Questions and Replies
02 July 2018 - NW1561
Rawula, Mr T to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the (i) name and (ii) location of each clinic in the country that has experienced a water shortage in (aa) 2017 and (bb) 2018 and (b) on what date did the water shortage (i) start and (ii) come to an end in each case?
Reply:
All health facilities including hospitals and clinics in the country do have water supply services. However, like any other services there might be interruptions from time to time for various reasons such as breakdowns, drought, etc. in such cases temporary supply services, i.e water cartage takes place to remedy the emergency situation. Depending on the geographical location of the facilities, local authorities like municipalities do assist in emergency cases. Since such activities are at operational level for a short span of time, it is not necessary to keep detailed recording of these activities at the National Department of Health.
END.
02 July 2018 - NW2149
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Energy
Whether any studies regarding (a) costs and (b) feasibility were conducted before signing any of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) deals; if not, (i) why not and (ii) on what grounds and basis were the REIPPPs pursued; if so, (aa) was each study published, (bb) who conducted each study, (cc) was a tender issued to conduct each study, (dd) what was the cost of conducting each study, (ee) what is the title of each study and (ff) where are the copies of the studies available?
Reply:
Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) projects are procured and contracted pursuant to Ministerial Determinations issued by the Minister of Energy, in consultation with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in terms of Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act, No 4 of 2006. Considerations include issues of carbon emission reduction commitments, new technology uncertainties such as costs, operability and lead time to build, water usage, localisation and job creation as well as regional development and integration and security of supply.
Each Independent Power Producer (IPP) participating in the tender process is responsible to undertaking a feasibility of its own project before bid submission to ensure the bankability of the project. At bid submission the IPPs have to comply with various qualification criteria which can only be complied with if they did undertake feasibility studies.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW2155
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Energy
Whether any government employees (a) have shares in and/or (b) own companies whose bids were approved in any of the bidding windows of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programmes?
Reply:
Government employees declare their financial interests in companies annually as required by the Public Service Regulations.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW2150
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Energy
What are the (a) Government and (b) relevant entities projected to spend both directly and indirectly on the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programmes; (2) has he found that the Government and the entities can afford the cost; if so, what are the details of how this was determined?
Reply:
There is no direct or indirect spend by Government or relevant entities exclusively attributable to the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006, Section 34 sanctioned Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP). Regulation 10 of the New Generation Regulations enable Eskom, as the single buyer, to recover all costs in respect of the Section 34 Ministerial Determinations and includes payments for the purchase of electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPP) in terms of a power purchase agreement. Eskom only pays for actual electricity evacuated into the grid at a predetermined fixed price that can only escalate by CPI annually.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW2152
Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Energy
How much less electricity will Eskom be required to produce because of the approval of the bids of Independent Power Producers by his department?
Reply:
Eskom is not required to produce less electricity as a consequence of Independent Power Producers. Eskom’s policy on the decommissioning of its fleet is informed by an optimal balance of cost efficiencies, reduced capacity and carbon emission considerations. Eskom’s planned decommissioning of the Arnot, Camden, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Komati coal-fired power stations was already projected in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010 which indicated that the decommissioned capacity would be replaced by approximately 8 800MW new Coal Generation capacity through Kusile and Medupi. The Wind and Solar Photovoltaic technologies introduced through the renewable energy programme do not displace coal-fired power stations as these technologies do not provide base load capacity.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW2143
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Energy
Whether he is aware of the development fee to be paid by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to the National Treasury and to his department in order to set up the Project Development Fund for Baseload Coal Energy (details furnished); if so, what is the (a) total amount in Rand of the development fee and (b) breakdown of all costs that (i) have been incurred and (ii) will be incurred by his department for the procurement of energy from IPPs?
Reply:
(A) The development fee of the Baseload Coal Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme has been set in the Request for Proposals (RFP) (December 2015) at 1.75% of the Total Project Value. The development fee is utilised as a cost recovery mechanism for costs incurred in the design, development, procurement and implementation over a 30-year contract term. The exact Rand value of the Development Fee can only be calculated once all the preferred bidders have reached Financial Close.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW2142
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Energy
With reference to his statement on 1 June 2018 in which he stated that the two coal Independent Power Producers (IPPs) would give rise to at least 5 000 jobs during construction (details furnished), (a) where did he obtain this figure and (b) can he verify it, as the figures provided by the coal IPPs are different?
Reply:
In terms of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for coal IPPs, the preferred bidders bid the following in terms of job creation:
Project 1 |
Project 2 |
Total |
|
Jobs during Construction (person years)* |
7 943 |
2 377 |
10 320 |
Jobs during Operations (person years) |
10 678 |
4 626 |
15 304 |
Total jobs in person years |
18 621 |
7 003 |
25 624 |
*(Person years: 1 job = 12 person-months and 1 person-month = 160 working hours)
The quantification of job creation is calculated in terms of the above formula stipulated in the RFP. If one were to assume the Construction period to be 4 years with the Operations period being 30 years, the total direct jobs during Construction would be equivalent to having approximately 2 580 people working for 4 years during Construction and approximately 510 people working for 30 years during Operations. However, since jobs are provided in job years as per the RFP, the figures are likely to be understated given workers who are employed for less than one year, especially during the construction phase.
Furthermore, these job numbers directly associated with the coal IPP plants do not include the indirect jobs created as a result of the new mine which one of the Projects will be dependent on as well as the jobs created in relation to the discard coal supply which the other Project will be utilising. The job numbers further exclude indirect job creation in respect of factors such as manufacturing and limestone supply.
Approved / Not Approved Mr J T Radebe, MP Minister of Energy Date: |
02 July 2018 - NW2167
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Energy
Did certain persons (names furnished) declare that they were directors in certain companies (details furnished), all of which had their bids accepted as part of the most recently signed Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme agreements; if so, on what basis was this approved?
Reply:
Projects are not evaluated on the directorship of participating companies but rather on the shareholding of each project company to ensure that the bid criteria in respect of South African Entity and Black ownership participation are met. Thus the persons (names furnished) were not required to declare directorship.
All bidders are bound by rules against collusion which may result in disqualification. The commonality in directorship in the specified project companies refer to a group of companies with the same shareholding structure. Thus, collusion with another bidding group or developer is not relevant. The individual bids by the named project companies competed with multiple other bids in respect of the unique offering of each underlying project, in terms of a combination of factors that inform their pricing, for example location, size of plant and technology.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
.
02 July 2018 - NW2141
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Energy
What steps have been or will be taken to address the impact of coal Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on Eskom, in view of the fact that Eskom may have to close certain of its own coal plants early to meet the offtake requirements of the coal IPPs, and even earlier in a low greenhouse gas emission scenario, and will be faced with having to sell electricity at very high prices in circumstances where more and more electricity consumers are defecting from the grid?
Reply:
Eskom is not closing its own coal plants early as a result of offtake requirements of the coal IPPs. Eskom’s policy on the decommissioning of its fleet is informed by an optimal balance of cost efficiencies, reduced capacity and carbon emission considerations. Eskom’s planned decommissioning of the Arnot, Camden, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Komati coal-fired power stations was already projected in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010 which indicated that the decommissioned capacity would be replaced by approximately 8 800MW new Coal Generation capacity through Kusile and Medupi. The efficiency of Eskom’s older coal-fired power plants have deteriorated rapidly and these plants cost substantially more to operate, resulting in a spill-over into tariff increases.
Standard impact mitigation measures at a local and regional level can be planned on the basis of Paris Agreement and OECD just transition principles which are largely based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) just transition guidelines.
Government’s energy policy is, among others, premised on a balanced energy mix recognizing our country’s natural endowment of energy carriers, including coal., Government’s policy also supports techno-economic solutions for power production from environmentally hazardous discard coal stock-piled over years above ground. Notably, one such solution is presented by one of the coal IPP projects as a first of kind in South Africa.
Government’s policy position to reduce carbon emissions as well as continue with the new build coal plants, contained in its 2015 submitted Nationally Determined Contributions, remains unchanged.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW2151
Xalisa, Mr Z R to ask the Minister of Energy
(a) What is the cost of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programmes to the economy and (b) how was this determined?
Reply:
A) The impact of the REIPPPP on the South African economy is not about costs, but rather about benefits. The highly competitive procurement conditions of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPPP), combined with excellent domestic natural resource potential, policy support and technological progress has resulted in rapid cost reductions and competitiveness of renewable energy technologies.
The South African government established the REIPPPP in 2010 as an urgent intervention to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, enhance and diversify South Africa’s electrical power generation capacity and accelerate private-sector participation in the energy industry through a competitive bidding process. The programme design, implementation and operational requirements further makes significant contributions to broader national economic development objectives, such as job creation, social upliftment, enterprise development, increasing economic ownership opportunities for black people, foreign direct investment, technological progress, climate change mitigation, alleviating pressure on the fiscus and lower electricity costs.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe,MP
Minister of Energy
Date:
02 July 2018 - NW1562
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the (i) name and (ii) location of each hospital in the country that has experienced an electricity shortage in (aa) 2017 and (bb) 2018 and (b) on what date did the electricity shortage (i) start and (ii) come to an end in each case?
Reply:
All health facilities including hospitals and clinics in the country do have electricity supply system except for those that are listed in the attached Annexure 1. However, like any other services when there are interruptions from time to time for various reasons such as system breakdowns, etc. standby generator(s) of the facility kicks in and allow the operation of the facilities to continue. All hospitals do have backup generators and those Primary Health Care facilities that do not have backup generators are as reflected in Annexure 1. Since power interruptions are at operational level for a short span of time, it is not necessary to keep detailed recording of these activities at the National Department of Health.
END.
29 June 2018 - NW1083
Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to her reply to question 579 on 10 April 2018, (a) what were the (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of the investigations of the Management Renewal Services and Military Psychological Institute, (b) on what date were the entities appointed, (c) who did they report to and (d) when did they finish their investigation; (2) what (a) has been finalised in the organisational diagnosis, (b) recommendations will the department be implementing and (c) are the time frames in each case?
Reply:
(1) (a) The findings and recommendations of the investigation by Military Psychological Institute (MPI) were as follows:
(i) Findings. More than 90% of the members at Internal Audit Division were interviewed by Industrial Psychologists of MPI and consultants of the South African Air Force’s Directorate Management and Renewal Service (DM&RS) Renewal Services and the findings were confirmed by more than 75% of members interviewed. The results of the quantitative data supported the findings of qualitative data. The Weisbord Six Box Model was used as a departure point in the psychologists’ approach to the Organisational Diagnosis (OD). The model focused on six dimensions in an organisation and provided key information on the dimensions that might impact on an organisation’s effective functioning. Information obtained from individual interviews and focus groups was thematically analysed and integrated in order to identify main themes according to the model used. The positive aspects within each dimension were also addressed in congruent with developmental aspects. The main themes of the findings were as follows:
- Strategy and Purpose. Members of the Division were found to be clear on what internal audit entails, however, in most cases, there were no clear written job descriptions and performance appraisal documents.
- Structure. Insufficient structure and lack of clearly defined command channels leads to role ambiguity and confusion in the work place.
- Rewards and recognition. Absence of formal reward and recognition system made members feel unappreciated.
- Helping mechanisms. The lack of formalised and clearly communicated policies and procedures create confusion within the Division.
- Relationships. Management of differences and conflict was identified as a concern. Some of the relationship challenges related to centralised decision making process, lack of communication and post-conflict relationship management.
- Leadership. Members of the Division were aggrieved by the leadership style adopted by top management.
- External environment. Long process of audit reports finalisation, recruitment process and support from higher headquarters was were found to be a concern.
(ii) Recommendations. The following recommendations were made:
- It was recommended that the CAE works with an executive coach of senior status.
- A strategic planning session needs to be conducted, followed by the implementation of a supportive organisational structure and culture.
- The CAE should operate in a more strategic and functional capacity and focus on intern development, project output and quality control.
- Staffing of critical positions to avoid staff burnout.
- The appointment of Divisional Chief of Staff to act as a link between the Divisional Head and staff members.
- All members (including the CAE and her management team) should be given the opportunity to see a clinical psychologist to debrief.
(b) The entities’ intervention was requested on 14 November 2016.
(c) The entities reported to Major General M. Sitshongaye, Chief Director HR Strategic Direction and Policy.
(d) The organisational diagnosis was conducted over the period 23 November to 05 December 2016.
(2) (a) The entire OD has been finalised.
(b) The Department has implemented some of the recommendations of the OD and is in the process of processing others.
(c) The timeframes for the implementation of the OD recommendations is continuous. Other recommendations have been implemented, while others are in progress.
29 June 2018 - NW2086
Ngwenya, Ms W to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether any other high-speed rail systems other than the extensions to the Gautrain and the Moloto Rail Corridor are envisaged for the country over the next 30 years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, for which routes are the high-speed rail systems envisaged; (2) are any such new high or higher speed train routes envisaged between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any such systems are envisaged for the Western Cape or the City of Cape Town; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. In terms of the National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) 2050 approved by Cabinet in October 2016, there are proposed high speed rail passenger systems for the following routes :
a) Johannesburg-Durban ; and
b) Pretoria –Polokwane.
2. The proposed high speed rail between Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal is a recommendation of NATMAP 2050 and nothing in a form of pre-feasibility study or commitment from any authority has been done.
3. There is no recommendations of high speed rail in Western Cape or City of Cape Town.
29 June 2018 - NW1601
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)What are the reasons for the drastic decline in performance with regard to the Waste Tyre Diversion target vs performance for the 2016-17 financial year; (2) whether the Waste Bureau target to divert 50% of all tyres from landfills in the 2018-19 financial year includes off-the-road (OTR) tyres; if not, (a) how does the Waste Bureau plan to commence with OTR tyre collections, and (b) what is the time-line in this regard; if so, how will the specified target be incorporated into the industry once the plan is approved; (3) whether, in light of the fact that the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa could not reach the target of diverting 50% of all tyres from landfills with a budget of R520 million, she has found that the Waste Bureau can achieve the specified target with the available budget of R320 million; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of how the Waste Bureau will reach the target; and (4) what is the Waste Bureau’s current options to enable collections and recycling of OTR tyres nationally?
Reply:
1. According to reports received from REDISA, the 2016 volumes were impacted by shortage of depot storage space and slow uptake in demand. The figures also excluded the OTR tyres, and the reporting in the late 2016/17 excluded waste tyre exportation; and when we include the figures for export, the performance exceeds the target.
2. Yes, OTR tyres are included in the target.
(a) Refer to a response in 2 above.
(b) The OTR tyre collections is already taking place, although at the slow pace. The new equipment for pre-processing of OTR tyres has been procured and is expected to be delivered in a month or two. This, together with Waste Bureau actions, will improve waste tyre processing capacity in the near future; and will also enable the organisation to improve OTR collections and processing capacity.
3. The budget will not be sufficient and, in this regard, National Treasury is being engaged.
4. The collection and recycling of OTR is currently taking place, but at a small scale. When the new equipment arrives (referred to in 2b above), then the Waste Bureau will be able to increase the OTR collection and pre-processing rate. The current initiatives by the Waste Bureau to increase the processing capacity (including going out on tender) will lead to an improved OTR recycling rate.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW1927
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of entities reporting to him in (i) 2016 and (ii) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
(1) a) There were no cases of sexual harassment reported in the past three years. However, there is one case of assault which has been reported and is still pending.
(ii) There were no cases of sexual harassment opened since 2017
(b) (i) There were no cases opened and concluded
(ii) There were no cases that were withdrawn
(iii) There are no cases which remains open
(c) There were no sanctions issued
(b) The Department does have a Sexual Harassment Policy. Cases of assault are dealt with in terms of the PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2003 (Disciplinary Code and Procedures). Allegations of sexual harassment are reported through the Sexual Harassment Adviser who with consent of the victim assists in bringing allegations to finality. The perpetrators of sexual harassment are subjected to formal disciplinary proceedings should grounds for misconduct be established after an investigation. An appropriate sanction for such an offence is dismissal as contained in paragraph 4 of PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2003.
2) Not applicable.
29 June 2018 - NW1463
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether, with reference to the reply of the President, Mr C M Ramaphosa, to the debate on the State of the Nation Address on 22 February 2018 to implement lifestyle audits, (a) she, (b) senior management service members in her department and/or (c) any of the heads of entities reporting to her have undergone a lifestyle audit in the past three financial years; if not, have any plans been put in place to perform such audits; if so, in each case, what are the details of the (i) date of the lifestyle audit, (ii) name of the person undergoing the audit, (iii) name of the auditing firm conducting the audit and (iv) outcome of the audit; (2) whether she will furnish Mr J Vos with copies of the lifestyle audit reports?
Reply:
ARMSCOR
Armscor has not undertaken any lifestyle audit in the past three financial years. Lifestyle audits are being considered by management and the process of planning will be undertaken as part of the new financial year audit process after all necessary considerations such as the legislative and resources requirements. Considerations, include, the use of the service provider in the approved panel of service providers, the basis for the lifestyle audits being management request, special assignment and the whistleblowing system and direct reports, as well as the cost benefit analysis. To date no request has been made for a lifestyle audit.
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY VETERANS
Lifestyle audit has not been conducted in the Department of Military Veterans. There’s no plan in place.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
The Department of Defence has not conducted any lifestyle audit during the past three years.
MILOMBUD
The office of the Military Ombud to date has not exposed the head of the institution, nor senior management service members to a lifestyle audit over the past three financial years.
CASTLE CONTROL BOARD
None of the CCB's Management Team has undergone life style audits during the past five years.
DEFENCE FORCE SERVICE COMMISSION
No lifestyle audit was conducted in the DFSC in the past three financial years.
29 June 2018 - NW1938
Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1)What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of (i) his department and (ii) entities reporting to him in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) Was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department and Entities as follows:
Department:
(1) None
USAASA
(1) None
SENTECH
(1) None
.ZADNA
(1) None
BBI
(1) None
NEMISA
(1) None
SITA
(1) One in 2017 who was charged and dismissed.
SAPO
- Three in 2016, who were all found not guilty.
- Four in 2017, two were found not guilty and two were dismissed.
Approved/ not approved
_______________
Dr SC Cwele, MP
Minister
DATE:
29 June 2018 - NW1904
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)Whether all members of the senior management service (SMS) in her department had declared their interests for the past year as required by the Public Service Regulations; if not, (a) why not, (b) how many of the specified members did not declare their interests and (c) what are the (i) names and (ii) ranks of the specified noncompliant members of the SMS; (2) whether noncompliant SMS members have been charged; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what number (a) of employees in her department at each post level are currently suspended on full salary and (b) of the specified employees at each post level have been suspended for the specified number of days (details furnished); (4) what is the total amount of cost attached to the days of service lost as a result of the suspensions in each specified case?
Reply:
1. All 160 Senior Management Service members had declared their financial interests by 31 May 2017 in terms of Regulation 18 of the Public Service Regulations 2016. The Department is currently processing the Public Service Commission verification report.
2. None.
(3)-(4) The table below provides a breakdown of officials on suspension and the cost attached to the days of service lost.
(a) Number of employees that are currently suspended on full salary |
Salary level |
(b) Number of days |
(4) Cost attached to the days of service lost |
1 |
13 |
43 |
R82 991.39 |
1 |
10 |
76 |
R90 912.65 |
1 |
6 |
69 |
R34 700.00 |
2 |
5 |
266 |
R118 232.99 |
1 |
3 |
120 |
R37 112.54 |
Total |
R363 949.57 |
29 June 2018 - NW1645
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(a) What number of cases relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, as amended, have been referred to the (i) SA Police Service (SAPS) and (ii) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) by (aa) her department and (bb) each entity reporting to her for further investigation since the Act was assented to and (b) what number of the specified cases have (i) been investigated by SAPS and DPCI, (ii) been followed up by the respective accounting officers and (iii) resulted in a conviction in each specified financial year since 2004?
Reply:
ARMSCOR
Armscor has not had any cases relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004.
QUESTION 2
None, as per above.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
(a) No cases relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act have been referred to the South African Police Services and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation by the Military Police Division since financial year 2004. The Military Police Division is currently investigating all reported corruption cases within the Department of Defence.
(b) No cases relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act have been referred to the South African Police Services and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation by the Military Police Division since financial year 2004. The Military Police Division is currently investigating all reported corruption cases within the DoD.
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY VETERANS
a) Two cases have been reported by the DMV to the SAPS relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004, as amended
b) Both the above cases are being investigated by the SAPS
MILOMBUD
There was one (1) case relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 reported to the SAPS, but investigated internally, however, the outcome from SAPS investigation is still awaited
CASTLE CONTROL BOARD
No case has been made or pursued in terms of the specified Act.
DEFENCE FORCE SERVICE COMMISSION
No cases have been referred by the Defence Force Service Commission
29 June 2018 - NW1799
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)What is the status of the ambient air quality in the South Durban eThekwini Municipality area? (2) has there been any recent health impact study undertaken by her department in the area; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings thereof; (3) what (a) are the details of the strategy that has been put in place to (i) address the findings of the specified study and (ii) improve the air quality in the area and (b) is the role played by the licensing authority in addressing the cumulative impact of air pollution in the area; (4) whether she will provide Mr T Z Hadebe with the (a) minutes of the Air Quality Officers forum, (b) air quality management plan and (c) allocated budget for air quality management; and (5) whether her department is considering an intervention on account of health risks posed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)
Ambient air quality has been monitored at 14 stations in the EThekwini Municipality for 12 years to date. A range of pollutants are measured. Two stations, Southern Works and Wentworth are located in the South Durban Basin. Since 2008, particulate matter concentrations at these stations have come down and are now in compliance with South Africa national ambient air quality standards. Ganges ambient monitoring station, which falls outside the basin, is however in non-compliance with particulate matter ambient standards, and this is mostly due to the vehicle emissions from the busy Southern Freeway close to this station.
In terms of sulphur dioxide, the three stations in the basin, namely, Settlers, Southern Works and Wentworth have also reported significant decreases in the sulphur dioxide annually over the years. The reduction in pollution seen in most stations since 2008 to 2010 over eThekwini are as a result of regulatory interventions such as the Scheduled Trade Permitting system and Atmospheric Emission Licensing programs implemented by the city, to target industrial emissions within the South Durban Basin.
(2) Health studies require special scarce skills and are relatively expensive to undertake. In the recent years, the Department of Environmental Affairs has spent over 8 Million Rands on health studies. Unfortunately, for financial reasons, the department has to prioritise study areas to focus on at a given time. To date, the Department has completed a health study in the Vaal Triangle Priority area. The department is currently conducting a health study in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA). In addition to being costly, these studies also takes time to complete. The current HPA health study will only be completed in late 2019, and only after then can the Department consider other priority areas. In the meantime, provinces and municipalities are encouraged to conduct local health studies.
A South Durban Health study was conducted in 2007 to determine the health status of the Durban South residents with specific focus on respiratory diseases and to determine an association between these diseases and environmental pollution. The study also assessed the range of ambient air pollutants to determine the potential risk they pose on the health of the Durban South community. The study revealed that moderate ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO) sulphur dioxide (SO2) and PM10 were strongly and significantly associated with decrements in lung function among children with persistent asthma and/or polymorphism associated with the ability to respond to oxidative stress. Children attending school in the south of Durban as compared to the north, were significantly associated with the increased risk of persistent asthma and for marked airways hyper reactivity. For adults, residing in the south was significantly associated with hayfever and marginal associated with chronic bronchitis, wheeze, shortness of breath and hypertension.
In addition, a joint Health study was completed in the early 2000’s. This study included National, Provincial, and the Local sphere of government as well as academia, industry and international partners. The primary intervention post the study was to reduce the levels of SO2 in the area as this pollutant is a known trigger for asthma. Significant reductions for this pollutant have been achieved. The eThekwini Municipalities AQMP which has a five year life span has included a further Health study in the financial year 20/21. This will need to include multiple stakeholders as the municipality could not fund a study of this nature in isolation.
(3)(a) Since the study, a number of interventions have been deployed at national, provincial and municipal level. Below are just a few.
- A tightening of controls on large industrial emitters with specific reference to SO2, Benzene, NOx and PM.
- The Department of Environments Affairs developed Minimum Emission Standards to control industrial emissions. The notice in this regard was published in 2010 and finalised in 2013. There were no previous standards in this regard and this promulgation and this allows for far tighter regulation of industries. Regulatory air quality management including the assessment of all new developments by means of Specialist Studies together with the Licensing of all Listed Activities as defined in NEM; AQA (39 of 2004) have resulted in an improvement in the air quality in the area.
- Enforcement inspections are being conducted to ensure compliance with the legislation and that conditions of the atmospheric emission licenses are adhered to.
- Continuous monitoring of criteria pollutants to determine if the national ambient air standards are not exceeded. Since then there has been some improvements as shown below:
(b) is the role played by the licensing authority in addressing the cumulative impact of air pollution in the area:
- The licensing authority continue to monitor the industry to ensure that they adhere to conditions of the atmospheric emissions licenses.
- Cumulative impacts are generally considered during the approval of new developments. This is often approached by the introduction of specialist studies conducted during the EIA process
(4) The minutes of the AQO forum can be obtained from the Provincial Air Quality Officer at the provincial department responsible for environmental affairs.
(5) The intervention for addressing air pollution and therefore reducing the health risks posed are stipulated in the eThekwini Metro’s air quality management plan (AQMP). According to the said AQMP, the eThekwini Municipality Health Study is planned for 20/21. The National Department will support this process.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW1961
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(a) What is the status of her department’s court application to take the Public Protector’s report on maladministration at the Tshwane South Technical and Vocational Education and Training College on review and (b) on what date is the case expected to be finalised?
Reply:
a) The Department has filed its supplementary affidavit, and the Office of the Public Protector is yet to file its answering affidavit. The attorneys for the Public Protector intend filing a condonation application for the late filing of its answering affidavit, where after the Office of the State Attorney will set the matter down for hearing.
b) As the Clerk of the Court determines the court dates, the Department is unable to indicate when the case will be finalised.
29 June 2018 - NW2111
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(a) What is the level of medical stock in the pharmacy at 1 Military Hospital, (b) why has this very important indicator been removed by her department and (c) what is the direct impact of the medical stock level on soldiers and military veterans?
Reply:
(1)(a) What is the level of medical stock in the pharmacy at 1 Military Hospital,
Pharmaceuticals and medical consumables for emergencies and life-threatening situations are fully stocked and available at 1 Military Hospital. The medical stock levels at the 1 Military Hospital pharmacy stands at 75%. The stock levels should improve to 85% by the first week in July when more deliveries of stock are expected. Some challenges are experienced with the suppliers of pharmaceuticals at a national level.
(b) Why has this very important indicator been removed by her department and
The performance indicator that refers to the stock levels of pharmaceuticals and medical consumables has not been removed by the department. A decision was made to register the performance indicator as classified as stock levels are regarded as sensitive strategic information.
(c) What is the direct impact of the medical stock level on soldiers and military veterans?
The impact of medical stock levels is minimised by alternative arrangements such as the buying-out of medication that is not available in the SA Military Health Service. There is thus no direct impact on soldiers and military veterans, except the increased cost to the Department of Defence of the buy-out from private pharmacies.
29 June 2018 - NW327
Dreyer, Ms AM to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What amount did (a) his Office and (b) each entity reporting to him spend on the promotion or celebration of the Year of O R Tambo on the (i) Africa News Network 7 channel, (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation (aa) television channels and (bb) radio stations, (iii) national commercial radio stations and (iv) community (aa) television and (bb) radio stations since 1 January 2017?
Reply:
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) did not spend money for the OR Tambo campaign
Approved |
Not Approved |
Approved as amended |
||
Comment: |
||||
Dr NC Dlamini-Zuma Minister in the Presidency: Planning Monitoring and Evaluation |
||||
Date: |
29 June 2018 - NW2135
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the statistics generated during the Easter period in 2018, (a) what road campaigns took place (i) leading up to, (ii) during and (iii) after the specified period, (b) what were the objectives of each campaign in each province, (c) were the objectives met, (d) how was this measured, (e) where did each campaign take place, (f) to whom were the campaigns targeted and (g) what amount was spent on each campaign in each province?
Reply:
a) (i) The following campaigns were undertaken leading up to Easter :
Driver workshops – road safety education workshop was conducted among drivers of major bus companies that were scheduled to transport people to different places of pilgrimage. The emphasis of the workshop was on fatigue management, pre-trip inspections, safe vehicles, impaired driving as well as reckless driving. Drivers were exposed to public transport accident scene that took place during the 2017 Easter Period. The Department of Health and the Road Accident Fund provided information on issues related to health fitness and wellbeing.
Road Awareness at institutions - road safety awareness activities were undertaken at churches, Taxi Ranks, Schools, places of entertainment, as well as filling stations along the major routes. The purpose of the awareness activities was to increase knowledge and skills among travellers in relation to vehicle safety, overloading of passengers and goods, as well as substance abuse. Road safety officials were deployed at various transport public hubs which were known to be congested during Easter period as a result of travellers to raise awareness about safety on the roads.
Pedestrian Awareness - heightened pedestrian awareness activities were undertaken in areas, which are identified as hazardous locations. The focuses of the pedestrian activity were primarily on visibility, the safe crossing of roads, impaired walking as well as jay-walking.
Youth road safety - Young people are largest group involved in reckless and negligent driving due to their attitudes towards safe road usage. Road safety education campaigns were undertaken leading up to Easter at institutions of higher learning and the focus was on impaired walking and driving, dangerous walking and pedestrian visibility.
The activities were supported by a strong media campaign that included interviews and social media activations.
(ii) The following campaigns were undertaken during the Easter period:
- Intensified law enforcement operations by national, provincial and local traffic authorities took place during the Easter period focussing inter alia on speed management, drunken driving, reckless and negligent driving, overloading, vehicle roadworthiness and cross-border operations.
- Road safety education activities were staged on all routes that were identified.
- Radio and television interviews were conducted on local, regional and national stations throughout the period to sustain the messages on safe Easter travel. Social media interactions were also intensified to reach young travellers.
(iii) The following campaigns were undertaken after the Easter period:
Media interactions continued after the Easter period on all the platforms including TV and road interviews and social media platforms. The campaigns continued over the Worker’s day (May 1) long weekend.
(b) The objectives of the campaigns were to reduce fatalities on the identified hazardous routes and improve road user behaviour.
(c) There was a reduction in crashes on identified hazardous routes however new hazardous routes emerged in other areas. The number of passenger fatalities were reduced although pedestrian fatalities increased suggesting that more work is still required.
(d) This was measured by analyzing crashes and fatalities and comparing the outcome to the similar period in the previous years.
(e) The campaigns took place at churches, institutions of higher learning, taxi ranks, halfway station along major routes, premises of major bus operators, on the roads in the form of roadblocks and on various media platforms.
(f) The campaigns were targeted at drivers of public transport vehicles, passengers, pedestrians, the youth and faith-based organisations.
(g) The campaigns were undertaken with approved operational budgets of provincial departments and municipalities.
29 June 2018 - NW705
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)Whether her department has a sexual harassment and assault policy in place; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date will her department have such a policy in place; if so, (i) how are reports investigated and (ii) what are the details of the consequence management and sanctions stipulated by the policy; (2) (a) what is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment and assault that have been reported in her department (i) in each of the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2017, (b) what number of cases were (i) opened and concluded, (ii) withdrawn and (iii) remain open based on the incidents and (c) what sanctions were issued for each person who was found to have been guilty?
Reply:
- (a) Yes, the Department of Basic Education has a sexual harassment and assault policy in place.
(b) (i) The policy has been in place since 2014. The policy stipulates the procedure which should be followed in the reporting and investigation of allegations of sexual harassment in the Department. Clauses 19.1 to 19.3 of the policy provide a detailed procedure that must be followed in the investigation of alleged reports of sexual harassment. The procedure includes both formal and informal investigation. The formal procedure involves the following:
- The sexual harassment complaint must be reported to the Director-General or the Sexual Harassment Advisor in writing and the statement must include:
(i) The name of the respondent;
(ii) Date when the incident occurred;
(iii) Where it occurred; and
(iv) Details of how the actual sexual harassment occurred.
(ii) In the event where the grievance procedure has been finalised, and management is of the view that there is a prima facie case against the respondent, disciplinary steps must be instituted as per the provisions of the Disciplinary Code and Procedure in the Public Service (PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2003 read with Chapter 7 of SMS Handbook).
The sanctions provided in clause 19.4 of the policy include, should the respondent be found guilty of the offence: a) Counselling, b) Verbal warning, c) Final written warning, d) suspension/fine, e) demotion or f) dismissal.
If the Director-General is the perpetrator, the Executive Authority becomes the authority that appoints the Sexual Harassment Advisor and makes decisions on the case. Once the Sexual Harassment Advisor has been appointed, all terms and procedures set out in the policy for subsequent action shall apply without exception, read with the necessary changes.
A complainant of sexual harassment has the right to press separate criminal charges and/or civil claims against the respondent if they so wish. The legal rights of the complainant are in no way limited by the DBE policy.
2. (a) (i) Financial years 2014/15 to 2016/17: No incidents of sexual harassment and assault reported.
(ii) Since April 2017: No incidents of sexual harassment and assault reported.
(b)(i) Not applicable. No cases reported.
(ii) Not applicable. No cases reported.
(iii) Not applicable. No cases reported.
(c) Not applicable. No cases reported.
29 June 2018 - NW2020
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)What are the details of the (a) number of accidents that vehicles owned by her department were involved (i) in each of the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018, (b) cost for repairs in each case and (c)(i) number of and (ii) reasons for vehicles being written off in each case; (2) whether all vehicles owned by her department have tracking devices installed?
Reply:
(a) (i) In the 2015/16 financial year, one vehicle was involved in a major accident and written off.
In the 2016/17 financial year, one vehicle was involved in a major accident and written off.
In the 2017/18 financial year, five vehicles were involved in minor accidents.
(ii) No accidents have been reported since 1 April 2018 to date.
(b) The table below shows the total repair costs for each of the five vehicles involved in minor accidents in the 2017/18 financial year.
Vehicle Make |
Registration |
Cost for Repairs |
1. Toyota Condor |
RYJ 186 GP |
R 18 129.25 |
2. Toyota Corolla |
FXN 411 EC |
R 16 210. 00 |
3. BMW 335 GT |
FF 18 RB GP |
R 51 235.69 |
4. Mercedes Benz E 200 |
BB 36 GR GP |
R 7 008.25 |
5. Toyota Corolla |
BV 60 ZZ GP |
R 4 111.82 |
Total |
R 96 695.01 |
(c) (i) Two vehicles, i.e. VW Polo models with registration numbers DN 35 DP GP and DN 35 DL GP, were written off respectively in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years.
(ii) The vehicles were damaged beyond repairs.
2. The Director-General has approved the installation of tracking devices, and the process is at the implementation phase.
29 June 2018 - NW2084
Ngwenya, Ms W to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With regard to the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road being constructed by the SA National Roads Agency, on what envisaged date will the (a) seven largest bridges be completed and (b) construction of the actual road itself begin; (2) whether any contracts have been signed for the construction of the specified road; if not, on what date(s) will the contracts be signed; (3) what obstacles has he found remain to the commencement of the construction of the road; (4) (a) on what date will the specified road be completed and (b) which section of the road will be completed (i) first and (ii) last?
Reply:
1. (a) The planned completion date of the seven largest bridges across the rivers are summarised in table below.
River name |
Approx. Completion Date |
Mzimvubu |
August 2022 |
Msikaba |
March 2022 |
Mtentu |
November 2021 |
Mnyamani |
June 2022 |
Kulumbe |
June 2022 |
Mphlane |
November 2021 |
Mzamba |
May 2022 |
b. The planned N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) extends from East London via Mthatha, Port St Johns and Lusikisiki to the Mtanvuna River on the border between the Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal.
i. The construction of brownfields portions of the N2WCR between East London and Mthatha and between Mthatha and Port St Johns began in 2011.
ii. Within the greenfields portion of the N2WCR between Port St Johns and Port Edward via Lusikisiki construction of Haul roads within the proclaimed road reserve to access the Msikaba and Mtentu bridge sites began in November 2016.
iii. The construction of the first of several greenfield road projects is planned to start approximately in April 2019.
2. To date the following contracts have been signed for the following N2 Wild Coast Road Projects:
Ref # |
District Municipality |
Local Municipality |
Project Description |
Project Number |
Type of Work |
Phase |
Completion |
1 |
Buffalo City Metro |
Buffalo City Metro |
N2 – Gonubie I/C to Brakfontein I/C |
N.002-160-2015/1 |
Strengthening |
Complete |
2013 |
2 |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality |
N2 – Sitebe Komkulu to Viedgesville |
N.002-180-2003/1 |
Upgrade |
Complete |
2014 |
3 |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality/ Nyandeni Municipality |
R61 – Mthatha to Ngqeleni (Dualling) |
R.061-080-2011/1 |
Upgrade |
Complete |
2017 |
4 |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
Port St Johns Local Municipality |
R61 – TOMBO Intersection (Dual Carriageway) |
R.061-080-2012/2 |
Improvement |
Complete |
2015 |
5 |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
Ngquza Hill Local Municipality |
R61 – Ntafufu River to Lusikisiki |
R.061-080-2013/1 |
Special Maintenance |
Complete |
2013 |
6 |
Amathole |
Mnquma |
N2 - Toleni to Ibika |
N.002-170-2015/1 |
Special Maintenance |
Construction |
2016 |
7 |
OR Tambo |
King Sabata Dalindyebo |
N2 – Tetyana to Sitebe Komkulu |
N.002-180-2010/1 |
Upgrade |
Construction |
2016 |
8 |
OR Tambo |
Nyandeni |
R61 - Ngqeleni to Libode |
R.061-080-2012/4 |
Upgrade |
Construction |
2014 |
9 |
OR Tambo |
Nyandeni |
R61 - Misty Mount to Mafini |
R.061-080-2012/1 |
Upgrade |
Construction |
2016 |
10 |
OR Tambo |
Port St Johns |
R61 - Majola Tea to Tombo |
R.061-080-2012/3 |
Upgrade |
Construction |
2014 |
11 |
OR Tambo |
Ingquza Hill |
N2WCR - Construction Haul Road to Msikaba bridge site south |
N.002-200-2016/2S |
Construction haul road & relocations |
Construction |
2016 |
12 |
OR Tambo |
Ingquza Hill |
N2WCR - Construction Haul Road to Msikaba bridge site north |
N.002-200-2016/2N |
Construction haul road & relocations |
Construction |
2016 |
13 |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
Ingquza Hill |
N2WCR - Construction Haul Road to Mtentu bridge site south |
N.002-201-2016/1S |
Construction haul road & relocations |
Construction |
2016 |
14 |
Alfred Nzo District Municipality/OR Tambo District Municipality |
Mbizana Local Municipality/Ingquza Hill Local Municipality |
N2 - Mtentu Bridge |
N.002-201-2016/1 |
New Bridge |
Construction |
2018 |
15 |
Alfred Nzo District Municipality |
Mbizana Local Municipality |
N2WCR - Construction Haul Road to Mtentu bridge site north |
N.002-201-2016/1N |
Construction haul road & relocations |
Construction |
2016 |
3. After agreeing the final funding model with National Treasury in 2017, none.
4. (a) As seen from above table the first brownfields portions on the N2 was completed in 2013. The greenfield portion of the N2 Wild Coast Road between Port Edward and the Mtanvuna River is expected to be finished and open to traffic by late 2022/early 2023.
(b) (i) Within the greenfield portion the sub-sections of Lingeni to Msikaba and Msikaba to Mtentu are expected to be finished first.
(ii) Within the greenfield portion the sub-sections between Ndwalane and Ntafufu, which includes the Mzimvubu river bridge is expected to be finished last.
NW2238E
29 June 2018 - NW1084
Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 579 on 10 April 2018, any assessment or investigation by the Military Psychological Institute or Management Renewal Services confirmed that a certain person (name furnished) was the cause of the unhealthy work environment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) was there any suggested intervention or recommendation; if so, what are the details of the suggested interventions; (3) was one of the recommendations that the specified person be assigned an executive coach; if so, (a) who was the executive coach, (b) did the coach give a report and (c) what did the coach recommend; (4) whether she has found that the Internal Audit Division and the Secretary of Defence came to the same conclusion at any time of engaging with the unit?
Reply:
(1) The assessment by Military Psychological Institute (MPI) and the South African Air Force’s Directorate Management and Renewal Service (DM&RS) did not make its findings on an individual, however conducted an organisational diagnosis on the entire Division. The assessment’s findings were far reaching ranging from strategy and purpose, structure, rewards and recognitions, helping mechanism, relationships, leadership, and external environment.
(2) The following recommendations were recommended by the MPI intervention:
a. It was recommended that the CAE works with an executive coach of senior status.
b. A strategic planning session needs to be conducted, followed by the implementation of a supportive organisational structure and culture.
c. The CAE should operate in a more strategic and functional capacity and focus on intern development, project output and quality control.
d. Staffing of critical positions to avoid staff burnout.
e. The appointment of Divisional Chief of Staff to act as a link between the Divisional Head and staff members.
f. All members (including the CAE and her management team) should be given the opportunity to see a clinical psychologist to debrief.
(3) Yes, one of the recommendations was that the CAE works with an executive coach.
(a) Prof Frans Cilliers, Phd, an Industrial & Organisational Psychologist from the University of South Africa was appointed as an executive coach.
(b) The executive coach gave a report on his coaching task.
(c) The Department is still processing the report of the executive coach.
(4) The department is still processing the various intervention reports for recommendation of the way forward to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. The matter is therefore not yet concluded.
29 June 2018 - NW1655
Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What number of cases relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, as amended, have been referred to the (i) SA Police Service (SAPS) and (ii) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) by (aa) his department and (bb) each entity reporting to him for further investigation since the Act was assented to and (b) what number of the specified cases have (i) been investigated by SAPS and DPCI, (ii) been followed up by the respective accounting officers and (iii) resulted in a conviction in each specified financial year since 2004?
Reply:
(aa) According to information kept by the Forensic Audit Unit (FAU), the statistics being provided are from 2005 until 2018. However, only few records for the years 2005 – 2009 could be retrieved and provided. The statistics for the year 2007 and 2010 could not be retrieved at all.
The FAU then provided the statistics for the years 2011 – 2018 with the exception of those cases that were referred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and those that were referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). All the statistics for the years 2005 - 2009 were largely stated as only being referred to the SAPS.
The presentation of the statistics was done in four categories to indicate (i) successful prosecution (ii) Withdrawn and closed by either the SAPS or DPCI (iii) Feedback not being provided by (in most cases the SAPS) despite several efforts trying to contact them and (iv) Investigation is still in progress and further update was never provided.
It must be noted that there has been and still is a problem as far as the communication between the SAPS and those directorates in the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development to obtain the feedback on all the matters/cases referred to the SAPS. It appeared to be a bit effective between the DPCI and the directorates of the Department to provide feedback on the matters/cases referred to the DPCI.
The table representing the statistics of the cases referred to either the SAPS or DPCI (or both) for the years 2005 until 2018 (excluding 2007 and 2010):
Financial Year |
Number of cases reported to SAPS/DPCI |
South African Police Service (SAPS) |
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) |
2005 |
5 |
(i) Three (3) successful prosecution (ii) Two (2) feedback never provided |
0 |
2006 |
6 |
(iii) Six (6) feedback never provided |
0 |
2008 |
4 |
0 |
|
2009 |
5 |
(i) One (1) successful prosecution (iii) Four (4) feedback never provided |
0 |
2011 |
3 |
(iv) One (1) still being investigated |
|
2012 |
3 |
(i) One (1) successful prosecution (ii) One (1) withdrawn (iii) One (1) feedback never provided |
0 |
2013 |
8 |
(i) One (1) successful prosecution (iv) Five (5) investigation still in progress |
|
2014 |
15 |
(i) Four (4) successful prosecution (ii) One (1) withdrawn (iii) Three (3) feedback never provided (iv) One (1) investigation still in progress |
|
2015 |
27 |
(i) Three (3) successful prosecution (ii) Five (5) withdrawn (iii) Seven (7) feedback never provided (iv) Ten (10) investigation still in progress |
|
2016 |
13 |
(i) Four (4) successful prosecution (iii) Three (3) feedback never provided (iv) Six (6) investigation still in progress |
0 |
2017 |
25 |
(i) One (1) successful prosecution (ii) Five (5) withdrawn (iii) Two (2) feedback never provided (iv) Seven (7) investigation still in progress |
|
2018 |
16 |
(i) One (1) successful prosecution (ii) Two (2) withdrawn (iv) Eleven (11) investigation still in progress |
|
The Honourable Member should kindly note that all the category of cases that are being reflected as “investigation still in progress” on the above table, is due to unavailability of case dockets in certain instances and also the fact that the key officers could not be located within the Law Enforcement Agencies. These cases are still kept open even though they are more than three (3) years old, due to the fact that the Law Enforcement Agencies are of the view that evidence may still come to light.
(bb) The entities reporting to me have reported as follows:
A. National Prosecuting Authority: Questions (a)(i); (ii); and (b)(i) are not applicable to the NPA.
(b)(ii) The table below indicates the number of cases investigated by the Integrity Management Unit within the NPA which were referred to diferrent Agencies within the Justice Cluster since 2012.
Agency |
No. of cases |
SAPS |
12 |
SCCU |
1 |
DPP offices |
3 |
Hawks |
4 |
ACTT |
1 |
IPID |
1 |
Magistrates Commission |
1 |
The table below indicates the number of matters referred to the Labour Unit within the NPA involving officials for dishonesty/corruption, the number of officials dismissed as well as matters that were referred by the Unit to the SAPS since 2012.
Number of disciplinary actions |
Number of Officials Dismissed |
Number of matters referred to the SAPS |
28 |
20 |
26 |
(b)(iii) The table below indicates the number of officials convicted from the various Departments within the Justice Cluster. The corruption was measured only since 2011 and no data is available to include before the 2011/2012 financial years.
Financial Year |
Total Convicted DoJ&CD Cluster |
DoJ&CD |
JUDICIARY |
LASA |
NPA |
2011/12 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2012/13 |
18 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2013/14 |
17 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2014/15 |
11 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
Grand Total |
55 |
45 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
Since the financial year 2015/16 the reporting template of the NPA was altered without differentiating between specific Departments. Apart from NPA, information pertaining to other Departments was not measured separately. The only information that is available consists of the number of officials from the NPA convicted of corruption since 2015/16 as indicated on the table below:
FINANCIAL YEAR |
NPA |
2015/16 |
0 |
2016/17 |
3 |
2017/18 |
4 |
Grand Total |
7 |
B. Legal Aid South Africa: Legal Aid SA has not referred any cases relating to the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, as amended to the (i) SA Police Service (SAPS) and (ii) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for further investigation since the Act was assented to.
C. Special Investigating Unit: The table below provides details of the SIU’s response:
ACHIEVEMENTS FROM INCEPTION TO DATE |
|||||||||||
2005/6 |
2006/7 |
2007/8 |
2008/9 |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
Total |
|
Total Cases Referred |
632 |
2 675 |
4 204 |
3 930 |
3 797 |
2 809 |
2 213 |
865 |
170 |
- |
21 295 |
Convictions |
355 |
2 215 |
3 625 |
3 605 |
3 345 |
2 477 |
2 258 |
855 |
- |
- |
18 735 |
29 June 2018 - NW1972
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
On what date (a) was a certain report (details furnished) given to her, and (b) will the report be made public?
Reply:
a) The report was received on 09 April 2018.
b) The report will be released as soon as the process of developing a policy response to key policy messages as contained in the report has been finalised. Such requires consultation with affected sector departments, provincial conservation authorities and relevant stakeholders. However, there is a special publication on the African Biodiversity and Conservation Journal (open access) titled “Contributions to the National Status Report on Biological Invasions in South Africa” consisting of various scientific papers that informed the development of the status report.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW1751
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
With regard to the policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at Public Universities published in the Government Gazette Notice: R.897 on 29 September 2015, did any council of a public university (a) fail to submit approved plans and strategies for the phasing in of the minimum norms and standards in terms of its existing stock to her department by June 2016 as per section 12(a), and (b) fail to report the level of compliance with student housing minimum norms and standards in the annual report of the specified university as per section 11(c)?
Reply:
a) Only the University of Johannesburg submitted an approved plan and strategy for the phasing in of the minimum norms and standards by June 2016. The Department is developing a process to monitor compliance as part of its implementation of the new Macro Infrastructure Framework (MIF). Universities will be required to upload relevant policy documents, plans and reports on the MIF.
b) 14 Universities reported on their level of compliance with the norms and standards on student housing and 11 universities reported on their student housing target achievements but did not specify their compliance to the norms and standards on student housing. The University of South Africa was not required to report on student housing as it is a distance education institution.
29 June 2018 - NW144
Xalisa, Mr Z R to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What are the (a) details and (b) levels of service providers and/or contractors from which (a) his department and (b) the entities reporting to him procured services in the past five financial years; (2) what (a) service was provided by each service provider and/or contractor and (b) amount was each service provider and/or contractor paid; (3) (a) what is the total number of service providers that are black-owned entities, (b) what contract was each of the black-owned entities awarded and (c) what amount was each black-owned entity paid? NW151E
Reply:
Since the Department of Traditional Affairs started transacting on its own at the beginning of 2014/15 financial year, the following are the tables depicting the types of services enlisted and the amounts paid to the appointed service providers:
See link belo for 2015/16 FY; 2016/17; 2017/18
http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW144TABLE.pdf
ENTITY: Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission).
The Honourable Member is requested to note that information from the CRL Rights Commission is not readily available, but the Department will provide the Honourable Member with the information as soon as it becomes available.
29 June 2018 - NW1800
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
What (a) number of air quality monitoring stations (i) exist in Ethekwini Municipality and (ii) are fully operational, (b) steps have been taken to date to ensure the full functionality of all the stations and (c) plans are in place going forward to address the functionality of all the stations?
Reply:
(a) (i) EThekwini Municipality has a total number of:
- fourteen (14) continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations;
- ten (10) non-continuous “bubbler SO2” stations; and
- six (6) Dust Fallout Monitors.
(ii) The non-continuous and dust fallout network are working optimally. However, the continuous monitoring network is ageing and requiring more attention from both an Operational and Capital perspective.
(b) Of the fourteen (14) continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations, nine (9) are fully operational, one (1) has an electricity supply problem at the moment whilst four (4) stations have problems with the NOx analysers. A service provider has recently been appointed to repair, service and calibration of these analysers. In addition, a service provider was awarded the contract to upgrade the Data Acquisition System and ensure that the stations are communicating reporting information online. Capital Funding has been made available in the 2018/2019 financial year to commence the replacement process.
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has initiated a project of establishing the new South African National Air Quality Indicator (NAQI) stations across the country. In this program, four (4) stations from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality located at City Hall, Ganges, Settlers and Southern Works were identified as suitable stations to be utilised for the reporting of the NAQI. DEA has appointed a service provider to assist with implementation of this project over a period of five (5) years of which the four (4) stations listed above form part of this project. Some of the activities to be undertaken by the service is to carry out activities relating to this project which include, but are not limited to the following:
- Installation and commissioning of new PM10, PM2.5 and SO2 instruments;
- The assessment of the NAQI stations;
- Development of an Air Quality Monitoring Plan;
- NAQI stations data management and reporting; and
- Capacity building for handover to network owners.
