Questions and Replies

Reply:

I have been advised that;

aThe key lessons learnt by the Department Small Business Development (DSBD) from the COVID-19 period in terms of its role in supporting informal businesses located in townships and rural areas can be categorised according to the needs of these businesses as short-term and long-term needs.

Short-term needs relate to the support that was required by informal businesses to recover from the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic and related lockdown measures which are:

1. Financial support – more than half of informal business owners indicated that they were in need of financial support just to be able to remain in business.
2. Support with marketing and customer acquisition – a large number of informal businesses sought ways to market their businesses and to increase their customer base under the prevailing circumstances.
3. Help to comply with hygiene standards – many of the businesses were looking for ways to keep their businesses safe and hygienic and to comply with the COVID-19 regulations.
4. Mentoring and training – some of the informal businesses that received support also requested to receive ongoing mentoring and further training.

Formal businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to receive support from Government programmes while entrepreneurs in the informal economy relied mainly on Social Grants. Long-term needs indicated to us as the DSBD that the COVID-19 pandemic has opened multiple opportunities to strengthen informal and micro businesses in the long term in the following areas:

1. Use of digital channels and technology – many informal businesses see potential in the use of social media for marketing but the high cost of data remains the leading obstacle.
2. Collaboration with peers and more established organisations – many would like to sell products or services to more established businesses while others feel they will benefit from introductions and advice on how to work with them.
3. Transitioning from the informal to the formal economy – many would register their informal businesses if it helped them to access funding and grow their customer base.
4. Improve overall infrastructure and create an enabling environment – a number of informal businesses reported poor access to basic infrastructure while others reported challenges with authorities around places where they operate their informal businesses.

b) The COVID-19 pandemic has opened multiple opportunities to strengthen informal businesses in the long run. The Department continues to address the lessons learnt through its current programmes and by developing appropriate responsive interventions within the Small Business Development Portfolio (DSBD, Small Enterprise Development Agency and Small Enterprise Finance Agency) and through partnerships.

1. The Department of Small Business Development designated the informal business sector as a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), employment creation, sustainable livelihoods and local economic development in the country. The National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS) was developed as a responsive strategy to this position. The Strategy is aimed at supporting informal businesses, which are mostly based in township and rural areas, to ensure that they become part of the economic mainstream of the country and to receive all the necessary support to ensure their growth and well-being.
2. The Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP), Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility (SEIF), Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) and others are instruments of the Department that were developed as part of the Strategy continue to play a role in dealing with current challenges faced by informal businesses and in achieving the objectives of government where support to informal businesses is being prioritised. The instruments of the DSBD together with its programmatic interventions as implemented by the DSBD and its entities, Seda (non-financial support) and sefa (financial support) will continue to be positioned and used as interventions to ensure that the DSBD will always be in a position to assist informal businesses during natural disasters and at all other times.

Reply:

I have been advised that:

a) The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has not undertaken an in-depth analysis of the potential job losses and economic dislocations caused by the failure of municipalities to pay service providers within the prescribed 30 days payment period.

However, the Department has prioritised the research and investigations to assess a broader structural impediment faced by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and Co-operatives relating to:

• Access to finance.
• Non-financial support from Government and Private sector.
• Legal impediments to SMME and Co-operatives development; and
• Access to Markets.

In addition to the above and emanating from an investigation into regulatory impediment affecting SMMEs, DSBD is to engage with National Treasury on improving monitoring, reporting, enforcement and consequence management. National Treasury has set up an email, [email protected] for service providers to register complaints payments older than 30 days. DSBD is to increase awareness of this platform to SMMEs through its Red Tape Reduction Programme at the Provincial and Municipality levels. DSBD further intends to investigate the possibility of expanding the current Innovation Bridge Portal project to include a platform for registration of complaints on adherence to the 30-day payment period commitment of Government to SMMEs.

The Department has recently introduced the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill to Parliament, which is currently out for Public Hearings, this Bill aims to remedy the lack of effective and affordable access to a justice mechanism for small enterprises in instances of business to business disputes or non-payment of enterprises on time. The establishment of an Ombud Service will bring justice in this instance for SMMEs without them incurring costs.

b) These are part of a holistic Research Agenda for the 3-year cycle (2023/2026) to advance the development, job creation and job preservation for those SMMEs and Co-operatives that are still battling under the current economic strains and loadshedding. It is expected that two (2) studies, (1) Sector Specific support: challenges and opportunities and (2) Market Access: Demand for Goods and services post Covid-19, will be completed by the end of the 2023/2024 financial year. These will provide the Department with the basis for evidence driven interventions to support SMMEs and Co-operatives.

The work on Red Tape Reduction with the Provincial and Local governments ongoing with Provincial Task Teams set in place to raise awareness on the Red Tape Reduction commitment made by the President to improve the operating environment of Government and its stakeholders. It is expected that these interventions and investigations will provide the Department with leverage to engage municipalities to address the issues of non-payment and other non-financial impediments faced by SMMEs and Co-operatives.

