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12 October 2023 - NW2911

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(a) How has the Government assisted black-owned farms to reach successful yields of crops and other farm produce and (b) what impact has COVID-19 had on the ability of the specified farm owners to produce a sufficient yield to mitigate food and/or produce scarcity within the Republic?

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing various financial assistance programmes to enable farmers to improve production together with the provision of production inputs and access to the markets. These include the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Ilima/Letsema programme. These conditional grants are aimed at promoting and facilitating agricultural development and increased production by beneficiaries of land reform or other black producers who have acquired land privately. The Ilima/Letsema in particular is aimed at supporting rural communities and vulnerable households to produce their own food. Since its inception in 2008, the Ilima/Letsema programme has supported 1,572,952 (one million five hundred and seventy-two thousand nine hundred and fifty-two) beneficiaries to produce their own food. The support includes starter packs for households, schools and community gardens, mechanization support as well as production inputs.

In 2020/21, the DALRRD started implementing the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) initiative with the support from Presidency. Through PES, the DALRRD is supporting the Subsistence Producers with agricultural production inputs. This initiative is aimed at supporting the agricultural sector to retain self-employment and strengthening local food value chains. The agricultural production inputs support is through the e-voucher system for commodities such as fruit and vegetables, grains, poultry, and small and large stock. The support targets women, youth, child-headed households, people living with disabilities and Military Veterans.

Moreover, the Agricultural Research Council has assisted farmers with technological support, drought-resistant cultivars, and advice on cultivars and soils to support their decision-making on their farms. The Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) have provided support to farmers by providing services like Extension and Advisory Support, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary, and Agricultural Economics such as business plans, market access, training and mentorship.

To mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development ensured that agricultural activities were designated as essential services so that farm operations and related backwards and forward linkages were not affected or restricted during the lockdown. The agricultural activities were gazetted as such in the Disaster Management Act Regulations.

In addition, the Department provided support measures for all main categories of farmers as follows:

  • Commercial farmers had an amount of R100 million available (though only about R10 million was accessed) at the Land Bank to support them to carry on with production during the COVID-19 pandemic; these measures were over and above the business support administered by banks.
  • Smallholder farmers: the department made available a grant of up to R50 000.00 [fifty thousand rands] and an amount of R1,1 billion was applied and approved for this category of farmers benefitting 15746 smallholder farmers.
  • Household and subsistence farmers: the department has allocated more than R991 million since the pandemic. To date, about 110 225 subsistence producers have been supported through PES.

FINANCIAL YEAR

EXPENDITURE

ON PES SUPPORT

 

NUMBER OF FARMERS SUPPORTED

 

 

2020/21

242 677 000

104 906

2021/22

518 680 600

 

2022/23

229 805 470,00

5 319

(a total of 36 895 is targeted for support in 2023/24

TOTAL

991 163 070

110 225

Table 1: PES support 2020/21 – 2022/23

12 October 2023 - NW2929

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to her reply to question 2451 on 30 August 2023, what are the relevant details of the economic returns and benefits the Republic has received from the Government’s substantial investment in agri-hubs to date?

Reply:

A total of 1 578 temporary jobs have been created to date.

  • In Zanyokwe Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU), Eastern Cape: vegetable farmers have been assisted with market access to several Boxer Retailers to supply cabbage and spinach. Corporate Enterprise Development (CED) is also facilitating relations with other retailers such as Spar etc. where farmers can also supply.
  • Three (3) entities have benefited through leasing of the infrastructure at the Tarlton FPSU sites, Gauteng.
  • Farmers can easily access Government programmes.
  • FPSU Packhouses is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers and sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hubs and Markets.
  • The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the auction facility.
  • Farmers will benefit from the Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).
  • Secondary Cooperatives have been registered to manage allocated resources.
  • Farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.
  • Training facilities are being utilised by the local farmers to conduct their meetings.
  • FPSUs act as a distributing centre for production inputs for farmers within 30km radius.
  • Agri-Hubs are meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from the FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market.
  • Farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through auctions.
  • The Bulk Irrigation System (revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation System) completed in 2021 provides water to 153 emerging farmers. This includes a reservoir with capacity of 35 000 m3. A gravity pipeline system from the reservoir delivers water to each of the 153 plots through 53 water clusters (distribution points). To date the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation System has resulted in increased agricultural activity for 153 farmers. The famers supply their produce to well established market players like Tiger Brands and Up-To-Date fruit and vegetable store.

Please refer to the table below for details per province.

PROVINCE/ AGRIPARK

ECONOMIC RETURNS AND BENEFITS

EASTERN CAPE

Butterworth Agri-hub (Mnquma)

  • Mnquma Abattoir being implemented by Eastern Cape Development Corporation. Scheduled for completion by May 2025.
  • Livestock improvement in Amathole District.
  • Market access for their livestock.
  • Skills development.
  • Economic upliftment to the Amathole District.
  • Approximately 200 cooperatives will benefit and 15 permanent jobs will be created.

Zanyokwe FPSU

  • Zanyokwe FPSU has created 28 temporary jobs.
  • The repairs, refurbishments and additions to Zanyokwe FPSU reached practical completion on 29 August 2023.
  • Corporate Enterprise Development (CED): facilitated the appointment of 1 administrationistrative person, 3 tractor drivers for a period of 3 years.
  • Vegetable Farmers have been assisted with market access to several Boxer Retailers to supply cabbage and spinach, etc
  • CED is also facilitating relations with other retailers such as SPAR. where farmers can also supply.

FREE STATE

Thaba-Nchu Agri-Hub

  • Construction of abattoir project under implementation and the progress is sitting at 97% and the holding pens project completed.
  • 28 temporary job opportunities created.
  • The FPSU Abattoir is where livestock will be received directly from farmers within the Thaba-Nchu area and neighbouring towns. Slaughtering and processing of the meat will be done at this Abattoir and graded before sent to larger Market.
  • Market access will contribute to job creation.

Springfontein Agri Hub

  • Construction of mechanization centre and boundary fence completed.
  • 21 temporary job opportunities created.
  • The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the larger Market. That’s a value adding process to the Market.
  • Farmers and community will benefit from Market access and job creation.

Kroonstad FPSU

  • Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources.
  • The farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.
  • The construction of mechanization centre, bulk services, boundary fence and guard house completed.
  • The FPSU has created 15 temporary jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.
  • Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).

Ondedaalsrus FPSU

  • Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources.
  • The farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.
  • The construction of mechanization centre, bulk services, boundary fence and guard house completed.
  • The FPSU has created 15 jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers and sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

Ficksburg FPSU

  • Construction of mechanization centre, boundary fence and guard house completed.
  • The FPSU has created 21 temporary jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.
  • Farmers will benefit from Market and create jobs for the community.

Makholokoeng FPSU

  • Construction of Pack house and mechanization centre, boundary fence, guard house, control room and weigh bridge completed.
  • Secondary cooperative registered.
  • The FPSU has created 10 jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.
  • Opportunity for local job creation.

Zastron FPSU

  • Mechanization in place and business operating for farmers and affiliated cooperatives.
  • Secondary cooperative registered.
  • The FPSU has created 10 jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.

GAUTENG

Tarlton FPSU

  • 150ha and 27 farmers supported.
  • The Secondary cooperative is in the process of being registered.
  • This FPSU has created 48 temporary jobs.
  • Mobile Offices, Boardroom, Cold Rooms, Packaging house and production tunnels have been constructed.
  • Farmers have access to cold rooms, packaging facilities and add value on their produce.
  • 3 entities benefited through leasing of the infrastructure at the FPSU sites. Their production is viable, and they are sustaining the project.
  • Government officials and farmers now meet at the FPSU as there is a venue and facilities for meetings. Farmers can easily access Government programmes. Also used as distribution centres for production inputs to other local farmers.

