09 September 2020, Cabinet, approved the publication of the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio-Visual Content Services Policy Framework: A New Vision for South Africa 2020, for public consultation and comments. The department has since gazetted the Draft White Paper (No. 43797, Vol. 664) for public comments which has now been extended till 15 February 2021 to give the stakeholders enough time to engage with the complex proposals raised within the Policy Framework.

Section 4.2.2.3. of the draft White Paper, with reference to the SABC and licence matters propose that:

”provisions of the financial matters and staffing of the Corporation are necessary, although they require review and consequential amendments to the TV licence fee section to broaden the definition and collection system for television licences and to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and penalties of non-payment”.

Achievement of the above will be determined by the submissions expected from all South Africans towards the draft White Paper.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

28 December 2020 - NW2547

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether her department awarded any tenders to any non-South African companies (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2020; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the name of each business to whom the tender was awarded, (b) is the name of the country where each company is based, (c) is the amount of each tender that was awarded to each specified company and (d) was the service and/or product that was supplied by each business?

Reply:

I was advised by the department as follows:

1. (a) No, there were no tenders awarded in the past three financial years.

(b) No. No tenders were awarded to any non-South African companies since 1

April 2020.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Not applicable.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

24 December 2020 - NW2229

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to investigations conducted into governance and corruption in her department and all the entities reporting to her, what is the (a) total number of investigations that were referred to the (i) SA Police Service and (ii) National Prosecuting Authority, (b) date on which each specified case was handed over, (c)(i) status of each specified investigation and (ii) docket number for each investigation and (d) total number of cases that are being prosecuted?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department and Entities as follows:

DEPARTMENT

(a)(i) Nil

(a)(ii) Nil

ENTITIES:

NEMISA, Broadband Infraco, Film and Publication Board, ICASA, Post Bank, ZADNA,

(a)(i) Nil

(a)(ii) Nil

South African Post Office (SAPO)

(a)(i) One incident of alleged corruption in relation to IT Software procurement was referred to South African Police Service

(a)(ii) No incident was reported to National Prosecuting Authority

(b) SA Police Service: 05 July 2017

(c)(i) The case is still under SA Police Service investigation.

(c)(ii) SA Police Service: Lyttleton CAS 200/07/2017

(d) There are no prosecutions as yet. The case is still being investigated by the SA Police Service.

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

(a)(i) one (1) case was referred to the SA Police Service

(a)(ii) No incident was reported to National Prosecuting Authority

(b) Brixton SAPS Case 341/11/2019, the case was transferred to the Camps Bay SAPS jurisdiction where the crime was committed on 12/12/2019, Case 69/11/2019

(c)(i) The case is still under investigation.

(c)(ii) Case 69/11/2019

(d) One (1) Case

SENTECH

There is one case referred to the SAPS in April 2020, the case is still ongoing and the Station is Honeydew. The case number is CAS 456/04/2020, the matter to be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority by SAPS for decision.

State Information Technology Agency SOC (Ltd) (SITA)

(a)(i) 2017/2018: eight (8) case investigations were referred to the SAPS

2018/2019: one (1) case investigation was referred to the SAPS

2019/2020: one (1) case investigation was referred to the SAPS

2020/2021: one (1) case in progress

A total of ten (10) cases were reported to SAPS

(a)(ii) No case was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.

(b) Date upon which case handed over

(c)(i) status of each specified investigation

(ii) docket number for each investigation

(d) total number of cases that are being prosecuted

August 2017

Under Investigation

Brooklyn Cas 408/8/2017

No cases are currently being prosecuted

September 2017

Under Investigation

Brooklyn Cas 318/9/2017

 

August 2017

Under Investigation

Brooklyn Cas 359/8/2017

 

June 2017

Under Investigation

Brooklyn Cas 22/6/2017

 

October 2017

Under Investigation

Brooklyn Cas 258/10/2017

 

May 2017

Under Investigation

Brooklyn Cas 146/5/2017

 

September 2017

Unable to contact Investigation Officer to be determined

Pietermaritzburg Cas 748/9/2017

 

October 2017

Unable to contact Investigation Officer to be determined

Brooklyn Cas 232/10/2017

 

May 2017

Under Investigation

Sunnyside Cas 334/5/2018

 

December 2017

Under Investigation

DPCI H/O Enquiry no. 1/12/2019

 

Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA)_

1. (a) Total number of total number of investigations that were referred to the:

(i) SA Police Services

(ii) National Prosecuting Authority

Date of which each specified case was handed over

Status of each specified investigation

Docket number of each investigation

Total number of cases that are being prosecuted

USAASA is not aware of any being reported to the SAPS.