Reply:

(a) The full relevant details of all persons who were issued with diplomatic passports may not be divulged in terms of the following:

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;

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

Identification Act, No. 68 of 1997;

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

Protection of Personal Information Act, No 04 of 2013;

South African Passport and Travel Documents Regulations, 1996;

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

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

(b) The full relevant details of all persons who were issued with diplomatic passports may not be divulged in terms of the following:

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;

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

Identification Act, No. 68 of 1997;

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

Protection of Personal Information Act, No 04 of 2013;

South African Passport and Travel Documents Regulations, 1996;

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

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

Reply:

1. Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra is not renting any space from the Playhouse

2. Yes, The Playhouse Company does rent out office space

a) From which Entity	b) What is the rental amount per month?
Steel Drum Foundation	R1,997.02 per month
SAMRO	R3,811.50 per month

THE END

Reply:

The South African Embassies in Tel Aviv (Israel) and Ramallah (Palestine) and the Consular Services at Head Office (DIRCO) are hard at work monitoring, collecting information and liaising with South African nationals who might be in distress and in need of consular services.

Since the conflict broke out on 7 October 2023, 120 South Africans in Israel and Palestine have contacted the respective SA Missions to inform them of their presence and expressing their needs. Several South African nationals had encountered problems flying out of Tel Aviv because of the interruption of air services after rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel last weekend. Distressed South African nationals in Gaza are on the United Nations (UN) rescue list and ready to be moved out of Gaza when the opportunity arises.

Reply:

I have been advised that:

(i) Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) annual reports for printed copies:

Financial Years	(a) Amount	(b) Suppliers	(c) Number of Copies
(aa) 2020-21	R128 495,25	Shereno Printers CC	10 copies printed (240 pages +4pp Cover A4 Report pages per copies)
(bb) 2021-22	R74 800,00	Talking Heads Advertising (PTY)	10 copies printed (204 pages +4pp Cover A4 Report pages per copies)
(cc) 2022-23	R74 800,00	Talking Heads Advertising (PTY)	Order issued and not yet paid. 10 copies printed (204 pages +4pp Cover A4 Report pages per copies)

Total Paid	R203 295.25
Total paid plus order issued not yet paid.	R278 095.25

(ii) Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)

Financial Years	(a) Amount	(b) Suppliers	(c) Number of Copies
(aa) 2020-21	R 84,318.00	Msomi Puisano t/a Msomi Africa	200 print copies (210*210mm)
(bb) 2021-22	R 59 850,00	Blackmoon Advertising	100 print copies (210*210mm)
(cc) 2022-23	R 69 500.00	Kashan Advertising	100 print copies (270*270mm)

Total Paid	R144 168.00
Awaiting the Service Provider’s invoice	R 69 500.00

(ii) Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa)

sefa did not print Annual Reports over the financial years, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23. sefa used the services of Yes Direct Pty Ltd in FY2020/21 and Interactive Web Works (IWW) CC during FY2021/22 and FY2022/23 to layout, edit and design the Annual Report and produce the final Annual Report in electronic format.

Financial Years	(a) Amount	(b) Suppliers	(c) Number of Copies
(aa) 2020-21	R344 736.33	Yes Direct Pty Ltd	None.
(bb) 2021-22	R324 656.50	Interactive Web Works (IWW) CC	None.
(cc) 2022-23	R123 061.00	Interactive Web Works (IWW) CC & EPI Creative (Pty) Ltd	None.

Total Paid	715 392.83
Awaiting service provider’s invoice	R77 061.50

Reply:

I have been advised that:

a) The following is an account of the interventions by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD):

Trainings and workshops were provided in rural areas to 109 and 323 in the financial years 2023/24 (quarter 1) and 2022/23 respectively to co-operatives as part of non-financial support. The workshops focused on awareness campaign on the Co-operatives Development Support Programme (CDSP) and training on cooperative governance.

In order to popularise the CSDP, the Directorate plans to organise/facilitate/host a number of awareness /outreach campaigns across the nine provinces of the country. These campaigns also provide a platform for other stakeholders to make presentations on their product offerings, contributing to non-financial support. The table (attached as Annexure A) illustrates number of co-operatives attended presentation per province.

The implementation of amended CDSP guideline by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) increase financial support of co-operatives. With implementation gaining momentum, indeed more resources will be invested.

b) The DSBD, together with its agencies, Seda and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), seek to assist co-operatives enterprises financially and non-financially. Seda, moving forward will be the lead Department for the implementation of CSDP, a financial support programme of the DSBD with an objective to support co-operative enterprises. Before CDSP was implemented through the agency, there was a Co-operative Incentive Scheme (CIS) that was managed at the Departmental and the approach was 90/10 to 100% grant then. Currently CDSP is administered by sefa as a blended finance of 70% (Grant) and 30% (Loan) for the past two financial years (2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years). To date no disbursement has been made due to sefa application process and requirements e.g., verification of members credit records, FICA documents etc.

In partnership with Seda, the CDSP programme to offer support to various categories to eligible co-operatives. Currently funding is limited to R2,500,000 (across the various categories). CDSP guideline has since been amended and the following are the proposed funding components to the various categories:

1. Category A: Start-up Co-operatives: Maximum funding of R1 500 000 per applicant.
2. Category B: Expansion Co-operatives: Maximum funding of R2 500 000 per applicant.
3. Category C: Secondary/Cluster Co-operatives: R5 000 000 per applicant.

The implementation of amended CDSP guideline by Seda increase financial support of co-operatives. With implementation gaining momentum, indeed more resources will be invested.

Reply:

1. According to regulatory requirements, Eskom Transmission publishes a Transmission Development Plan (TDP) every year, looking 10 years ahead. It identifies infrastructure required to (i) keep abreast of load growth, (ii) comply with reliability/redundancy requirements, (iii) meet new generation integration requirements, and (iv) replace assets that are at end of life.