Carmel Estate FPSU

  • The Secondary cooperative is in the process of being registered.
  • This FPSU created 25 temporary jobs.
  • 20 Production Tunnels have been completed. Beneficiaries selection and recruitment is in the process and will be finalised in 30 September 2023.
  • Local farmers will have access to tunnels and primary production. Locals will have access to food as there will be production this summer.

Bekkersdal FPSU

  • Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources.
  • The farmers are allocated mechanization, shade net, production tunnels and production inputs. The Farmers are producing on the shade nets, and production tunnels. There is an existing administrationistration office with offices and boardroom.
  • The farmers are taking ownership of daily operations within FPSU.
  • The farmers are allocated a truck, bakkie and crates to assist them with harvesting and transporting of produce to the market. Farmers access land for production. Training facilities: Local farmers conduct their meetings at the facilities. Access to research trial onsite.
  • The FPSU also acts as a distributing centre for production inputs for farmers with 30km radius.
  • This FPSU created 23 temporary jobs.
  • The Department is in the process of completing a warehouse that will assist the farmers with storage.

Eikenhof FPSU

  • This FPSU created 35 temporary jobs.
  • Production tunnels were completed whereby farmers are producing vegetables.
  • 30ha and 10 cooperatives supported.
  • The farm facilities also benefit 35 cooperatives residing within 30km radius. The Cooperatives benefit through access to mechanisation, access to training facilities, access to poultry abattoirs and access to government information as there is permanent officials onsite.

Sokhulumi FPSU

  • This FPSU created 6 temporary jobs.
  • NPC is registered to manage allocated resources.
  • The farmers are allocated mechanization, shade net, tunnels and production inputs.
  • The FPSU shed has been revamped, is used to store Mechanisation and Implements.
  • Currently 51 farmers affiliated to be members of the FPSU, planting on more than 7400 hectares of land.

KWAZULU-NATAL

Hlathikhulu FPSU

  • 15 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Makhathini FPSU (Oil Seed Storage)

  • 10 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • Storage facility allows for the seed to be stored under shelter before being sold, increasing the selling price.

Noordsbereg FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Qwabe FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Jozini FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Felixton FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Fezela FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Matikulu FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Bernsdorp FPSU

  • 7 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The feedlot facility, after construction, will act as a value adding facility and guaranteed market for livestock farmers to get higher process for their animals.

KwaShinga FPSU

  • Contractor not yet appointed.
  • The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Mkhuze Rail Logistic Hub

  • 25 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Nsuze FPSU

  • 9 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Tugela Ferry FPSU

  • 50 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Jiki Jela FPSU

  • 25 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

St Paul FPSU

  • 10 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Clanso FPSU

  • 12 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Amanzabomvu FPSU

  • 39 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Hopewell FPSU

  • 05 temporary jobs were created during construction.

Hlabisa FPSU

  • 10 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Pomeroy FPSU

  • 20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
  • The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.

Makhathini Cotton Ginnery

  • Currently Professional Service Provider is busy with the designs.
  • Once completed the Ginnery will be able to gin 15000 tons of cotton as compared to the current 6000 tons. This will allow for the expansion of the planting area from the current 2000 ha dry land to about 8000 ha, supporting an additional 800 beneficiaries.

LIMPOPO

Witpoort FPSU

  • The investment towards infrastructure development of this FPSU resulted in the creation of 61 temporary jobs.
  • The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the auction facility, crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.
  • The facility is complemented by the local extension services office which is within the same premises.

Vleeschboom FPSU

  • The FPSU has a registered Secondary Co-operative with 10 members of Board of Directors.
  • This FPSU employed 6 contract workers (security officials) and 90 temporary jobs were created during the construction of infrastructures.
  • The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through FPSU to various mills to be contracted with secondary cooperative.
  • Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.
  • The centre has a storage for both inputs and chemicals, this will assist the farmers to access their daily inputs as and when they need them.
  • The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services. Currently the facility is being used as a dispatching and receiving area for inputs and chemicals

Masalal FPSU

  • FPSU provided support to farmers with mechanisation services and production inputs.
  • This FPSU also employed 6 contract workers (security officials) and 45 temporary jobs were created.
  • The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the FPSU to various fresh produce markets.
  • The FPSU will be capacitated with washing, sorting and packaging machinery to support farmers. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.
  • The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services. The facility is currently being used as a receiving and dispatching area for inputs and chemicals.

Sekhukhune Agri-hub

  • Construction of this Agri-hub created 20 temporary jobs.
  • The facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the FPSU to various fresh produce markets.
  • The FPSU will be capacitated with washing, sorting and packaging machinery to support farmers. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre.
  • The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services.

MPUMALANGA

Mkhuhlu Agri-hub

  • A service provider is appointed by Provincial Agriculture to operate the Hub.
  • This FPSU has created 45 temporary jobs.
  • The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market. Farmers will benefit from Market access.

Thulamahashe FPSU

  • Primary co-operatives are producing on farms and selling directly to the market.
  • This FPSU created 40 temporary jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure)

Huntington FPSU

  • Secondary co-operative engaging Mathumi Fresh Produce Market for a potential strategic partnership.
  • There is currently a proposal of having strategic partners to provide mentorship and address the issue of markets, and to ensure the packhouse is utilised for the intended purpose of packaging.
  • Primary co-operatives are producing in their farms and selling directly to the market.
  • This FPSU has created 30 temporary jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).

Mzinti FPSU

  • The packhouse is in the process of GAP certification.
  • This FPSU has created 10 temporary jobs.
  • The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).

Dundonald FPSU

  • Secondary co-op has been established with 10 primary co-ops affiliated.
  • Farmers are active on the ground.
  • The grain mill is part of Agro-processing infrastructure which will provide storage and processing of grains of the farmers before the Market. It will enable farmers to access the market.

Sydbrandskraal FPSU

  • Iphakeme Secondary coop established.
  • Grain Production and Vegetables access mechanisation from FPSU.
  • This FPSU has created 20 temporary jobs.
  • The grain mill is part of Agro-processing infrastructure which will provide storage and processing of grains of the farmers before the Market. It will enable farmers to access the market.

Kameelrevier FPSU Hydroponics

  • There are about 10 young people producing vegetables in the tunnels under the support of provincial Agriculture.
  • This FPSU has created 19 temporary jobs.
  • The young farmers at this project produce vegetables in the tunnels built and primary handling in the mini packhouse with cold room before sending them to the Market.

Malelane-Nkomati FPSU

  • Farmers are producing sugarcane and SAFDA assist with markets.
  • This FPSU created 45 temporary jobs.
  • The small holder Sugar Cane farmers will improve their yield per hector and sucrose quality through improved drip irrigation infrastructure and FPSU centre where irrigation maintenance team comprised of young people from NARYSEC will be housed, farmers training and mechanisation centre and fuel depo meant for supporting the farmers production. The farmers goal is to have their sugar mill which will produce renewable energy to lower their production cost.

 NORTH WEST

 

Makweleng FPSU

  • The Makweleng FPSU has created 32 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: Farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through Auctions.
  • Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers can easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins.

Jericho FPSU

  • The Jericho FPSU has created 23 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: Boost the input and production aspects of the commodity value chain (red meat).
  • Value adding to farmers: The feedlot will improve the intensive production system of growing and or fattening cattle until they reach required slaughter weight and thus improve profit margins.

Bedwang FPSU

  • The Bedwang FPSU has created 19 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: The auction facility will ensure that farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through Auctions.
  • Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers can easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins.

Taung FPSU

  • The Taung FPSU has created 20 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: Boost the input and production aspects of the commodity value chain (red meat and crop) and ensure that farmers are continuously planting and selling their produce and livestock monthly through auctions.
  • Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers will easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins. It will also bring under-utilized land (especially in Communal Areas and land reform farms) into full production and expand irrigated agriculture.