One (1)

The proclamation was dated March 2014

SIU report was dated 16 April 2018

USAASA does not have this information

USAASA is not aware of any.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

24 December 2020 - NW2601

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to her sponsored any non-governmental organisations in the past two financial years; if not, what is the position in this regards; if so, for each specified organisation, what (i) was the monetary value of each sponsorship and (ii) were the reasons behind the awarding of the specified sponsorship?

Reply:

I was advised by the Department and Entities as follows:

1. (a)   No, the department did not sponsor any non-governmental organisation in the past two financial years.

    1. Nil
    2. Not Applicable

(b) Entities:

The Postbank, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Broadband Infraco (BBI), Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA), State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Nemisa and South African Post Office (SAPO) did not sponsor any non-governmental organisation in the past two financial years.

Entity

Name of NGO

(i)Monetary Value

(ii)Reasons behind awarding

Film and Publication Board (FPB)

WebRangers Cyber Safety Project

2018/19:

R 346 166

 

The project is aligned with the Film and Publication Board’s mandate to protect the public, and especially children, from exposure to harmful content. The WebRangers project aims to create a cadre of cyber safety leaders and ambassadors amongst the youth of South Africa that are empowered on safe usage of the digital space. These youth leaders are equipped and developed during the year-long programme to bring the message of cyber security and cyber safety into their communities through peer-to-peer education. The project runs in 4 Provinces (Gauteng; Western Cape; North West and Limpopo).

 

2019/20

R 395 000

 

zaDNA

iWeek

2018/19 and

2019/20

R 49 205.87

To enable ZADNA to market its services to the core internet audience (stakeholders) in South Africa.

Sentech

2018/19

Itlotleng Early Learning Centre and

Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre

Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology

2019/20

1. Makana Rape Survivors Support Group

2. Cuddles and Care ECD Centre)

R 235 000

R 3 000 000

R 470 000

Charity Golf Day (Funds were raised externally and divided between the two beneficiaries).

Maths and Science Centre - CSI Project

Charity Golf Day (Funds were raised externally and divided between two beneficiaries each awarded R 235 000).

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

24 December 2020 - NW2941

Profile picture: Masango, Ms B

Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Communications

What was the total number of branches of the SA Post Office in each year from 2015 to 2020 (a) nationally and (b) in each province?

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:

(a) and (b)

Provinces

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

CURRENT

(from April 2020)

Eastern Cape

354

342

326

323

319

311

Free State

158

153

140

140

139

136

Gauteng

364

354

350

343

328

309

KwaZulu-Natal

329

320

310

310

307

277

Limpopo

326

324

260

259

259

255

Mpumalanga

192

194

206

207

207

205

Northern Cape

142

134

130

130

130

130

North West

262

247

209

209

207

206

Western Cape

321

300

288

288

284

279

Total

2 448

2 368

2 209

2 209

2 180

2 108

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

24 December 2020 - NW741

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What total number of (a) international and (b) domestic hotel bookings did her department make for (i) her and (ii) the Deputy Minister since they were appointed as members of the Executive; (2) what was the (a) date, (b) name of the hotel and (c) cost in respect of each booking?

Reply:

1. (a) Total number of international hotel bookings for the:

(i) Minister: 29

(ii) Deputy Minister: 11

(b) Total number of domestic hotel bookings for the:

(i) Minister: 241

(ii) Deputy Minister: 47

2. (a) Refer to the attached document.

(b) Refer to the attached document.

(c) Refer to the attached document.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

     

18 December 2020 - NW2698

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to a certain post (details furnished) within the Department of Communications being filled by a Ms Kamogelo Mgotsi, what (a) is the level of the specified position and (b) level was the specified person appointed at?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

The person in question is not an employee of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

18 December 2020 - NW2674

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, with regard to reports that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News Division has spent R1,8 million on bulletproof vests for staff, she will furnish Ms L van der Merwe with the relevant details as to (a) on what date the vests were deemed necessary equipment for SABC staff, (b) which company received the tender, (c) the total number of vests that were purchased, (d) the total cost per unit vest and (e) which staff members the vests were assigned to; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether she will confirm that the SABC incurred an R11 million independent contractors wage bill for its News Division for July 2020 alone, which constitutes a R4 million increase from the previous month; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details in this regard, (b) is it the case that the SABC cannot function and/or execute its mandate with its current staff complement only and (c) what is the SABC’s total spend on independent contractors from 1 April 2020 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (3) what is the (a) SABC’s total legal bill as at the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) total breakdown of amounts spent per legal firm; (4) whether, with regard to the lockdown period, wherein the SABC News Division made use of the Nasrec facilities for a period of five months for the rental fee of R1 million a month (details furnished), she will justify the overspending during a time where austerity measures should have been the primary motivator behind spending; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details; (5) what measures has she put in place to ensure that the low staff morale at the SABC is addressed?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

(1)(a) The signed Business Case was received by SCM on the 9 March 2018. This is a date in which vests were deemed necessary equipment for staff in the SABC News Division.