In the TDP2022, Eskom identified 1 009 projects requiring development and execution. This comprises 207 expansion category projects and 802 refurbishment projects over this period. The identified scope in TDP2022 broadly involves building 14,218 km of powerlines and 122,669 MVA of transformation.

This infrastructure will be built in all provinces around the country, with the bulk being in provinces such as the Northern Cape, that have the greatest potential for renewable energy power plants

2. It is estimated that more than R390 billion will be required over the next decade to meet the demand for grid capacity, largely due to the increase in generation capacity through renewable energy projects following the various Bid Windows. Eskom’s current financial position places significant limitations on its ability to attract sufficient capital towards expanding the transmission grid, with the delivery of transmission infrastructure taking, on average, between 7 to 10 years. It is estimated this delivery rate needs to be scaled-up by eight times to connect the energy generation required for energy security by 2030.

It is anticipated that the transmission grid build rate needs to increase from 300km to 2300km per year with a greater rate of investment and delivery required through to 2050 (Centre for Sustainability Transitions, 2023).

The Ministry in the Presidency for Electricity co-hosted a Transmission Financing Seminar with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is currently finalising a cabinet submission on transmission financing pathways aimed at fast-tracking transmission infrastructure investments to support the anticipated growth in generation capacity and secure long-term energy security.

Reply:

I have been informed that the Tourism Grading Council has contributed to the transformation and elevation of tourism establishments, particularly villages, townships and small dorpies (VTSD) products.

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and standardisation of various accommodation products in South Africa. By quality assuring VTSD products, TGCSA helps these offerings meet globally benchmarked grading criteria. This not only ensures that the standards of South African accommodation products are on par with global counterparts but also helps in maintaining a comprehensive and legal accommodation database in the country.

Legal entities are accountable and can be regulated, which contributes to the overall safety and reliability of the tourism industry in South Africa.

This rigorous grading and quality assurance process does not only benefit the businesses directly involved but also bolsters the reputation of South Africa's tourism sector on the global stage. Providing visitors with reliable, high-quality accommodations enhances their overall experience and encourages positive word-of-mouth, further promoting tourism in the region.

Top of Form

The following is how TGCSA is contributing to VTSD products as a Quality Assurance entity:

The Basic Quality Verification Programme

• The Basic Quality Verification (BQV) grading system developed by TGCSA, is a commendable initiative aimed at enhancing accommodation and event products, especially in the VTSD sector in South Africa.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa piloted the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) programme in the Eastern Cape in 2020/2021.

The programme seeks to provides structured approach that will build confidence in many accommodation products especially those in rural areas.

This system provides a structured approach to ensuring quality, health, and safety standards in remote rural areas. By establishing clear criteria and guidelines, the BQV grading system enables tourism products, which might not meet the core requirements for formal grading initially, to access trade within the tourism sector.

Through the BQV programme 29 unemployed graduates were recruited and trained as the Basic Quality Verification Evaluators who are responsible for applying the Basic Quality Verification criteria which is used for assessment of establishments that do not meet the minimum entry requirements of formal grading. A total of sixty-five (65) products have been evaluated in the following districts have been completed: eThekwini Municipality, Ugu, iLembe and King Cetshwayo. The team is currently preparing for evaluations in uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala and uMzinyathi District Municipalities, outstanding evaluations are at Zululand, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, uMzinyathi, and Amajuba.

Reply:

According to the information received from Transnet

Transnet debt increased by R76.4 bn from R58.1 bn in 2012 to R134.5 bn in 2016. The current debt is approximately R130 bn. The increase in debt relates to capital investment on infrastructure, locomotives or rolling stock procurement.

A portion of the debt was raised to fund the procurement of 1064 locomotives, which has been subjected to the state capture enquiry.

The operational performance has constrained the company’s ability to reduce its debt levels. The revenue generated, informed by tariffs charged and volumes moved over the years has not been sufficient to repay a significant portion of the debt raised in the years 2012 to 2016.

Currently, the board and financial experts are engaged in a process to develop a plan in this regard. This includes meeting with the National Treasury. Furthermore, in terms of the statement I made on 1 September 2023 (copy attached), the Board and management must also engage in a process of cost reduction.

 

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

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Reply:

The discussion on the migration models between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho will be joint research on how migration should be managed between the two countries recognising Lesotho’s geo-political position as a landlocked country. All movement between Lesotho and third countries involves transit through South Africa as well as regular movement between the peoples of the country on a daily basis. The first phase of this research will be to do research on similar models in other countries and then do comparisons with the current challenges between South Africa and Lesotho. The two countries will be meeting in November 2023 to discuss the terms of reference and agree on timelines for the research.

END

Reply:

(a) Given that the Minister of Finance is yet to present the Medium Term

Policy Budget Statement to Parliament on 1 November 2023, details about budget cuts may only be communicated thereafter as anything to the contrary would be a preemption of the statement and only the statement will provide factual information in this regard.

(b) Not Applicable

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Reply:

1. The Strategic Equity Partner (SEP) process started during 2020/21 financial year, the period when the impact of COVID-19 had a debilitating effect on the aviation sector. As a result, some parties that had expressed interest could not provide capital required to operate SAA as required. The Government required an SEP that could provide all the finances for SAA following the exit from Business Rescue.

The transaction advisor assessed and evaluated the EOI’s of potential SEPs. However, there were no suitable SEP that could be identified as none of the potential SEPs had an offer that could be accepted by the Department. The entities were not showing evidence of immediate funding to restart SAA’s operations. RMB and the Department in January 2021 agreed that the SEP transaction was unlikely to be successful, the mandate of RMB ended and the Shareholder Department took over the process.

A proposal by Harith General Partners, which had been engaged in the RMB process, and Global Aviation which later became the Takatso Consortium (Takatso) was made to the Department together with other proposals from other interested parties. After evaluating the proposals, Takatso was then appointed as the preferred SEP. Takatso had the requisite combination of financial and operational capabilities required for the successful relaunch of SAA. Their composition would advance the transformation agenda. The preferred SEP was thereafter approved by Cabinet. This offer satisfied the Department’s requirements including the ability to provide the funding needed to restart operations.

2. Takatso has agreed to meet SAA’s working capital requirements. An initial funding of R3 billion is projected for SAA’s growth path leading to stability. All financial obligations will be borne by Takatso, absolving the government of further funding support. The fulfillment of this financial commitment by Takatso is critical as without it, the transaction cannot be concluded.

3. The initial valuation of SAA was undertaken in 2020, a time when the company was not operational due to the business rescue process and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which inevitably impacted its assessed value. A subsequent valuation was carried out in October 2021, just as SAA was resuming its operations and the overall aviation industry outlook was still uncertain.

Given that Takatso was selected as the preferred partner in June 2021 and more than two years have elapsed since, another valuation of SAA is prudent to ensure alignment with prevailing market conditions, for an updated and equitable value for the state. In light of this, the Department of Public Enterprises has initiated a new valuation to accurately ascertain the company's present status and prospective worth in the existing market environment.

4. The price that Takatso will pay for the 51% stake in SAA will be determined through negotiations, taking into account the updated valuation of the 51% share. This ensures that the settled amount accurately reflects the current worth of the stake, providing a fair transaction for both parties involved.

5.  Takatso Consortium has agreed to engage in negotiations aimed at finalizing a transaction amount, contingent upon and reflective of the revised valuation. This ensures that the concluding agreement is based on the prevailing market conditions.

The public and Parliament will be informed of all details once all processes have been concluded. It is also quite evident that current dominant entities and other proxies would not like any serious competition which could cause a reduction in fares to customers.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

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Reply:

According to Information Received from Eskom:

1. Eskom has been rolling out the residential load management pilot in Gauteng, in areas such as Beverley, Lonehill, Craigavon, Magaliessig, Dainfern Valley, Witkopen, Fourways, and Douglasdale. The load limiting pilot is implemented in areas where customers already have smart meters. Therefore, there are no additional costs associated with the current pilot in the areas mentioned above, as Eskom had already installed smart meters in those areas. Eskom is leveraging functionalities embedded in installed meters for the benefit of both customers and Eskom. Thus, load limiting can be rolled out in all areas with smart meters at no additional cost.

2. Eskom is not aware of any concerns raised by users that are part of the load limiting pilot that Eskom is trying to control their electricity usage remotely. On the contrary, the participants are receiving the programme very well.

Eskom would like to highlight that the purpose of load limiting is not to remotely control the customer’s electricity usage. Load limiting is intended to provide customers with the benefit of using some appliances such as lights, refrigerators, televisions, and Wi-Fi routers, as long as the load remains below 10 Amps during load shedding Stages 1 to 4.

An hour before the start of load shedding, the system prompts customers to reduce their

consumption from 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps by sending a message to the customer interface unit (CIU) or cell phone. Customers are provided with four opportunities to reduce their consumption, and thereafter, if the load has not been reduced, the meter automatically switches off the electricity for 30 minutes.

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

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Reply:

(1) The expenditure incurred by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in the hosting of the XV BRICS Summit was R 104 350 405.79.

(2) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation did not contribute financially to the hosting of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum.

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Reply:

Province	What is the total number of persons who have benefitted from the Tourism Transformation Fund in each province since it was established to assist vulnerable groups
Eastern Cape	Four (4) Applications were approved
Free State	Two (2) Applications were approved
Gauteng	Two (2) Applications were approved
KwaZulu-Natal	Two (2) Applications were approved
Limpopo	Five (5) Applications were approved
Mpumalanga	One (1) Application was approved
Northern Cape	Two (2) Applications were approved
North West	No applications were approved
Western Cape	One (1) Application was approved

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department of Tourism has not conducted a comprehensive study on load shedding’s impact on tourism.

SA Tourism’s Departure Survey indicates the following:

1. Tourists experienced the regrettable cancellation of anticipated activities.
2. Interruptions in internet connectivity posed challenges, hindering communication with family, friends, or professional contacts.
3. Several tourists reported inconvenience when the heating and cooling systems in their accommodations became inoperative.
4. Dining experiences were prolonged due to power-related disturbances in restaurants.
5. Our transportation infrastructure also faced issues; traffic congestion occurred as a result of malfunctioning traffic signals.
6. Such disruptions frequently led to delays, compelling tourists to either forego scheduled activities or encounter difficulties in punctual arrivals at their destinations.

It is for this reason amongst others that the Department implements the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) under its Tourism Incentive programme (TIP)

Reply:

Applicable POPIA provisions:

Chapter 1 (Definitions) of Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)

Section 11(1)(a) of POPIA

Section 13 of POPIA

Section 15 of POPIA

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Reply:

The white paper specifically calls for the separation of the infrastructure manager to be outside of Transnet Freight Rail to ensure that equal treatment and access are provided to all operators. The objective of the rail reform white paper is to ensure that the infrastructure manager has no bias towards TFR operations. Transnet is in the process of setting up an Infrastructure Manager that is an entity outside Transnet freight Rail which is in line with the rail reform process. Private sector operators will therefore be guaranteed unbiased access to the network. This is in line with the DoT and the Interim Rail Economic Regulator.

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

(a) No

(b) No.

The Department did not incur any costs from the country hosting the 15th BRICS Heads of State and Government Summit or the BRICS Parliamentary Summit.

Thank You.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that the details regarding legal action undertaken by the Department, are tabulated below.

Cases which were opened in 2020/21 FY	Court	Status	If case closed - Reasons for Closure	Did the matter go for Arbitration?	Did the matter go to court?	Court Outcome	Current Status
1. Hazyview Aerial Cable Trial (Pty) Ltd vs Minister of Tourism	High Court (Mbombela)	Closed	Notice of Motion did not disclose any relief sought against the Minister.	No	No	N/A	Case Closed
2. South Africa Agri Initiative NPC vs Minister of Tourism	High Court (Pretoria)	Closed	The case was abandoned by the Applicant due to change of the Directives.	No	No	N/A	Case Closed
3. Chefs Warehouse Canteen and Wine Bar, Cape Town (PTY)LTD and Eight (8) Others vs. Minister of Tourism & Others	High Court (Cape Town)	Closed	The case was abandoned by the Applicant due to change of the Directives.	No	No	N/A	Case Closed
4. DD Mokoena and Another vs. Minister of Tourism and Gauteng Tourism Authority	High Court (Johannesburg)	Appeal case pending	N/A	No	The matter was heard on 12, 13 and 14 April 2021.	Applicants’ main application was dismissed with costs.	Appeal case pending
5. Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) (1st case) Solidarity Trade Union vs. Minister of Small Business Development, Minister of Tourism and others & AfriForum vs. Minister of Tourism and Others.	High Court (Pretoria),	Closed	N/A	No	The matter was heard in the High Court Gauteng Division, Pretoria, on 28 of April 2020.	The High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, dismissed the Applicants’ case and granted an order in favour of the Minister.	The Applicants appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). The SCA ruled in favour of AfriForum and Solidarity and held that the Minister has erroneously believed that she was bound by B-BBEE Act when applying Tourism Sector Code in her directions. Department appealed the SCA judgment to the Constitutional Court and the appeal was heard on 8 September 2022. The Constitutional Court delivered its judgment on 8 February 2023. The Constitutional Court concluded that the case was moot and there were no sound reasons for the Court to entertain it. The leave to appeal was refused with costs.
6. Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) (2nd case) Solidarity Trade Union & Afriforum vs. Minister of Small Business Development, Minister of Tourism and others	High Court (Pretoria),	Closed	The court granted an interdict against the Minister.	No	The urgent interdict application was heard on 15 April 2021.	The court granted an interdict against the Minister.	On advice from Counsel, the current Minister directed that the litigation be settled and TEF be restarted on applicable Tourism Sector Codes. Settlement negotiations resulted in an out-of-court settlement with the Applicants on 26 April 2023. The Applicants subsequently withdrew Part B of their main application.
7. Department of Tourism vs. Lerato Matlakala & Lefuno Netangaheni	Labour Court (Johannesburg)	Pending	N/A	No	No	N/A	Case pending
8. Gerson Nevari vs. Department of Tourism & Director-General of the Department of Tourism	Labour Court (Johannesburg)	Pending	N/A	No	No	N/A	Case pending
Cases which were opened in 2021/22 FY	Court	Status	If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure	Did the matter go for Arbitration?	Did the matter go to court?	Court Outcome	Current Status
1. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd vs The Member of the Executive Committee: Department of Tourism	High Court (Pretoria)	Pending	N/A	No	No	N/A	Case pending
2. Tebogo Maureen Ngobeni vs. Minister of Tourism and 2 Others	High Court (Pretoria)	Closed	There was no relief sought against the Minister.	No	No	N/A	Case closed
3. Minister of Tourism vs. ZM Kubheka	Magistrate’s Court (Atteridgeville)	Pending	N/A	No	No	N/A	Case pending
Cases which were opened in 2022/23 FY	Court	Status	If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure	Did the matter go for Arbitration?	Did the matter go to court?	Court Outcome	Current Status
1. Minister of Tourism vs. MBB Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd	High Court (Makhanda)	Pending	N/A	No	No	N/A	Case pending
2. ActionSA v Minister of Tourism and Others	High Court (Durban)	Pending	N/A	No	No	N/A	Case pending
3. Blueprint Group vs. South African Tourism & 3 Others	High Court (Johannesburg)	Pending	No	No	No	N/A	Case pending
4. Thulani Sibeko vs. Department of Tourism	Labour Court (Johannesburg)	Closed	The court dismissed the Applicant’s case with costs.	No	The case was heard on 20 January 2023.	The court dismissed the Applicant’s case with costs.	Case closed
5. Tsakane Shipalane & Others vs. Department of Tourism & Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA)	CCMA (Johannesburg)	Closed	The Commissioner dismissed the Applicants’ application.	No	Arbitration in the matter was set down for 25-26 July 2023.	The Commissioner dismissed their application.	Case closed
Cases which were opened from 1 April 2023	Court	Status	If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure	Did the matter go for Arbitration?	Did the matter go to court?	Court Outcome	Current Status
None	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

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Reply:

I have been informed that the department has put measures in place to ensure that the allocated budget for the current financial year is spent. The Top Management structure interrogates branch reports every month in line with the set targets and cash flow projections. The expenditure on compensation of employees is dependent on the approval of the filling of posts by the relevant structures. The directive on the implementation of control measures when creating and filling vacant posts, issued by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, and the cost containment guidelines issued by the National Treasury should be complied with when filling vacant positions.

In line with the spirit of the National Treasury guidelines on cost containment, where savings are realised based on efficiencies, such should not be considered to be under expenditure but saving to be surrendered to National Treasury.

Reply:

(1) (a) 43 (13 Permanent, 28 Interns and 2 Additional to the Establishment) (b) 74 only Permanent (c) 116 (115 permanent and 1 Additional to the Establishment)

Reply:

Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) implemented the Meat Inspection Scheme approved by the Minister on 29 November 2016 which provides for independent meat inspection. Independent meat inspection service providers were assigned by the Minister to provide meat inspection services at abattoirs across the country.

An animal welfare working group consisting of DALRRD, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and at least one provincial coordinator from all provinces was developed. The working group serves to provide advice to the department on matters related to animal welfare.

DALRRD has developed a Livestock Identification, Recording and Traceability Policy and Business Plan with the support of the Technology Innovation Agency. Implementation of various components of the Business Plan is in progress. A contractual agreement with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) which is an Agency under the Department of Science and Innovation, was established in 2020. The agreement is for the CSIR Information and Cybersecurity Centre to technically support DALRRD in the development of a software application for the integration of Livestock Identification, Recording and Traceability in South Africa. Piloting of the software application Information System developed by CSIR is ongoing across the country with the support of the Livestock Industry and Provincial Departments responsible for Agriculture.

DALRRD is providing guidance to provinces through agreed upon guidelines published on the departmental website, normally referred to as Veterinary Procedural Notices (VPNs) on how to approach challenges, registrations and investigations to ensure a similar scientific approach which is harmonized.

DALRRD continues to improve on the staffing level by appointing on a yearly basis over a hundred newly qualified veterinarians who are placed particularly in needy areas to provide primary animal health care to assist in early detection of diseases in animals to reduce the impact of these diseases on food security.

(a),(b) Falls away.

Reply:

BSA has provided the following responses to these questions:

A) The Awards were held on 30 June 2023 at the Chief Albert Luthuli ICC, in Durban.

B) Approximately five hundred (500) people attended the awards.

C) The Chief Albert Luthuli ICC, in Durban.

D) The event cost R 3 238 125-87. See below breakdown.

Description	Amount
Venue ICC Durban, sponsored by eThekwini municipality
Event Manager	R 964 621,84
Production	R 435 040,00
Décor	R 299 800,00
Trophies and awards	R 260 411,75
MCs	R 112 500,00
Social Media Management and Marketing	R 24 600,00
Branding items	R 135 152,28
Ground Transport	R 87 000,00
Public Relation officer	R 36 000,00
Petty Cash	R 27 500,00
Project Manager	R 55 500,00
Female & Male boxer of the year	R 100 000,00
Flight, car hire and Accommodation	R 700 000,00
R 3 238 125,87

THANK YOU

Reply:

a) According to the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), the specified amount of R250,000 was paid to “Z Jojwana HR Consulting Company”.

b) The payment was for services rendered for an investigation into capacity issues within the Human Resources Unit at the OHSC. The report is titled “Department of Human Resources poor performance investigation report”.

END.

Reply:

Rule 145(5) of the National Assembly is noted and respected, my apologies for missing the submission deadline.

Please find attached written replies for question 2704 and 2705 as submitted to the question office for tabling by my department.

 

Reply:

The National Department of Health opened the Internship and Community Program (ICSP) online System application process on 4 October 2023 and closed the applications process on 20 October 2023.

1. (a)(i)(ii) Physiotherapists are not required to perform internship. Therefore, no Physiotherapists are allocated for internship in South Africa.
2. (a) The total projected number of Physiotherapist to be placed for community service (i) nationally is 460, and (ii) 423 are available posts for Physiotherapists confirmed by provinces as the table below. Provision will be made to cover the shortfall in the event that all 460 qualify at the same time.

2024 Annual Cycle - Physiotherapist
Provinces	Total Post
Eastern Cape	67
Free State	33
Gauteng	99
KwaZulu-Natal	74
Limpopo	17
Mpumalanga	33
Northern Cape	28
Nort-West	43
Western Cape	29
Grand Total	423

(b) The names of facilities that will be used per Province for this purpose are attached as Annexure A.

END.

Reply:

Yes, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development DALRRD) has signed a social compact, the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) in May 2022. In summary the AAMP is a sectoral growth strategy that sets out a series of immediate and medium-term actions needed to enable inclusive growth and sustainable job creation in the agriculture and rural economies. In partnership with business and labour, we believe that the AAMP interventions could potentially create 71 487 new jobs.

Through rural development initiatives a total of 964 jobs has been facilitated for the current financial year.