(c) The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was approved by council during May 2018 together with a Capital and Operational Budget over a five (5) year period commencing on 01 July 2018. This includes a five year capital recommendation to refurbish the entire network over the period of the AQMP.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW1340
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
In terms of The Presidency’s Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System, which policies, laws and regulations have been (a) scrutinised and (b) found to have a negative socio-economic impact since 1 September 2015?
Reply:
a) During the period of June 2015 to end of 2017-18 Financial Year, DPME received 404 SEIAS reports with proposals from Departments of which 375 were analysed and related feedback was provided to departments for improvements. It should be noted that the above figures exclude re-submissions of updated reports and proposals. The table below provides a summary of proposals per each financial year:
Period |
Total SEIAS reports Received by DPME from Departments |
Proposals that were subjected to the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) by Departments and analysed by DPME per stated period. |
Total Processed by DPME |
|||||
Bills |
Regulations |
Policies |
Frameworks |
Strategies |
Others[1] |
|||
01 June 2015 to 31 March 2016 |
117 |
58 |
14 |
21 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
99 (85%) |
01 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 |
135 |
39 |
24 |
29 |
1 |
11 |
23 |
127 (94%) |
01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 |
152 |
44 |
37 |
31 |
5 |
13 |
19 |
149 (98%) |
Total |
404 |
141 |
75 |
81 |
7 |
25 |
46 |
375 (93%) |
Others refers to High Impact and cross sectoral Plans, Programmes, Rules, Norms and Standards, Concept Notes, Research Reports and Business Cases ↑
(b) Which ones were found to have a negative socio-economic impact since 1 September 2015?
It should be noted that DPME does not reject proposals. Proposals that were found to have potential negative socio-economic impact were sent back to departments for improvements. Cabinet would not approve any proposal that contradicts the Constitution and the National Development Plan. Examples of key ones in the public domain which were referred back by DPME for further processing and improvements particularly on mitigation of identified risks (possible unintended consequences) are the Regulations of Agricultural Land Holding Bill which still need to be processed by Parliament and the Mining Charter which is being currently being revised.
DPME working together with custodian departments encourages stakeholders to participate and provide factual comments to the Liquor Amendment and the proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Systems Bills which have been perceived as having unintended consequences by various groupings.
Other common challenges where DPME referred back or intervened on departments’s SEIAS reports and proposals included the following:
- Lack of evidence based policy making including use of evaluations, research and other references to inform amendments or development of new proposals.
- This became evident with challenges around problem identification and choice of policy options to address such problems (articulation on Theory of Change);
- Limited consultation with affected stakeholders both internally within departments and across;
- Inability to quantify costs related to the implementation of the proposals; and
- Poor mitigation strategies to minimise associated costs and identified risks.
Approved |
Not Approved |
Approved as amended |
||
Comment: |
||||
Dr NC Dlamini-Zuma Minister in the Presidency: Planning Monitoring and Evaluation |
||||
Date: |
29 June 2018 - NW1801
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(a)Will she undertake an investigation into the neglect of Clivia plants by Customs officials at the OR Tambo International Airport due to their large value, (b) what immediate steps can be taken to ensure that (i) clearance procedures for these Clivia plants can be expedited and (ii) due diligence is practiced when these plants are being held in Customs to ensure their wellbeing, (c) can she give any assurance to breeders attending the International Conference of Clivia Breeders taking place in South Africa in September 2018, that their Clivia plants will be treated with the necessary care in Customs and (d) what recourse do plant breeders have when an entire consignment is lost due to neglect at Customs?
Reply:
a) Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) of the Department of Environmental Affairs investigates non-compliance with Regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act such as the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (ToPS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The department has not been informed of the neglect of Clivia plants by Customs officials at OR Tambo International Airport. Please note that only one Clivia species, namely Clivia mirabilis or "Oorlogskloof" Bush Lily is listed on ToPS as protected. If the plants which were neglected by Customs at OR Tambo International have been identified as Clivia mirabilis then the departmental EMIs can investigate what has transpired and why the plants were neglected.
b) As indicated above, the Department of Environmental Affairs is responsible for the regulation of restricted activities relating to species listed under, among others, ToPS and CITES. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and Excise is the only body which can clear goods being imported into the country. You will thus need to request SARS Customs and Excise to assist with (i) clearance procedures for these Clivia plants and to ensure that (ii) due diligence is practised to ensure their well-being when these plants are being held in the Customs area.
c) It is not possible for the department to give any assurance to breeders attending the International Conference of Clivia Breeders taking place in South Africa in September 2018, that their Clivia plants will be treated with the necessary care by Customs. This request needs to be made to SARS Customs and the Department of Finance.
d) Similarly, the question would need to be referred to SARS Customs and the Department of Finance in relation to any recourse that plant breeders may have if an entire consignment is lost due to neglect at Customs.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW2110
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(a) How is the loss of scarce skills being addressed at 1 Military Hospital, (b) why is the appointment of medical doctors delayed while the hospital is experiencing a high vacancy rate, (c) has the occupational specific dispensation been implemented fully at the hospital and (d) how does SA Military Health Services plan to minimise outsourcing the ostensibly expensive medical services that can cause a significant over-expenditure at the expense of other medical services?
Reply:
(1)(a) How is the loss of scarce skills being addressed at 1 Military Hospital,
The loss of scarce skills has decreased dramatically over the past three years. In the past 24 months, 24 medical doctors have been appointed, three of these being specialists. However, the total number of health care practitioner (HCP) posts available for all the hospitals (specifically with regard to medical doctors, specialised nurses, technicians in the laboratory, radiology and technologists to undertake the repair and maintenance of equipment) will be reviewed to ensure that the SA Military Health Service takes full advantage of the results of the refurbishment and medical equipment procurement.
(b) Why is the appointment of medical doctors delayed while the hospital is experiencing a high vacancy rate,
As stated in the response to the first part of the question, the personnel acquisition process has improved dramatically and no delays are currently experienced in the appointment of HCPs. Hence the appointment of 24 health care practitioners in the past 24 months.
(c) Has the occupational-specific dispensation been implemented fully at the hospital, and
The occupational-specific dispensation has been implemented fully with respect to medical doctors. Some challenges are being experienced in the application of the occupational-specific dispensation with regard to nursing personnel.
(d) How does the SA Military Health Service plan to minimise outsourcing the ostensibly expensive medical services that can cause a significant over-expenditure at the expense of other medical services?
The SA Military Health Service has put management interventions and measures in place to minimise the cost of outsourcing whilst awaiting the completion of the refurbishment project. The management interventions include the case management (or concept of “managed health care”) of all patients who are outsourced in order to control and manage the level of care and ‘hospital stay’ as ‘hospital stays’ are a major cost driver. The managed health care concept furthermore ensures that each patient receives the level of health interventions and care as approved. In the event that any additional health interventions or care is required, further approval within the managed health care concept takes place.
Further management interventions include negotiated and preferred agreed tariffs with particular health providers. Also, in cases where particular specialist interventions are required that could be performed at the military hospitals, the specialist is encouraged to perform the procedure in the military hospital. As the sustainment of stock levels for pharmaceuticals and medical consumables is also critical in minimising cost, the matter has been registered as a standing agenda point on the weekly SA Military Health Service Command Council meetings.
29 June 2018 - NW1929
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Economic Development
What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of entities reporting to him in (i) 2016 and (ii) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) Was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
I am informed that the Economic Development Department and its entities: the IDC, ITAC, Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal, do not have sexual harassment cases reported during the 2016 and 2017 financial years.
-END-
29 June 2018 - NW1902
Mulder, Dr CP to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) Whether all members of the senior management service (SMS) in his department had declared their interests for the past year as required by the Public Service Regulations; if not, (a) why not, (b) how many of the specified members did not declare their interests and (c) what are the (i) names and (ii) ranks of the specified noncompliant members of the SMS; (2) Whether non-compliant SMS members have been charged; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) What number (a) of employees in his department at each post level are currently suspended on full salary and (b) of the specified employees at each post level have been suspended for the specified number of days (details furnished); (4) What is the total amount of costs attached to the days of service lost as a result of the suspensions in each specified case?
Reply:
(1)– (2) All senior management service (SMS) members have declared their interests.
(3) – (4) Nil
Approved/ not approved
__________________
Dr SC Cwele, MP
Minister
DATE:
29 June 2018 - NW1915
Mulaudzi, Adv TE to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of entities reporting to him in (i) 2016 and (ii) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
1. (a) The total number of incidents of sexual harassment that have been reported in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, are as follows:
(i) In each of the past two financial years:
(aa) 2016/17 : Two (2) cases were reported; and
(bb) 2017/18 : Three (3) cases were reported.
(b) The details of each incident that took place are as follows:
(i) Regarding the two (2) cases reported in 2016/17: In one case, the incident involved negative sexual comments and in the second case, the incident involved gestures deemed as unwanted sexual advances.
(ii) Regarding the three (3) cases reported in 2017/2018: In one case, the incident involved negative sexual description of a female colleague, in the second case, the incident involved gestures deemed as unwanted sexual advances and the last case involved statements deemed sexually negative to a colleague.
2. Regarding the investigation and outcomes of each incident, I have been informed as follows:
(a) Regarding the two (2) cases which were reported in 2016/17 financial year, the two (2) cases were investigated and disciplinary hearings were conducted. In the one case, the employee was found guilty and a sanction of suspension without pay was imposed. In the other case, the matter was withdrawn by the Department as there was insufficient evidence.
(b) Regarding the three cases which were reported in 2017/18 financial year, the three (3) cases were investigated. Two cases were withdrawn, with a bilateral settlement relating to one case; the second matter was withdrawn by the Department as there was insufficient evidence and the last case is still pending finalization (not concluded).
(ii) The entities have reported as follows:
A. Legal Aid South Africa:
1. (a) Total number of sexual harassment incidents reported at Legal Aid SA is as follows:
(aa) 2016: zero (0) incidents reported to Human Resources (HR); and
(bb) 2017: one (1) incident reported to HR.
(b) The details regarding the one (1) incident reported in 2017/18 are that the incident involved gestures deemed as unwanted sexual advances.
(2) Regarding the investigation and outcomes of each incident, I have been informed as follows:
Regarding the one case which was reported in 2017/18 financial year, the grievance was thoroughly investigated. The outcome of the investigation confirmed the complaint and that there were sufficient grounds for a formal disciplinary hearing. The employee was afforded an opportunity to make representations as to why he should not be suspended, pending a disciplinary hearing. In response, the employee resigned with immediate effect from the employment of Legal Aid SA. This matter was thus closed internally.
B. National Prosecuting Authority:
1. (aa) 2016: One (1) incident of sexual harassment was reported. However, in paragraph (2) below, the NPA reported on an outcome made in 2016 of an incident that occured in a prior year (2014).
(bb) 2017: One (1) incident was reported.
2. In October 2016, an official from the Office for Witness Protection (OWP) was dismissed for sexual harassment. While the incident took place in 2014 and was investigated and the disciplinary hearing commenced in 2015, the appeal process was finalised in September 2016.
Additional information for 2016:
Allegations of sexual harassment against a prosecutor were reported to Employee Relations in June 2016. The allegations were investigated and it was found that the prosecutor had a case to answer. Formal disciplinary action was recommended, however the NPA did not proceed with formal disciplinary action as the complainant formally withdrew the allegation of sexual harassment against the prosecutor on 7 October 2016. The NPA was informed by her attorney that the allegation has been formally withdrawn and a copy of the formal withdrawal of the allegation was sent to the NPA. The NPA responded to the complainant’s attorney on 14 October 2016 that in light of the formal withdrawal of the allegation against the prosecutor, the NPA will not proceed with disciplinary action against the official.
2017:
The incident of sexual harassment in the Director of Public Prosecutions: Free State region was reported to Labour Relations in October 2017. The matter was investigated and it was found that a District Court Prosecutor made himself guilty of sexual harassment. The complainant reported the matter, however did not want to participate as a witness in a disciplinary hearing. Due to the fact that the complainant was unwilling to testify in the disciplinary hearing, progressive disciplinary action was taken against the offending official. He was served with a Final Written Warning on 31 January 2018. He appealed the Final Written Warning. The Appeal Authority dismissed the appeal and the matter was finalised on 23 February 2018.
C. Special Investigating Unit:
No incidents of sexual harassment were reported in the SIU in 2016 and 2017.
Office of the Chief Justice
1. (a) No incidents of Sexual Harassment were reported to the Human Resource office of the (i) Office of the Chief Justice, (ii) (aa) in 2016 and (bb) 2017.
2. Not applicable.
Department of Correctional Services
3. (a) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb)
REGION
Incidents |
2016/2017 |
2017/2018 |
Total number of cases reported |
4 |
10 |
Total number of cases concluded |
1 |
6 |
Withdrawn |
0 |
2 |
(1) (b)
2016/2017
REGION |
INCIDENT |
SUMMARY OF DETAILON EACH INCIDENT |
Free State & Northern Cape |
Sexual Harassment |
(2016/2017) Nil |
Eastern Cape (EC) |
Sexual Harrassment East London Maximum |
Alleged perpertrator sent a nude picture of an elderly couple by cell-phone to the Area Commissioner during working hours. Matter was investigated and the decision on 2016-11-14 was to charge the official with sexual harassment. The hearing was concluded on 2016.12.15 and he was sanctioned to suspension without pay for one month.
|
Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) |
Sexual Harassment |
Nil |
Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern West (LMN) |
Sexual Harassment Barberton |
Two female officials alleged that the “ perpetrator” touched them inappropriately. One complainant withdrew the matter in 2017. The case was reported on 12 September 2016 and after two disciplinary sittings case was withdrawn on 28 April 2017. The other allegation was investigated and alleged perpetrator was acquitted in 2017. |
Gauteng |
Sexual Harassment |
Nil |
Western Cape |
Sexual Harassment Southern Cape |
An allegation of sexual harassment against an offender was reported. The investigation did not recommended a disciplinary hearing. |
2017/2018
REGION |
INCIDENT |
SUMMARY OF DETAIL ON EACH INCIDENT |
FC & NC |
Sexual Harassment |
The alleged perpetrator touched the private parts of an offender. The matter was investigated and the official was formally charge with misconduct. Disciplinary hearing is to follow |
EC |
Sexual Harassment |
Nil |
KZN |
Sexual Harassment Durban Westville Medium A
Area Commissioner`s Office |
The complainant submitted a statement withdrawing the matter formlly without prejudice. The matter was then regarded a finalized in April 2018
Complainant made an allegation of unwelcome verbal advances against the perpetrator in January 2018. Final written warning was recommended but alleged perpetrator refused to accept the sanction. The official will undergo a discipline hearing in June 2018 |
LMN |
Sexual Harassment |
The official (Social worker ) alleged that the alleged perpetrator touched her inappropriately. The matter has not been concluded yet. Mediation has nont been finalized.
|
Gauteng |
Sexual Harassment |
Nil |
WC
|
Sexual Harassment
Drakenstein, Goodwood, South Cape |
Three from Drakenstein. Breakdown as follows: One- unwelcome touch and two unwelcome remarks.
Goodwood: one unwelcome remarks, touch and lies about sexual life of the complainant. |
4. Yes, all the incidents were investigated. Outcomes/ sanctions are depicted in the table below:
Incident |
201/2017 |
2017/2018 |
Sanctions |
1 |
5 |
Corrective Counselling |
0 |
2 |
Final Written Warning |
0 |
0 |
Suspension Without Salary |
1 |
1 |
Dismissal |
0 |
1 |
Acquittal |
0 |
1 |
Other |
3 (pending) Carried over to 2017 |
3 (pending) 2 disciplinary hearing and 1 mediation to be concluded |
29 June 2018 - NW1999
Robinson, Ms D to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)Whether her Department conducted any water quality tests of any water bodies in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (a) in each of the past five financial years and (b) since 01 April 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the findings in each case; (2) Will she furnish Mrs D Robinson with copies of each report?
Reply:
1. (a) and (b)
The Parliamentary question should be answered by the Department of Water and Sanitation as it does not fall within the mandate of Environmental Affairs.
2. The Parliamentary question should be answered by the Department of Water and Sanitation as it does not fall within the mandate of Environmental Affairs.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW1906
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Economic Development
Whether all members of the Senior Management Services (SMS) in the department had declared their interests for the past year as required by the Public Service Regulations; if not, (a) why not, (b) how many of the specified members did not declare their interests and (c) what are the (i) names and (ii) ranks of the specified non-compliant members of the SMS; 2) Whether non-compliant SMS members have been charged; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 3) What number (a) of employees in his department at each post level are currently suspended on full salary and (b) of the specified employees at each post level have been suspended for the specific number of days (details furnished; and 4) What is the total amount of cost attached to the days of service lost as a result of the suspensions in each specified case?
Reply:
1) I am informed that the department had a total of thirty-six (36) SMS members for the 2017/18 financial year.
Of these 36, 28 SMS members submitted by 30 April 2018 – the DPSA due date. The DPSA granted an extension for the 8 non-compliant SMS members to submit. On 31 May 2018, 7 of the 8 SMS members submitted. The 1 outstanding SMS member who has not submitted is on suspension since 9 March 2018. Of the 7 who subsequently submitted by 31 May 2018, official non-compliance letters were sent to =6 of them to provide reasons. A letter was not sent to the seventh official as the department is aware of her maternity leave.
Names (i) and ranks (ii) of the affected 8 SMS members are listed below:
NO |
NAMES (i) |
RANK (ii) |
Letter Sent |
1 |
Mr MP Kepadisa |
Director |
Yes |
2 |
Ms MK Kopeledi |
Chief Director |
Yes |
3 |
Ms W Mapira |
Chief Director |
Yes |
4 |
Mr LL Maqekoane |
Chief Director |
On suspension |
5 |
Ms S Shoba |
Director |
Maternity leave |
6 |
Dr KM Sikhitha |
Chief Director |
Yes |
7 |
Ms T Van Meelis |
Chief Director |
Yes |
8 |
Mr B Zondo |
Director |
Yes |
2) I am further advised that non-compliant SMS members have not been charged as yet and a submission/ report is currently being prepared by the Human Resource section to the Head of Department, with reasons from affected officials and recommendations from the Ethics Officer (EOs). The HOD must assess reasons provided, make a final decision, implement sanctions/corrective measures and to report back to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) by 30 August 2018.
3&4) Regarding officials suspended on full salary, one (1) official is currently suspended on full salary. Details of the suspension are indicated below
FINANCIAL YEAR |
POST LEVEL |
TYPE OF SUSPENSION |
AMOUNT |
NO OF DAYS (CALENDAR) |
2018/19 |
14 |
Precautionary Suspension (Full pay) |
R 198 733.36 |
72 |
-END-
29 June 2018 - NW2055
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether he has found, in light of the rule that a registered motor vehicle owner may appoint an agent to administer and pay road traffic fines and also formally granted such powers in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offenses Act (AARTO), Act 46 of 1998, and the Electronic National Administration Traffic Information System (eNatis), that external road traffic service providers acting on behalf of local governments can also depend on such law prescripts to forward fines and relevant notices to the owners instead of these legally appointed agents; if not, (3) whether he will create legal certainty so that motor vehicle owners can rely on their legally appointed agents to do the necessary administration and payments with regard to road traffic fines; if so, (4) whether he will act against service providers who are constantly in breach in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The provisions of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 or the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, 1998, do not give any local government the authority for external service providers to forward fines and notices on their behalf.
(3) The National Road Traffic Act, 1996 provides for the appointment of a proxy that must deal with the affairs of the motor vehicle owner particularly in a case where the owner is not a natural person.
(4) There is no need for an action against service providers since there seem to be no transgression of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996.
29 June 2018 - NW2011
Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What are the details of the (a) number of accidents that vehicles owned by her department were involved (i) in each of the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018, (b) cost for repairs in each case and (c)(i) number of and (ii) reasons for vehicles being written off in each case; (2) whether all vehicles owned by her department have tracking devices installed?
Reply:
1. (a)
Vehicles owned by the Department |
Vehicle registration |
Number of accidents vehicles were involved in the last 3 financial years and 1 April 2018 to date |
|||
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
1 April 2018 to date |
||
Toyota Corolla |
BW16JG GP |
None |
None |
None |
1 |
- (b)
Vehicles owned by the Department |
Vehicle registration |
Cost for repairs in each case |
|||
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
1 April 2018 to date |
||
Toyota Corolla |
BW16JG GP |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
R 9 614.07 |
1(c) (i) and (ii)
No vehicle was written off.