(1)(b) Mayehlome Communications

(1)(c) A total of 100 vests with various sizes were purchased

(1)(d)

 

Bullet proof vest Sizes

Number

Price per Unit (Excl. VAT)

Price per Unit (Incl. VAT)

Total Price

Medium

25

R9,305.88

R10,701.76

R267,544.05

Large

25

R9,667.35

R11,117.45

R277,936.31

X-Large

25

R10,175.28

R11,701.57

R292,539.30

XX-Large

25

R10,978.53

R12,625.31

R315,632.74

TOTAL PRICE

     

R1,153,652.40

(1)(e) The vests are to be distributed equitably to all SABC News offices and not assigned to individual reporters.

(2) Yes, the wage bill for July 2020 was R11 million which was R9 million actual paid, plus a further R2 million for accrued expenses and not R4 million as alleged.

(2)(a) During the hard lockdown period, journalists were complemented by the independent contractors, and this is the period that more COVID-19 cases were reported in the News Division, and freelancers were utilised.

(2)(b) The nature of the SABC news operation is such that services of independent contractors are indispensable.

(2)(c) The total independent contractors spend from April to October 2020 is R58.4 million.

(3)(a) Total = R65 351 000.00

(3)(b) Total breakdown is as per attached Annexure A.

4. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SABC used the Nasrec Sentech DR site for a period of about 6 months free of charge. This was the agreement between SABC and Sentech which was extended to the end of September 2020.

5. The SABC has a Wellness Centre which conducts wellness programmes for all SABC employees.  Individual counselling is also available for employees with such needs.  An assistance programme will be rolled out for all employees affected by the Labour Relations Act section 189 process. 

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

18 December 2020 - NW2673

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, with regard to the urgent need to restore financial stability at the public broadcaster, as well as the abrupt departure of a former manager (name furnished) in 2013 who left the employ of the SA Broadcasting Corporation within only a 24-hour notice under a cloud of financial mismanagement, an investigation was ever conducted into the allegation that the specified former manager employed and paid approximately 31 ghost employees for a period of two years; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

The SABC confirms that Mr Manamela left the employ of the SABC in 2013. He resigned with immediate effect and stated reasons for leaving as career progression. Furthermore, the SABC confirms that no investigation was ever conducted against Mr Manamela. The SABC has no record of an allegation or complaint of the 31 ghost employees as stated in the question.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

18 December 2020 - NW2424

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

1. What total number of (a) national and/or provincial departments, (b) municipalities and (c) state entities owe money to the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC); 2. what is the name of each specified (a) department, (b) municipality and/or (c) state entity that owes money to the SABC; 3. (a) what total amount is owed in each case, (b) what is the nature of each specified debt, (c) for how long has each debt been outstanding and (d) what plans are in place to recover each debt owed?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

1. Government departments owe money to two divisions of the SABC that is TV Licences and Advertising. The following is in accordance with the TV Licence database:

(1)(a) A total of 20 National departments have outstanding TV licence fees balances. 126 Provincial departments have outstanding licence fees,

(1)(b) A total of 249 municipality accounts owe television licence fees

(1)(c) A total of 57 SOEs have outstanding TV licence fees on their accounts.

The following with regard to SABC Sales (Advertising):

National Department: 3

Provincial Departments: 24

Municipalities: 6

SOEs: 8

(2)(a) National/Provincial Departments

Department

Segments

Province

Government Communications

National

National

National Department of Health

National

National

Department of Trade and Industry

National

National

Department of Education Polokwane

Provincial

Limpopo

Free State Department of Health

Provincial

Free State

KZN Department of Health

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Education and North West

Provincial

North West

Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature

Provincial

Eastern Cape

Free State Department of Provincial Treasury

Provincial

Free State

Department of Health North West

Provincial

North West

KZN Department of Transport

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Public Works Polokwane

Provincial

Limpopo

Department of Community Safety and Liaison

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Co-operative Governance - KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Kwa-Zulu Natal Education Department

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Health Mmabatho

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

The office of the Premier KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

KZN Provincial Treasury

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Premiers Office Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury

Provincial

Eastern Cape

North West Legislature

Provincial

North West

Department Sport, Art and Culture - Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

Department of Human Settlements KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Agriculture KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Social Development KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Department of Agriculture Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

Department of Human Settlements Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

(b) Municipalities

Department

Segments

Province

Ethekwini Municipality

Municipality

Kwa-Zulu natal

Mopani District Municipality

Municipality

Limpopo

Thabo Mofutsanyana District

Municipality

Free State

Umzinyathi District Council

Municipality

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Maluti A Phofung Local Municipality