Springbokpan Agri-hubs

  • The FPSU created 79 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve grain production.
  • Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain.

Makapanstad Agri-hub

  • The FPSU created 16 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve production.
  • Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain in mixed farming.

Vryburg Agri-hub

  • The FPSU has created 14 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve production and access to market.
  • Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain in red meat production.

Matlosana Agri-hub

  • The FPSU has created 13 temporary jobs.
  • Benefit to farmers: Sustainable livelihoods.
  • Value adding to farmers: Increased commercial output of livestock production, processing for local markets and providing market information in the project area while paving the way to complete the value chain.

NORTHERN CAPE

Heuningvlei FPSU

  • 600 farmers organised into 57 Primary Cooperatives with a Secondary Cooperative as a governing structure.
  • Cooperatives supported with logistics, equipment, mobile and permanent infrastructure and production inputs.
    The Heuningvlei FPSU consists of security fencing, borehole, auction facilities, staff housing, administration block, boardroom facility and storage shed.
  • The new boardroom was constructed for meetings and training of farmers. The farmers will also have access to ICT facilities which will be installed soon.
    The storage shed will be used to store implements, equipment, and inputs for the farmers in the area.
  • The auction facility has been renovated for the farmers to sell their cattle at competitive prices.
  • The staff houses and administration block were renovated for use by technical staff who will provide extension and technical support to farmers.
  • 6 temporary jobs have been created.

Eksteenskuil FPSU

  • 8 temporary jobs have been created.
  • The administration portion of the FPSU which is situated at the Eiland Research station has been renovated.
  • The staff houses and administration block were renovated for use by technical staff who will provide extension and technical support to farmers.

WESTERN CAPE

Haarlem FPSU

  • 71 small scale farmers supported including women and youth. Anhalt farm currently employs 25 permanent workers and up to 149 seasonal workers.
  • 10 Primary Cooperatives registered under the Haarlem FPSU. There are nine (9) vegetable primary cooperatives and one for youth who are former NARYSEC participants.
  • Currently, the department is facilitating the process of registering the 10 primary cooperatives into a secondary cooperative that will manage the Haarlem FPSU.
  • 13 temporary job opportunities were created during the construction of the mechanization centre.
  • With the investment (construction of a mechanization centre, production inputs and machinery) from government these farmers can access services such as storage and primary processing and packaging of their produce which would have been otherwise costly. Having a mechanization centre close to where they harvest from enables the farmers to save on transport cost. Machinery and equipment that were traditionally leased from the commercial market is accessible and available at a cost-effective lease rate (amount).
  • The farmers can take their own produce to the mechanisation centre without the involvement of a middle-man.
  • Feeder projects such as Anhalt Farming are able to increase their capacity to export their produce because they make use of the services at the Haarlem FPSU and can get materials such as the crates used for fruit export from the Haarlem Youth project operating from the Haarlem FPSU.
  • Farmers have access to and are given training on how to run the FPSU (e.g. governance training, financial and business management training). Ability to have a greater market access.

Benefits and Future Plans:

  • The Haarlem FPSU plans to employ support staff such an administration, security, tractor drivers, truck drivers as well as mechanics for service and repairs.
  • The Haarlem FPSU plans to have temporary job opportunities to support the vegetable farmers during planting and harvesting seasons.
  • The Haarlem NARYSEC youth plans to employ additional youth as temporary workers during the harvesting season and in assisting them to increase production.

 

Ebenhaeser FPSU

  • The management of the assets of the FPSU is the responsibility of the Eben-Agric (PTY) LTD which was registered with CIPC during 2021 and consists of Ebenhaeser beneficiaries. Also providing input to the management of the FPSU are 5 Primary Co-operatives and 1 secondary Co-operative, which includes:
  • FPSU Ebenhaeser Secondary Cooperative
  • Ebenhaeser Lucerne Farmers Primary Cooperative
  • Grapes of Ebenhaeser Primary Cooperative
  • Eben Fruit and Vegetables Primary Cooperative
  • Ebenhaeser Livestock Primary Cooperative
  • The farmers received their production inputs support from the Land Claims Commission.
  • The Bulk Irrigation System (revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser irrigation system) completed in 2021 provides water to 153 emerging farmers. This includes a reservoir (with capacity of 35 000 m3). A gravity pipe line system from the reservoir delivers water to each of the 153 plots through 53 water clusters (distribution points).
  • The construction of the reservoir and bulk irrigation system created 29 temporary jobs in the local community.
  • To date the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser irrigation system has resulted in increased agricultural activity for 153 farmers. In addition to the 76 lucerne farmers, the following results have already been realised:
    * 12 wine grape farmers (13 ha);

* 1 raisin grape farmer (1 ha);

* 4 hybrid seed farmers (1 ha);

* 4 processing tomato farmers (4 ha); and

* 62 permanent jobs and 200 seasonal jobs have been created during harvesting periods.

  • The famers supply their produce to well established market players like Tiger Brands and Up-To-Date fruit and vegetable store.

Saron FPSU

  • The Department registered 10 primary cooperatives and formulated the Saron secondary cooperative.
  • Saron has been identified as one of the FPSUs in the Cape Winelands for the following reasons:
    • It is close in proximity to emerging farmers and the Agri-hub in Ceres; and

• The proximity to production of main and support commodities.

  • The FPSU site is on municipal land and will be re-developed and used as a mechanisation centre, packing facility and storage.
  • The FPSU has a catchment area of Saron, Tulbagh (37km), Gouda (18km), Porterville (19km) and Riebeek west (87km) to support stock farmers (cattle, sheep and goats) vegetable and grain farmers. The Agri-hub in Ceres will support the feeder FPSUs from Saron.
  • The project will improve farming operations in this catchment area by the provision of much needed infrastructure to boost production and feed the Agri-hub in Ceres. The Agri-hub in Ceres will support the feeder FPSUs from Saron.
  • During construction phase of the mechanization centre (Saron FPSU), training in labour-based construction will assist local and emerging contractors and it is estimated that 10-15 local residents will benefit from job creation.

Suurbraak FPSU

  • 20 small scale farmers have been supported.
  • The Department registered 5 primary cooperatives in the Suurbraak FPSU.
  • The identified Agri-hub is in Bredasdorp about 110km from the FPSU. The development of the infrastructure is to boost the production of emerging farmers.
  • The Agri-hub will receive Lucerne, vegetables and livestock from the FPSU.
  • The planned mechanization centre (Suurbraak FPSU) will include a small produce handling facility; a packing and cooling facility; storage facility; local market and administration facility.
  • The site is in close proximity to small scale and emerging farmers and to the production of main and support commodities.
  • During construction phase of the mechanisation, training in labour- based construction will assist local and emerging contractors and it is estimated that 10-15 local residents will benefit from job creation.

11 October 2023 - NW2639

Profile picture: Shikwambana, Mr M

Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

What (a) recent steps has he taken to salvage tensions between students and university management in institutions of higher learning over the delayed and nonpayment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme allowances to students, (b) reasons lie behind the defunding of students, (c) is the total number of students who have been defunded since 1 January 2023 and (d) are the reasons that the service provider charges students?

Reply:

(a) NSFAS delegated two teams led by senior officials to visit a sample of 10 universities and 20 TVET Colleges over a ten-day period from 11 September to 22 September with the objective of engaging students and institutions on the challenges they are confronting. NSFAS also established continuous engagements with student leaders in areas where issues persist.

(b) The reasons for withdrawing funding from students are as follows:

  • Applications rejected after re-assessment of Financial Eligibility (FE) criteria using new SARS data,
  • Applications rejected after updated Academic Eligibility (AE) assessment results, and
  • Applications rejected because of exceeding the N+ rule.

(c) The number of students defunded since 01 January 2023 is 28378.

(d) Service providers charge students a fixed monthly fee of R12 for a specific bundle of transactions. Further, additional charges arise because of student transactional behaviour for transactions outside of the bundled transactions for example repeated viewing of balance of funds in the student account or excessive transactions.

11 October 2023 - NW3055

Profile picture: Krumbock, Mr GR

Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Health

What total number of health facilities serve a population of 100 000 in (a) rural and/or (b) urban areas (i) nationally and (ii) in each province?

Reply:

In response to the question, all health facilities in both public and private sector were included. The total number of facilities was divided by population using the 2022 Mid-Year Population Estimates by Statistics South Africa. The South African Health Facilities are classified into three categories, Peri-urban, Rural and Urban.

The total number of health facilities that serve a population of 100 000:

 

(i) Province

Peri-Urban

(a) Rural

(b) Urban

Eastern Cape

2,10

9,95

14,75

Free State

1,81

8,35

24,64

Gauteng

0,35

0,16

15,05

KwaZulu-Natal

1,53

7,60

16,47

Limpopo

1,53

14,78

5,44

Mpumalanga

1,02

6,08

10,19

Northern Cape

4,66

17,57

28,73

North West

1,39

8,07

8,77

Western Cape

1,77

7,57

24,61

  1. National

1,34

6,75

15,43

The Urban category has a higher facility density per 100 000 population followed by the Rural with Peri-Urban having the lowest density. This is comparable to the WHO density assessment which had the hospital density for South Africa per 100 000 population at 0,67 in 2013, Malasia at 0,47 and Sri Lanka at 0,099.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW2957

Profile picture: Tito, Ms LF

Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether she is aware that the SA National Roads Agency SOC Ltd awarded a R4,7 billion tender to a certain company (name furnished) whose directors are charged with fraud; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department has confirmed that SANRAL is aware of the allegations Aqua Transport and Plant Hire (‘Aqua’) is facing.

However, according to information at SANRAL’s disposal, Aqua is neither blacklisted nor restricted on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database and, as such, the company is not prohibited from doing business with government and/or its entities. Aqua is also not a blacklisted/restricted service provider on SANRAL’s database.

Aqua also provided all statutory information and secretarial information for a bidder which is in good standing with the relevant regulatory bodies. In the light of the above, there was no legal issue which prevented SANRAL from awarding the contract SANRAL N.003-010-2017/9: National Route 3 Section 1 from the Westville Viaduct (km 11.80) to Paradise Valley Interchange (km 17.54), in tendered amount of R4 726 396 217.26, to the Aqua/EXR joint venture as it was the highest scoring bidder in the evaluation and adjudication.

In consideration of the issues surrounding Aqua, SANRAL sought external legal advice to determine if there were any legal impediments to making the award in line with the tender outcome. Legal advice indicated that under South African law, Aqua directors are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and as such SANRAL was legally duty bound to award the tender to the Aqua/EXR joint venture as the highest scoring bidder.

 

To mitigate any possible risk down the line SANRAL has, however, built in an award provision that should the company’s directors be found guilty in a court of law, SANRAL reserves the right to terminate the contract.

The Department shall also monitor the developments and any future Court Rulings, with regards, Aqua and ensure that SANRAL complies with implementing the laws.

11 October 2023 - NW3082

Profile picture: Smalle, Mr JF

Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What is the (a) number of (i) mortuaries, (ii) pathologist who are allocated to each mortuary and (iii) bodies examined in each mortuary in each month and (b) current backlog of bodies to undergo postmortem; (2) where is each mortuary located; (3) whether there are regulations in place that give effect to the period for (a) postmortems and (b) temperature-controlled environment; if not, why not; if so, who regulates the conditions?

Reply:

1. (a)(i) is indicated in Table 1 below as received from Provincial Departments of Health.

Table 1: (i)Number of Forensic Mortuaries including holding Facilities.

Province

Number

Eastern Cape

22

Free State

11

KwaZulu Natal

33

Gauteng

11

Limpopo

12

Mpumalanga

21

Northern Cape

11

Northwest

7

Western Cape

16

Total

145

 

(1)(a)(ii)(iii) and (b) is indicated Table 3 below as received from the provincial departments of Health.

Table 2(ii): Number of Forensic Pathologists per Province

Province

Number

Eastern Cape

2

Free State

7

KwaZulu Natal

2

Gauteng

 

Limpopo

7

Mpumalanga

2

Northern Cape

1

Northwest

2

Western Cape

16

Tables below indicate (ii) Number of medical officers(iii) Bodies examined, (b) Backlog per facility.

EASTERN CAPE

 

Facility

(ii)Number of Medical officers including pathologists

(iii)Bodies examined for month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Adelaide

 

Holding Facility

Not applicable

2

Aliwal North

1

25

None

3

Bizana

1

45

None

4

Butterworth

2

70

None

5

Bhisho

1

80

None

6

Dutywa

 

Holding Facility

Not applicable

7

Gelvandale

2

45

None

8

Grahamstown

1

35

None

9

Graaff-Reinet

1

15

None

10

Joubertina

 

Holding Facility

None

11

Lusikisiki

1

45

None

12

Mdantsane

1

70

None

13

Mount Fletcher

1

45

None

14

Mount Frere

1

45

None

15

Mount Road

3

35

None

16

Molteno

 

Holding Facility

Not applicable

17

Mthatha

4

200

None

18

New Brighton

2

65

None

19

Port Alfred

 

Holding Facility

Not applicable

20

Queenstown

2

80

None

21

Uitenhage

0

40

None

22

Woodbrook

1

80

20

 

FREE STATE PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including pathologists

(iii)Bodies examined for the month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Bethlehem

1

25

None

2

Bloemfontein

7

95

None

3

Botshabelo

1

26

Not applicable

4

Ficksburg

0

Holding facility

Not applicable

5

Jagersfontein

0

Holding facility

Not applicable

6

Harrismith

0

Holding facility

Not applicable

7

Kroonstad

1

30

None

8

Phuthaditjhaba

1

50

None

9

Sasolburg

1

20

None

10

Smithfield

1

Holding facility

Not applicable

11

Welkom

2

55

None

GAUTENG PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including pathologist

(iii)Bodies examined for the month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Bronkhorspruit

01

29

None

2

Carletonville

02

46

None

3

Diepkloof

06

256

None

4

Ga-Rankuwa

08

121

None

5

Germiston

11

400

None

6

Heidelberg

01

27

None

7

Johannesburg

12

410

None

8

Pretoria

12

219

None

9

Roodepoort

04

161

None

10

Sebokeng

04

230

None

11

Springs

04

164

None

KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including pathologists

(iii)Bodies examined Jan to Dec 2022 monthly average

1

Bulwer

Shares with Ixopo

Holding Facility

2

Dannhauser

Shares with Newcastle

Holding Facility

3

Dundee

1

20

4

Estcourt

Shares with Ladysmith

32

5

Eshowe

Shares with Richards Bay

26

6

Greytown

2

37

7

Harding

1

19

8

Howick

1

19

9

Ixopo

1

30

10

KwaDukuza

2

73

11

Kokstad

Shares with Ixopo

10

12

Ladysmith

1

60

13

Madadeni

1

44

14

Manguzi

Shares with Richards Bay

Holding Facility

15

Mkhuze

Shares with Richards Bay

Holding Facility

16

Mtubatuba

Shares with Richards Bay

Holding Facility

17

Mosvold

Shares with Richards Bay

Holding Facility

18

Newcastle

3

17

19

New Hanover

Shares with Greytown

10

20

Nkandla

Shares with Richards Bay

Holding Facility

21

Nongoma

1

43

22

Park Rynie

4

141

23

Paulpietersburg

Shares with Vryheid

Holding Facility

24

Pietermaritzburg

4

166

25

Pinetown

8

216

26

Phoenix

3

321

27

Pongola

Shares with Nongoma

Holding Facility

28

Port Shepstone

3

67

29

Richards Bay

3

141

30

Richmond

Shares with Pietermaritzburg

Holding Facility

31

Ulundi

Shares with Nongoma

Holding Facility

32

Umzimkulu

Shares with Ixopo

14

33

Vryheid

1

26

(b) The KwaZulu Department of Health indicates that there is a backlog of 52 bodies as of 31 August 2023.

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including pathologists

(iii)Bodies examined for the month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Polokwane

8

148

None

2

Lebokwakgomo

1

42

None

3

Bela Bela

1

45

None

4

Elim

1

38

None

5

Maphutha Malatjie, Phalaborwa

0

30

None

6

Nkhensani, Giyani

1

for Phutha Malatjie and Nkhensani

 

40

None

7

Kgapane, Tzaneen

1

35

None

8

Tshilidzini

2

21

None

9

Letaba, Tzaneen

2

24

None

10

St Ritas

1

for both St Ritas and Groblersdal

12

None

11

Mokopane

2

21

None

12

Groblersdal

0

17

None

MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including pathologists

(iii)Bodies examined for the month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Balfour

1

6

None

2

Barberton

1

12

None

3

Belfast

0

11

None

4

Bethal

1 for Bethal and Standerton

21

None

5

Carolina

1 for Carolina and Embhuleni

8

None

6

Delmas

1

8

None

7

Embhuleni

0

13

None

8

Ermelo

1

27

None

9

Evander

1

31

None

10

KwaMhlanga

2 for KwaMhlanga and Mmamethlake

36

None

11

Lydenburg

1 for Lydenburg and Mapulaneng

10

None

12

Mmamethlake

0

0

None

13

Mapulaneng

0

43

None

14

Middelburg

1 for Middleburg and Belfast

30

None

15

Piet Retief

1

14

None

16

Themba

2

65

None

17

Tintswalo

1

23

None

18

Tonga

1

26

None

19

Standerton

0

16

None

20

Volksrust

1

11

None

21

Witbank

2

56

None

 

Mpumalanga Department of Health has additional:

  • Forensic Pathologist responsible for the whole province
  • 1 Forensic Pathologist responsible for Nkangala District
  • 1 Senior Medical officer responsible for Ehlanzeni District
  • 1 Senior Medical office responsible for the Gert Sibande District.

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including a pathologist

(iii)Bodies examined for the month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Kimberley

2

50

None

2

Upington

1

33

None

3

De Aar

1

20

None

4

Kuruman

1

30

None

5

Calvinia

1

5

None

6

Springbok

1

15

None

7

Postmasburg

 

Holding facility

Not applicable

8

Hartswater

 

Holding facility

Not applicable

9

Douglas

 

Holding facility

Not applicable

10

Prieska

 

Holding facility

Not applicable

11

Victoria West

 

Holding facility

Not applicable

NORTHWEST PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number of medical officers including pathologists

(iii)Bodies examined on the month of August 2023

(b) Backlog as of 31 August 2023

1

Phokeng

2

82

None

2

Vryburg

1

26

None

3

Klerksdorp

1

23

None

4

Lichtenburg

1

11

None

5

Brits

3

54

None

6

Potchefstroom

2

13

None

7

Mafikeng

1

17

None

WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

No

Facility

(ii)Number medical officers including Pathologists

(iii)Average Bodies examined for the period April 2022/2023 financial year monthly average

Garden Route / Central Karoo

3

 

1

Beaufort West

 

7

2

George

 

24

3

Knysna

 

12

4

Laingsburg Mossel

 

2

5

Mossel Bay

 

10

6

Oudtshoorn

 

10

7

Riversdale

 

5

City of Cape Town

   

8

Salt River

15

355

9

Tygerberg

15

318

Westcoast/Cape Winelands

4(2 vacant)

 

10

Malmesbury

 

14

11

Vredenburg

 

11

12

Vredendal

 

16

13

Paarl

 

40

Winelands/Overberg

4

 

14

Hermanus

 

26

15

Ceres

 

17

16

Worcester

 

44

(b) The Western Cape Department of Health indicates that the number of outstanding postmortems as of 2023/09/28 is 202 with no mortuaries indicated.

(2) Tables below indicate Forensic pathology mortuary by name and location.

EASTERN CAPE

 

Facility

Location

1

New Brighton

New Brighton

2

Mount Road

Mount Road

3

Gelvandale

Gelvandale

4

Grahamstown

Grahamstown

5

Graaff-Reinet

Graaff -Reinet

6

Woodbrook

Woodbrook

7

Mdantsane

Mdantsane

8

Bizana

Bizana

9

Butterworth

Butterworth

10

Bhisho

Bhisho

11

Queenstown

Queenstown

12

Adelaide

Adelaide

13

Aliwal North

Aliwal North

14

Middelburg

Middelburg

15

Mthatha

Mthatha

16

Mount Fletcher

Mount Fletcher

17

Mount Frere

Mount Frere

18

Molteno

Molteno

19

Lusikisiki

Lusikisiki

20

Port Alfred

Port Alfred

21

Uitenhage

Uitenhage

22

Joubertina

Joubertina

FREE STATE PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Bethlehem

Bethlehem

2

Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein

3

Botshabelo

Botshabelo

4

Ficksburg

Ficksburg

5

Jagersfontein

Jagersfontein

6

Harrismith

Harrismith

7

Kroonstad

Kroonstad

8

Phuthaditjhaba

Phuthaditjhaba

9

Sasolburg

Sasolburg

10

Smithfield

Smithfield

11

Welkom

Welkom

GAUTENG PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Johannesburg

Hillbrow Johannesburg

2

Roodepoort

Roodepoort

3

Germiston

Germiston

4

Carletonville

Carletonville

5

Springs

Springs

6

Heidelburg

Heidelburg

7

Diepkloof

Diepkloof, Soweto

8

Sebokeng

Sebokeng

9

Pretoria

Pretoria

10

Bronkhorspruit

Bronkhorspruit

11

Garankuwa

Ga- Rankuwa

 

KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Phoenix

Phoenix

2

Pinetown

Pinetown

3

Park Rynie

Park Rynie

4

Port Shepstone

Port Shepstone

5

Harding

Harding

6

KwaDukuza

KwaDukuza

7

Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg

8

New Hanover

New Hanover

9

Howick

Howick

10

Richmond

Richmond

11

Ladysmith

Ladysmith

12

Estcourt

Estcourt

13

Dundee

Dundee

14

Greytown

Greytown

15

Newcastle

Newcastle

16

Madadeni

Madadeni

17

Dannhauser

Dannhauser

18

Kokstad

Kokstad

19

Ixopo

Ixopo

20

Umzimkulu

Umzimkulu

21

Bulwer

Bulwer

22

Nongoma

Nongoma

23

Paulpietersburg

Paulpietersburg

24

Vryheid

Vryheid

25

Pongola

Pongola

26

Richards Bay

Richards Bay

27

Eshowe

Eshowe

28

Richards Bay

Richards Bay

29

Mkhuze

Mkhuze

30

Mosvold

Mosvold

31

Manguzi

Manguzi

32

Nkandla

Nkandla

33

Ulundi

Ulundi

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Polokwane

Polokwane Hospital

2

Lebokwakgomo

Lebowakgomo

3

Bela Bela

Bela Bela Hospital

4

Elim

Elim Hospital

5

Maphutha Malatjie

Maphutha Malatjie Hospital

6

Nkhensani

Nkhensani Hospital

7

Kgapane, Tzaneen

Kgapane Hospital

8

Tshilidzini

Tshilidzini Hospital

9

Letaba, Tzaneen

Letaba Hospital, Tzaneen

10

St Ritas

St Ritas Hospital

11

Mokopane

Mokopane Hospital

12

Groblersdal

Groblersdal Hospital

MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Balfour

Balfour Community Health Centre

2

Barberton

Barberton Hospital

3

Belfast

HA Grove Hospital

4

Bethal

Bethal SAPS

5

Carolina

Carolina Hospital

6

Delmas

Bernice Samuel Hospital

7

Embhuleni

Embhuleni Hospital

8

Ermelo

Ermelo Hospital

9

Evander

Evander Hospital

10

KwaMhlanga

KwaMhlanga Hospital

11

Lydenburg

Lydenburg Hospital

12

Mmamethlake

Mmametlhake Hospital

13

Mapulaneng

Mapulaneng Hospital

14

Middelburg

Middleburg Hospital

15

Piet Retief

Piet Retief Hospital

16

Themba

Themba Hospital

17

Tintswalo

Tintswalo Hospital

18

Tonga

Tonga Hospital

19

Standerton

Standerton Hospital

20

Volksrust

Amajuba Hospital

21

Witbank

Witbank SAPS

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Kimberley

Kimberly

2

Upington

Upington

3

De Aar

De Aar

4

Kuruman

Kuruman

5

Calvinia

Calvinia

6

Springbok

Springbok

7

Postmasburg

Postmansburg

8

Hartswater

Hartswater

9

Douglas

Douglas

10

Prieska

Prieska

11

Victoria West

Victoria West

NORTHWEST PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Phokeng

Doves Private Mortuary, Rustenburg

2

Vryburg

Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital, Vryburg

3

Klerksdorp

Tshepong Hospital Complex, Joubert on, Klerksdorp

4

Lichtenburg

Lichtenburg SAPS Station Lichtenburg

5

Brits

427 Crocodile St, Primindia, Brits

6

Potchefstroom

25 OR Tambo Street, Potchefstroom

7

Mahikeng

Mahikeng Provincial Hospital

WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

No

Facility

Location

1

Salt River

Salt River

2

Tygerberg

Tygerberg

3

Paarl

Paarl

4

Vredendal

Vredendal

5

Malmesbury

Malmesbury

6

Vredenburg

Vredenburg

7

Worcester

Worcester

8

Wolseley

Wolseley

9

Hermanus

Hermanus

10

George

George

11

Laingsburg

Laingsburg

12

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay

13

Knysna

Knysna

14

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn

15

Beaufort West

Beaufort West

16

Riversdale

Riversdale

3. (a) There are no specific regulations in place that regulate the period for post-mortems. The regulations regarding the rendering of Forensic Pathology Service (R359; 23 March 2018) in terms of section 90(1) of the National Health Act does not specifically state any such timelines.

The Forensic Pathology Service in each province does however set targets and measure the turn-around time of post-mortem examinations and most provinces set the 3 to 7 days turnaround time. This also is depended on the number of bodies received and capacity that is available to conduct post-mortems. However, most postmortems are conducted between (1) to (3) days in majority of facilities.

(b) There are regulations that govern mortuaries in terms of the National Health Act (Chapter 8). These are R363; 22 May 2013; Regulations regarding the management of human remains.

The National Code of Guidelines for Forensic Pathology Practice in South Africa, issued in relation to the Regulations of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 provide guidance on period for postmortem examinations and body storage temperatures. The Code of Guidelines stipulate only that postmortem examinations must be conducted as soon as possible. These Code of Guidelines and are currently being revised.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3111

Profile picture: Tito, Ms LF

Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health

What measures has he taken about reports that the Limpopo Department of Health is allegedly embroiled in a coal tender fraud and/or corruption debacle regarding procuring services for coal delivery in 14 hospitals whereas some of the specified hospitals do not require the supply of coal on their facility?

Reply:

The National Department of Health has not received any report about the coal tender in Limpopo and therefore not privy to any report or allegation of coal tender fraud in the Limpopo Department of Health.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW2734

Profile picture: Hunsinger, Mr CH

Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport

What is the total number of accidents that occurred in each province involving (a) motor vehicles and (b) mini-bus taxis in the past 10 years?

Reply:

a) The table below shows fatal crashes involving Motor vehicles since 2015. Due to data limitations crashes prior to 2015 cannot be provided.

 

Motor Car or Station Wagon

PROVINCE

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

EC

577

666

577

662

24

526

696

326

FS

433

431

410

474

134

291

411

187

GP

1198

1467

1412

1592

389

1048

1418

618

KZN

984

1131

1039

1019

302

643

740

352

LP

637

649

709

730

51

495

688

321

MP

707

719

671

501

138

415

430

160

NC

170

164

198

164

54

108

163

65

NW

460

494

452

522

32

342

442

225

WC

552

607

578

521

56

365

472

187

 

5718

6328

6046

6185

1180

4233

5460

2441

b) The table below shows fatal crashes involving Minibuses since 2015. Due to data limitations crashes prior to 2015 cannot be provided.

 

Combi/Minibus

PROVINCE

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

EC

150

186

134

128

6

77

100

49

FS

66

57

69

61

12

26

30

13

GP

190

264

307

236

46

142

195

90

KZN

257

296

288

233

79

124

117

81

LP

106

137

118

80

4

62

69

45

MP

80

109

106

82

15

48

49

27

NC

19

27

20

6

8

11

13

6

NW

54

71

67

60

4

30

36

21

WC

108

113

112

83

9

64

86

30

Grand Total

1030

1260

1221

969

183

584

695

362

11 October 2023 - NW3054

Profile picture: Krumbock, Mr GR

Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether the last National Health Facilities Baseline Audit was conducted within the past five years; if not, by what date does he intend to conduct a new audit; if so, (2) whether he will furnish Mr G R Krumbock with the relevant details of the latest audit conducted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Most Provincial Departments have conducted the National Health Facilities Baseline Audits. Some were conducted within the last five years and some are in the process of being reviewed. The table below indicates the last dates of the audits that were conducted/performed by the provincial health departments:

Province

Last date of conditional assessment

EC

June 2013

FS

June 2018

GP

Aug 2017

KZN

Nov 2022

LP

Sep 2023

MP

June 2011

NC

June 2016

NW

April 2015

WC

Sep 2017

2. Yes, all reports will be furnished to Mr G R Krumbock

END.

11 October 2023 - NW2884

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport

What are the relevant details of (a) all writs issued against the Road Accident Fund and (b) all assets removed by the Sheriff from the Road Accident Fund including (i) asset descriptions, (ii) asset values, (iii) dates of asset removals and (iv) details of judgments in terms of which assets were removed for the period 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2023?

Reply:

a) all writs issued against the Road Accident Fund

b) all assets removed by the Sheriff from the Road Accident Fund including:

  1. asset descriptions
  2. asset values
  3. dates of asset removals and
  • Attachment 2 – “Asset Removals” refers to all the assets removed by the Sheriff for each region over the period 2017 to 2023. The information in attachment 2 includes the asset descriptions, value and removal dates to address parts (i), (ii), and (iii) above.
  • Overall, across all the regions, 1,182 assets were removed by the Sheriff over the period. The value of these assets at the time of removal amounts to R417,261.

4. details of judgments in terms of which assets were removed for the period 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2023?

  • Attachment 3 – “Removal Writs or Auctions Matters” refers to all the specific writs and / or auction matters with their details by region that resulted in the removal of assets.
    • Asset removals in EL were due to 2 writs
    • Asset removals in PTA were due to 2 separate auction notices and lists from the Pretoria East Sheriff. The notices can be made available.

11 October 2023 - NW3112

Profile picture: Tito, Ms LF

Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health

With regard to an acute shortage of doctors in rural areas that affects service delivery, especially in Limpopo where there were over 80 doctors who had still not been placed in health facilities in July, (a) what are the reasons for the specified shortage, (b) out of the 80 doctors, what total number has been placed to date and (c) on what date will all healthcare workers in the province be placed?

Reply:

It was actually 81 medical doctors who were allocated/placed for community service at the Limpopo Department of Health by the National Department of Health on 15 June 2023. Their assumption of duty was delayed because the Limpopo Provincial Treasury requested that these 81 medical doctors, must first confirm whether they will be taking up this position prior to granting approval for the creation of the posts for their employment.

(a) Shortages in the public health sector especially in rural areas is due to budget constraints and lack of appetite by health professionals to work in rural areas,

(b) As mentioned above 81 medical doctors were placed and subsequently all of them have since assumed duty to date, and

(c) Placement for medical interns and community service doctors occurs twice in each year (i.e., 1 January and 1 July of each year).

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3132

Profile picture: Thembekwayo, Dr S

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

What are the relevant details of the steps that he has taken to deal with the challenge of cats roaming inside the wards of patients in the Siloam District Hospital, in Vhembe, Limpopo?

Reply:

According to Limpopo Department of Health;

Cats in Siloam District Hospital, in Vhembe, Limpopo come from nearby households for the purpose of food. The cats increase in numbers due to reproduction. The hospital has an informal agreement with farmers from the area to periodically collect cats to assist them with rodents on their farms. The first collection already happened in September 2023. The NDoH is advising the Limpopo Department of Health to consult the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to arrive at a good solution to this problem.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3115

Profile picture: Chirwa, Ms NN

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

Whether provinces report matters related to fraud and corruption of provincial staff to him and/or his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what has been the progress on the matter at the Limpopo Department of Health concerning a certain person (name furnished)?

Reply:

There is no obligation on the Provincial Departments of Health to report to the National Department of Health matters that relate to discipline, fraud and/or corruption committed by the provincial staff members. The National Department of Health is not privy to any matter that relates to Mr Ntshane Lephoto as that matter has not been reported to the National Department of Health.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW2887

Profile picture: Ismail, Ms H

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Transport

With regard to R/7/77-IR Rem of ptn 7 of the farm Benoni 77-IR (the Benoni Train Station), (a) by which date will the land be fenced off to prevent cable thieves from using it to burn cables, (b) by which date will the grass be cut and cleared in order to prevent the land from being used by criminals, (c) by which date is it envisaged that the Benoni Train Station will be restored and (d) what total amount has been allocated towards the restoration of the Benoni Train Station?

Reply:

a) Capital Intervention Programme has been earmarked for fencing off the area identified. A budget allocation of an estimated value of R5,000,000-00 for the project has been set aside. The project is currently being scoped and anticipated to be advertised by the end of October 2023. The estimated project duration would be three (3) months.

PRASA Rail Protection Service Department has also confirmed that Protection Services Officials are posted at Benoni Station on a rotation shift of 24 hours.

b) A horticultural ‘As and When Maintenance’ contractor has been appointed for this Corridor. Safety Induction is currently being executed by the Risk and Compliance Department for the appointed contractor. The anticipated date of clearing the site should be no later than the 25th of September 2023.

c) The resumption of the train service at Benoni and other train stations in the Daveyton Corridor are largely dependent on the restoration of the Boksburg Bridge, which was damaged during the gas explosion accident late last year. Fortunately, the contractor has been appointed to restore the bridge and the work is expected to be completed by August 2024. With the anticipated completion date of August 2024, the upgrade and rehabilitation of stations including Benoni train Station, will also be aligned for completion at the end of 2024 to ensure full operation of the trains and stations thereof.

d) A budget has been set aside for this current financial year. For the construction of Benoni Station for basic functionality of the station, once the corridor has been resumed for operational service.

11 October 2023 - NW2722

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport

With reference to international trips undertaken by board members, executive members and other employees of the Road Accident Fund between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020, what are the details of all the (a) names of persons, (b) destinations, (c) dates of trips, (d) costs of trips and (e) purposes of each trip undertaken in each case?

Reply:

During the period 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019, no international travel trips undertaken by the Board of the Road Accident Fund.

The details of international trips undertaken by executive members and other employees of the Road Accident Fund during the period 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 are detailed in the below table which indicates the (a) names of persons, (b) destinations, (c) dates of trips, (d) costs of trips and (e) purposes of each trip undertaken in each case.

(a) Name of Person

(b) Destination

(c) Date of Trip

(d) Cost of Trip
(R)

(e) Purpose of Trip

Charakupa Itayi Mr

London

Jan-19

88 807,36

Attendance of Reinsurance Roadshow for reinsurance renewal

Molefe Motseoeme Mr

       

Komal Ravesh Mr

Kenya

Mar-19

60 817,68

Attendance of Trescon World Block Chain Summit and World AI Show

Ndima Gqwetha Vatiswasizeka Ms

China

Apr-19

63 117,68

Attendance of International Rehabilitation Forum

Baderoon Mogamat Mr

Namibia

May-19

114 477,52

To officiate interfund games with sister Funds of neighbouring countries

Kula Momelezi Mr

       

Majola Oupa Mr

       

Makopo Refilwe Miss

       

Mphahlele Itumeleng Mr

       

Petlele Lerato Ms

       

Rulashe Viwe Ms

       

Seabi Mokadi Mr

       

Tshetlho Keaobakabryson Mr

       

Zulu Phiwakonke Mr

       

Mvabaza Noluthando Ms

USA

May-19

84 496,12

Attendance of Corporate Citizenship Conference

Kula Momelezi Mr

Namibia

Jul-19

12 241,43

Attendance of International CEO's forum Strategy working committee meeting

Sotshede Sifiso Mr

USA

Jul-19

130 118,93

Attendance of International Internal Auditor's Conference

Mhlongo Mxolisi Mr

Germany

Aug-19

110 575,86

Attendance of Reimbursement Expert Symposium

Potelwa Toko Dr

       

Jabavu Lindelwa Mrs

Namibia

Sep-19

14 039,43

Attendance of Woman Road Safety Conference and Expo

Lukhwareni Phathutshedzo Mr

Swaziland

Nov-19

12 932,86

Attendance of CEO's forum

Petlele Lerato Ms

       

Komal Ravesh Mr

London

Dec-19

659 341,44

Benchmarking Claims Management Strategies and Systems internationally as part of Transformation Strategy of the RAF.

Kunene Ntsaoki Mrs

       

Manitshana Buntu Mr

       

Manyasha Prudence Mrs

       

Mulaudzi Arinao Mr

       

Peega Bridget Ms

       

Potelwa Toko Dr

       

Rambauli Maria Ms

       

Mankgane Ramadingwane Mr

Namibia

Jan-20

13 482,86

Attendance of Social and Digital Media Training

Peega Bridget Ms

       

Komal Ravesh Mr

Australia

Jan-20

1 446 499,44

Benchmarking Claims Management Strategies and Systems internationally as part of Transformation Strategy of the RAF.

Kunene Ntsaoki Mrs

       

Manitshana Buntu Mr

       

Manyasha Prudence Mrs

       

Mulaudzi Arinao Mr

       

Potelwa Toko Dr

       

Rambauli Maria Ms

       

Xingwanajabavu Lindelwa Mrs

       

Jabavu Lindelwa Mrs

Canada

Jan-20

2 294 234,86

Benchmarking Claims Management Strategies and Systems internationally as part of Transformation Strategy of the RAF.

