Questions and Replies
26 June 2018 - NW287
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What number of housing projects have been (i) undertaken and (ii) completed in the Emakhazeni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga (aa) in each of the past three financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2017 and (b) what was the (i) budget allocation, (ii) commencement date and (iii) completion date for each housing project?
Reply:
The Emakhazeni Local Municipality was contacted to assist with the response to the above. The response is as follows: (Annexure A)
No. |
Project Name |
Financial Year |
Total Units |
Start Date |
Status |
Budget |
Siyathathuka Ext. 6 & 8 |
2014/15 |
104 |
15/09/2014 |
Not Completed (53 units completed and 54 not completed) |
R11 912 967 |
|
Sakhelwe |
2014/15 |
110 |
15/09/2014 |
Completed (30/12/2017) |
R12 485 717 |
|
No Allocation |
2015/16 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Siyathuthuka Ext. 7 |
2016/17 |
240 |
26/04/2016 |
Not Completed (11 units completed) |
R31 382 684 |
|
No Allocation |
2017/18 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
As per the comments of the Deputy Minister to provide background/ explanatory notes to the matter, the following additional information was obtained.
Housing projects are implemented by the Department of Human Settlements in the Municipalities in the Province. Consequently, the Department of Human Settlements in the Mpumalanga Province was contacted and confirmed the above information as correct. As implementers of the housing projects, the Department allocates the budget, appoints Service Providers and monitors them in collaboration with the affected Municipality. The Municipality’s responsibilities include identification of beneficiaries.
Additional project specific information includes the following:
- The Siyathuthuka Housing Project in extension 6 & 8 was reported to have experienced severe challenges that affected the smooth implementation thereof. The challenges include the invasion of the incomplete houses by the community and the now litigation between the Developer (Touris Garden) and the Department of Human Settlements.
- The Siyathuthuka Housing Project in extension 7 was also reported to have progressed very slow. As part of the intervention, the Department of Human Settlements has reduced to scope of work for the developer (Bongela Development Project) from 240 to 40 units. The remaining 200 units have now been allocated to another developer (T&Z Construction) to expedite the completion of the project.
26 June 2018 - NW509
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether his department was involved in drafting contingency plans for the water shortages currently being experienced in the (a) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, (b) Buffalo City Metropolitan and/or (c) Kouga Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape; if so, what are the details of (i) the plans that were developed in each case to address water shortages and (ii) the involvement of his department in drafting the contingency plans in each case?
Reply:
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) was not involved in the drafting of the contingency plans for the water shortages currently being experienced in the (a) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan,(b) Buffalo City Metropolitan and/or (c) Kouga Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape province. It is important to indicate that the responsibility regarding the development of contingency plans on water shortages falls within the department of Water and Sanitation and the relevant water services authorities.
(i) Not applicable since the department was not involved in the drafting of the contingency plans for the water shortages in the above municipalities.
(ii) Not applicable as indicated above.
In terms of section 9 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) (the Act), the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is established with an objective to promote “an integrated and coordinated system of disaster management, with special emphasis on prevention and mitigation, by national, provincial and municipal organs of state, statutory functionaries, other role-players involved in disaster management and communities”. This strategic role should therefore be multi-disciplinary in focus and continuous in nature. Disaster Management is defined by the Act as “a continuous and integrated multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary process of planning and implementation of measures aimed at-
a) preventing or reducing the risk of disasters;
b) mitigating the severity or consequences of disasters;
c) emergency preparedness;
d) a rapid and effective response to disasters; and
e) post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation
Therefore, sections 25, 38, 39, 52 and 53 of the Act place explicit responsibility on national, provincial organs of state and municipalities, and other institutional role players involved in disaster risk management, to develop and implement disaster management plans including contingency plans. In this case, the Department of Water and Sanitation and relevant water service authorities share the responsibility to ensure sustainable water supply applying disaster risk reduction as well as response and recovery principles. It is on this basis that the development and implementation of contingency plans fall within their mandate.
26 June 2018 - NW1941
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
(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:
1. Department
(1)(a) There was no incident of sexual harassment that were reported in the Department
(aa) (bb) (b) Falls away
2. Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)
Three cases of sexual harassment were reported during the 2016/2017 Financial Year
(1)
Worksite |
No : of Incidents |
Reported to HR |
Details of Incident |
OR Tambo |
1 |
Yes |
On the 15 February 2017, a Fire Fighter at Cape Town International Airport touched a female colleague inappropriately on her breast whilst he was told to stop his behaviour |
Kimberly |
1 |
Yes |
During May – July 2017, a Manager used inappropriate verbal and physical behaviour towards his subordinate. He was told to stop but continued. |
Cape Town |
1 |
Yes |
During January – July 2017 a Supervisor continuously harassed 11 employees, male and female subordinates. He spanked and touched woman inappropriately. He also touched male employees on their heads. |
Total |
3 |
(2)
Worksite |
Investigation Conducted |
Outcomes of Investigation |
OR Tambo |
Yes |
The matter was referred to disciplinary hearing. Hearing was conducted on 23 March 2017. Employee was found guilty and employment was terminated. He referred an unfair dismissal dispute to CCMA. An arbitration was held on 20 December 2017. The CCMA gave an award in favour of employer. |
Kimberly |
Yes |
The manager was suspended on 13 December 2017. The investigation process was conducted and a decision to discipline the manager was confirmed. The Manager subsequently resigned on 07 March 2018, terminating his employment with the Company. |
Cape Town |
Yes |
During July 2017 an investigation was conducted. Investigation established and confirmed prima facie evidence against the perpetrator and a disciplinary process was engaged. The Supervisor resigned on 02 Feb 2018, terminating his employment with the Company. |
3. Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS)
1. (ii) Air Traffic & Navigation Services SOC Limited: ATNS has a Sexual Harassment Policy that is applicable to all employees. The Policy is implemented in compliance with acceptable statutory requirements and is based on fairness and consistency. No sexual harassment charges shall be instituted against an employee until such time that an investigation into the allegations is concluded. A climate is also created and maintained in which victims of sexual harassment will not feel that their harassment complaint is ignored or trivialized, or fear reprisals. Sexual harassment may also be reported through the Whistle Blowing Policy and therefore not reported to Human Resources.
(aa) 2016
Incident Date |
Details of the incident |
Incident investigated |
Outcome of Investigations |
13 January 2016 |
Unsolicited flirting with a married colleague. |
Matter investigated, and a formal disciplinary hearing was conducted on 8 February 2016. |
The employee was found to have a substance abuse problem. ATNS arranged for rehabilitation at a rehabilitation center for his own costs as well as receiving a Final Written Warning for a period of one (1) year. |
bb) 2017: Zero (0) Sexual Harassment incidents reported to Human Resources for 2017.
4. South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
(a) (i) Is not applicable (N/A), (ii) There were no reported incidents of sexual harassment reported to the Human Resources Division of the South African Civil Aviation Authority in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017 and (b) is not applicable (N/A).
Not applicable.
5. Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
1. (a) (ii)The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency does not have any sexual harassment incidents that were reported to the human resources office in (aa) 2016 and (bb)2017; and (b) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
6. Road Accident Fund (RAF)
1) (a) (ii) the Road Accident Fund (RAF) were (aa) two (2) in 2016 and (bb) one (1) in 2017 and
(b) the details of each incident that took place are |
(2) each incident was investigated and the outcomes of the investigation in each case was as follows: |
a male RAF employee was alleged to have inappropriately touched a female RAF employee |
a formal disciplinary hearing was held, which resulted in the male employee being dismissed |
a male RAF employee was alleged to have prevented a female RAF employee from entering her office and proceeded to kiss her without her consent |
a formal disciplinary hearing was held, which resulted in the male employee being dismissed |
a male RAF employee was alleged to have made an inappropriate sexual comment to a female RAF employee |
the matter was investigated by an independent third party. The allegations of misconduct could not be proven or substantiated, and no further steps were taken. |
7. Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA)
1. (a) (ii)The Road Traffic Infringement Agency does not have any sexual harassment incidents that were reported to the human resources office in (aa) 2016 and (bb); and (b) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
8. Road Traffic Management Corporation
1. (a) (ii)The Road Traffic Management Corporation does not have any sexual harassment incidents that were reported to the human resources office in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017; and (b) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
9. South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
1. (a) two (2) incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the HR Offices of (ii) The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). All incidents were investigated and concluded as described below
(ii) SANRAL Region |
(1) (aa) 2016 |
(1) (bb) 2017 |
(1) (b) Details |
(2) Outcomes |
Eastern Region – KZN (PMB) |
17 August 2016 |
A Sanral employee was sexually harassed by an engineer that was working for consultant service providers. |
As the accused was not employed by Sanral, the service provider held a disciplinary enquiry. The accused was found not guilty. Sanral removed its affected staff member from the site in light of the outcome. |
|
Northern Region – Pretoria |
July 2017 |
Sexual harassment was reported through a third party to Sanral’s Tip-off line. |
The investigation was conducted by Audit & Risk Management Solutions (ARMS). No further action was taken against the employee based on the findings. |
10. South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
South African Maritime Safety Authority does not have any sexual harassment incidents that were reported to the human resources office in (aa) 2016 and (bb); and (b) Not applicable
Not applicable
11. Ports Regulator South Africa (PRSA)
1. (a) (ii) There were no incidents of sexual harassment cases that were reported to the human resources department in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017.
(b) N/A
2. N/A
12. Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA):
1. Please refer to table below.
2. Please refer to table below.
PERIOD |
INCIDENT |
COMPLAINANT |
ALLEGED OFFENDER |
REGION |
INVESTIGATION and OUTCOME |
2016 |
11 October 2016 |
Human Resources Manager |
Protection Official |
Metrorail Eastern Cape |
Incident was investigated alleged offender was exonerated. Matter was referred to the CCMA and award was in favour of the Offender/Employer. The complainant has taken the matter to Labour Court on review. |
2016 |
October 2016 |
Office Admin Assistant |
Executive Manager |
MLPS |
Matter was investigated internally (Corporate Protection Services) and referred for external legal investigation (Bowmans and Gilfillan Attorneys). Alleged perpetrator also lodged an internal grievance for false accusation (20 September 2017). |
2017 |
October 2017: |
Protection Official |
Area Manager |
Metrorail Western Cape |
Internal Disciplinary Hearing concluded employee found not guilty. |
2017 |
8 June 217 |
Office Admin Assistant |
Maintenance Fitter |
Metrorail Western Cape |
Internal Investigation indicated there was no substantial evidence of sexual harassment. Case closed. |
2017 |
6 April 2017 |
Admin Official |
Protection Official |
Metrorail Western Cape |
Grievance lodged internally, both parties and management did not show up for several scheduled hearings Case withdrawn |
2017 |
October 2017: |
Protection Official |
Area Manager |
Metrorail Western Cape |
Internal Disciplinary Hearing concluded employee found not guilty. |
13. Railway Safety Regulator (RSR):
There were no sexual harassment incidents reported to the Human Resources Department in the 2016/17 financial year.
26 June 2018 - NW1314
Groenewald, Mr HB to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 3054 on 13 October 2017, his department has received the information; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date will such information indeed be available;
Reply:
1. The following response is based on the information received from Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape Provincial departments responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Western Cape Provincial departments responsible for local government did not meet the extended deadline for submission of responses.
2. The table below provides information received:
Province |
Municipality |
(1)(a) Number of qualified engineer appointed in (a) the works department |
(b) Number of qualified engineer appointed in infrastructure development department |
(c) Number of qualified engineer appointed in the water works department |
(2)(a) Whether an engineer has been appointed in the specified divisions |
(2)(b) Reasons for non-appointment of engineer |
Free State |
Tokologo LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
The municipality is very small and is unable able to afford services on full time basis |
Nketoana LM |
None |
5 |
None |
None |
None |
|
Dihlabeng |
None |
1 |
None |
Yes |
Technical Director oversees all Infrastructure units and is aided by the Water Works Manager. |
|
Moqhaka LM |
None |
1 |
None |
Yes |
Technical Director oversees all Infrastructure units and is aided by the Water Works Manager. |
|
Gauteng |
City of Tshwane MM |
None |
169 |
5 |
Yes |
N/A |
Ekurhuleni MM |
None |
1 |
26 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
City of Johannesburg MM |
None |
8 |
7 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Lesedi LM |
None |
12 |
4 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Merafong LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
Unable to attract qualified registered Engineers |
|
Midvaal LM |
None |
1 |
2 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Randfontein LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
The municipality is unable to attract qualified registered Engineers |
|
Westonaria LM |
None |
2 |
None |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Emfuleni LM |
None |
5 |
6 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Mogale City LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
Unable to attract qualified registered Engineers |
|
Limpopo |
Lepelle-Nkumpi LM |
None |
6 |
None |
Yes |
N/A |
Molemole LM |
None |
3 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Blouberg LM |
None |
3 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Vhembe DM |
None |
4 |
None |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Thulamela LM |
None |
16 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Musina LM |
None |
1 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Collins Chabane LM |
None |
1 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Makhado LM |
None |
1 |
1 |
Yes |
The available Engineer is for both Works and Infrastructure departments. |
|
Greater Giyani LM |
None |
2 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Ba-Phalaborwa LM |
None |
9 |
None |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Greater Tzaneen LM |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Maruleng LM |
None |
3 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority. |
|
Elias Motsoaledi LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
The municipality is unable to attract qualified engineers due to financial constraints. |
|
Ephraim Mogale LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
Grading system which determines the salary scale makes it difficult to appoint Engineers. |
|
Waterberg DM |
None |
1 |
None |
Yes |
The municipality is not a water service authority |
|
Thabazimbi LM |
None |
1 |
1 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Lephalale LM |
None |
None |
None |
No |
Due to affordability and the organogram does not cater for such posts. |
|
Bela-bela LM |
1 |
3 |
1 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Modimolle-Mookgophong LM |
4 |
7 |
4 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Mogalakwena LM |
None |
13 |
None |
Yes |
It is one of the scarce skill. |
|
Northern Cape |
Sol Plaatjie LM |
1 |
1 |
None |
Yes |
Lack of funds to appoint engineers |
John Taolo Gaetsewe DM |
None |
3 |
None |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Pixley Ka Seme DM |
None |
2 |
6 |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Mpumalanga |
Gert Sibande DM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
Chief Albert Luthuli LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided e |
|
Msukaligwa LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Lekwa LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Mkhondo LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Dipaleseng LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Govan Mbeki LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Nkangala DM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Victor Khanye LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Emalahleni LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Steve Tshwete LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Emakhazeni LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Thembisile LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Dr JS Moroka LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Ehlanzeni DM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Thaba Chweu LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Mbombela LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Nkomazi LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
|
Bushbuckridge LM |
None |
1 |
None |
None |
No information was provided |
3. Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
As part of the Department’s support intervention to municipalities, especially the 87 distressed municipalities, the Municipal Information Support Agent will deploy engineers and other technical officials to assist municipalities in managing their infrastructure projects.
A Parliamentary question was received regarding the vacancies in the works department, infrastructure development and the water works department. The Honourable member wants to know the number of municipalities a qualified engineer has been appointed in the works department, infrastructure development and the water works department.
In the preliminary response, the Honourable Member was informed that provinces did not meet the deadline for submission of responses and that the information will be provided as soon as it has been received.
The Ministry received a follow-up from the Honourable member regarding the outstanding information.
The response above is based on the information received from Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape Provincial departments responsible for local government. Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Western Cape Provincial departments responsible for local government did not meet the extended deadline for submission of responses.
26 June 2018 - NW1922
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(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:
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
1(a)(i) There was one case of alleged sexual harassment reported in 2016/ 2017 financial year.
1(b) Allegations were levelled against an SMS member making remarks against an official’s dress code.
2 Investigations were conducted by an internal and external investigators who both gave reports to the effect that the allegations were unsubstantiated.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:
Both 1 and 2 are not applicable
SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY:
1. (aa) 2016 - There was one (1) case reported within SASSA. It was alleged that an official hugged, kissed and touched the buttocks of a cleaner without her consent.
(bb) 2017- There was one (1) case reported within SASSA. An official allegedly placed his hand on an official’s private part without her consent and further made comments with sexual overtones about the official’s body and hairstyle.
2. 2016 - The incident was investigated by a team of two investigating officers who discovered inconsistencies in the statement of the complainant. No wrong-doing was established against the alleged perpetrator.
2017 - The incident was investigated. The outcome of the investigation resulted in the perpetrator being charged and found guilty on the above stated charges.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW269
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) What are the details of (a) all processes followed by the Okhahlamba Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal before it granted approval for the construction of a petrol station on sub 8 of the Heartsease Farm number 3291 which falls within the Okhahlamba World Heritage Site UNESCO buffer zone and (b) the grounds on which the approval for the development was granted; (2) whether any objections to the proposed development were submitted during the process leading up to the approval of the development by the specified municipality; if so, (a) what are the details of the submissions received and (b) how did these influence the specified municipality’s decision to grant approval for the development?
Reply:
1) (a) The process followed for all development applications are found in the Okhahlamba Planning by-law in Schedule 4 of the Okhahlamba Planning Bylaws, (Schedule 4 is attached).
(b) The approval of the application granted is in accordance with:
Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, in favour of the Cathkin Town Planning Scheme, the zoning of the said property allows for the development of a Petrol filling station, in line with the Municipal IDP and SDF, and it addresses the gap in development within this area.
2) Yes objections were received from the notice which was placed on the local newspapers but were not Town Planning - related or environmental planning- related and seemed rather personal.
Even though the objections were not Town Planning or environmental planning- related, the municipality did take some of the objections to consideration. They were addressed or included when the municipality drafted the conditions for the approval of the application.
The municipality had a meeting with the Cathkin Ratepayers representatives, 100m radius neighbour, Ezemvelo KZN wildlife, Department of Environmental Affairs, uThukela District Office and the uThukela District Municipality planning section. The purpose of the meeting was to explain to the concerned neighbours how the decision was made and where the process is currently.
The neighbour representative from Champagne Sport resort did not raise any issues at this meeting or did not raise issues objecting to the development.
The application for the Petrol Filling station is now waiting for the approval of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs where an Environmental Impact Assessment is currently being processed.
26 June 2018 - NW1745
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)With reference to each public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college, what maximum number of students, under optimum conditions, can be accommodated in student residences under the control of the relevant public TVET college; (2) what number of students have been accommodated during the first quarter or trimester of 2018 in student residences under the control of each relevant public TVET college; (3) what number of beds have been unoccupied due to (a) vandalism or lack of maintenance funds, (b) colleges lacking student numbers to be at theoretically maximum numbers, (c) financial limitations in bursaries available for poor students and (d) other factors leading to underutilisation of student accommodation?
Reply:
- The maximum number of students that can be accommodated in student residences under the control of public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges is 18 574.
- 16 467 Students were accommodated during the first quarter or trimester of the 2018 academic year in student residences, i.e. 6 821 National Certificate (Vocational) and 9 646 Report 191 students.
- There are 2 107 unoccupied beds in college residences of which 352 were due to vandalism, 814 were due to a lack of maintenance, and the remaining 941 were due to refurbishments being undertaken.
Reference to factors such as a shortage of students or financial limitations did not lead to the underutilisation of student accommodation. There are sufficient numbers of students enrolled in TVET colleges to fill student residences to capacity. Furthermore, the increased bursary allocation from R2.437 billion in 2017 to R5.164 billion in 2018 is adequate to support students with accommodation allowances to fill student residences to capacity. Some colleges have found that the maximum allocation of R21 000 per annum is insufficient to accommodate students within the colleges’ residences. This amount will be reviewed for the 2019 academic year through a task team that has been established to make recommendations on the allocation of travel and accommodation allowances.
26 June 2018 - NW52
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What is the total amount owed by each of the specified municipalities (details furnished) to Eskom as at the latest date for which information is available, (b) how much of the specified amounts are interest and (c) how old is the debt owed to Eskom in each case?
Reply:
(a)(b) (c) Annexure A: Attached provide details of total amount owed as at 30 September 2017, interest amount included in the total debt and age of debt for each of the 61 specified Municipalities.
Numerous requests were sent to Eskom requesting latest available information, to date we were not able to get the requested information.
With regard to the municipalities that are struggling to pay Eskom, the department is implementing the following interventions:
1. The simplified revenue plan
During the period 2016/17 financial year to 2017/18 financial year, the department has identified a total of 30 municipalities countrywide support on development and implementation of simplified revenue plans, from these 30 municipalities, three were from the North West Province i.e. Ditsobotla, Moses Kotane and Naledi local municipalities. The simplified revenue plan is aimed at achieving improved revenue management, reduction of municipal consumer debt, protection and enhancement of the municipality’s revenue collection potential.
The municipalities supported were assisted with the following initiatives that resulted on improvement of debt collection:
- Focused initiatives on the highest owing debtors per municipality
- Data authentication and purification of billing information
- Review of credit and debt collection policies and by laws;
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
- Tariff setting model for electricity and water and tariff policies
- Indigent management.
The project has been extended to four more municipalities in the North West Province for the period 2018/19 to 2019/20 financial years, these are Kgetlengrivier; Maquassi Hills, Mamosa and Tswaing.
2. Property and consumer database
The department has also initiated a project on development of spatially enabled integrated property and consumer database for municipalities. The project focus is on municipal data integrity which will provide municipalities with a platform to access up to date data from a central point hosted by the department and once fully implemented will assist on improving the revenue collection.
3. Executive Intervention on the non-payment of Eskom and water service authorities
At an Executive level; the minister of CoGTA chairs an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMTT) which provides political direction on the non-payment of electricity and water debt. The IMTT was established to deal with Constitutional, Systemic and Structural Challenges in electricity reticulation. The scope was further extended to include bulk water related debt.
The IMTT was established based on the principles of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, 2005 (Act No 13 of 2005) and the members are: the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (as Chairperson). The Minister of Finance, the Minister of Energy, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, the Minister of Public Enterprises, the President of SALGA; and the Chairperson of the Eskom Board. The IMTT has so far achieved the following in making the bulk payments more affordable:
- Reducing the interest rate charged on overdue municipal bulk accounts from prime plus 5% to prime plus 2.5%;
- Payment terms being extended from 15 days to 30 days for municipal bulk accounts;
- Payments received from municipalities being allocated to capital first then interest;
- The rationalisation of municipal tariffs from eleven to three has been approved by the ESKOM Board and will be submitted to NERSA as part of the tariff approval process.
The South African fiscal framework is built on a clear set of functional (expenditure) assignments for basic local infrastructure services delivery such as water services, electricity distribution, solid waste, and local roads and transport in addition to important regulatory authority over spatial planning and development control. These functions are financed predominately through locally controlled revenue sources, such as user fees and the property tax.
Section 96(a) of the MSA, states that municipalities must collect all monies due and payable to it, while Section 96(b) empowers a municipality to undertake this debt collection in terms of adopting a credit control and debt collection policy. Even though that legislative provision is very clear, municipalities are in general still encountering challenges on the collection of outstanding debt.
Some municipalities are failing at effectively delivering services, billing for services and collecting the revenue due. Consequently, outstanding debtors are increasing and they are not able to maintain positive cash flows to pay creditors within the thirty days timeframe as legally prescribed.
The “culture of non-payment by consumers to municipalities affects and results to inability of municipalities to service its creditors. This has been evident in the increase in municipal creditors and debtors book.
It is evident that non- payment of municipal debtors is mostly due to the weaknesses on the municipal systems in implementing relevant sections of the legislations and the implementation of their credit control and debt collection policies.
The Department (DCoG) identified a strategic intervention aimed at enhancing the municipal revenue management and debt collection system in local government. The development and implementation of municipal-specific revenue plans was identified and is currently being rolled out in selected municipalities.
The selected municipalities are identified to be part of the Simplified Revenue Plan Project through the Back to Basics (B2B) programme and by assessing the level of outstanding debt of each of the municipalities. The funding for the project has been set aside from the Municipal Systems Improvement Grant (MSIG).
Project objective
The objective of the Simplified Revenue Plan Project (SRP) is to assist municipalities through Service Providers (SPs) to review and improve the generic replicable model of the revenue plan. Once that is done, the reviewed model would be rolled-out or implemented at each of the participating municipalities. The successful implementation of the revenue plan would result in improved revenue management, reduced municipal consumer debt and protection of municipal revenue.
Support to municipalities through the SRP
The following on-going support and assistance has been provided to municipalities:
- Review and update of revenue policies and by-laws
- Billing (accurate reading/capturing of electricity and water meters).
- Monitoring of consumer/debtors accounts (debtors management)
- Data cleansing and analysis
- Indigent register management
- Customer relations management
- Administration ( Procedure manuals and implementation thereof)
The above support is informed by the initial assessment conducted by the SPs at the inception of the project; the assessment is made by testing the entire revenue management value chain of a municipality; identifying deficiencies and then developing a municipal specific plan to address them.
Impact thus far:
- Continuous increase of municipal collection rate in most of the municipalities supported on phase 1 of the project during the implementation phase.
- Data authentication and purification which translates to billing credibility going forward.
- Substantial recovery of outstanding debt from all consumer groups.
- Focused revenue collection initiative on the municipal the highest owing debtors resulted in the reduction of debtors over 90 days.
- Payment of government debt to municipalities was also recorded.
Challenges
Lack of capacity in the revenue management cycle, be it metering, billing, customer care, disconnections, credit control and debt collection, etc.
- A joint project with NT is being initiated to assess and define the revenue management minimum skills for municipalities.
The state of trading services’ infrastructure is a serious cause for concern; this infrastructure has been neglected over many years when it comes to maintenance and replacement where necessary.
- The infrastructure challenges are being referred to MISA and the municipal infrastructure plans are reviewed to reflect the revenue producing infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
Lack of political and management buy-in in some instances to play an active role on municipal revenue collection.
- In phase 2 we have made it a requirement that the revenue function be a standing item on the council committee responsible for finance
Annexure A
Table 1: Detail of Total amount owed as at 30 September 2017; Interest amount included in the total debt and Age of debt for each of the 61 specified municipalities
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
TOTAL DEBT 30_Sep_2017 |
INTEREST |
CURRENT DEBT |
30 DAYS |
60 DAYS |
90 DAYS |
>90 DAYS |
EASTERN CAPE DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
DR BEYERS NAUDÉ LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
34 314 514 |
144 721 |
16 113 394 |
13 948 |
10 014 233 |
8 172 939 |
0 |
INXUBA YETHEMBA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
44 366 135 |
1 708 631 |
8 143 502 |
0 |
8 691 147 |
4 476 280 |
23 055 206 |
KING SABATA DALINDYEBO MUNICIPALITY |
101 074 779 |
2 519 227 |
26 047 098 |
23 608 |
36 482 726 |
28 979 573 |
9 541 775 |
MAKANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
80 692 139 |
1 068 315 |
13 518 941 |
23 608 |
57 916 854 |
9 232 737 |
0 |
RAYMOND MHLABA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
86 036 077 |
10 664 307 |
8 878 971 |
0 |
9 965 114 |
7 555 083 |
59 636 909 |
WALTER SISULU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
138 606 259 |
10 634 195 |
59 771 861 |
0 |
13 292 532 |
12 707 811 |
52 834 055 |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
TOTAL DEBT 30_Sep_2017 |
INTEREST |
CURRENT DEBT |
30 DAYS |
60 DAYS |
90 DAYS |
>90 DAYS |
FREE STATE DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
DIHLABENG MUNICIPALITY |
180 180 663 |
7 778 783 |
14 569 059 |
8 839 |
20 812 109 |
19 303 722 |
125 486 935 |
MANTSOPA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
108 883 481 |
6 073 916 |
11 363 022 |
0 |
136 829 |
14 222 622 |
83 161 009 |
MASILONYANA MUNICIPALITY |
52 211 702 |
1 491 006 |
3 257 380 |
0 |
4 982 672 |
8 633 701 |
35 337 950 |
MOQHAKA MUNICIPALITY |
208 988 335 |
2 121 533 |
50 004 209 |
0 |
31 607 857 |
31 584 934 |
95 791 336 |
NALA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
182 907 109 |
503 670 |
19 559 469 |
0 |
63 016 |
19 976 571 |
143 308 054 |
PHUMELELA MUNICIPALITY |
91 174 674 |
11 407 608 |
3 778 192 |
59 839 |
4 481 108 |
4 601 654 |
78 253 880 |
TOKOLOGO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
35 490 407 |
397 632 |
2 575 726 |
0 |
3 105 772 |
5 171 899 |
24 637 009 |
GAUTENG DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
EMFULENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
887 902 806 |
16 073 844 |
361 793 520 |
48 399 |
274 406 346 |
208 496 392 |
43 158 149 |
MERAFONG CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
190 998 296 |
6 661 933 |
48 148 792 |
18 957 |
14 313 275 |
90 307 680 |
38 209 592 |
MOGALE CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
144 676 691 |
4 549 116 |
51 367 949 |
0 |
93 251 256 |
57 486 |
0 |
RANDFONTEIN LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
129 670 297 |
6 257 784 |
34 979 634 |
0 |
94 690 663 |
0 |
0 |
WESTONARIA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
19 740 642 |
19 509 |
19 664 995 |
0 |
37 574 |
38 073 |
0 |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
TOTAL DEBT 30_Sep_2017 |
INTEREST |
CURRENT DEBT |
30 DAYS |
60 DAYS |
90 DAYS |
>90 DAYS |
KWAZULU NATAL DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
EDUMBE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
10 010 826 |
155 547 |
4 589 779 |
0 |
5 218 004 |
42 456 |
160 588 |
MPOFANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
54 310 218 |
394 313 |
7 062 182 |
0 |
47 248 035 |
0 |
0 |
ULUNDI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
80 148 282 |
1 895 049 |
9 790 153 |
0 |
13 606 716 |
12 057 302 |
44 694 112 |
ZULULAND DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY |
1 227 575 |
2 403 |
539 316 |
688 259 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
LIMPOPO DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
MODIMOLLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
125 112 498 |
7 928 502 |
11 079 943 |
0 |
13 757 075 |
13 478 997 |
86 796 483 |
MOOKGOPHONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
116 524 854 |
9 243 943 |
6 142 486 |
0 |
7 012 013 |
7 011 834 |
96 358 520 |
MUSINA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
108 486 434 |
5 712 634 |
12 913 565 |
0 |
10 890 200 |
12 683 955 |
71 998 715 |
THABAZIMBI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
234 082 664 |
18 052 760 |
12 678 566 |
613 799 |
0 |
8 976 294 |
211 814 005 |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
TOTAL DEBT 30_Sep_2017 |
INTEREST |
CURRENT DEBT |
30 DAYS |
60 DAYS |
90 DAYS |
>90 DAYS |
MPUMALANGA DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
ALBERT LUTHULI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
32 604 094 |
1 138 051 |
13 552 319 |
0 |
10 633 117 |
5 474 041 |
2 944 617 |
DIPALESENG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
43 090 511 |
1 985 290 |
14 288 462 |
315 662 |
10 737 751 |
7 737 832 |
10 010 804 |
EMAKHAZENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
49 448 289 |
2 170 952 |
6 046 095 |
0 |
5 850 586 |
9 615 724 |
27 935 885 |
EMALAHLENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
1 394 152 980 |
41 896 695 |
91 266 170 |
0 |
133 250 603 |
145 596 329 |
1 024 039 878 |
GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPALITY |
625 058 977 |
15 680 191 |
61 169 490 |
0 |
81 305 996 |
83 750 718 |
398 832 772 |
LEKWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
419 338 081 |
12 584 465 |
44 370 553 |
790 601 |
49 036 497 |
45 445 515 |
279 694 916 |
MKHONDO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
87 115 135 |
3 773 920 |
12 660 480 |
0 |
16 713 987 |
17 065 493 |
40 675 175 |
MSUKALIGWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
142 222 603 |
3 390 920 |
24 270 565 |
0 |
117 952 038 |
0 |
0 |
THABA CHWEU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
428 302 648 |
7 861 794 |
34 778 688 |
0 |
19 489 235 |
17 817 195 |
356 217 531 |
VICTOR KHANYE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
39 493 244 |
1 289 041 |
10 265 317 |
0 |
14 711 919 |
14 516 008 |
0 |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
TOTAL DEBT 30_Sep_2017 |
INTEREST |
CURRENT DEBT |
30 DAYS |
60 DAYS |
90 DAYS |
>90 DAYS |
NORTH WEST DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
CITY OF MATLOSANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
213 038 425 |
5 843 412 |
36 505 037 |
0 |
176 291 541 |
241 848 |
0 |
DITSOBOTLA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
253 931 599 |
13 839 721 |
20 025 581 |
25 121 |
17 181 418 |
16 473 194 |
200 226 285 |
KGETLENGRIVIER LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
61 344 312 |
4 565 248 |
7 408 245 |
0 |
4 592 008 |
4 590 027 |
44 754 032 |
LEKWA - TEEMANE |
34 906 738 |
858 489 |
7 952 252 |
0 |
16 693 998 |
4 456 863 |
5 803 625 |
MAMUSA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
61 720 073 |
3 516 650 |
3 903 160 |
15 335 |
4 949 245 |
4 585 970 |
48 266 364 |
NALEDI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
254 809 233 |
17 819 567 |
10 305 481 |
0 |
23 983 445 |
13 684 245 |
206 836 062 |
RAMOTSHERE MOILOA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY (including Zeerust Waterworks) |
25 011 848 |
1 085 610 |
5 786 046 |
0 |
19 056 027 |
169 776 |
0 |
TSWAING LOCAL MUNICIPALTY |
74 347 281 |
5 578 434 |
8 763 774 |
41 290 |
5 510 089 |
5 848 426 |
54 183 702 |
VENTERSDORP LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
28 487 985 |
9 961 |
11 028 213 |
0 |
17 063 189 |
396 584 |
0 |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
TOTAL DEBT 30_Sep_2017 |
INTEREST |
CURRENT DEBT |
30 DAYS |
60 DAYS |
90 DAYS |
>90 DAYS |
NORTHERN CAPE DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
DIKGATLONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
57 144 069 |
4 571 615 |
3 094 917 |
0 |
4 004 001 |
7 394 627 |
42 650 524 |
EMTHANJENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
25 499 235 |
674 932 |
6 679 526 |
160 137 |
8 128 160 |
8 113 536 |
2 417 876 |
GAMAGARA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
64 306 601 |
1 535 503 |
21 144 252 |
0 |
13 205 830 |
13 343 265 |
16 613 254 |
GA-SEGONYANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
45 088 792 |
3 087 214 |
15 755 328 |
0 |
10 775 231 |
9 475 887 |
9 082 346 |
KAI !GARIB LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
117 636 009 |
6 325 057 |
15 786 644 |
0 |
7 642 127 |
7 008 675 |
87 198 563 |
KAMIESBERG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
7 071 005 |
277 195 |
953 374 |
96 019 |
970 848 |
760 389 |
4 290 375 |
KHAI-MA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
9 646 955 |
356 218 |
940 134 |
0 |
946 180 |
931 858 |
6 828 783 |
MAGARENG MUNICIPALITY |
34 787 020 |
1 975 667 |
2 094 612 |
0 |
2 467 163 |
2 351 992 |
27 873 254 |
NAMA KHOI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
86 363 718 |
2 637 868 |
8 514 448 |
0 |
10 416 388 |
8 355 357 |
59 077 524 |
PHOKWANE MUNICIPALITY |
13 477 667 |
204 232 |
10 780 967 |
0 |
409 185 |
395 067 |
1 892 449 |
RENOSTERBERG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
51 519 365 |
7 022 946 |
1 606 651 |
0 |
1 849 124 |
1 794 376 |
46 269 214 |
SIYANCUMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
105 818 693 |
7 375 505 |
9 867 262 |
0 |
5 627 054 |
5 639 561 |
84 684 816 |
SIYATHEMBA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
23 837 846 |
1 365 590 |
1 885 459 |
0 |
2 209 734 |
2 350 199 |
17 392 454 |
TSANTSABANE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
86 966 733 |
5 775 730 |
8 768 969 |
0 |
5 539 969 |
5 678 174 |
66 979 621 |
UBUNTU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
37 885 994 |
1 982 834 |
2 129 956 |
0 |
2 342 064 |
2 366 392 |
31 047 581 |
WESTERN CAPE DEMARCATED PROVINCE |
|||||||
KANNALAND LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
10 152 055 |
132 753 |
10 106 523 |
0 |
45 532 |
0 |
0 |
OUDTSHOORN LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
19 115 523 |
102 139 |
11 542 110 |
0 |
7 573 412 |
0 |
0 |
26 June 2018 - NW1820
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)Whether (a) her spouse and/or (b) an adult family member accompanied her on any official international trip (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) is the name of the person(s), (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) destination of the trip and (cc) was the (aaa) total cost and (bbb) detailed breakdown of the costs of the accompanying person(s) to her department; (2) whether each of the specified trips were approved by the President in terms of the provisions of Section 1, Annexure A of the Ministerial Handbook; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Minister undertook two official international trips since her appointment as the Minister of Higher Education and Training. On none of these trips was the Minister accompanied by members of her family.
The Minister travelled to Tunis in Tunisia to participate in the Islamic Development Bank Scientific Advisory Board meeting from 31 March 2018 to 4 April 2018. The organisers covered all flights and accommodation costs, while the Department only covered the daily allowance of the Minister.
The Minister also travelled to the Netherlands to attend the 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Prince Claus Chair on 12 April 2018 and was accompanied by two Departmental officials.
2. The President approved both trips.
26 June 2018 - NW1440
Bara, Mr M R to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether any forensic investigations have been completed in the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality in Mpumalanga in the (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17 and/or (c) 2017-18 financial years; if not, are there any investigations that are still underway; if so, in each case, (i) what (aa) was the nature and (bb) were the findings of each investigation, (ii) on what date was the report tabled in Council and (iii) what action has been taken regarding the findings and recommendations of each report; (2) are any forensic investigations still under way at the specified municipality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether he will request that the forensic reports be tabled with his department for further investigation and/or disciplinary action to be taken; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
The response below was provided by the municipality.
1. One forensic investigation was completed in 2017-18 financial year. The Municipal Council approved the appointment of an independent audit firm to conduct the forensic investigation as per Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) recommendation in line with the recommendations by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA).
(i) (aa)The forensic investigation was instituted to investigate allegations of gross negligent, misconduct and fraud.
(bb)The findings of the forensic investigation highlighted correction measures in the following areas:
- Disposal of Land
- Allocation of curo stalls in Graskop
- Revenue collection
- Supply chain management practices
- Legal services fees
- Back payments to section managers
- Housing and human settlements
- Human resources practices
- Municipal infrastructure grants projects
- Unauthorised, irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure
- Completeness and reliability of the Asset Register
(ii)The forensic investigation report was tabled before Council on 28 February 2018.
(iii) The Council approved that the Accounting officer must execute the implementation plan based on the recommendations for each finding.
2. There is no forensic investigation currently underway at the municipality.
3. I will request the municipality to submit a copy of the forensic report and the progress report on the implementation of the recommendations emanating from the forensic report to the Department for assessment. Based on the outcome of the assessment, I will then take the necessary action to ensure that the matter is finalised.
26 June 2018 - NW2116
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1541 on 4 June 2018, the six individuals referred to are listed on the Child Protection Register in addition to the 1 188 stated in the reply to question 884 on 10 April 2018; if not, why not; if so, are there individuals listed on the Child Protection Register who have been found unfit to work with children as a result of a disciplinary hearing but have not been convicted in a court of law?
Reply:
Yes, with reference to the reply to question 1541 on 4 June 2018, the six individuals referred to are listed on the Child Protection Register as part of the 1 188 stated in the reply to question 884 on 10 April 2018. The Department has not received information from courts on individuals who have been found unfit to work with children as a result of a disciplinary hearing.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW1309
Rawula, Mr T to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) has his department done to uncover the source of unrest and protests in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape, which led to the death of a protestor at the hands of police and (b) steps is he taking to address the concerns raised by the people of Keiskammahoek about lack of service delivery to the town?
Reply:
Background of Amahlathi LM
The Amahlathi local municipality is a Category B municipality situated in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape. It is bordered by the Chris Hani District to the north, Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality to the south, Mnquma and Great Kei to the east and Raymond Mhlaba to the west. Amahlathi municipality is an administrative area and it one of the six municipalities in the Amathole District. Amahlathi is an isiXhosa name that means “a place where many trees are grouped together to form a forest. It covers 4 505km² of land. The names of Cities and Towns surrounding the municipality are: Cathcart, Kei Road, Keiskammahoek and Stutterheim. The economic sectors active in the municipality are, namely: Community services (37%), finance (27%), manufacturing (18%), trade (10%), agriculture (4%), construction (2%), and transport (2%).
Political Management
African National Congress |
Democratic Alliance |
Economic Freedom Fighters |
24 seats |
3 seats |
3 seats |
The majority party is the African National Congress.
(a) The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs visited the area of Keiskammahoek twice during 2018, and facilitated a coherent response to community concerns. The leadership of SANCO and the community committed themselves to work with the Provincial Government and an inclusive task team has been established, which is meant to monitor the implementation of the support plan by the Province and National Government.
It was discovered that the source of public unrest was as a result of the lack of feedback meetings between the municipality and the community including the sector department work planned for the community. It’s regrettable that a life was lost during the protests and the matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
(b) During the meeting with the community of Keiskammahoek delivered a petition that outlines their concerns regarding the services, namely; status of roads, hospital and housing projects. A follow-up feedback meeting with the community happened on the 13 May 2018, whereby all the provincial sector departments expected to address the pace of service delivery were present at the meeting to engage the community. As a result of the Minister’s intervention in the community of Keiskammahoek, a provincial Technical Task Team, led by the Head of Department of CoGTA in the Eastern Cape, was established to facilitate responses and the MEC is the overall political coordinator of the feedback given his responsibilities in the Provincial Executive Council.
The Petition Response Plan Document has been completed and the community representatives were engaged about the contents of the document for further improvement on the responses. Provincial Government is already dealing with some service delivery challenges in consultation with community representatives.
26 June 2018 - NW1588
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the reply to question 404 on 28 March 2017, what is the (a) total number of (i) social workers, (ii) forensic social workers and (iii) other professional care workers that are currently employed by her department in each province and (b) current ratio of case files to employee in each case?
Reply:
Province |
a) (i) Total No of Social Workers |
a) (ii) Forensic Social Workers |
a) (iii) Other professional care workers |
b) Ratio per case |
Eastern Cape |
1997 |
0 |
254 |
Varies : 1:10 -1:61 |
Free State |
768 |
0 |
113 |
Varies: 1:100 – 1:400 |
Gauteng |
1245 |
0 |
628 |
1:60 |
KwaZulu Natal |
1814 |
0 |
181 |
1:62 |
Limpopo |
1599 |
0 |
89 |
1:20 – 1:300 |
Mpumalanga |
474 |
0 |
77 |
1:6 – 1:141 |
North West |
815 |
0 |
51 |
1:40 |
Northern Cape |
349 |
0 |
86 |
1:80 -1:120 |
Western Cape |
642 |
0 |
406 |
1:75 - 1:80 |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW2173
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What number of vacancies exist for social workers in each province?
Reply:
Eastern Cape |
71 |
Free State |
25 |
Gauteng |
138 |
KZN |
91 |
Limpopo |
22 |
Mpumalanga |
8 |
North West |
74 |
Northern Cape |
9 |
Western Cape |
62 |
TOTAL |
500 |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date………………………
26 June 2018 - NW1088
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What (a) number of consulting firms or companies are currently contracted by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her and (b)(i) is the name of each consultant, (ii) are the relevant details of the service provided in each case and (iii) is the (aa) start date, (bb) time period, (cc) monetary value in Rands of each contract and (dd) name and position of each individual who signed off on each contract?
Reply:
(a) The Department has advised me that it has contracts with twenty two (22) companies and our entity, the African Renaissance Fund, none.
(b) I wish to encourage the Honourable Member to refer this matter to the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation in order obtain the details we are not authorised to give in replies to parliamentary questions.
The Honourable Member would recall that there is an established practise applicable to parliamentary questions contained in the document titled, “Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly. The document referred to prohibits Members of Parliament, including the Executive, from divulging names of persons, bodies when asking or responding to parliamentary questions. It specifically states the following:
“Questions are to be framed as concisely as possible. All unnecessary adjectives, references and quotations are omitted. Names of persons, bodies and, for example, newspapers are only used in questions if the facts surrounding the case have been proven. As the mere mention of such names could be construed as publicity for or against them, it should be clear that this practice is highly undesirable. If a question will be unintelligible without mentioning such names, the Departments concerned are notified of the name (-s) and this phrase is used: ".......a certain person (name furnished)”
26 June 2018 - NW47
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 3455 on 3 December 2010, all the loans or bonds have been fully repaid; if not, (a) why has each loan or bond not been fully repaid, (b) by what date will it be repaid, (c) what amount has the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality paid in interest to date and (d)(i) on what date was the last payment made on the specified loans and (ii) what was the amount that was paid; if so, (aa) on what date was the final payment made and (bb) what is the interest amount that the specified municipality paid for the loan or bond in each case?
Reply:
Yes, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has repaid some of the loans since December 2010.
(a & b) The following loans have been fully paid at the respective maturity dates (See table 1 below):
-
- December 2001- R150 million from INCA @ 12.25% (Annuity Loan)
- March 2002- R150 million from DBSA @ 13.5% (Annuity Loan)
- March 2003 – R291 million from DBSA @ 12.2% (Annuity loan)
The CoE follows a scheduled interest and capital repayment regime on its long-term liabilities. The outstanding balances are due to the fact that loans and bonds have not yet reached their redemption/maturity dates. Refer to table 1 below.
Table1: CoE liability profile
(c) Cumulative interest paid on the loans and bonds from the original date of attainment to 31 Dec 2017 is shown in table 2 see link below:
Table 2: http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW47TABLE_2.pdf
Cumulative interest paid to date on CoE loans and bonds amounts to R3.5bn. The new bonds, EMM07 and EMM07P were taken in July 2017 and their first interest payments were due in January 2018.
(d) The last interest payment dates and amounts are shown in table 3 see link below:
Table 3: http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW47TABLE_3.pdf
The reply to question 2018/47 is a follow-up to question 3455, which was published on 3 December 2010.
26 June 2018 - NW2174
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) number of social grant distribution points are available in each province and (b) is the location of each specified distribution point?
Reply:
a) There is a total of 7 667 active pay points that SASSA utilizes as social grant distribution points. The number of pay points is broken down in the table below per province.
Region |
Pay Points |
Eastern Cape |
2 399 |
Free State |
192 |
Gauteng |
145 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
1 617 |
Limpopo |
1 744 |
Mpumalanga |
384 |
Northern Cape |
349 |
North West |
604 |
Western Cape |
233 |
Total |
7 667 |
b) The location of each specified cash pay point is in the attached spreadsheet “National list of pay points” per province.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW1868
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)What (a) is the total number of incidents of racism that were reported to the human resources offices in (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) The total number of incidents of racism that were reported to the Human Resource offices of the Department are as follows:
(aa) 2016 - one incident and two allegations; and
(bb) 2017 - one incident.
(ii) In 2016, one incident of racism was reported to the Human Resource offices of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority.
(b) In 2016, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union alleged that there were practices of racism and discrimination within the National Examinations and Assessment Chief Directorate of the Department.
In 2016, an incident involving an official who sent a text message containing racist remarks to a colleague was reported at the Western Technical and Vocation Education and Training (TVET) College.
In 2016, an official allegedly used racist remarks to students at the Mthashana TVET College.
In 2017, an official allegedly sent a letter to the Council of the Ikhala TVET College containing racist remarks.
A subordinate within the Human Resource unit of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority made an allegation of racism against a manager.
2. In response to the allegations, the Department in 2017 conducted diversity management workshops. It also recommended that the allegations of racism and discrimination within the National Examination and Assessment Chief Directorate be referred to the Human Rights Commission for an independent investigation.
The incident involving an official who sent a text message allegedly containing racist remarks to a colleague was reported and investigated by the Western TVET College. The investigation was finalised, and the decision to institute a disciplinary hearing was taken wherein the official was found guilty, and the Chairperson issued a sanction of dismissal on 30 May 2016. The official filed a notice to appeal, which was dismissed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training on the advice of the Appeal Committee on 27 October 2016. The official thereafter lodged a dispute with the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) for unfair dismissal. The ELRC confirmed the dismissal on 26 April 2017.
The matter involving an official who allegedly used racist remarks toward students in 2016 at Mthashana TVET College, has been investigated and finalised. A decision to institute a disciplinary hearing wherein the official was found guilty, and the Chairperson issued a sanction of dismissal on 18 July 2016. The official filed a notice to appeal, which on review by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, and on the advice of the Appeal Committee, the sanction of dismissal was replaced with a final written warning on 27 October 2016.
The Ikhala TVET College instituted a disciplinary hearing without conducting an investigation. The disciplinary hearing commenced on 26 July 2017, the matter was finalised on 28 February 2018 wherein the official was found guilty, and the Chairperson issued a sanction of dismissal. The official has filed a notice to appeal on 07 March 2018. The outcome of the appeal is pending.
In relation to the Services Sector Education and Training Authority, the matter was investigated, and it was found that the issue of racism could not be substantiated.
26 June 2018 - NW286
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What number of housing projects have been (i) undertaken and (ii) completed in the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality in Mpumalanga (aa) in each of the past three financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2017 and b) What was the (i) budget allocation, (ii) commencement date and (iii) completion date for each housing project?
Reply:
Housing projects are implemented by the Department of Human Settlements in the Municipalities in the Province. The Department of Human Settlements in the Mpumalanga Province was contacted and confirmed the information below as correct.
The Thaba Chweu Local Municipality was contacted to assist with the response to the question. The response is as follows: (Annexure A)
No. |
Project Name |
Financial |
Total Units |
Start Date |
Status |
Budget |
No Allocation |
2014/15 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
No Allocation |
2015/16 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Chryselda |
2016/17 |
200 |
01/11/2016 |
In progress |
R20 600 000 |
|
Mgugwana |
2016/17 |
100 |
01/11/2016 |
Completed (08/12/2017) |
R10 300 000 |
|
Lwakhiti JV |
2017/18 |
150 |
22/09/2017 |
In progress |
R15 450 000 |
|
Fenekwane |
2017/18 |
100 |
22/09/2017 |
In progress |
R10 900 000 |
As per the comments of the Deputy Minister to provide background/ explanatory notes to the matter, the following additional information was obtained.
Housing projects are implemented by the Department of Human Settlements in the Municipalities in the Province. The Department of Human Settlements in the Mpumalanga Province was contacted and confirmed the above information as correct. As implementers of the housing projects, the Department allocates the budget, appoints Service Providers and monitors them in collaboration with the affected Municipality. The Municipality’s responsibilities include the identification of beneficiaries.
2016/17 financial year includes the following:
- The Chryselda housing project experienced challenges as it is reported that about 24 houses were invaded. Municipality still engaging with the affected individuals to vacate the affected properties.
- Mgugwana Housing Project was completed but the units are not yet occupied as the programme to service the completed units is still ongoing.
26 June 2018 - NW1153
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) What (a) number of environmental health inspectors was employed in each province in the (i) 2015-16, (ii) 2016-17 and (iii) 2017-18 financial years, (b) qualifications did the specified inspectors hold, (c) are the details of any job specific training that the inspectors underwent and (d) amount was allocated to remunerate the inspectors; (2) Whether the specified inspectors are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa; if not
Reply:
The Honourable Member, Mr K J Mileham, is kindly requested to direct the question to the Department of Health. Municipal Health Services is the responsibility of the Department of Health as the Municipal Health Services are regulated under Section 32 of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) as Municipal Health Services.
26 June 2018 - NW123
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) What amount of funding was budgeted for the maintenance and repair of (i) roads, (ii) stormwater and (iii) electricity infrastructure in each ward of Lydenburg, Sabie and Graskop in the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality in Mpumalanga in the (aa) 2014-15, (bb) 2015-16 and (cc) 2016-17 financial years and (b) how much of the budgeted amounts were spent on the maintenance and repair of (aaa) roads, (bbb) stormwater and (ccc) electricity infrastructure in each of the specified financial years?
Reply:
A response from Thaba Chweu Local Municipality is narrated here under:
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality doesn’t budget for operation and maintenance per ward, it instead budgets per services sector, such of roads and stormwater, and electricity and its network including street lights that cover all the wards. The three settlements of Lydenburg, Sabie and Graskop fall within wards 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10.
The following is the operation and maintenance budget for each service sector, according to the Municipality, for the financial years (aa) 2014-15, (bb) 2015-16 and (cc) 2016-17.
(a) Budget
(i) and (ii) Roads and stormwater: The adjusted budget for the financial years 2014-15 was R 7,84 Million, 2015-16 was R 10,00 Million, and 2016-17 was R2,61 Million.
(iii) Eletricity: The adjusted budget for the financial years 2014-15 was R6,18 Million, 2015-16 was R8,87 Million, and 2016-17 was R10,83 Million.
(b) Expenditure
(aaa) and (bbb) Roads and stormwater: Reported expenditures for 2014-15 was R2,75 Million, 2015-16 was R2,41 Million, and 2016-17 was R4,37 Million.
(ccc) Electricity: Reported expenditures for 2014-15 was R1,32 Million, 2015-16 was R14,74 Million, and 2016-17 was R9,41 Million.
The budget and actual expenditure report as provided by Thaba Chweu Local Municipality is attached as Annexure A.
ANNEXURE A
DETAILED OPERATIONAL BUDGET AND EXPENDITURE FOR 2014/15, 2015/16 AND 2016/17 FINANCIAL YEARS
See the link: http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW123_ANNEXURE_A.pdf
26 June 2018 - NW2082
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether the Government signed any agreements for the construction of the Moloto Rail Corridor with any companies or any governments, which binds the Government to any financial commitments; if so, what financial commitments were explicitly agreed to; (2) whether his department has made provision for the specified agreements in its 2018-19 budget or the medium-term budget; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether an open tender process was followed for the specified agreements; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what process with regard to the signing of agreements will be followed in future in order to complete this project; (5) on what envisaged date will the construction of the specified project commence?
Reply:
1. Government has not signed any agreement for the construction of the Moloto Rail Corridor with any company or government which binds the Government to any financial commitment.
2. Please refer to the response in (1) above.
3. Please refer to the response in (1) above.
4. Government will comply with the provisions of Section 217 of the Constitution and will not enter into any agreement without first following a competitive public procurement process.
5. The Moloto Rail Corridor project has concluded a conceptual design as part of the 2014 Feasibility Study. The detailed design and construction of the Moloto Rail Corridor will only commence once funding for the project has been secured.
26 June 2018 - NW1698
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1)(a) What total amount of land owned by her department and the entities reporting to her in each province is (i) vacant and (ii) unused or has no purpose and (b) what is the (i) location and (ii) size of each specified plot of land; (2) (a) how much of the land owned by her department and the entities reporting to her has been leased out for private use and (b) what is the (i) Rand value of each lease and (ii)(aa) location and (bb) size of each piece of land?
Reply:
My department has advised me that the reply to both (1) and (2) of the Honourable Member’s question is: None.
26 June 2018 - NW1590
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether any (a) social worker or (b) other professional care worker employed in her department in each province has a criminal record; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) full names, (ii) position, (iii) office and (iv) crime(s) that each person was convicted of?
Reply:
Province |
(a)Social Worker |
(b) Other Professional Care worker |
(b)(i) Full Names |
(b)(ii) Position |
(b)(iii) Office |
(b)(iv) Crimes |
Eastern Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Free State |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Gauteng |
ONE |
N/A |
Nozipho P. Mvalese |
Social Worker |
JHB Metro |
Theft (Later cleared by SAPS) |
KwaZulu Natal |
One |
N/A |
N.G Mkhize |
Social Worker |
UMgungundlovu |
Fraud |
Limpopo |
TWO |
TWO |
Bidzha T.L.; Mahlare M.S.; Mashumu T.J.; Sebona M. |
Social Worker Social Worker CDW CDW |
Vhembe Sekhukhune Sekhukhune Waterberg |
Public indecency shoplifting Road Traffic Act Road Traffic Act |
Mpumalanga |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
North West |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Northern Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Western Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
21 June 2018 - NW1850
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What number of mathematics teachers are employed at (a) primary school and (b) high or secondary school level in each school district in the country?
Reply:
(a),(b) The Department of Basic Education does not collect or collate this information. The Honourable Member is requested to direct the question to the provinces as such data are in their possession.
21 June 2018 - NW1317
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)With reference to her reply to question 3870 on 6 December 2017, what (a) number of schools have been built by the Gauteng Department of Education since 1 June 2014 and (b) are the full details of the (i) number of schools in each year since 1 June 2014 and (ii) language of instruction in each specified school; (2) whether she has found that her department had achieved its goal with regard to the number of schools built as planned for in line with the budget allocated towards this purpose; if not, what are the detailed reasons why the target was not achieved; (3) whether the planned number of schools make adaquate provision for the demand in Gauteng; if not, what steps does her department intend to take to address the problem; (4) whether she is still unable to provide the requested information; if so, (a) why and (b) by what date will she provide the requested information?
Reply:
1. (a) & (b) (i) & (ii).
Find attached Annexure for the number of schools built since 2014/15 Financial Year and their full details, including their language of instruction.
2. The Gauteng Department of Education has a backlog in relation to the supply of new and replacement schools. This is perpetuated by the constant influx of learners into the province. A number of factors have had adverse impact on delivery of schools. These include but are not limited to: Budgetary constraints, under-performance by Contractors, Community disruptions and inclement weather.
3. The planned number of schools is not adequate to address overcrowding and the severe shortage of schools in the province. In an attempt to find an alternative solution, the Department is working with the Gauteng Infrastructure Fund Agency (GIFA) to explore alternative funding methods that will expedite the delivery of schools in the province.
4. The requested information has been provided.
21 June 2018 - NW1728
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What is the (a) total number of (i) teachers employed and (ii) learners enrolled at each school in the country at the beginning of the 2018 academic year and (b)(i) name and (ii) location of each school?
Reply:
a) (i)
The total number of State-paid teachers employed per province as per the PERSAL record of January 2018 is given in a table below. The Department can make available a database of the number of teachers in each school and location of such schools. This information will be made available on a CD due to the volume of information.
Province |
Grand Total |
EASTERN CAPE |
52 468 |
FREE STATE |
22 897 |
GAUTENG |
68 264 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
95 226 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
51 886 |
MPUMALANGA |
33 040 |
NORTH WEST |
25 946 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
10 149 |
WESTERN CAPE |
31 411 |
Grand Total |
391 287 |
Source: PERSAL, January 2018
a) (ii)
Table 1 below indicates the number of learners in ordinary and special schools, by province and district. A detailed list of schools is attached as Annexure A. Please note that the 2018 data is not yet available at a national level, as provinces are still uploading their data into Learner Unit Record Tracking System (LURITS). 2018 data will be available after 30 June 2018.
b) (i) (ii)
The response is attached in a detailed list of schools as Annexure A on Excel spreadsheet.
21 June 2018 - NW827
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What number of projects are (i) currently in progress and (ii) planned as part of the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) and (b) in each case, what is the (i) name of the (aa) school and (bb) implementing agent, (ii) nature of the project, (iii) cost of the project, (iv) name(s) of the contractors who were hired to undertake the work, (v) start and expected completion date, (vi) percentage completion of the project as it currently stands and (vii) point in the process at which the project currently stands?
Reply:
a) (i) & (ii) and (b) (i)(aa) & (bb), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) & (vii) is as per the attached spread sheet.
Replacement of Inappropriate Structures
With regard to the Inappropriate Structures, a total number of 367 schools are being implemented under the ASIDI Programme; 202 projects have been completed since inception, 175 projects are at various stages of completion.
Sanitation: 741 projects have been identified, 585 projects have been allocated to IAs. 470 schools have been provided with sanitation. Due to scope changes, 586 projects are different stages of implementation.
Water: 1120 projects identified, 959 allocated to IAs; 685 schools have been provided with water. Due to scope changes, 539 projects are in different stages of implementation.
Electricity: 916 projects identified, 372 of the 535 allocated to IAs have been provided with electricity. Due to scope changes only 372 projects have been implemented and the others were addressed through the provincial programmes.
21 June 2018 - NW1851
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What number of information technology and/or information communication teachers are employed at (a) primary school and (b) high or secondary school level in each school district in the country?
Reply:
(a),(b) The Department of Basic Education does not collect or collate this information. The Honourable Member is requested to direct the question to the provinces as such data are in their possession.
21 June 2018 - NW1727
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to her reply to question 1076 on 08 May 2018, what is the (a) name, (b) location and (c) total number of vacancies of each school in each province as at the last reporting quarter?
Reply:
(a), (b) and (c)
As part of the monitoring of vacancies at schools in Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), the National Department of Basic Education requests and obtains aggregated reports on the number of vacancies on a quarterly basis. The Honourable Member is requested to direct the request on the detailed information on vacancies per school to the PEDs as such data are in their possession.
The number of posts and vacancies for the PEDs that have reported as at the end of March 2018 is shown below.
Province |
Number of Posts |
Number of Vacancies |
Eastern Cape |
50 296 |
4 742 |
Free State |
20 808 |
337 |
Gauteng |
58 754 |
312 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
90 057 |
Report outstanding |
Limpopo |
48 856 |
3 082 |
Mpumalanga |
34 777 |
250 |
Northern Cape |
10 651 |
105 |
North West |
28 744 |
551 |
Western Cape |
32 147 |
480 |
Total |
375 091 |
9 859 |
Source: PED Quarterly Reports
21 June 2018 - NW1397
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What is the (a) name, (b) location and (c) number of pupils at of each (i) primary and (ii) high/secondary school in the country that (aa) does not provide internet and/or (bb) have access to internet for learning purposes?
Reply:
Education is a concurrent function, Chapter 3 section 12 of the South African schools Act stipulates that provinces must provide for schools and the education of learners. The information requested above must be directed to the respective provincial legislatures given that provinces are responsible for the provision of internet connectivity for schools.
21 June 2018 - NW1398
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)(a) What is the name, (b) location and (c) number of pupils at each (i) primary and (ii) high/secondary school in the country that (aa) has functioning computers for learning purposes and (bb) does not have functioning computers; (2) in each instance where a school has computers for learning purposes, (a) what number of computers does each school have, (b) what is the make of the computers at each school and (c) by what date were the computers received at each school?
Reply:
Education is a concurrent function, Chapter 3 section 12 of the South African schools Act stipulates that provinces must provide for schools and the education of learners. The information requested above must be directed to the respective provincial legislatures given that provinces are responsible for the provision of computers for learners.
21 June 2018 - NW1393
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What is the teacher to pupil ratio at each (a) primary and (b) high/secondary school in the country?
Reply:
a) and (b)
The Table below shows the average teacher to pupil ratio per province. The full list of all primary and secondary schools indicating teacher to pupil ratio per school can be provided on a CD due to the volume of information.
Province |
|
Average of LER Secondary |
Eastern Cape |
37.9 |
31.3 |
Free State |
36.6 |
25.7 |
Gauteng |
37.5 |
26.7 |
Kwazulu-Natal |
32.6 |
27.0 |
Limpopo Province |
35.0 |
26.2 |
Mpumalanga |
34.9 |
26.5 |
North West |
32.2 |
26.2 |
Northern Cape |
32.3 |
25.3 |
Western Cape |
38.4 |
33.2 |
National Average |
35.2 |
27.7 |
Source: School Realities and PERSAL, March 2018
21 June 2018 - NW1849
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What number of science teachers are employed at (a) primary school and (b) high or secondary school level in each school district in the country?
Reply:
(a),(b) The Department of Basic Education does not collect or collate this information. The Honourable Member is requested to direct the question to the provinces as such data are in their possession.
21 June 2018 - NW1013
Xalisa, Mr Z R to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) number of (i) primary and (ii) high schools do not have (aa) computer lab and (bb) internet connection in each province and (b) amount of funding is required to build computer labs and install internet connection to eradicate the backlog?
Reply:
a) According to National Education Infrastructure Management System (NEIMS) as at March 2018, below are the figures:
PROVINCE |
NO COMPUTER LABS |
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY |
||
PRIMARY SCHOOLS |
HIGH SCHOOLS |
PRIMARY SCHOOLS |
HIGH SCHOOLS |
|
Eastern Cape |
4 049 |
685 |
2456 |
1 322 |
Free State |
388 |
144 |
306 |
171 |
Gauteng |
235 |
154 |
280 |
107 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
2 950 |
935 |
2 342 |
1 964 |
Limpopo |
2 138 |
1 119 |
2 546 |
838 |
Mpumalanga |
735 |
291 |
852 |
679 |
North West |
644 |
161 |
281 |
275 |
Northern Cape |
216 |
31 |
0 |
0 |
Western Cape |
503 |
70 |
250 |
13 |
Total |
11 858 |
3 590 |
9 313 |
5 369 |
b) An estimated amount of R 16 billion is required to provide computer labs with connectivity.
*Note 1: The cost of physical infrastructure to erect a building/ space for a lab needs to be surveyed by a quantity surveyor per site. However, it should also be noted that due to technological advancements, it is no longer necessary to provide a computer laboratory to all schools. Further, the provision of mobile computer facilities has reduced the need for these.
*Note 2: The cost of infrastructure for connectivity requires an individual assessment for fibre, wireless, satellite or others depending on location and other factors.
21 June 2018 - NW1733
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(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 SMS members submitted their Financial Disclosure forms
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) (i) Not applicable
(ii) Not applicable
2. Not applicable
3. (a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(4) Not applicable
19 June 2018 - NW1619
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) What amount is currently owed by municipalities to Eskom, (b) which municipalities (i) have unpaid accounts and (ii) does Eskom have payment arrangements with and (c) what amount of the debt owed by municipalities is older than three years?
Reply:
(a)
R20 061 454 892 is the total debt owed to Eskom by municipalities as at 31 March 2018. This includes the total overdue debt of R13 569 922 454.
(b)(i)(ii)(iii)
Annexure A provides a list of municipalities with accounts in arrears and indicates municipalities that had payment arrangements with Eskom as at 31 March 2018.
(c)
R455 million.
It is to be noted that this amount in based on the top 20 defaulting municipalities, which make up about 92% of the total arrears amount, as at 31 March 2018.
The risk of prescription is limited due to it being interrupted by a by court order; summons; and /or acknowledgement of debt i.e. payment arrangements.