Municipality

Free State

Nkangala District Municipality

Municipality

Mpumalanga

(c) State Owned Entities

Names

Segments

Province

Compensation Funds Pty Ltd

SOE

National

Legal Aid South Africa

SOE

National

South African Social Security Agency

SOE

National

Sassa Province of the Eastern

SOE

Eastern Cape

Western Cape Conservation Board

SOE

Western Cape

Small Enterprise Finance Agency Ltd

SOE

National

Ithala Soc Ltd

SOE

Kwazulu Natal

Auditor-General

SOE

National

3. (a) TV License

Departments

Amount Owe

National Departments

R1 688 295.30

Provincial Departments

R18 694 129.47

Municipalities

R6 302 170.10

SOEs

R1 595 601.76

 

Sales Advertising

Departments

Amount Owe

National Departments

R13,139,832

Provincial Departments

R 9,221,629

Municipalities

R 2,343,711

SOEs

R 4,535,975

(b) The debt is for TV licence and sales (Advertising)

(c) Sales Advertising

 

Department

Segment

PROVINCE

TERMS

Total Outstanding

Ethekwini Municipality

Municipality

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

1,179,182

Mopani District Municipality

Municipality

Limpopo

30 days

950,000

Thabo Mofutsanyana District

Municipality

Free State

30 days

89,944

Umzinyathi District Council

Municipality

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

58,538

Maluti A Phofung Local Municipality

Municipality

Free State

30 days

54,165

Nkangala District Municipality

Municipality

Mpumalanga

30 days

11,881

Total Municipality

     

2,343,711

Government Communication And

National

National

30 Days

12,272,622

National Department of Health

National

National

30 Days

840,823

Department of Trade and Industry

National

National

30 Days

26,388

Total National Departments

     

13,139,832

Department of Education Polokwane

Provincial

Limpopo

30 days

1,904,762

Free State Department of Health

Provincial

Free State

30 days

862,500

KZN Department of Health Communication

Provincial

Kwazulu Natal

30 days

708,996

Department of Education and North West

Provincial

North West

30 days

701,247

Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature

Provincial

Eastern Cape

30 days

659,749

Free State Department Of Provincial Treasury

Provincial

Free State

30 days

575,000

Department of Health North West

Provincial

North West

30 days

453,282

KZN Department of Transport

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

421,274

Department of Public Works Polokwane

Provincial

Limpopo

30 days

416,566

Department of Community Safety and Liaison

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

405,375

Department of Co-operative Governance - KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

381,967

Kwa-Zulu Natal Education Department

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

373,371

Department of Health Mmabatho

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

215,296

The Office of the Premier KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

186,818

KZN Provincial Treasury

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

163,254

Premiers Office Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

30 days

158,107

Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury

Provincial

Eastern Cape

30 days

126,500

North West Legislature

Provincial

North West

30 days

105,727

Department Sport, Art And Culture - Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

30 days

97,257

Department of Human Settlements KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

91,931

Department of Agriculture KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

82,189

Department of Social Development KZN

Provincial

Kwa-Zulu Natal

30 days

65,723

Department of Agriculture Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

30 days

51,957

Department of Human Settlements Mpumalanga

Provincial

Mpumalanga

30 days

12,782

Total Provincial Departments

     

9,221,629

Compensation Funds Pty Ltd

SOE

National

30 days

3,760,219

Legal Aid South Africa

SOE

National

30 days

359,649

South African Social Security Agency

SOE

National

30 days

172,638

SASSA Province Of The Eastern

SOE

Eastern Cape

30 days

96,773

Western Cape Conservation Board

SOE

Western Cape

30 days

56,870

Small Enterprise Finance Agency Ltd

SOE

National

30 days

36,819

Ithala SOC Ltd

SOE

Kwazulu Natal

30 days

29,360

Auditor General

SOE

National

30 days

23,649

Total SOE

     

4,535,975

TOTAL ALL GOVERNMENT

     

29,241,147

Note: For more information of sales (advertising) attached is the spreadsheet

Attached is a PDF documents with regards to how long is the TV license debt outstanding

(d) The SABC continues to follow its collection processes to collect outstanding debts by communicating these balances to the departments and SOEs. However, “special” additional campaigns commenced in the month of October with priority on SOEs. Intervention through the Group Chief Executive Officer’s communique is planned for distribution in the months to follow to all the departments and municipalities.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

18 December 2020 - NW2173

Profile picture: Marawu, Ms TL

Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, based on Mr Edwin Sodi’s recent testimony at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, which implicated her Deputy Minister as a beneficiary of Mr Sodi’s company, her Deputy Minister declared the funds she had received in accordance with the requirements of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, Act 82 of 1998, to the Registrar of Members’ Interests in Parliament; if not, what (a) total number of contracts have been awarded to Mr Sodi’s company under her leadership in her (i) previous and (ii) current executive position and (b) is the monetary value of each specified contract so awarded?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Deputy Minister as follows:

a) No payments were made in the current financial year as well as in the previous financial years.

b) Not applicable.

 

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES