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02 January 2018 - NW3806

Profile picture: Hoosen, Mr MH

Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Mr M Hoosen (DA) ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Does she intend to recover the legal costs incurred by her department from the former Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Hlengiwe Mkhize, given that the court upheld the application?

Reply:

No, because the Court did not order former Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Hlengiwe Mkhize to be personally liable to pay the legal cost

02 January 2018 - NW3683

Profile picture: Mazzone, Ms NW

Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

Whether (a) Transnet and/or (b) Denel SOC Ltd (i) concluded any contracts with and/or (ii) made any payments to certain companies (names furnished) since 1 April 2009; if so, in each case, what are the details of the (aa) contracts conclude and/or payments made, (bb) amounts of each contract and/or payment and (cc) authorizing person(s)?

Reply:

DENEL SOC LIMITED

(a)

Not applicable

(bb)

(i) and (ii)

 

DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTS CONCLUDED and/or

PAYMENTS MADE

(aaa)

AMOUNTS OF EACH CONTRACT and/or PAYMENT

(bbb)

AUTHORISING PERSON(S)

(ccc)

 

Appointment of Regiments Capital as capital raising advisors in 2012

  1. Contract Amount:

R 300 000 000

  1. Capital Raised:

R 290 000 000

  1. Fees Paid:

R 2 900 000

Mr Riaz Saloojee as Group CEO

 

Appointment of Regiments Capital as facilitators of African Trade in 2013

2% would be charged for any acceptable finance or funding solution on Africa transactions. No payments have been made.

Mr Zwelakhe Ntshepe as Group Executive: Business Development

 

Conclusion of a Fund Raising Contract with Regiments in 2015

  1. Contract Amount:

R1 000 000 000

  1. Capital Raised:

R 400 000 000

  1. Fees Paid:

R 4 000 000

Mr Zwelakhe Ntshepe as Acting Group CEO

TRANSNET SOC LIMITED

Reply (with reference to Transnet):

PQ 3683 reference

 

(aa)

(bb)

 

Trillian Capital Partners

Regiments Capital

(1) (a) (i)

Whether we concluded any contracts with?

No

Yes

(1) (a) (ii)

Made any payments to?

Yes

Yes

(aaa)

What are the details of the contracts concluded and/or payments made?

Ceeded Contracts

  • General Freight Business


By way of a letter issued by Regiments to Transnet on 15 March 2106, Regiments authorised Trillian to execute the work and services relating to this contract on its behalf w.e.f. 1 March 2016.

Direct Contracts

  • General Freight Business -
    Contracted Regiments Capital for the Provision of Professional Services to support Transnet SOC Ltd in increasing General Freight Business with a breakthrough to reach planned volumes for financial years 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 for R375 million

    Contract period was from May 2015 to May 2017 but was terminated early in November 2016 by the Board of Directors.

Ceeded Contracts

  • Transaction Advisory Servises

Cession from McKinsey Inc with effect from April- 2014. Cession between McKinsey Inc and Regiments Capital whereby McKinsey handed over all rights, obligations and deliverables over to Regiments, now recognising Regiments as the principal lead for the contract in its entirety.

Subcontractor to a Transnet supplier

  • Regiments was a sub-contractor to Mckinsey and a number of contracts that Transnet had with Mckinsey

PQ 3683 reference

 

(aa)

(bb)

 

Trillian Capital Partners

Regiments Capital

(bbb)

Amounts of each contract and/or payment

R67m

R55984m

(ccc)

Authorising person(s)?

The transactions were approved following the approved Transnet policies and processes and in terms of the Transnet approved Delegation of Authority.

Depending on the Delegation of Authority:

  1. Acquisition Disposal Committee or
  1. Group Chief Executive

 

   

Remarks:

   

Reply: Approved / Not Approved

       

Mr Mogokare Richard Seleke

 

Ms Lynne Brown, MP

   

Director-General

   

Minister of Public Enterprises

Date:

   

Date:

02 January 2018 - NW3795

Profile picture: Figlan, Mr AM

Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What specifically was irregular about the expenditure of R146 million on her department’s security contract?

Reply:

The security contract (DHA07-2014) was held to be irregular because of the following:

1. Non-adherence to the Supply Chain Management (SCM) administrative procedures

  • The tender was advertised for a period shorter (18 days) than the prescribed period without a clear approval to deviate from the SCM policy.
  • Bidders were disqualified for non-submission of bid requirements which are deemed to be administrative in nature e.g. non- submission of a valid tax clearance certificate.
  • There were inconsistencies in the verification of compliance with bid requirements.

2. Bid Evaluation process

  • One of the bid evaluation criteria was a site inspection to determine the adequacy of the infrastructure and resources. However, the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) changed the criterion and evaluated on the bid documents submitted by the bidders.
  • The introduction of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PRISA) requirements which were not communicated to bidders and resulted in the disqualification of some bidders unfairly prejudiced other bidders.
  • The BEC was not consistent during the evaluation specifically on the site inspection in that not all BEC members visited the sites. However, all members scored the bidders on the site visits based on the outcomes of those members who conducted the site visit.
  • The functional evaluation score sheets were apparently discussed and agreed upon contrary to the National Treasury SCM Guide for Accounting Officers that requires individual assessment without discussing any aspect of the bid with any of the other members prior to the award of an individual score.
  • Scoresheets and B-BBEE score were not captured correctly as they differed to what was captured on the BEC report.

3. Bid Adjudication process

  • There is no evidence to substantiate that a quorum of 60% was met before the Bid Adjudication Committee convened to adjudicate the bid.

27 December 2017 - NW1590

Profile picture: Lekota, Mr M

Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(a) What were the circumstances that resulted in the Gupta-owned company allegedly paying for the accommodation of a certain person, (b) what were the reasons surrounding the specified person’s one-day visit to Dubai and (c) what actions does (i) she and (ii) the Board of Eskom intend to take in this matter?

Reply:

(a)

Eskom is not aware of any travels undertaken by Mr Koko at the time of this enquiry as he was on leave at the time. Further, Eskom’s courtesy register does not reflect any courtesies by Mr Koko following his return in the office from leave. We attach Mr Koko’s leave and delegation of authority for this period.

The disciplinary hearing against Mr Koko will be completed in due course and Eskom will be better positioned to provide a response to the question in Jan 2018.

(b)

See (a) above.

(c)(i)

As the Minister, I do not have oversight of the Executive Managers of the State Owned Companies (SOCs). The Board and Chief Executive are entrusted, through the SOC Delegation of Authority (DOA) Framework, to exercise oversight and supervision of the Executive Managers. I await the feedback into the investigation mentioned to the response in part (a) of this question.

(c)(ii)

See (a) above

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Mr. Mogokare Richard Seleke Ms. Lynne Brown, MP

Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

27 December 2017 - NW3859

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Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

With reference to the four work streams of Operation Phakisa: Waste Economy, how will her department package (a) waste and (b) e-waste differently from the way it is currently packaged?

Reply:

(a) One of the work streams within Operation Phakisa was the Hazardous Waste. One initiative from this work stream related to ash waste. The officials have developed draft regulations for the exclusion of waste or portions of waste from the definition of waste. These proposed regulations will provide for the beneficiation of certain waste streams whilst not having to adhere to the relevant waste legislation (licence requirements). This is after a rigorous process has been followed to obtain the exclusion which includes various risk assessments and waste classification. The waste streams initially include boiler ash, metalurgical slag, biomass and gypsum. These regulations will be published for public comments in due course.

The following twenty (20) initiatives developed within the 4 work streams, aim to maximise diversion of waste from landfill sites and also increase South Africa’s competitiveness in the chemicals industry and create a positive enabling business environment for Small Medium Micro Enterprises to foster inclusive growth. These include amongst others:

Industrial work stream

Initiative 1 - Increase ash uptake for alternate building materials

Initiative 2 - Accelerate innovation and commercialize existing Research & Development (R&D)

Initiative 2a - Use ash as soil ameliorant; and

Initiative 2b - Use ash to treat acid mine drainage and backfill mines.

Initiative 3 - Export ash and ash products.

Initiative 4 - Zero sewage sludge to landfill.

Initiative 4a - Anaerobic Digester Biogas to Energy; and

Initiative 4b - Fluidised Bed Reactor Thermal Treatment.

Initiative 5 - Towards zero meat production waste to landfill by 2023.

Municipal Solid Waste work stream

Initiative 6 - Introduction of an e-waste levy to increase collection rate

Initiative 7 - Unlocking government Information Communication Technology legacy volumes

Initiative 8 - Achieving a minimum of 50% of households separating at source by 2023

Initiative 9 - Introduction of materials recovery facilities and pelletisation plants to increase plastic recycling rates

Initiative 10 - Produce building aggregates and construction inputs from rubble and glass.

Waste Minimisation and Product Design

Initiative 11 - Developing capacity through a specialised programme which upskills agri-stakeholders to minimize food loss

Initiative 12 - Consumer awareness campaign to use and consume ugly food

Initiative 13 - Compilation/update of packaging design guidelines

Initiative 14 - Formalising the packaging industry producer responsibility plans

Initiative 15 - Establish refuse-derived fuel plants across South Africa.

Chemicals work stream

Initiative 16 - Establish a refrigerant reclamation and reusable cylinder industry;

Initiative 17 - Ban import of harmful chemicals (e.g. leaded paint/paint pigments);

Initiative 18 - Collect and dispose of stockpiles of harmful substances

Initiative 18a Mercury; and

Initiative 18b Asbestos

Cross-cutting initiatives

Initiative 19 - Coordinate SMME development opportunities across initiatives

Initiative 20 - Roll out national awareness campaigns

Technical support, in the form of technical skills development, is integrated into initiatives’ 3 feet plans as relevant.

(b) Post Operation Phakisa Chemicals and Waste Economy, on 6 December 2017 I have published a final section 28 Notice calling on the Electrical and Electronic industry to develop an Industry Waste Management Plan and submit to me for approval. It is anticipated that this Notice will increase the collection and recycling rates of ewaste and result in the diversion of waste away from landfilling to reuse, recycling and recovery, e-waste is part of initiatives 6 and 7.

---ooOoo---

27 December 2017 - NW3931

Profile picture: Dlamini, Mr MM

Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) Whether the Government or Denel engaged with any (a) countries and/or (b) companies regarding selling stakes in Denel; if so, (i) who was engaged and (ii) on what dates were they engaged in each case; (2) whether the Government intends to sell its stakes in Denel; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)

(a)

Denel has an order book with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar for possible future business prospects.

 

(b)

Denel has not engaged with any companies regarding selling stakes in Denel.

   

(i)

Not applicable

   

(ii)

Not applicable

(2)

The Government has no plans at this stage to dispose of any equity stake in Denel. However, in reviewing and optimizing Denel’s capital structure, such a decision cannot be ruled out.

 

 

 

Remarks:

   

Reply: Approved / Not Approved

       

Mr Mogokare Richard Seleke

 

Ms Lynne Brown, MP

   

Director-General

   

Minister of Public Enterprises

Date:

   

Date:

27 December 2017 - NW3569

Profile picture: Kopane, Ms SP

Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(a) What is the total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid by (i) her Department and (ii) each entity reporting to her for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days; and (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case?

Reply:

i) DEPARTMENT

(aa) > 30 days

(bb) >60 days

(cc) > 90 days

(dd) 120 days

a) Total number of invoices

0

0

0

0

b) Total amount

R0.00

R0.00

R0.00

R0.00

ii) SAWS

(aa) > 30 days

(bb) >60 days

(cc) > 90 days

(dd) 120 days

a) Total number of invoices

1

1

1

2

b) Total amount

R247

R500

R870

R171,526

Invoices >120 days

Two invoices totalling R171 526 are over 120 days and SAWS has requested credit notes from the service providers to write off the invoices or either the supplier should provide proof that work was performed. We are still awaiting response from the suppliers and the credit status will be updated in January 2018.

Invoices > 90 days

Only one invoice is outstanding over 90 days which amounts to R870 and is being queried with the supplier and SAWS is awaiting feedback. The status of this invoice will be updated in January 2018 upon receipt of the response from the supplier.

Invoices > 60 days

Only one invoice is outstanding over 60 days which amounts to R500 and is being queried with the supplier and SAWS is awaiting feedback. The status of this invoice will be updated in January 2018 upon receipt of the response from the supplier.

Invoices > 30 days

Only one invoice is outstanding over 30 days which amounts to R247 and is being queried with the supplier and SAWS is awaiting feedback. The status of this invoice will be updated in January 2018 upon receipt of the response from the supplier.

ii) SANPARKS

(aa) > 30 days

(bb) >60 days

(cc) > 90 days

(dd) 120 days

a) Total number of invoices

0

12

4

200

b) Total amount

R0.00

R 245, 941

R 3, 908

R 333, 261

Invoices >120 days

The reported amounts on 120 days plus are due to disputes (168 invoices) with certain suppliers and legal processes are conducted. A number of invoices relate to e-toll charges (16) where the supplier cannot provide information for SANParks to enable payment. Other oustanding amounts (16) are due to incorrect banking details and correct information have not been received from the service provider yet.

Invoices >90 days

The 4 invoices for 90 days are due to 2 from e-toll and 2 where the correct banking details are awaited.

Invoices > 60 days

The 12 invoices for 60 days are due to 5 where correct banking details are awaited, 2 are for e-toll and the other 5 will be paid by with the next payment run.

ii) ISIMANGALISO

(aa) > 30 days

(bb) >60 days

(cc) > 90 days

(dd) 120 days

a) Total number of invoices

0

0

0

0

b) Total amount

R0.00

R0.00

R0.00

R0.00

ii) SANBI

(aa) > 30 days

(bb) >60 days

(cc) > 90 days

(dd) 120 days

a) Total number of invoices

0

0

0

0

b) Total amount

R0.00

R0.00

R0.00

R0.00

The total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid by SANBI within 30 days are 218 as at 07 November 2017. The total amount outstanding is R1 482 045.

---ooOoo---

22 December 2017 - NW3485

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Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

What is the total (a) number and (b) monetary value of e-commerce transactions that took place in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16 and (v) 2016-17 financial years?

Reply:

a) None

b) None

Approved/ not approved

Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP

Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

Date:

22 December 2017 - NW3712

Profile picture: Bara, Mr M R

Bara, Mr M R to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether she has taken measures to ensure that consequence management steps are taken against the officials who have been found guilty of flouting supply chain management processes as recommended by the Auditor-General in the audit of her department’s 2016-17 annual financial statements if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

Yes. I have instructed the Director-General to undertake investigations on matters raised by the Auditor-General. Where officials are found to have contravened supply chain management processes, they will be held accountable through disciplinary hearing process. The disciplinary process will determine appropriate sanctions where official/s are found guilty of flounting supply chain management processes.

Unquote

22 December 2017 - NW3908

Profile picture: Figg, Mr MJ

Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Works

(1) Does his department have a bank overdraft; if so, what is the (a) reason for the overdraft and (b) amount of the overdraft; (2) has the overdraft increased in the 2016-17 financial year; if so, what are the reasons for the increase?

Reply:

1. The Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) had a bank overdraft, whereas the Main Account had a favourable bank balance at end of October 2017.

(1)(a) The reason for the PMTE overdraft is mainly due to its operating model. The entity spends on leasehold, construction projects and municipal services and subsequently recovers amounts from client departments. On average, the entity spends R800 million per month which is then recovered over 90 days. This time lag in recovering the amounts due has an impact of approximately R2.4 billion which is slightly off-set by the augmentation received; that is received quarterly in advance.

Outstanding debtors’ balances at the end of October amounted to R4.4 billion of which R1.4 billion relates to the previous financial year which is 99% of the bank overdraft.

(1)(b) The amount of the PMTE overdraft was R1.4 billion, whereas, the Main Account had a favorable balance of R 105 million at the end of October 2017;

2. The PMTE’s overdraft increased in the 2016/17 financial year to R1.9 billion from the previous year (R1.4 billion - 31 March 2016), as well as the Main Account which increased to R753 million from the previous year (R649 million - 31 March 2016). However, as at 31 October 2017, the PMTE’s overdraft has decreased to R1.4 billion and the main account had a favourable bank balance of R105 million.

The main reason for the increase in the bank overdraft of the PMTE for the 2016/17 financial year was payment of backlog rates to municipalities that had not been recovered from client departments. The reason for the decrease as at 31 October 2017 was as a result of the transfer of funds (augmentation) received for the third quarter.

The main reason for the increase in the bank overdraft for the main account was due to an outstanding payment from the PMTE to the DPW which was not cleared at 31 March 2017. The reason for the favourable balance as at 31 October 2017 was due to the voted funds received for the third quarter.

22 December 2017 - NW3006

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Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

1. What is the (a) total amount that was paid out in bonuses to the employees in her Department and (b) detailed breakdown of the bonus that was paid to each employee in each salary level in the 2016/2017 Financial year? 2. What is the (a) total estimated amount that .will be paid out in bonuses to employees in her Department and the (b) detailed breakdown of the bonus that will be paid out to each employee in each salary level in the 2017 /2018 financial year? NW3325E

Reply:

1.
(a) The total amount to be paid out in bonuses to employees is not yet determined.
(b) The detailed breakdown of the bonus will be made only after they have been determined.
2. 
(a) The total amount that will be paid out in bonuses to employees in the 2017/2018 financial year will be determined during the 2018/2019 financial year.
(b) The detailed breakdown of the bonus is not yet determined but will be considered by 2018/2019 financial year.


Unquote

21 December 2017 - NW3810

Profile picture: Maimane, Mr MA

Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

With reference to the reply of the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob G Zuma, to question 3262 on 10 November 2017, what was the (a) total cost and (b) detailed breakdown of the costs of logistical arrangements of the 10 international trips that the President undertook during the period 6 April 2016 to 10 February 2017, as indicated in the Presidency’s 2016-17 Annual Report? The proposed answer to the questions is contained in the annexure and it is recommended that the attached draft reply be approved.

Reply:

The Question is not specific as to which 10 trips are being referred to as the President undertook more than 10 international trips during the period in question

UNQUOTE

21 December 2017 - NW3234

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Maynier, Mr D to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

(1) Whether she was consulted by the Minister of Finance, Mr K M Gigaba, in line with the provisions of the Ministerial Handbook on the organizational structure of his private office; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date she provide guidance to him and (b) what are the details of the guidance provided; (2) Whether the organizational structure of the office of the Minister of Finance complies with the relevant public service regulations as they are set out in the Ministerial Handbook; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1.(a) and (b) There was consultation about the organizational structure.

2. Should there be anything contrary to the information referred in paragraph 1 above, report will be issued regarding compliance audit.

20 December 2017 - NW3303

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Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of State Security

1. Whether the (a) chief executive officer and (b) chief financial officer of entities reporting to him are employed on a permanent basis; if not, 2. Whether the specified officers are employed on a fixed term contract; if so, (a) what are the names of each of the officers and (b) when (i) was each officer employed and (ii) will each officer’s contract end?

Reply:

The employment details relating to members of the State Security Agency (SSA) would entail information that forms part of the broader operational strategy of the SSA and therefore remains classified and privileged. It should however be observed that the SSA is held accountable on such matters by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI).

19 December 2017 - NW3167

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Mathys, Ms L to ask the Minister of Public Works

(1) What are the details including the ranks of service providers and/or contractors from which (a) his department and (b) the entities reporting to him procured services in the past five years; (2) what (a) service was provided by each service provider and/or contractor and (b) amount was each service provider and/or contractor paid; (3) (a) how many of these service providers are black-owned entities, (b) what contract was each of the black-owned service providers awarded and (c) how much was each black-owned service provider paid?

Reply:

In respect to the Department:

1a) what are the details including the ranks of service providers and/or contractors from which (a) his department procured services in the past five years.

The SCM Prescripts applied during the period 01 April 2012 till 31 March 2017 did not allow for awards to be made in accordance with Suppliers / Contractors’ ownership status. Only the B-BBEE Status Level of Contributor was utilised to allocate points. During that period, there were no reporting requirements for Government Departments to provide statistics / analysis of awards based on ownership status. As such, the historic data for the last five years lacked the details of whether the awarded suppliers / contractors where black-owned or not.

In order to structure the information in a way as to respond to the question, it necessitated a manual screening process to be followed using the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD). The CSD came into operation on 01 April 2016. It is worth noting that the CSD data is limited to inputs captured by the Suppliers when they self-registered therein. Information pertaining to suppliers who were awarded contracts in the last five years but have not to date registered on CSD will not reflect ownership status. There is a limitation in that regard.

The details including ranks (B-BBEE Levels) of service providers and/or contractors from which the Department procured services in the past five years is attached as Annexure A1. This Annexure reflects 5 481 infrastructure projects that were awarded. The details of each transaction were extracted from the Department’s projects Works Control System (WCS). Information pertaining to general goods and services has been attached as Annexure A2. The Annexures provide comprehensive information that addresses questions below.

1b) what are the details including the ranks of service providers and/or contractors from which the entities reporting to him procured services in the past five years.

See Annexures A1 and A2

2a) what service was provided by each service provider and/or contractor?

See Annexures A1 and A2

2b) what amount was each service provider and/or contractor paid?

See Annexures A1 and A2

3a) how many of these service providers are black-owned entities?

See Annexures A1 and A2

3b) what contract was each of the black-owned service providers awarded

See Annexures A1 and A2

3c) how much was each black-owned service provider paid?

See Annexures A1 and A2

(b) DEPARTMENTAL ENTITIES:

Agrement South Africa (ASA)

 

1(b) 2 (a), 3 (a) (b) (c)

Not applicable

In respect of Agrément South Africa for the past five years the entity has been procuring under the CSIR as a division. Therefore the information is reported under the CSIR and not Agrément South Africa. For the current 2017/2018 period going forward, this information will be collated and will be available after audit.

Independent Development Trust (IDT), Council for the Built Environment and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)

1(b) 2 (a), 3 (a) (b) (c)

The detailed information is attached as Annexure B for Independent Development Trust (IDT), Annexure C for Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and Annexure D for Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)

19 December 2017 - NW3836

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Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

With regard to the 179 military veterans and/or parents of dependents who received general advice on business support development in the 2016-17 financial year, what (a) is the military formation that each was part of, (b) are the details of the general advice given, (c) are the details of service providers who conducted the advice on business support development, (d) are the details of the venues, including (i) town, (ii) province and (iii) number of military veterans in each venue and (e) is the total cost incurred for the service?

Reply:

Refer to the attached documents.

19 December 2017 - NW3738

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Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Wether (a) her department or any entities reporting to it, procured services from Travel With Flair (Pty) Ltd? If yes (b) in each instance what was procured? (c) in each instance how much was Travel With Flair paid? 2. In cases where they provided services related to international tavel, (a) who travelled, (b) what was the travel route, and (c) how much was Travel With Flair paid? NW4230E

Reply:

1. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not procured services from Travel With Flair (Pty) Ltd.

2. The Department has not procured services related to international travel from the service provider in question.

(a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

c) Not applicable

UNQUOTE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NONE

19 December 2017 - NW3463

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Tlhaole, Mr L S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)How many officials and/or employees in her department were granted permission to have businesses and/or do business dealings in the past three financial years; (2) are any of the officials and/or employees that have permission to have businesses and/or do business dealings doing business with the Government; if so, (a) what was the purpose of each business transaction, (b) when did each business transaction occur and (c) what was the value of each business transaction?

Reply:

Regulation 13 (c) of the Public Service Regulations of 2016 prohibits employees of departments from doing business with the State from 1 August 2016. The transitional provisions of the regulations require that the following actions must be taken by 1 February 2017 in relation to those contracts that were awarded before 1 August 2017:

An employee shall:

  • cease conducting business with the organ of the state;
  • resign as an employee; or
  • resign as a director of a company that conducts business with an organ of state or resign as an employee;

Furthermore, section 30(1) of the Public Service Act of 1994 states “No employee shall perform or engage himself or herself to perform remunerative work outside his or her employment in the relevant department, except with the written permission of the executive authority of the department.”

A total number of 34 employees of the Department of Defence have been recorded as doing business with the Department on contracts secured after 1 August 2016 involving a total of 46 contracts/quotations to a total value of R4 349 466. These findings amount to a contravention of the Public Service Code of Conduct and are being investigated. There were no ongoing contracts awarded before 1 August 2016 where no action was taken to dispose of the interest.

The Department of Military Veterans reports that in the 2016-17 financial year, as per the Department’s records and also confirmed with AGSA, there was a finding made by AGSA, during 2016/17 audit process, where an official of the DMV was detected to be doing business with North West: Edu & Sports Development. This is contravening Regulation 13 (c) of the Public Service Regulations of 2016 and the matter is receiving attention.

 

19 December 2017 - NW2845

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Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

“Have the eight irregularities in the procurement process of her department been investigated: if so, what is the outcome; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date will the eight irregularities be investigated?”

Reply:

Quote:

1. The investigation has commenced and is ongoing.

a) Not applicable

b) It is anticipated that the investigation will be concluded by end of Febraury.

Unquote:

19 December 2017 - NW3964

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Gqada, Ms T to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

(1) Whether any of the Deputy Ministers of her department accompanied the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob G Zuma, to meet the President of the Russian Federation, Mr Vladimir Putin, in August 2014 in Novo-Ogariovo; if so, (a) was nuclear energy discussed at the meeting and (b) was the meeting related to the intergovernmental agreement with Russia that was signed a month later? NW4510E

Reply:

1. Yes. Deputy Minister Mfeketo.

a) No, the nuclear energy issue was not discussed.

b) According to the official statement that was issued by the Presidency following the meeting, no reference was made to a specific intergovernmental agreement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please see the attached official statement on the bilateral meeting issued by the Presidency following the said meeting of the Presidents.

UNQUOTE

Both Presidents committed themselves to working together and with each in strengthening bilateral relations of both countries and further cementing the existing warm relations between the two countries for the economic and social development of their peoples.

Enquiries: Mac Maharaj on 079 879 3203 or [email protected]

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Statement on the Bilateral Meeting between President Zuma and President Putin, at the Novo-Ogarevo Presidential Residence, Moscow, Russia

28 August 2014

The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Zuma met with his counterpart the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr Vladimir Putin, in a bilateral meeting at Novo-Ogarevo Presidential Residence just outside Moscow in Russia. 

The two presidents deliberated around a host of issues that affect the two countries, and discussed how they could further strengthen and consolidate the good bilateral relations that exist between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the existing bilateral agreements and mutual cooperation. 

President Putin welcomed the visit by President Zuma to Russia, and praised the good bilateral relations and cooperation that exist between South Africa and Russia. He further encouraged both countries to work together in implementing the decisions that were taken last year during the state visit of South Africa to Russia. He emphasized the need for Russian and South African Ministers to work together in taking forward the bilateral agreements.

President Putin further commended the work that has been done by the joint Russia-South Africa Business Council which saw a rise in trade between South Africa and Russia which grew by 13 percent in 2013 which represents a significant growth in trade between the two countries. He commended this growth saying that investment from Russia to South Africa now stands at over a billion US dollars a year. 

President Putin reaffirmed his commitment and that of his country to work together with South Africa on a number of issues that face the globe including participation in peace-making and peace-keeping efforts spearheaded by South Africa in the continent. He briefed President Zuma on the situation in the Ukraine and underlined his commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. 

The Russian President further sought the assistance and support of South Africa when Russia takes over the leadership of BRICS next year. He further appealed for the strengthening of tourism, cultural exchanges and people to people relationships between our two countries and committed his country to further working with South Africa on educational exchanges. 

The two Presidents also discussed issues around the developments in the Middle East, in particular around the resolution of the Israeli-Palestine conflict through peaceful means. Both countries committed themselves to finding a lasting peaceful solution. President Zuma, also apprised President Putin around the role of South Africa and its work around this matter through sending its two special envoys. The security situation of the African continent was also discussed and assistance sought on peaceful missions that South Africa is involved in, including request for support of the African Capacity to Respond to Immediate Crisis (ACIRIC) process. 

President Zuma, also apprised President Putin around the developments in South Africa which has recently came out of elections with a clear mandate from the population of implementing programmes of job creation, eradicating poverty, unemployment and inequality, he sought support from Russia on the implementation of the new government’s priorities around the delivery of basic services like water, sanitation, energy, education, agriculture and tourism. 

President Zuma also raised the matter of the repatriation of South African fallen heroes who are buried in Russia, including Ivor David Jones, J.B. Marks and Moses Kotane. He thanked the government of Russia for taking care of the heroes who are buried in Moscow and he indicated that there are discussions and arrangements that are ongoing between Russia and South Africa about how the repatriation process should be handled.  

19 December 2017 - NW3690

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

What are the financial implications of the delay in completing the refurbishment of (a) 2 Military Hospital from 29 January 2017 to 30 June 2018 and (b) 1 Military Hospital indefinitely?

Reply:

(a) The is no financial implications of the delay in completing the refurbishment of 2 Military Hospital.

(b) The financial implications of the delay in completing the refurbishment of 1 Military Hospital amounts to R 103 504 181 from 01 April 2017 to 31 October 2017 and projected to R 165 606 690 for FY 2017/2018.

 

 

19 December 2017 - NW3911

Profile picture: Ryder, Mr D

Ryder, Mr D to ask the Minister of Public Works

With reference to the Expanded Public Works Programme, (a) what is the definition of a work opportunity and (b) what number of hours must an individual work to qualify for a work opportunity?

Reply:

a) A work opportunity is defined as “paid work for an individual working on an EPWP project for any period of time”. The same person can be employed on different projects and each period of employment is counted as a work opportunity.

b) As per the EPWP Ministerial Determination 4 of 2012, eight (8) hours of work constitute a work day. A training day is constituted by seven (7) hours of training. Any of these two is counted as a person day, a total of which make up a work opportunity.

19 December 2017 - NW3611

Profile picture: Mkhaliphi, Ms HO

Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her own land; if so, in each case, (i) where is each plot of land located, (ii) what is the size of each specified plot and (iii) what is each plot currently being used for?

Reply:

Re (a)(i), (ii) and (iii) above: The Department owns the land in the following countries:

Country

Location

Size

Current

Utilisation

New Delhi, India

Plot no 28A, Chanakyapuri

3321 sq/m

Vacant land

Juba, South Sudan

Plot 6 Block AXV(2), Juba

11000 sq/m

Vacant land

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Plot 29 D, Diplomatic Quarter

6298 sq/m

Vacant land

Kigali, Rwanda

Erf 841, 2530 Boulevard de L’Umuganda, Kacyiru Sud, District of Gasabo

6724 sq/m

Vacant land

Dakar, Senegal

Lot 09, Roosevelt Prolongee, Rue Sandiniery,

1700 sq/m

Vacant land

Bamako, Mali

Plot 2289, 2288, 2290, Du Lotissement de ACI2000 Hamdallaye, Mamdallaye

10920 sq/m

Vacant land

Mbabane, Swaziland

Plot 551, 553, 554, Lukhalo Road, Dalraichbane

8812 sq/m

Vacant land

Mbabane, Swaziland

Plot 96, Corner Luvivane Street and Pine Valley Drive, Dalraich

1 0192 sq/m

Vacant land

Mbabane, Swaziland

Plot 89, Libhubezi Street, Dalraich

4444 sq/m

Vacant land

Mbabane, Swaziland

Plot 196, Corner of Smhlolo and Karl Grant Street, CBD

2290 sq/m

Vacant land

Montevideo, Uruguay

Plot 415 860, 1919 Lieja, Carrasco

2394 sq/m

Vacant land

Gaborone, Botswana

Plot 5373, Extension 11, President’s Way

4496 sqm

Vacant land

Blantyre, Malawi

Plot LK 121, Chiuta Road, Namiwawa

1 030 Acres

Unoccupied property

Blantyre, Malawi

Plot LK122, Chiuta Road, Namiwawa

0.9989 Acres

Unoccupied property

Walvis Bay, Namibia

30, 9th Street West

906 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Walvis Bay, Namibia

16, 6th Road West, Meersig

1007 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Walvis Bay, Namibia

31m 2nd Street North, Meersig

1000 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Walvis Bay, Namibia

54, 1 Street North, Meersig

1000 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Windhoek, Namibia

75 Richter Street, Pioniers Park

1125 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Windhoek, Namibia

13 Charles Winslow Street, Olympia

1150 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Windhoek, Namibia

58 Malcom Spencer Street, (20 Danie Joubert Street), Olympia

1404 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Windhoek, Namibia

87 Bulow Street (Van Rhyn) (Dr Frans Indongo Street) Windhoek Central

1333 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Windhoek, Namibia

29 Regionald Walker Street, Olympia (29 Jason Hamutenya Ndadi Street)

1337 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Banjul,

The Gambia

AU House No 101, Brufut Gardens, Kombo North District, Western Division

478.80 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Paris, France

Lock up garage, No B 67, Fraction No 93, 17,19,21 and 23 Rue de Chaillot, Basement 2, Cedex

 

Parking Bay

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Edificia St Andrews, Rigati, N2, 22nd Floor, Apartment 221, Block A, Santo Amaro

641 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Bonn, Germany

Rudiger Street, 22-24, 53179, Bonn-Mehlem,

4876 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Bonn, Germany

Auf de Hostert 3, 53173, Bonn-Plittersdorf

4767 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Brasilia, Brazil

Apartment 303, Leme Building, Setor de Habitacoes Coletivas Sul, Super Quandra 113, Building C, Asa Sul

145.55 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Brasilia, Brazil

Lot 2 of 4 01/08 of SHI Sul, Setor Habitacuional Individual Sul, QL-08 Conjunto 02, Lago Sul

1312.50 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Zurich, Switzerland

Langwisstrasse 17, Zumikon

2602 sq/m

Unoccupied property

Funchal, Portugal

Sitio dos Porinais, Camino do Pico, Sao Martinho

492 sq/m

Unoccupied property

 

UNQUOTE

18 December 2017 - NW3709

Profile picture: Kalyan, Ms SV

Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether any disciplinary steps have been taken against her department’s Chief Information Officer; if not, why not; if so (a) why were the steps taken; (b) what are the details of the steps that have been taken and (c) what were the findings and sentence imposed?

Reply:

1. The investigation has been concluded and subsequent steps are being considered by the Department.

a) Subsequent steps are being considered.

b) No steps have yet to be taken;

c) Findings and sanctions will depend on the steps outlined in (a) and (b).

UNQUOTE:

18 December 2017 - NW3974

Profile picture: Waters, Mr M

Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether any software and/or hardware for the Independent Electoral Commission has been bought from any company registered in the Russian Federation; if so, what (a) is the purpose of the software and/or hardware and (b) is the cost in each case?

Reply:

The Electoral Commission responded as follows:

No.

a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

18 December 2017 - NW3594

Profile picture: Motau, Mr SC

Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) What is the total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid by (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days and (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case?

Reply:

(a)(i) My Department has currently a total of five (5) disputed unpaid invoices for more than 60 days at R 64 604.12; a total of two (2) disputed unpaid invoices for more than 90 days at R 883 101 646.14; and a total of 29 disputed unpaid invoices for more than 120 days at R 85 226 308.47.

It should be noted that there are various reasons for disputed invoices as follows:

  • Discrepancies with regards to the actual invoices;
  • Contractual arrangements;
  • Discrepancies regarding supplier details;
  • Discrepancies regarding banking details;
  • Work done not supported by a certified engineer; and
  • Unverifiable work.

(a)(ii) Refer to the table below for the total number of supplier invoices that are currently unpaid by my Entities:

 

Total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid

Total amount outstanding in each case

(aa)Total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid more than 30 days

720

R 116 677 218.85

(bb)Total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid more than 60 days

933

R 47 366 803.03

(cc)Total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid more than 90 days

571

R 170 050 648.10

(dd) Total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid more than 120 days

128

R 125 015 841.38

TOTAL AMOUNT

2352

R 459 110 511.36

---00O00---

18 December 2017 - NW3575

Profile picture: Lotriet, Prof  A

Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

(a) What is the total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid by (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days and (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case?

Reply:

i) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has 223 invoices that were not paid within 30 days. The bulk of unpaid invoices relate to unresolved contractual obligations that needed to be finalised before the payment is processed. The negotiations in ralations to unpaid invoices has been concluded and payments will be released before the end of the third quarter.

ii) An entity of the department African Rennaisance Fund (ARF) does not have any invoices older than 30 days.

(aa) 99 unpaid invoices for more than 30 days

(bb) 88 unpaid invoices for more than 60 days

(cc) 39 unpaid invoices for more than 90 days

(dd) 7 unpaid invoices for more than 120 days

b) Total amount outstanding per age analysis.

No. of days

30 days

60 days

90 days

120+ days

Totals

No. of outstanding invoices

99

88

39

7

223

Total amount

22 ,833,717.80

11,460,999. 09

9,875,567.16

544, 882.13

44, 715, 166.18

Refer to the attached annexure.

UNQUOTE

18 December 2017 - NW3794

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Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(a) Why has the reliability of the information regarding the verification of the performance on the outreach programmes of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) remained a challenge for several years and (b) what plans are in place to realistically address the specified issue given the complexity of the IEC’s operations?

Reply:

The Electoral Commission responded as follows:

(a) The Electoral Commission’s Outreach Programme has received a qualified audit from the Auditor General of South Africa for 3 consecutive financial years: 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. The common reason for qualification in all three instances has been the reliability of information regarding the verification on Outreach Targets. The source of this has largely centred on the verification of performance against the target for Civic & Democracy Education (CDE) Events. “Events” in this instance refer to an activity with an educational objective targeting a specific audience of least 20 people as defined year on year in the Technical Indicator Descriptions that accompany the Annual Performance Plan. This is one target out of several that measures the performance of the Outreach Programme.

An event has to be supported by auditable evidence to demonstrate the minimum number of attendees per event and – for purposes of usefulness – educational substance.

The system on which CDE events are captured is known as the Outreach Management System (OMS). Before its advent, events were captured on Excel Spreadsheets and supporting evidence stored manually. This was labour-intensive, cumbersome and an inefficient way of collecting and collating management data. Thus the OMS was designed to – amongst other things:

  • Avail management information and statistical data;
  • Monitor performance indicators and targets at various levels of the organisation; and
  • Facilitate quality and risk assurance;

The OMS came into use in April 2015. All the performance data for CDE events for the 2015-2016 financial year audits was stored in, generated by, and drawn from the OMS.

Reliability has been a challenge due to the following factors:

    1. From the outset, there were repeated shortcomings in the capturing and uploading of auditable evidence;
    2. Most events take place in provincial and local offices of the Electoral Commission. During non-election years the responsibility for capturing the events and the supporting documentation on the OMS falls on Electoral Project Coordinators (EPCs). During election years, added contract capacity takes on this responsibility. The events and the supporting documentation are supposed to be reviewed and approved by Regional Supervisors. Provincial staff has supervisory duties to ensure this happens. This scheme has proved fraught and has resulted in events not being captured on time and those that are captured being approved without the requisite supporting documents. In turn has resulted in three consecutive qualifications;
    3. Poor quality of auditable data was in evidence. Audit findings showed that incorrect evidence was uploaded, or that the educational substance could not be determined rendering the target inadequate for purposes of usefulness; and
    4. Inadequate and ineffective internal controls to ensure proper record keeping in a timely manner which in turn compromised completeness, relevance and accuracy of the information captured.

b) The remedial measures that have been taken include:

  1. Revision of the Technical Indicator Description that makes it compulsory to upload both a register with a minimum of 20 attendees and evidence of educational substance;
  2. National Office monthly quality assurance which is effected before an event is approved and thus recorded on the OMS;
  3. Enhancement of the OMS to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls such as segregation of approval duties; and
  4. Improved communication throughout the value chain and re-training of end-users.

18 December 2017 - NW3711

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Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether any steps has been taken to ensure that officials adhere to (a) supply chain management and (b) procurement processes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has taken the following steps to ensure officials adhere to

a) supply chain management;

 i) Revised the Supply Chain Management Framework alignment with the various National Treasury SCM Instructions.

 (ii) Developed Financial Misconduct Policy and Procedure.

 (iii) Revised the Financial Delegation of Authorities consistent with the National Treasury approved threshold.

 (iv) Established an Internal Control Unit to monitor compliance and further enhance effectiveness of the internal controls.

b) procurement process;

  1. Established three bid committee to facilitate procurements for threshold of above R500 000.
  2. Centralised procurement of above R30 000 but not exceeding R500 000 to leverage on economics of scale.
  3. Trained all supply chain practitioners, both at Head Office and missions abroad.
  4. Trained all end-user officials involved with procurement of goods and services.
  5. Signed a declaration of interest, including the code of conduct as well as Financial Misconduct Policy.

Unquote.

18 December 2017 - NW3994

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Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

(1)   Whether the former President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr Robert Mugabe, has submitted an application for political asylum and/or refugee status in South Africa; if so, what are the relevant details; 2) What is the official position with regard to granting political asylum and/or refugee status to former political leaders once ousted; (3) What are the details of the roles that (a) South Africa and (b) the Southern African Development Community will play in the transition period in the Republic of Zimbabwe?

Reply:

1. No application has been received from former President Mugabe seeking an application for political asylum and/or refugee status in South Africa.

(2)    The Government of the Republic of South Africa has an obligation to grant protection to refugees and other persons in need of protection under a number of Conventions such as the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

(3)     To date, the Republic of Zimbabwe has not requested assistance from South Africa or the SADC during this transitional period.

UNQUOTE

Additional information

However, following the developments in Zimbabwe, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma in his capacity as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) issued a press statement on 15 November 2017, in which he noted with great concern the unfolding political situation in the Republic of Zimbabwe, and called for calm and restraint, and expressed hope that the developments would not lead to unconstitutional changes of Government as that would be contrary to both SADC and the African Union Principles.

President Zuma, in his capacity as Chair of SADC, dispatched a Special Envoy to Harare, Zimbabwe on 15 November 2017, and the Special Envoy met with President Robert Mugabe and the Army Generals on 16 November 2017.

Following these developments, a meeting of the Organ Troika Plus Chair of the SADC Ministerial Committee was convened in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana on 16 November 2017 to consider the unfolding political situation in Zimbabwe.

The Organ Troika Plus Chair of SADC Ministerial Committee Meeting reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act and the SADC Democratic Principles as they relate to the unconstitutional removal of democratically elected Governments. All stakeholders were urged to ensure the observance and respect of the constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the rule of law.

The Organ Troika Plus SADC Chair Summit was held in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola on 21 November 2017 to deliberate on the unfolding political situation in the Republic of Zimbabwe, and resolved that President Zuma, in his capacity as SADC Chairperson, and H.E João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation will immediately undertake a mission to Zimbabwe on 22 November, 2017 to assess the situation.

On 21 November 2017, His Excellency, President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, stepped down from his position of Head of State and Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Following this, the mission to Zimbabwe on 22 November 2017 was cancelled. SADC is confident that Zimbabwe, as a member to both the AU and SADC, will continue upholding Democratic Principles enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

18 December 2017 - NW3973

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Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether any (a) staff member and/or (b) commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission has ever been to the Russian Federation for any (i) observer mission and/or (ii) any other official visit; if so what (aa) are the names of the individuals that went to Russia, (bb) was the purpose of the visit in each case, (cc) were the dates of each trip and (dd) were the total costs of each trip?

Reply:

The Electoral Commission responds as follows:

a) Yes

(i) Yes

 (ii) Not applicable

(aa) The delegation consisted of Commissioner Terry Tselane; Ms Nkaro Mateta; Mr Thabo Masemula and Ms Belinda Mbeleni.

(bb) Election Observation

(cc) 9 – 16 September 2014 for Ms Mateta, Mr Masemula and Ms Mbeleni, and 7-9 September 2014 for Commissioner Tselane.

(dd) The total cost of the trip was R136 558

18 December 2017 - NW3707

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Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Does the Independent Electoral Commission intend to purchase new (a) software for running elections before the 2019 general election; if so, (a) what is the software called (b) from which company will the software be bought, (c) what is the cost of the software and (d) what is the purpose of the software?

Reply:

(a) The Electoral Commission has no intension to purchase new software for running elections before the 2019 general elections.

(b-d) Not applicable

18 December 2017 - NW3619

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Mokause, Ms MO to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

(1) Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her own land; if so, in each case, (i) where is each plot of land located, (ii) what is the size of each specified plot and (iii), what is each plot currently being used for?

Reply:

  1. (a) and (b) The Department of Public Service and Administration and all three (3) entities in the portfolio do not own land.

18 December 2017 - NW3995

Profile picture: Mokgalapa, Mr S

Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

(1)What are the terms of reference of the Oversight Committee of the Southern African (2) whether the Oversight Committee has achieved its mandate to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) (a) what are the terms of reference of the establishment of the multidimensional SADC standby force in Lesotho and (b) on what date is its mandate ending; (4) has the contingent mission achieved its mandate in Lesotho; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4541E

Reply:

1. The Oversight Committee of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the Kingdom of Lesotho Committee is appointed to:

a) Act as an overall monitoring body and early warning mechanism in the event of signs of instability.

b) Follow up and support the implementation of the recommendations of the SADC Facilitator’s Report, in particular constitutional and security reforms.

c) Follow up on the implementation of SADC decisions and the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.

d) Liaise and work closely with the Government of Lesotho and all relevant stakeholders.

e) Examine any other matters relevant to the SADC decisions on the Political and Security situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

f) Propose appropriate intervention measures in consultation with the SADC Facilitator.

g) The Oversight Committee shall compile and submit, to the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, monthly reports of its activities.

h) The Oversight Committee shall compile and submit, to the Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a final report eight (8) days after the completion of its assignment.

REPLY:

2. Yes. The Oversight Committee has achieved its mandate.

The Oversight Committee has been on the ground in the Kingdom of Lesotho, serving as adeterrent, since 3 June 2015, after the Double Troika Summit held in Pretoria, South Africa, approved its establishmentto act as an overall monitoring body and early warning mechanism in the event of signs of instability, and intervene as appropriate in consultation with the SADC Facilitator. The Oversight Committee continuously files reports to the SADC Facilitator on developments in the country and has engaged relevant stakeholders in the Kingdom of Lesotho for the implementation of SADC decisions and its presence has proven useful to stabilise the Kingdom.

REPLY:

3 (a) The terms of reference, as approved by the Double Troika Summit of 15 September 2017, of the Contingent Mission are as follows:

  1. to strengthen peace and security, implement Security Sector Reforms, and implement the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Enquiry;
  2. monitor and ensure that the rule of law is complied with in the process of implementing the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Enquiry;
  3. identify immediate areas of priority that are to be implemented urgently, including the specific amendments in the Constitution, and amendments of the LDF and LMPS Acts with a view to ensuring separation of powers between the Army and Police;
  4. to support the Kingdom of Lesotho in undertaking re-training of its personnel especially in the area of Civil Military Relations (CIMIC);
  5. to monitor and assist where necessary in the investigation of the assassinations of Lt. Gen Motšomotšo and other alleged killings in Lesotho; and
  6. lend assistance in the implementation of Constitutional, Public and Security Sector reforms and monitor the implementation of SADC Decisions;

(b) The Preventative Mission was officially launched on 2 December 2017 and the deployment would be for a period of 6 months.

REPLY:

4. The Contingent Mission was only officially launched on 02 December 2017 for a period of 6 months and thus an evaluation of its mandate can only be done after 6 months.

UNQUOTE

18 December 2017 - NW3796

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Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What additional resources are required to complete the process of developing the system for piloting full biometric Exercise Movement Control Systems at ports of entry?

Reply:

There is no system called Biometric Exercise Movement Control System in the Department. The Department is in the process of developing the Biometric enhanced Movement Control System (BeMCS), as part of the modernisation project.

Discussions are underway to explore a comprehensive approach to DHA System as part of the Repositioning Process.

18 December 2017 - NW3976

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Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether, with regard to the report by the Public Protector entitled Inappropriate Moves, the Independent Electoral Commission has acted on all of the recommendations; if not, (a) which recommendations have not been acted upon and (b) what are the reasons in each case; if so, what action was taken with regard to each recommendation?

Reply:

Yes.

a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

18 December 2017 - NW3582

Profile picture: Marais, Mr EJ

Marais, Mr EJ to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

(i) What is the total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid by (i) her Department and (ii) each entity reporting to her for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days and (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case?

Reply:

1(a) and (b) The following table outlines the information of the payment of invoices as from the month of November with 30 days and beyond, and the outstanding amounts:

Dept.

Entity

(aa)

More than 30 days

(bb)

More than 60 days

(cc)

More than 90 days

(dd)

More than 120 days

Total

DPSA

0

0

0

0

0

CPSI

0

0

0

0

0

NSG

0

0

0

0

0

PSC

0

0

0

0

0

18 December 2017 - NW3916

Profile picture: Waters, Mr M

Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Have any investigations and/or audits been conducted into the Independent Electoral Commission (a) in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2017; if not, why not; if so, (aa) what was the nature of each investigation and/or audit, (bb) who conducted the investigation and/or audit, (cc) on what date was each investigation/audit completed, (dd) what were the recommendations of each investigation and/or audit report and (ee) by which date will each report be released?

Reply:

(a)(i) In 2014-15 no investigations and/or audits have been conducted into the Electoral Commission bar the normal audit conducted by the Auditor-General annually.

(a)(ii) In 2015-16 no investigations and/or audits have been conducted into the Electoral Commission bar the normal audit conducted by the Auditor-General annually.

(b) Since 1 April 2017 no issues were raised by the Auditor-General or brought on by any institution that required an investigation and/or audit

(aa) Not applicable

(bb) No investigations and/or audit done

(cc) Not applicable

(dd) Not applicable

(ee) Not applicable

18 December 2017 - NW3744

Profile picture: Mokause, Ms MO

Mokause, Ms MO to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

(1) Whether (a) her department and/or (b) entities reporting to her procured services from a certain company Travel with Flair (Pty) Ltd (TWF); if so, (i) what services were procured in each case and (ii) what is the total amount that was paid to the specified company in each case; (2) Whether the specified company provided services related to international travel to (a) her department and/or (b) entities reporting to her; if so, (i) what is the name of each person who travelled, (ii) what was the travel route and (iii) what is the total amount that was paid for each person?

Reply:

1 (a), (b) and (c) The requested information is contained in previous years financial statements and it will also be declared in current and future financial year statements.

The tabling is in line with Section 65 of the PFMA, Act No.1 of 1999 through which I will amongst others table Section 40 of the PFMA, Act No.1 of 1999 Reports to Parliament.

2 (a), (b) and (c) Same as above.

18 December 2017 - NW3975

Profile picture: Hoosen, Mr MH

Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether the Independent Electoral Commission has signed any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with any country; if so, (a) which countries, (b) on what date was each specified MOU signed and (c) what is the nature of each MOU?

Reply:

The Electoral Commission responded as follows:

Yes, the Electoral Commission has signed MOUs with its counterparts from the following countries:

a) Country                                b) Date            c) Nature

Elections Commission of India

11/10/2011

  • Exchange of knowledge related to the study, reform and management.
  • Promotion and implementation of educational research and training programmes on election management and administration.
  • Facilitation of mutual exchanges to enhance experience in election management and administration.
  • Holding of conferences on topics of common interest.
  • Any other modality of cooperation agreed upon.

Federal Electoral Institute of Mexico

29/06/2012

  • Exchange of knowledge related to the study, reform and management.
  • Promotion and implementation of educational research and training programmes on election management and administration.
  • Facilitation of mutual exchanges to enhance experience in election management and administration.
  • Holding of conferences on topics of common interest.
  • Any other modality of cooperation agreed upon.

Central Elections Commission of Palestine

03/09/2013

  • Identify areas of mutual benefit through exchange and cooperation.
  • Identify and undertake capacity-building initiatives in any discipline in modern electoral management practices.

Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation

08/09/2014

  • Promotion of exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organization and technical development of electoral process, with a view to developing the practice of management and administration.
  • Support in exchanging information, materials, expertise and organizing training of personnel.
  • Facilitate relationships with other electoral authorities and organizations.
  • Production and distribution of materials pertaining to electoral systems, voting technology, voter education and awareness, participation of women, minorities, people with disabilities.
  • Any other modality of cooperation agreed upon.

18 December 2017 - NW3573

Profile picture: Lotriet, Prof  A

Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(a) What is the total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid by (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her for more than (aa) 30 days, (bb) 60 days, (cc) 90 days and (dd) 120 days and (b) what is the total amount outstanding in each case?

Reply:

The information received from the Department and the entities are tabulated as follows:

a) Department of Home Affairs

  1. (i)
  1. Number of supplier invoices
  1. Total amount outstanding

(aa) more than 30 days

27

1 226 438.62

(bb) more than 60 days

7

160 512.14

(cc) more than 90 days

1

1 240.31

(dd) more than 120 days

3

4 898.52

GRAND TOTAL

32

1 393 089.59

b) Government Printing Works

  1. (i)
  1. Number of supplier invoices
  1. Total amount outstanding

(aa) more than 30 days

1

15 352.02

(bb) more than 60 days

2

59 022.36

(cc) more than 90 days

0

0

(dd) more than 120 days

3

44 114.30

GRAND TOTAL

6

  1. 488.68

c) Electoral Commission

  1. (i)
  1. Number of supplier invoices
  1. Total amount outstanding

(aa) more than 30 days

11

119 422.00

(bb) more than 60 days

2

2 156.00

(cc) more than 90 days

0

0

(dd) more than 120 days

19

32 818.00

GRAND TOTAL

32

154 396.00

18 December 2017 - NW3923

Profile picture: Khawula, Ms MS

Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) What is the total number of households that were moved to make space for the Nandoni Dam in Limpopo, (b) was a settlement agreement reached between her department and the households that were moved, (c) what is the total monetary value of the settlement, (d) what amount was given to each household and (e) what are the details of persons who have (i) received and (ii) not yet received the settlement as at 27 November 2017?

Reply:

a) The total number of households that were moved to make space for the Nandoni Dam is 465 (which included recognition of families desiring to separate/divorce, one Musanda, three churches, one clinic, two business; one government and community buildings). These structural replacements should were separate from the relocation of 2 100 subsistence farmers.

b) Yes, a settlement agreement was reached with the affected households/ community. The Relocation Action Plan (RAP) was developed with the project steering committee which comprised of provincial and territorial authorities.

c) The total monetary value of the settlement is R 8,005,248.79.

d) and (e)

It must be noted that the compensation system adopted to mitigate losses and other disadvantages caused by the project strived for reinstatement as a preferred option rather than monetary value. Where reinstatement was impractical or inadequate, resort was made to other forms of compensation. In addition to reinstatement, the following households were also compensated in monetary value.

See attached Annexure A.

---00O00---

18 December 2017 - NW3762

Profile picture: Paulsen, Mr N M

Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Science and Technology

(a) Whether (a) her department and/or (b) entities reporting to her procured services from a certain company (Travel With Flair Ltd ); if so, (i) what services were procured in each case and (ii) what is the total amount that was paid to specified company in each case. (b) Whether the specified company provided services related to to international travel to (a) her department and/or (b) entities reporting to her; if so, (i) what is the name of each person who travelled, (i) what was the travel route and (ii) what is the total amount that was paid for each person?

Reply:

1(a)

i) Services were procured

ii) Total amount paid

 

Services were procured

Total amount paid

Yes, the DST procured services through Travel With Flair Ltd from April 2012 to March 2015

International Air Travel (Int)

33 529 172

 

Domestic Air Travel (Dom)

30 673 628

 

Accommodation (Acc)

24 704 386

 

Paid to TWF

3 957 367

 

Car Hire (Car)

2 700 065

 

Transfers Domestic (Tra)

2 607 826

 

Accommodation International & Cross Borders (Aci)

2 024 718

 

Group Conference & Incentives (Cfr)

1 564 018

 

Air Charter International (Che)

1 340 151

 

Air Charter Domestic (Chw)

436 516

 

Car Hire Booking Cxl Penalty (Cap)

128 288

 

Airport Parking (Aap)

79 956

 

Insurance (Ins)

40 717

 

Railways, Bus , Ferry Res. (Rai)

28 460

 

Restaurant Reservation (Res)

23 156

 

Regional Ticket (Reg)

7 799

 

International Accommodation (Inh)

7 351

1(b)

Entity

  1. Services were procured
  1. Total amount paid

NRF

Yes, the NRF procured services through Travel With Flair Ltd from March 2016 to October 2017

Accommodation

R 4 696 493.53

   

Transfers and Shuttles

R 265 210.66

   

Car Hire

R 334 277.95

   

Conference

R 6 355 549.01

   

Domestic Air Travel

R 2 249 213.11

   

Insurance and Foreign exchange

R 15 930.12

   

International Air Travel

R 7 456 141.58

   

Visas and Passports

R 176 053.00

ASSAf

Yes, ASSAf procured services through Travel With Flair Ltd from 16 July 2016 to 31 October 2017

Booking of flights

R 2 200 989.80

   

Booking of accommodation

R 376 164.38

   

Car hire

R 32 407.95

   

Conferencing

R 47 8941.34

   

Travel insurance

R 7 580.00

SANSA

Yes, the SANSA procured services through Travel With Flair Ltd from 1 July 2017 to 20 November 2017

International Air Travel

R 532,308.00

   

Domestic Air Travel

R 527,910.00

   

Accommodation

R 405,122.00

   

Car Hire

R 96,723.00

   

Food & Beverage

R 39,722.00

   

Railway /Bus / Ferry

R 27,025.00

   

Transfers

R 25,275.00

   

Other

R 10,486.00

   

Regional Air Travel

R 3,449.00

   

Visas And Passports

R 2,879.00

   

Groups Conference & Incentives

R 2,850.00

   

Conference Venue Hire

R 1,000.00

   

Deposit Refundable

R 0.00

CSIR, TIA and HSRC

No, the CSIR, TIA and HSRC has not procure any services from Travel With Flair Ltd

Not applicable

Not applicable

2(a)

Entity

  1. Person travelled
  1. Route travelled
  1. Total amount paid

Yes, Travel with Flair Ltd provided services related to International Travel

Please refer to Annexure A

2(b)

Entity

  1. Person travelled
  1. Route travelled
  1. Total amount paid

NRF

Yes, Travel with Flair Ltd provided services related to International Travel

Please refer to Annexure B

ASSAf

Yes, Travel with Flair Ltd provided services related to International Travel

Please refer to Annexure C

SANSA

Yes, Travel with Flair Ltd provided services related to International Travel

Please refer to Annexure D

CSIR TIA, and HSRC

No, the CSIR, TIA and HSRC has not procured services from Travel with Flair Ltd in relation to international travel

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

15 December 2017 - NW2783

Profile picture: James, Ms LV

James, Ms LV to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With regard to the R10 million allocated by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and/or repair of priority roads and storm-water infrastructure that was damaged during the November 2016 flooding, what amount was spent on (a)(i) bridges and (ii) roads in Edenvale and (b) the Eastleigh spruit?

Reply:

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan municipality through the Gauteng Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs provided the information:

The Roads and Storm Water Department of the City of Ekurhuleni appointed Consultants for the assessment of the roads and storm water infrastructure under its jurisdiction, damaged during the floods in Edenvale and Eastleigh Spruit at an estimated fees amount or R4, 3m from its own consulting fees budget allocation.

R 10 million was not allocated for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and/or repair of priority roads and storm-water infrastructure. The R10 million funding was earmarked within the disaster management vote to be used for the structural assessment, design and implementation of roads and storm water infrastructure projects following the flooding that occurred in November 2016. During the procurement process, it was realised that the earmarked allocation cannot be utilised as this may be against the municipal supply chain policies.

(a)(i) No amount was spent on the repair bridges. , roads in Edenvale and the Eastleigh spruit.

(ii) No amount was used to repair roads in Edenvale.

(b) No amount was used to repair the Eastleigh Spruit

15 December 2017 - NW3980

Profile picture: Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI

Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education

With regard to her department’s presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on 7 November 2017, has the Free State government spent 91,57% of their budget in only two financial quarters; if so, how will school transport in the remaining two financial quarters be funded?

Reply:

The Free State Government has spent 91.57% of their Learner Transport Budget in the first two financial quarters. Information received from the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport indicate that the Executive Committee of the Free State Government has earmarked Learner Transport to receive provincially earmarked funds. The funds will be made available during the budget adjustments and services will proceed without interruptions. An additional R10m was already made available on the adjustments budget and the Department is busy assessing internal funds for reprioritisation.

15 December 2017 - NW3487

Profile picture: Madisha, Mr WM

Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

What steps has his department taken or intends to take with regard to serious allegations of sexual impropriety, grooming and abuse directed against a certain person (name and details furnished)?

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The Department has however, engaged the Provincial Departments responsible for Local Government to request the relevant information from municipality. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is received.

15 December 2017 - NW2490

Profile picture: Robertson, Mr K

Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1) (a) What amount of funding was budgeted for the maintenance and repair of (i) roads and (ii) stormwater infrastructure in each ward of Carolina in the Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in Mpumalanga in each of the past five municipal financial years and (b) what amount of the specified funding was spent on the maintenance and repair of (i) roads and (ii) stormwater infrastructure in each specified municipal financial year;

Reply:

The following response was provided by the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality:

(1) (a) (i)(ii)

The municipality budgets for the maintenance and repair of (i) roads and (ii) storm-water infrastructure covering all wards. It doesn’t budget ward-wise.

The municipality budgeted a total amount of R 9 000,00 thousand for the past five years from 2012-2013 to 2016-2017. The year-wise budget amounts are detailed below in thousand Rand:

Roads and storm-water maintenance budget for 2012-2017 period

2012/13

(000 )

2013/14

(000 )

2014/15

(000 )

2015/16 (000 )

2016/17

(000 )

TOTAL

(000 )

1 100,00

2 400,00

1 900,00

1 400,00

2 200,00

9 000,00

(1) (b)(i)(ii)

According to the municipality, it spent a total amount of R 2 500,00 thousand for the past five years from 2012-2013 to 2016-2017. The year-wise expenditure amounts are detailed below in thousand Rand:

Expenditure for roads and storm-water during 2012-2017 period

2012/13

(000 )

2013/14

(000 )

2014/15

(000 )

2015/16 (000 )

2016/17

(000 )

TOTAL

(000 )

450,00

600,00

550,00

600,00

300,00

2 500,00

(2) According to the municipality, it allocated a total budget of R 1 800,00 thousand for the 2017-2018 financial year for maintenance and repair of roads and storm-water.

15 December 2017 - NW3981

Profile picture: Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI

Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education

With regard to her department’s presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on 7 November 2017, why are the school transport incidents (details furnished) not included in the provincial totals for (a) KwaZulu-Natal and (b) the Eastern Cape?

Reply:

The information on the incidents mentioned has been requested from the Eastern Cape and the KwaZulu-Natal Departments of Education and will be provided as soon as it is received.

15 December 2017 - NW2782

Profile picture: Horn, Mr W

Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether any national departments conducted an assessment of damage caused by the flood in the Edenvale area in November 2016; if not, why not; if so, (a) which departments conducted the assessment and (b) what is the cost of the damage; (2)will he provide Mr W Horn with a copy of the assessment report?

Reply:

(1)(a)Yes, the National Disaster Management Centre assessed the flooding.

(b) No costs were determined.

(2)Yes.

15 December 2017 - NW2776

Profile picture: Wilson, Ms ER

Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With regard to the flooding in Edenvale in November 2016, on which date did the (a) Mayor, (b) Member of the Executive Council for Safety and (c) Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Safety visit Edenvale to assess the damage for themselves?

Reply:

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan municipality through the Gauteng Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs provided the information:

The Emergency Management Services Department can confirm that the Executive Mayor, Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) Community Safety, other political office bearers and the Gauteng Premier did visit the areas that were affected by floods in the City of Ekurhuleni. However, the department cannot confirm whether the Executive Mayor and other political office bearers specifically visited Edenvale. The Office of the Executive Mayor and / or Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) Community Safety or the Chairperson of the Community Safety Portfolio is well placed to respond to the specific visit to Edenvale from Honourable E R Wilson from Democratic Alliance.