2. Yes, vehicles owned by the Department have tracking devices.
29 June 2018 - NW1918
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of (i) her department and (ii) entities reporting to her in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) (aa) There were no sexual harassment incidents reported to the Human Resource office of the Department of Basic Education in 2016.
(a)(i) (bb) There were no sexual harassment incidents reported to the Human Resource office of the Department of Basic Education in 2017.
(a)(ii) (aa) There were no sexual harassment incidents reported to the Human Resource office of the Department of Basic Education by entities in 2016.
(a) (ii) (bb) There were no sexual harassment incidents reported to the Human Resource office of the Department of Basic Education by entities in 2017.
(b) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
29 June 2018 - NW1792
Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1) (a) What number of black rhino have been translocated to the Republic of Chad (i) in each of the five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018 and (b) to which parks or facilities were they. (2) whether the government of Chad purchased the rhino; if so, what amount was paid for the rhino; if not, were they a donation from the Government of South Africa; if so, (3) whether the Government paid for the transportation costs; if so, what amount was paid to translocate the rhino?
Reply:
(1) (a)
(i) No rhinos were translocated by South Africa to the Republic of Chad in the past five financial years.
(ii) Six black rhinos were translocated on 03 May 2018.
(b)
To the Zakouma National Park in the Republic of Chad.
(2) The six black rhinos were part of the Custodianship Programme with the Republic of Chad for the purpose of reintroducing black rhinos in the Republic of Chad following the loss of their native subspecies 46 years ago. Secondly, the reintroduction of six black rhinos in the Republic of Chad is also aimed at growing the continental meta-population of black rhinos and to contribute to the conservation of black rhinos on the African continent. This is in line with the African Range States African Rhino Conservation Plan aimed at re-establishing rhino populations in former range states.
The Custodianship Agreement was part of the other two Co-operative Agreements, namely:
- Memorandum of Understanding on Biodiversity Conservation and Management; and
- Memorandum of Understanding on the Reintroduction of Black Rhinoceros in the Republic of Chad.
Key to the Custodian Agreement are the following arrangements:
- South Africa will continue to own the black rhino while their offspring will be owned by the Republic of Chad.
- Chad (in case of a dire need for re-introduction of black rhinos to South Africa in the future) will make available the progeny/offspring of the black rhinos, either to supplement or re-establish South Africa’s black rhino population.
(3) The Government of the Republic of Chad paid for the transportation costs in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Governments of South Africa and Chad.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW2112
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What is the current status of the intensive care unit at 2 Military Hospital?
Reply:
The Intensive Care Unit at 2 Military Hospital is at present functional and the admission of patients has been re-established.
29 June 2018 - NW2108
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
As part of the required sea hours, what number of days did each vessel of her department spend (a) in False Bay and (b) beyond False Bay in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16 and (v) 2016-17 financial years?
Reply:
- The response to this question contains classified information and can only be disclosed in a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.
29 June 2018 - NW1603
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)With regard to how her Department measures the targets from the Waste Management Bureau, (a) how are the units of measurement for the specified targets determined, and (b) what formula is used to calculate the diversion rate; (2) (a) how did her Department determine pay scales for the Waste Management Bureau employees, and (b) against what did her Department benchmark the pay scales; and (3) whether she will furnish Ms J Steenkamp with copies of the detailed (a) salary scales of the appointed staff of the waste bureau and (b) amounts that are paid to advisers and consultants?
Reply:
1. (a) and (b) The formula used for the diversion rate is informed by the estimated waste tyres arising, taking into account the availability of financial resources.
Indicator title |
Percentage increase in waste diverted from landfill |
Short definition |
Measure the amount/increase in waste which has been diverted (i.e. waste re-used, recycled and recovered) |
Purpose/importance |
To reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites and protect the environment by ensuring that set targets on management of waste, as per approved industry waste management plans, are achieved and that the intended objectives are realized |
Source/collection of data |
Monthly operational reports from WB operations |
Method of calculation |
[(Waste tonnages re-used, recycled and used for energy recovery)/waste arising per annum)*100] Waste tonnages re-used, recycled and used for energy recovery = waste tyres pyrolysed, crumbed and TDF Waste arising = total tonnages of tyres introduced into the market Q1: March&April&May Q2: June&July&August Q3: September&October&November Q4: December&January&February |
Type of indicator |
Output |
Calculation type |
Cumulative |
Reporting cycle |
Annually (linked to the Year Plan, i.e. Dec – Nov) |
New indicator |
No |
Desired performance |
Achieve planned targets |
Indicator responsibility |
DDG: Chemicals and Waste Management |
2. (a) The Waste Bureau salaries were determined based on a market research study, in comparison to the pay scales of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) public entities (iSimangaliso, SANParks, SANBI and SA Weather Service).
(b) The pay scales were benchmarked against all DEA public entities based on the inputs from market research study.
3. (a) Pay scales are attached.
(b) Advisors and Consultants are paid in accordance with the Department of Public Service’s approved rates.
---ooOoo---
29 June 2018 - NW2005
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)With reference to the statement in his speech on the Budget Vote of his department on 15 May 2018 that only 7% of the country’s municipalities are considered to be functioning well, which (a) municipalities constitute the 7% of well-functioning municipalities and (b) criteria did the specified municipalities fulfil, which other municipalities did not, in order to be considered well-functioning; (2) whether his department has put any measures in place to encourage other municipalities to fulfil the criteria that the well-functioning municipalities have met; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1(a) The following list of municipalities constitute the 7% well performing municipalities:
Audit opinion |
||||||
Municipality |
Province |
District |
2016-17 |
2015-16 |
2014-15 |
2013-14 |
Senqu |
EC |
Joe Gqabi |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Midvaal |
GP |
Sedibeng |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
King Cetshwayo District |
KZN |
uThungulu |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
uMhlathuze |
KZN |
uThungulu |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Umzumbe |
KZN |
Ugu |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Ehlanzeni District |
MP |
Ehlanzeni |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
ZF Mgcawu District |
NC |
ZF Mgcawu District |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Breede Valley |
WC |
Cape Winelands |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Cape Agulhas |
WC |
Overberg |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Cape Winelands District |
WC |
Cape Winelands |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Drakenstein |
WC |
Cape Winelands |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
George |
WC |
Eden |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Hessequa |
WC |
Eden |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Langeberg |
WC |
Cape Winelands |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Mossel Bay |
WC |
Eden |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Overstrand |
WC |
Overberg |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Swartland |
WC |
West Coast |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Theewaterskloof |
WC |
Overberg |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
West Coast District |
WC |
West Coast |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Witzenberg |
WC |
Cape Winelands |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
Unqualified with no findings |
All of these municipalities obtained an unqualified audit report with no findings for at least the past 4 years.
(b) Over the past few years it has become clear that there could be three root causes for distress in local government:
(i) A municipality that finds itself in distress due to failures in governance, financial management and administration (i.e. The institutional performance context), and
(ii) A municipality that finds itself in distress because it spatially and socio-economically was and always will be a financially non-viable entity (i.e. the socio-economic context);
(iii) A municipality that finds itself in distress as a result of systemic issues around powers and functions, fast growth in urbanization with expansion of capital infrastructure to fulfil increasing demand and an inability to grow operational revenue concurrent to ensure sufficient maintenance and operation of the infrastructure.
The manifestation of these root causes is however complex and often difficult to pinpoint. Distress could be a result of all three root causes or a combination of any two.
Whilst the above list focuses on sound financial management practices, it happened that a municipality such as Langeberg, for example, finds itself in the well-performing list with regard to financial management practices (audit outcomes), but simultaneously reflected on the distressed list of 87 because the Municipal Infrastructure Agent identified it as part of the 55 municipalities that are struggling to spend its Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
2) Yes, the Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Treasury. Municipalities will be monitored continually and receive joint support from the National Treasury in the form of:
(i) Financial Recovery Plans - the Municipal Financial Recovery Service (MFRS) was established in 2007 as a Directorate in the National Treasury within the Office of the Accountant- General, Chief Directorate MFMA implementation in line with section 157 of the MFMA. In terms of section 158, the functions of the unit include:
- Preparation of financial recovery plans;
- Monitoring the implementation of the recovery plan;
- Assisting municipalities to identify the causes of and potential solutions to the financial problems;
- Information is collected on municipal financial problems and on best practices in resolving such problems.
Assistance is based on requests received from the municipality or the province and provided in a collaborative and coordinated way with other national or provincial departments. In order to support municipalities with financial recovery, National and Provincial Treasuries use the Financial Management Capability Maturity Model (FMCMM)
(ii) The Financial Management Capability Maturity model (FMCMM) is a tool (comprising 21 modules) to drive improvements in the financial, institutional and capacity disciplines in municipalities. The objective is to ensure that support is directed to areas most in need, with changes resulting in progressive maturity assessment improvements.
The project involves NT working in conjunction with Provincial Treasuries to promote actions to support, monitor and report on FM issues in specific municipalities. Actual reviews/ reassessments will be conducted through the Provincial Treasuries, who will ensure the preparation and implementation of action plans to address remaining areas of weakness. (FMCMM support is included in the MFIP Technical Advisors activities.) Assistance, where required and requested, will be provided by NT in the re-assessment process to support the development of appropriate action plans and to monitor progress within established timelines.
(iii) DCoG has identified a strategic intervention aimed at enhancing the municipal revenue management and debt collection system in local government. The intervention comprises the following stages:
- Implementation planning and conducting an “As Is’’ assessment
- Development of an improvement plan (municipal-specific simplified revenue plan)
- Implementation of the municipal-specific simplified revenue plan
(iv) The Department of Cooperative Governance’s Provincial coordinators will provide support in the form of coordination of the technical task teams that work with municipalities to address the challenges identified.
29 June 2018 - NW998
Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
How much land does (a) her Office and (b) the entities reporting to her (i) own, (ii) have exclusive rights to and/or (iii) lease from the State to (aa) use and/or (bb) occupy?
Reply:
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is still investigating the matter.
Approved |
Not Approved |
Approved as amended |
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Comment: |
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Dr NC Dlamini-Zuma Minister in the Presidency: Planning Monitoring and Evaluation |
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Date: |