Table 1 provides details of debt owed by the top 20 defaulting municipalities, as at 31 March 2018.
Table 1: Debt owed by the Top 20 defaulting municipalities
Top 20 defaulting municipalities |
Total Debt (R’M) |
0 to 90 days |
>90 days <= 1yr |
>1yr but <= 2yr |
>2yr but <= 3yr |
>3yrs but <=4 yr |
DIHLABENG MUNICIPALITY |
184.0 |
34.4 |
R 136.2 |
R 13.5 |
|
|
DITSOBOTLA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY (incl. Lichtenburg) |
296.7 |
35.1 |
R 122.5 |
R 139.2 |
|
|
EMALAHLENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY (MP) |
1 661.4 |
228.7 |
R 906.1 |
526.6 |
|
|
EMFULENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
873.2 |
504.8 |
R 368.3 |
|
|
|
GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPALITY |
561.6 |
123.4 |
438.2 |
|
|
|
KAI !GARIB MUNICIPALITY |
129.0 |
20.3 |
56.2 |
52.6 |
|
|
LEKWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
502.3 |
79.9 |
301.3 |
121.1 |
|
|
MALUTI A PHOFUNG MUNICIPALITY |
2 754.8 |
187.0 |
768.7 |
814.2 |
629.3 |
355.6 |
MANTSOPA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
119.4 |
16.4 |
42.3 |
56.8 |
3.9 |
|
MATJHABENG MUNICIPALITY |
1 815.0 |
198.8 |
480.6 |
636.6 |
499.1 |
|
MERAFONG CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
156.0 |
51.8 |
104.2 |
|
|
|
MODIMOLLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
130.8 |
23.6 |
107.2 |
|
|
|
MOOKGOPHONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
118.2 |
11.5 |
52.8 |
53.9 |
|
|
MOQHAKA MUNICIPALITY (incl. Steynsrus) |
230.4 |
74.0 |
156.4 |
|
|
|
NALA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
178.0 |
24.3 |
57.5 |
96.3 |
|
|
NALEDI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY (NW) |
279.2 |
28.8 |
95.7 |
121.2 |
33.5 |
|
NGWATHE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
937.7 |
66.2 |
250.4 |
287.0 |
234.3 |
99.8 |
NKETOANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
171.0 |
23.1 |
52.7 |
73.6 |
21.6 |
|
THABA CHWEU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
444.2 |
50.0 |
134.6 |
179.4 |
80.2 |
|
THABAZIMBI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
217.5 |
12.8 |
61.0 |
95.7 |
48.1 |
|
WALTER SISULU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY |
141.2 |
23.7 |
85.7 |
31.8 |
|
|
GRAND TOTAL |
11901.8 |
1818.7 |
4778.5 |
3299.3 |
1550.0 |
455.3 |
19 June 2018 - NW1260
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
1. By what date will Eskom reinstitute its transparent and accountable power system status reporting which was stopped during the tenure of a certain person (name and details furnished); (2) what is the current level of coal supplied to Eskom by the (a) Arnot, (b) Camden, (c) Hendrina, (d) Komati, (e) Kriel, (f) Majuba and (g) Tutuka mines; (3) whether there is sufficient coal to supply Eskom’s needs for the remainder of the year; if not, what is Eskom’s plan to provide sufficient coal for its power stations?
Reply:
(1)
On 7 June 2018 Eskom launched the weekly system status report. This report, which is hosted on Eskom’s website, gives a weekly view of energy sent out, peak demand, performance of generating units in terms of the energy availability factor (EAF) and an outlook of three months ahead. Eskom’s media statement is attached.
(2)
The current level of coal supplied to the specified power stations is provided in the Table 1 below.
Table 1: Coal supply for April 2018
Power Station |
April 2018 coal supply (kilo tonnes) |
Arnot |
517 |
Camden |
449 |
Hendrina |
358 |
Komati |
184 |
Kriel |
489 |
Majuba |
1086 |
Tutuka |
576 |
(3)
Currently Eskom does not have sufficient coal supply for the remainder of the year.
Eskom is currently negotiating tenders for 100Mt of coal that is required for the next five years. Eskom has issued 9 other RFP’s since 1 April 2017 to procure additional coal for different power stations. Apart from a number of contracts already being concluded and delivery of coal commenced, various other agreements are in different stages of conclusion.
Plans in place to improve coal stockpile levels at the six power stations that are below the minimum stock level include the following:
- Limit production at these critical stations – off peak and weekend units shut down.
- Coal transfers away from destination stations with healthier stock level – monitored and optimized daily.
- Limit performance deviation of the rest of the fleet, including new build.
- Conclude interim coal supply agreements with the Tegeta Business Rescue Practitioners, to enable coal supply to Hendrina Power Station.
18 June 2018 - NW1734
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether Judge (Details furnished) of the Gauteng North High Court is still a serving judge in any capacity; if so, (a) where is the judge serving currently and (b) what are the dates of the judge’s period of service; if not, why not; (2) what is the reason for Judge (Details furnished) retirement; (3) whether Judge (details furnished) retirement had a bearing on illness; if so, (a) what was the nature of the illness, (b) when was the illness diagnosed and (c) when is the illness deemed to have developed; (4) Has he found that Judge (details furnished) illness had an effect on the work and court judgments of the judge; how?
Reply:
1. No, the stated Judge is no longer serving as a Judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.
2. The Judge was discharged from active service in August 2015 in terms of section 3(2)(a) of the Judges’ Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act, 2001 (Act No 47 of 2001) after completing 15 years and having attained the age of 70 on 11 February 2015.
3. The Judge was not well at the time of his retirement but his discharge from active service was due to the attainment of the retirement age of 70 years and completion of 15 years active service as prescribed in section 3 and 4 of the Judges’ Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act, 2001.
The questions relating to (b) and (c) can only be answered by the Judge medical practitioner.
4. In view of the fact that the judicial authority is vested in the courts that are independent, I would suggest that the Honourable Member approach the Chief Justice regarding the work and judgments of the judge.
18 June 2018 - NW1736
Mulder, Dr PW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
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 noncompliant 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 cost attached to the days of service lost as a result of the suspensions in each specified case?
Reply:
1. 146 members of the senior management service (SMS) had declared their interests for the past year (2017/18 financial year) as required by the Public Service Regulations of 2016. Only five (5) out of 151 SMS members appearing on the February 2018 Departmental Persal report did not disclose their financial interests. All five (5) SMS members have either retired, resigned or contract expired. Their names are indicated in the table below:
(i) Rank |
Reason |
Chief Director |
Retirement (31/03/2018) |
Chief Director |
Resigned (31/03/2018) |
Chief Director |
Retirement (31/03/2018) |
Director |
Retirement (30/04/2018) |
Director |
Contract expired (31/03/2018) |
2. The above SMS members have not been charged since they have either retired, resigned or contract expired.
3. None.
4. None.
Office of the Chief Justice
1. All members of the senior management service (SMS) in the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) had declared their interests for the past year as required by the Public Service Regulations.
2. Not applicable, as all members of the senior management service (SMS) complied with the Regulations.
3. None.
4. Not applicable.
18 June 2018 - NW1846
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(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 noncompliant 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 cost attached to the days of service lost as a result of the suspensions in each specified case; (5) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) All SMS members have declared their Financial Interest. In this regard see attached a printout from the Public Service e-Disclosure System confirming submission.
(1) (a) Not applicable.
(1) (b) Not Applicable
(1) (c) (i) Not Applicable
(1) (c) (ii) Not Applicable
(2) Not Applicable.
(3) (a) There are no employees currently on suspension.
(3) (b) Not Applicable.
(4) Not Applicable.
(5) Minister will not be making a statement on the matter.
18 June 2018 - NW1735
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Why is Transnet continuing to sell some of its Sishen-Saldanha line’s operational electric locomotives and apparently to replace them with locomotives from the controversial tender to provide 1 064 locomotives, which is currently being investigated as part of the investigation into state capture; (2) Whether he will consider placing a moratorium on all auctions and sales of assets at Transnet in order to provide the new board with the opportunity of undertaking the necessary investigations; if not, why not; (3) Whether he will make a statement about the matter?
Reply:
This response is according to information received from Transnet:
1. Transnet SOC Ltd (Transnet) has electric locomotives (9E electric) fleet which used to operate on the Ore Line (Sishen-Saldanha). These 9E locomotives were unique to the Sishen-Saldanha line and were not to be used elsewhere in Africa.
The first of these old locomotives arrived in 1978. These locomotives reached the end of life six (6) years ago and the last ten (10) locomotives were eventually staged in 2016 and have not been operating since then, as their components were obsolete and were uneconomical to maintain. Any remaining parts were subsequently sold off.
They were subsequently replaced with 15E locomotives, the first of which arrived in 2010.
(2) This is an operational decision within the powers of Transnet management under the supervision of the Board of Directors. There is also a Significance Materiality Framework which gives guidance and thresholds on such matters.
(3) The Minister is on record that the contract will be investigated. If foul play is established, appropriate action will be taken. To date two forensic reports are available. The new Board of Transnet is discussing these reports and will soon be announcing its plans to act on all those guilty of corruption or any other malpractices.
18 June 2018 - NW1199
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) (a) Did Denel award a scholarship to a certain person namely Supra Oarabile Mahumpelo, (b) by what date was the deadline for the scholarship application and (c) when did the specified person apply; (2) was the institution for which the scholarship awarded an accredited institution for the scholarship, if not, on what basis was a scholarship to the institution given; (3) (a) who approved the scholarship, (b) on what basis and (c)(i) who else applied but did not receive the scholarship and (ii) why were they not given the scholarship?
Reply:
The response is based on information received from Alexkor SOC Limited.
(1) |
(a) |
The position was advertised in the Sunday Times on 26 February 2017. A panel was established comprising of board members to interview the short listed candidates. The preferred candidates were then put through a set of psychometric tests. The process followed was in line with Alexkor’s recruitment and selection process. |
||
(b) |
26 February 2017 |
|||
(c) |
(i) |
The names of the candidates who applied for the position is in the possession of the Department and the members are welcome to request sight of said list. The challenge in publicly disclosing the names is that application for these level positions is done on a confidential basis, and disclose may negatively affect the current employment relationship of the applicants. Besides, the disclosure cannot be done without the candidates giving the Department consent to disclose their names. |
||
(ii) |
As per (1)(c)(i) above. |
|||
(d) |
(i) |
Minimum of 5 years mining experience (diamond or coal mining experience preferable). |
||
(ii) |
At least 5 years senior management experience. |
|||
(iii) |
Executive Management experience. |
|||
(iv) |
Comprehensive knowledge of the PFMA and Treasury Regulations (3 years SOC/SOE experience would be an advantage) |
|||
(v) |
Extensive strategic leadership experience. |
|||
(vi) |
Business rescue or turnaround strategy implementation experience. |
|||
(vii) |
Relevant Mining Qualifications preferable (BSc Mining Engineering or Equivalent). |
|||
(e) |
(i) |
Ms H Matseke |
(Chairperson of the Board of Directors) |
|
(ii) |
Mr T Matona |
(Member of the Board of Directors) |
||
(iii) |
Ms B Makwetla |
(Member of the Board of Directors) |
||
(iv) |
Mr S Danana |
(Member of the Board of Directors) |
||
(v) |
Dr R Paul |
(Advisor to the Board of Directors) |
||
(vi) |
Ms L Mphahlele |
|
||
(f) |
(i) |
Mr Pitsoe has 23 years mining experience, including Diamond or Coal Mining; |
||
(ii) |
9 years senior management experience |
|||
(iii) |
4 years executive management experience |
|||
(iv) |
Extensive strategic leadership experience |
|||
(v) |
He was involved in a turnaround strategy at Hernic Ferrochrome (Pty) Ltd |
|||
(vi) |
He as a BSc Mining Engineering degree |
|||
(2) |
The question was not asked of Mr Pitsoe as it was not relevant to the employment criteria. For the record, Mr Pitsoe was employed as a General Manager at Hernic Ferrochrome (Pty) Ltd, and did not have a direct relationship with the Gupta family. JIC, a Gupta company was as service provider to Hernic which relationship was in place long before Mr Pitsoe joined Hernic, which is owned by Mitsubishi a Japanese conglomerate. |
We will be looking into these matters more closely in the coming months.