NUMBER OF JOBS FACILITATED IN THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES FOR 2023/ 2024 FY
PROVINCES	ANNUAL TARGET	ACHIEVEMENTS
		MALE	FEMALE	YOUTH	PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY	TOTAL
Eastern Cape	50	48	8	22	0	56
Free State	50	47	12	8	0	59
Gauteng	50	38	9	26	0	47
KwaZulu Natal	50	24	7	10	0	31
Limpopo	50	78	55	48	0	133
Mpumalanga	50	108	37	78	0	145
North West	50	75	11	45	0	86
Northern Cape	50	43	3	21	0	46
Western Cape	50	41	15	24	0	56
Technology Research and Development (TRD)	50	25	25	20	1	50
OVERALL TOTAL	500	527	182	302	1	709

NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE LINKED TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE NARYSEC PROGRAMME FOR 2023/ 2024 FY
PROVINCES	ANNUAL TARGET	ACHIEVEMENTS
		MALE	FEMALE	YOUTH	PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY	TOTAL
NARYSEC	485	36	110	146	23	146
OVERALL TOTAL	485	36	110	146	23	146

NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORTED WITH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE NARYSEC PROGRAMME FOR 2023/ 2024 FY
PROVINCES	ANNUAL TARGET	ACHIEVEMENTS
		MALE	FEMALE	YOUTH	PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY	TOTAL
NARYSEC	309	45	64	107	1	109
OVERALL TOTAL	309	45	64	107	1	109

Reply:

The National Department of Health opened the Internship and Community Program (ICSP) online System application process on 4 October 2023 and closed the applications process on 20 October 2023.

1. (a)(i)(ii) Professional Nurses are not required to perform internship. Therefore, no Professional Nurse is allocated for internship in South Africa.
2. (a) The total projected number of Professional Nurses to be placed for community service (i) nationally is 1 662, and (ii) 2 803 are available posts for Professional Nurses confirmed by provinces as follows in each province:

2024 Annual Cycle - Professional Nurse
Provinces	Total Post
Eastern Cape	614
Free State	46
Gauteng	565
KwaZulu-Natal	675
Limpopo	178
Mpumalanga	148
Northern Cape	27
Nort-West	250
Western Cape	300
Grand Total	2803

(b) The names of facilities that will be used per Province for this purpose are attached as Annexure A.

END.

Reply:

According to the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC),

1. Yes the leave for Dr S Mndaweni (CEO) was approved by Dr. Kenoshi (Board Chairperson) following the request made to the Board by Dr Mndaweni.

2. Dr Mndaweni is entitled to 26 days paid leave per annum as stipulated in her employment contract. Of the leave that was approved by the Board, a portion of the leave was part of her leave entitlement per her employment contract and the remaining portion was unpaid (13.56 days).

3. The leave entitlement is specified in the employment contract of the CEO and consists of 26 days paid leave per annum.

END.

Reply:

1. All farms with infections are placed under quarantine. No birds, products and waste are allowed to move into or out of the farm. Infected and in-contact birds must be destroyed to prevent further spread of the infection. Farmers that requested to be exempted from culling/destroying birds have been given biosecurity measures which they must comply with in order not to place other farms in danger. Industry is supplied with biosecurity guidelines and advised to rather register compartments that are strictly monitored for compliance to assist industry not be infected by adverse diseases. Industry applications to import fertile eggs are being expedited.

2. (a),(b) To date, Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho have suspended trade of live birds including day old chicks, eggs, and meat. Saudi Arabia has suspended trade of meat from affected provinces.

3. The department is working on a protocol to permit vaccination under stringent conditions, bearing in mind that vaccination does not prevent birds from being infected but limit the clinical signs, which will make it difficult for clinical and passive surveillance; so in order to detect infection as quickly as possible, the surveillance has to be intense. The details will be shared as soon as the protocol has been finalised.

4. In terms of the Animal Diseases Act No. 35 of 1984 any owner of animals that were destroyed for disease control purposes can submit a claim for compensation to the Director Animal Health, Dr Mpho Maja, contact number (012) 319-7615, Email [email protected].

 

Reply:

Yes.

a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is responsible for creating an environment that is conducive for businesses in the sector to thrive and grow. Growth in employment numbers is among others a factor of investments made in the sector, which include expansions of areas under cultivation/production, farming equipment, and machinery as well as access to markets. The conducive environment created by DALRRD for the sector to grow includes policy development and support provided through various programmes. Some programmes provide finance (the Blended Finance Scheme, AgriBEE Fund, etc.), farm access roads to ensure that the produce gets to markets, production inputs, machinery and other equipment. In recent months, the Department has been successful in the expansion of markets for agricultural produce to China (avocado) and Saudi Arabia (livestock).

The AAMP, is a social compact between the government and its social partners, including business. It sets out a series of immediate, medium-term and long-term actions needed to enable inclusive growth, sustainable jobs, and a transformed agricultural sector. The strategy adopts a “Commodity value chain approach” to attain growth, which will mostly come from currently underdeveloped areas, mostly in rural areas. In essence, the strategy points to attracting investments into the sector and looking at the expansion of production.

b) The general employment trends indicate that employment in the agriculture sector has hovered around 850 000 over the years and reflects seasonality associated with the sector. The phenomenon is depicted in Figure 1 below, released by STATS-SA.