18 June 2018 - NW1699
Mulaudzi, Adv TE to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
1. (a) What total amount of land owned by his department and the entities reporting to him in each province is (i) vacant and (ii) unused or has no purpose and (b) what is the (i) location and (ii) size of each specified plot of land; (2) (a) how much of the land owned by his department and the entities reporting to him has been leased out for private use and (b) what is the (i) Rand value of each lease and (ii)(aa) location and (bb) size of each piece of land?
Reply:
1. Neither the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Office of Chief Justice nor related entities such as the National Prosecuting Authority, and Special Investigating Unit own any land. All immovable assets belonging to the State resort under the custodianship of the national Department of Public Works, and is governed by the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007 (Act No 19 of 2007) and the State Land Disposal Act, 1961 (Act No 48 of 1961).
However, I have been informed that Legal Aid South Africa does not own any vacant and unused land but owns seven (7) pieces of land where there are properties that are used as local offices as per my reply to question 988.
2. Falls away.
- The Department of Correctional Services and the entities does not own any land. All the land and buildings that the department and these entities are using belongs to the National Department of Public Works, as the custodian of all state immovable assets.
- (a) (b) (i) and (ii) falls away
18 June 2018 - NW1368
Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Police
What is the (a) total number, (b) rank and (c) salary scale of police officers deployed in each province?
Reply:
(a) to (c) The geographical distribution of the human resource capacity in the provinces, categorised as per members appointed in terms of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act and members appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, is attached. It should be noted that the national human resource capacity, reporting to the National Commissioner's Office, the Deputy National Commissioners' offices and the relevant National Divisional Commissioners/Component Heads, are included in the provincial totals.
Please find her: The salary levels for SAPS Act personnel, are as follows
18 June 2018 - NW19
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)With reference to Transnet’s Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on 26 April 2017, was (a)(i) a certain family and/or (ii) any of their associates and/or (b) a certain company and/or (c) a certain person involved in the RFP at any stage; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) What is the current total value of Transnet’s (a) core and (b) non-core properties; (3) (a) What (i) number of companies responded to the RFP and (ii) are the names of the companies that responded to the RFP, (b)(i) where and (ii) when was the RFP published and (c) for how long?
Reply:
This response is according to information received from Transnet:
(1)(a)(i) To the best of Transnet’s knowledge the family named has not been involved in the RFP,
(1)(a)(ii) To the best of Transnet’s knowledge the families and associates and/or company has not been involved in the RFP.
(1)(c) To the best of Transnet’s knowledge the person has not been involved in the RFP.
(1)(d) To the best of Transnet’s knowledge the companies named did attend the briefing.
(2)(a) The current total value of Transnet’s core properties is R4billion.
(2)(b) The current total value of Transnet’s non-core properties is R30 billion.
(3)(a)(i) seven companies responded.
(3)(a)(ii) The names of the companies that responded are:
1. Tirhani Auctioneers
2. Tholisiwe Consulting
3. Sigpro (Pty) (Ltd)
4. Pamoja Capital
5. LDM Consulting
6. JM Cres
7. Fuel Property Fund Managers (Pty) (Ltd)
(3)(b)(i) The RFP was published on National Treasury e-Tender website.
3)(b)(ii) The RFP was published on 26 April 2017.
(3)(c) The tender closed on 13 June 2017.
18 June 2018 - NW1829
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)Whether (a) his spouse and/or (b) an adult family member accompanied him on any official international trip (i) in each of the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) is the name of the person(s), (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) destination of the trip and (cc) was the (aaa) total cost and (bbb) detailed breakdown of the costs of the accompanying person(s) to his department; (2) whether each of the specified trips were approved by the President in terms of the provisions of Section 1, Annexure A of the Ministerial Handbook; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1988E
Reply:
(a)(b)(i) The Minister of Public Enterprises was not accompanied by the spouse and/or an adult family member during official international trips for the period 2013/14 to 2017/18.
(ii) Since 1 April 2018 the following are the details:
(aa) Minister travelled with his spouse, Mrs Vanitha Gordhan.
(bb)(aaa) Purpose of the trip
The Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Pravin Gordhan received an invitation to attend and participate at the World Bank/ IMF Spring Meetings. The meetings attended by the Minister are as follows:
- Semi-Annual Workshop of the Advisory Finance Group (AFG) on 19 April 2018;
- Annual Havard Ministerial Leadership Forum for Finance Experts at Havard University on 23 April 2018;
- Workshop on The country Challenges of Institutionalized Corruption: Lessons for South Africa, 25-26 April 2018;
- To Strengthen country-to-country relations between South Africa and the United State of America;
- To interact with strategic stakeholders and to explore possible areas of
collaboration between the South African and United States of American companies.
(bb)(bbb) Destination of the trip is United States of America.
(cc)(aaa) Total cost of the trip in respect of the spouse is R132 418.61.
(cc)(bbb) Breakdown of the cost
The cost of R132 418.61 is only for the air ticket and there are no other costs incurred.
(2) The trip was approved by Presidency.
18 June 2018 - NW1270
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) Why does his department have a 20% shareholding in a certain company (West Coast Resources) and (b) what are the names of the persons within (i) his departmental structure or organisation who are holding the specified shares? NW 1370E
Reply:
DPE response
a) In 2007 the then Department of Minerals and Energy which is currently known as the Department of Mineral Resources (“DMR”) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”) with De Beers in connection with the State interest pertaining to lease consideration, claims and other obligations payable to the State in terms of the 1979 lease (“Cullinan Lease”) and the 1990 lease (“Venetia Lease”). The Cullinan Lease and the Venetia Lease collectively will be referred to as “Lease Agreements”.
Prior to the enactment of the Minerals Act of 1991 (“Minerals Act”) and as inferred by the MoA, the State had an uncontested interest and claims which were payable and arising out of the Lease Agreements. However, once the Minerals Act was enacted, De Beers contested the State interest and claims under the Lease Agreements and contended that the State interest and claims were no longer payable.
On the other hand, the State was of the firm view that the coming into effect of the Minerals Act does not extinguish its rights flowing out of the Lease Agreements. In order for DMR and De Beers to settle the above dispute, an MoA was concluded as a full and final settlement of any and all claims that the State may have had against De Beers in terms of the Lease Agreements and as part of the settlement a 20% shareholding in Namaqualand Mines (NM) was allocated to DMR pending transfer to a proposed transaction structure involving Alexkor.
The protracted Richtersveld community land claim against the Department and Alexkor (“Land Claim”) complicated the deal as the resolution of the matter was vital to the proposed transaction structure. The Government took a decision to protect the 20% shareholding in NM pending the resolution of the Land Claim. Eventually, the proposed deal structure failed to materialise and whilst the Government was negotiating a resolution of the Land Claim, De Beers was proceeding with its business rationalisation process.
b) As a result, several steps were taken by De Beers to sell NM which was eventually acquired by Trans Hex and the State maintained its 20% shareholding under the custodianship of the Department of Public Enterprises. The NM operations lay dormant for several years until 2015 when West Coast Resources was formed to exploit the NM asset. The 20% shareholding of the State is warehoused in a Special Purpose Vehicle while the State determines how to leverage its stake.
18 June 2018 - NW1081
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) (a) Did Denel award a scholarship to a certain person namely Supra Oarabile Mahumpelo, (b) by what date was the deadline for the scholarship application and (c) when did the specified person apply; (2) was the institution for which the scholarship awarded an accredited institution for the scholarship, if not, on what basis was a scholarship to the institution given; (3) (a) who approved the scholarship, (b) on what basis and (c)(i) who else applied but did not receive the scholarship and (ii) why were they not given the scholarship?
Reply:
The response is based on information received from Denel SOC Limited.
The Minister of Public Enterprises on 18 April 2018 directed the Board to investigate the awarding of the bursary awarded to the son of the Premier of North-West, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, to check whether the process was conducted in line with Denel policies.
The Board has commissioned the investigation and on its conclusion will take appropriate action against anyone within Denel who has flouted applicable policies. Further action to recover the funds expensed towards the bursary will need to be taken, if it is found that proper procedures were not followed.
On conclusion of the investigation, the Board has undertaken to share its contents with the Minister and at that stage the Minister shall be in a position to answer the questions that the Member has asked.
18 June 2018 - NW1660
Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(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:
DPE response
a) The Special Investigating Unit is currently working with a team comprising the DPCI and State-Owned Companies’ (SOC) Forensic Units to inter alia address current and historical allegations of corruption in the SOCs. Among others, the team is seized with reviewing forensic reports that have been commissioned by the SOCs in order to:
(i) Ascertain the number and status of matters that have been referred to SAPS;
(ii) Ascertain the number and status of matters that have been referred to DPCI.
The efforts are meant to ensure that where prima facie case of corruption exists, the law enforcement agencies move to seize assets that are proceeds of corruption. Furthermore, the work is also meant to establish matters that the Boards and Executive of SOCs failed to refer for criminal investigation by relevant law enforcement agencies and matters that could expeditiously result in the conviction of those implicated in allegations of corruption concerning SOCs.
(aa) The question relates to a period that spans 14 years. Consequently, at the time of responding to the question, the Department had confirmed that one case of corruption and fraud was referred to the SAPS and the related investigation is still underway.
(bb) To date seventy nine forensic reports commissioned by SOCs concerning matters of malfeasance, fraud and corruption have been referred to the SIU for review. The team comprising SIU, Asset Forfeiture Unit and the DPCI is seized with the review of the reports. Furthermore, the SIU is currently conducting work in line with Proclamation No 11 of 2018 that authorizes investigation into allegations of malfeasance, fraud and corruption in Transnet and Eskom. A motivation will be submitted to Denel to address allegations of corruption in Denel.
b) (i)(ii)(iii) The review and reconciliation of records being done independently by the team led by the SIU should assist in ascertaining the completeness and status of all matters that have been referred to law enforcement agencies and convictions if any, which have been registered to date.
All the efforts mentioned above are fully aligned to the commitment made by the President during the State of the Nation Address that this is the year to turn the tide of corruption in public institutions. Therefore, the team led by the SIU should be allowed to continue its work in order to reveal facts behind the questions posed and the information that the SOCs has over the years submitted to the Ministry.