Figure1: Agriculture Sector Employment numbers (STATSSA)

According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), the number of people employed in the agricultural sector increased by 0.8%, from 888 000 in the first quarter of 2023, to 894 000 people in the second quarter of 2023. However, on a year-to-year basis, the number of people employed in the agriculture sector increased from 874 000 in the second quarter of 2022, to 894 000 people in the same quarter of 2023, which represents an increase of 2.4%. The sector was among nine industries that have a positive contribution to job creation year on year.

Reply:

1. The total of veterinary posts budgeted for increased from 324 to 326 for the period in question. KwaZulu-Natal increased the posts by two during the period. The table below provides a corrected version. The vacancy rate is also adjusted accordingly to 40%.

Table1: Approved and vacant posts for veterinary doctors

Year	STATUS	NATIONAL	GP	NW	LIMPOPO	MP	KZN	FS	EC	WC	NC	TOTAL
2019	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	27	15	48	30	16	324
	VACANT	13	4	10	10	17	17	3	25	4	10	113
	RATE	34%	11.1%	26%	26%	47.22%	62.96%	20%	48%	13%	37.5%	35%
2020	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	27	15	48	30	16	324
	VACANT	13	4	10	10	15	16	5	26	5	10	114
	RATE	34%	11.1%	26%	26%	41.67%	59.25%	33%	46%	16%	37.5%	35%
2021	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	27	15	48	30	16	324
	VACANT	14	4	10	10	16	16	6	28	5	10	103
	RATE	37%	11.1%	26%	26%	44.44%	59,25%	40%	42%	16%	37.5%	32%
2022	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	29	15	48	30	16	326

2. The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has already requested the Minister of Home Affairs to reconsider placing veterinary doctors back on the critical skills list. The Minister of Home Affairs published a notice on the 9th of October 2023 in which veterinary doctors are back on the critical list. A copy of the publication is attached as Annexure A.

Reply:

1. (a) The scope of applicability for the Directives on nurses’ uniform:

• 1. only applies to nurses as defined in Section 30 of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act 33 of 2005).
  2. applies to nurses that are employed in health establishments of the Departments of Health
  3. applies to nurses who are required to wear unform in the execution of their duties and
  4. to those eligible to receive the uniform allowance under PHSDSBC resolution 1 of 2005.

b) The directive on wearing of head scarves and adornments is informed by the regulatory framework of the nursing profession as reflected in the SA Nursing Council regulations. Chief amongst these is the imperative to uphold and portray professional identity and image, in addition to minimising any potential risk to patient safety. The NDOH directives address both these imperatives. Wearing headscarves was vetoed by the nursing stakeholders because it would prevent the standardization of uniform, which is one of the hallmarks of restoration of professional identity and image. The rationale against allowing traditional adornments to be visible while on duty was for Infection Prevention and Control reasons, as it would pose a risk in spreading infections.

(2) A report reflecting a record of these decisions is attached as Annexure A.

END.

Reply:

The National Department of Health opened the Internship and Community Program (ICSP) online System application process on 4 October 2023 and closed the applications process on 20 October 2023.

1. (a)(i)(ii) According to the information extracted from the Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) online System, (a) the projected numbers of medical interns for the 2024 Annual cycle nationally is 2 293 and 2 446 are available posts for internship confirmed by provinces:

2024 Annual Cycle - Medical Internship Posts
Provinces	Total Posts
Eastern Cape	216
Free State	93
Gauteng	791
KwaZulu-Natal	531
Limpopo	176
Mpumalanga	94
Northern Cape	40
Nort-West	194
Western Cape	311
Grand Total	2446

(b) The names of facilities that will be used per Province for this purpose are attached as Annexure A.

2. (a)(i)(ii) The total projected number of medical doctors to be placed for community service nationally is 2 530, and 2 530 are available posts for community service (2 073 as confirmed by provinces and additional 457 secured by NDoH) in each province as follows:

2024 Annual Cycle - Community Service Posts
Provinces	Provincial Posts	Additional posts	Total Posts
Eastern Cape	287	70	357
Free State	112	20	132
Gauteng	357	80	437
KwaZulu-Natal	248	75	323
Limpopo	267	41	308
Mpumalanga	285	41	326
Northern Cape	65	15	80
Nort-West	241	45	286
Western Cape	211	70	281
Grand Total	2073	457	2530

(b) The names of facilities that will be used per Province for this purpose are attached as Annexure A.

END.

Reply:

1. According to the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) (a) None of the staff members in the OHSC have been dismissed because of committing fraud and/or corruption.

(b) Not applicable;

(c) No amount was used for legal costs.

2. There has been no fraud or corruption identified in the OHSC supply chain management processes. (a) There was no fraud or corruption identified in any of the OHSC Departments and (b) There was no wasteful expenditure identified.

END.

Reply:

1. Yes, the department receives the repairs and maintenance reports on ambulances monthly from the National Treasury appointed service provider, Wesbank. These reports are being used to track the number of ambulances that are not operational due repairs and maintenance with the specific intention of reducing downtime and optimizing the operational fleet through specific interventions at provincial level.

2. This ambulance is in operation in Qunu at the OR Tambo District under the management of Emergency Medical Services.

a) Repairs have been undertaken four (4) times as follows: two (2) rear and front brake repairs, one (1) mirror replacement, and one (1) alternator repairs.

b) Maintenance of the ambulance has been undertaken twice at 15 000- and 30 000-kilometre service intervals and the next service will be at 45 000km.

END.