Komal Ravesh Mr

       

Kunene Ntsaoki Mrs

       

Manitshana Buntu Mr

       

Manyasha Prudence Mrs

       

Potelwa Toko Dr

       

Rambauli Maria Ms

       

Charakupa Itayi Mr

London

Jan-20

598 271,65

Attendance of Reinsurance Roadshow for reinsurance renewal

Songelwa Victor Mr

       

Letsoalo Collins Mr

       

Lukhwareni Phathutshedzo Mr

       

Rambauli Maria Ms

       

Lukhwareni Phathutshedzo Mr

Botswana

Feb-20

13 094,43

Attendance of International Strategy Working Committee Multilateral meetings

11 October 2023 - NW2723

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport

What (a) are the (i) details of all default court judgments granted against the Road Accident Fund in each month from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2023, (ii) names and details of parties that were awarded default judgements and (iii) total amounts of each default judgement award split between (aa) the claim amount and (bb) associated legal costs, (b) is the total number of default judgements against the Road Accident Fund in each month in then specified period and (c) are the reasons for each default judgment being awarded?

Reply:

a) (i) The RAF does not possess record of DJ from 2017 until March 2021. The keeping of record for default judgements granted against the RAF was only initiated at the instance of the new executive, that joined the RAF in 2020. The new executive realised that there was an increasing number of default judgements being granted against the RAF. Flowing from the realisation mentioned above, a register was then created for the purpose of keeping record of all default judgements.

Below is the detail that dates back to April 2021:

Year& Month

No

Sum of Default Amount

2021

483

R 1 401 437 842,22

Apr

4

R 28 751 513,30

May

27

R 119 012 729,48

Jun

11

R 55 607 616,92

Jul

21

R 90 377 746,43

Aug

41

R 146 910 003,11

Sep

39

R 122 642 105,62

Oct

77

R 257 127 501,91

Nov

198

R 476 570 651,75

Dec

65

R 104 437 973,70

2022

1116

R2 983 787 854,79

Jan

77

R 178 089 717,77

Feb

162

R 425 187 398,43

Mar

147

R 326 862 619,76

Apr

110

R 220 372 106,44

May

148

R 398 263 543,41

Jun

79

R 250 938 385,61

Jul

52

R 117 963 549,89

Aug

111

R 352 593 108,84

Sep

84

R 258 276 693,58

Oct

67

R 186 170 005,05

Nov

72

R 259 405 584,30

Dec

7

R 9 665 141,72

2023

126

R 438 072 775,33

Jan

26

R 97 620 725,91

Feb

22

R 74 419 177,22

Mar

21

R 89 934 379,90

Apr

11

R21 408 483,22

May

26

R 90 919 466,89

Jun

12

R 31 614 116,41

Jul

5

R 16 622 242,61

Aug

2

R 6 941 966,17

Nov

1

R 8 592 217,00

Grand Total

1725

R4 823 298 472,34

(a)(ii) The names and details of claimants in whose favour default judgments will not be disclosed as per POPIA and risk of the claimant being put at risk of possible criminal attacks. Below is a list of the Default Judgments, and values per court.

Court Name (Province)

No of Judgements

Sum of Default Amount

Aberdeen Ec

1

R 3 290 048,75

Alexandria (Ec)

1

R 315 000,00

Belfast (Mp)

1

R 204 309,00

Benoni (G)

1

R 620 087,00

Bredasdorp (Wc)

1

R 136 604,39

Brits (Nw)

1

R 818 786,00

Cape High Court, Cape Town

7

R 27 870 652,00

Eastern Cape High Court, East London

4

R 18 623 748,31

Eastern Cape High Court, Port Elizabeth

2

R 11 659 579,81

Emakhazeni(M)

1

R 126 016,77

Emalahlani(M)

1

R 50 000,00

Ermelo (Mp)

2

R 490 949,50

Free State High Court, Bloemfontein

20

R 53 898 056,54

Ga-Kgapane (Bolobedu) (L)

1

R 29 600,00

Giyani (L)

1

R 40 500,00

Graskop (Mp)

1

R 383 878,00

Hlanganani (Vongani) (L)

1

R 100 000,00

Humansdorp (Ec)

1

R 30 800,00

Kempton Park (G)

1

R 30 020,00

Klerksdorp (Nw)

1

R 350 000,00

Klerksdorp Regional Court

38

R 10 425 560,30

Kwazulu-Natal High Court, Durban

7

R 21 419 873,39

Kwazulu-Nutal High Court, Pietermaritzburg

7

R 15 630 480,57

Lebowakgomo Regional Court

1

R 100 894,00

Limpopo High Court, Thohoyandou

35

R 88 311 995,22

Magistrate Court Johannesburg

1

R 382 068,40

Magistrate Court Pretoria

14

R 280 586,14

Mbombela High Court

31

R 76 556 622,60

Mdantsane (Ec)

1

R 5 000,00

Mpumalanga Circuit Court Middleburg

15

R 49 787 658,65

Namakgale (L)

1

R 46 808,00

Nebo (L)

1

R 54 481,55

Nkowankowa (L)

1

R 15 000,00

Polokwane Circuit Court)

64

R 202 512 664,58

North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria

1193

R 3 590 000 197,08

North West High Court, Mafikeng

11

R 21 842 019,78

Northern Cape High Court, Kimberley

2

R 1 497 520,09

Ntuzuma (Kzn)

1

R 142 625,00

Port Elizabeth

3

R 94 534,57

Praktiseer (L)

1

R 12 500,00

Pretoria

101

R 229 985 837,49

Pretoria North (G)

7

R 24 959 648,01

Pretoria Regional Court

7

R 598 848,75

Queenstown Regional Court

2

R 227 904,16

Sekhukhune (L)

2

R 84 341,50

South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg

54

R 278 833 734,21

Tonga Regional Court

3

R 774 529,00

Uitenhage (Ec)

2

R 231 485,58

Vereeniging (G)

2

R 508 800,00

Verulam (Kzn)

2

R 38 400,90

Witbank (Mp)

1

R 60 000,00

Witsieshoek (Fs)

1

R 121 900,00

Bloemfontein (FS)

3

R 13 879 160,00

Burgersfort (L)

1

R 389 000,00

Durban (kzn)

1

R 263 808,55

East London Regional Court (Ec)

15

R 1 123 386,92

Cape Town (Wc)

2

R 303 820,00

Tzaneen Regional Court (L)

2

R 89 153,05

Welkom Regional Court (Fs)

2

R 78 580,00

Thohoyandou (L)

1

R 44 000,00

Grahamstown Regional Court (Ec)

1

R 7 050,00

Polokwane (L)

24

R 67 981 476,83

Mbombela Regional Court (Mp)

3

R 3 084 769,00

Mahwelereng (L)

3

R 1 075 201,50

Pietermaritzburg (Kzn)

3

R 332 320,10

New Brighton (Ec)

1

R 21 590,80

Phalaborwa (L)

1

R 12 000,00

Grand Total

1725

R 4 823 298 472,34

(a)(iii) (a-b) Total amounts of each default judgement award split by cost type:

Default Type

No

Sum of Default Amount

Capital

1688

R 4 727 467 418,25

Capital & Cost

13

R 45 879 063,99

Costs

15

R 40 729 436,74

Experts

2

R 2 651 674,24

Post-settlement

7

R 6 570 879,12

Grand Total

1725

R 4 823 298 472,34

(a)(iii)(c) Reasons for default judgements is mainly that the RAF elected not to defend legal action for claims that have become valid in terms of section 24(5) of the RAF Act. These are claims that become valid because they were not objected to within the stipulated 60 days.

The RAF does not want to incur further legal costs in defending valid claims, as a result the judgements are granted in default without incurring costs of defending attorney and counsel.

11 October 2023 - NW3053

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

What total number of (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) other healthcare workers have not been paid within a 30-day period in each province in the past financial year?

Reply:

Employees are generally paid on time by means of the PERSAL system. Some delays in payments for newly appointed staff may be experienced at the end of December due to calendar year end processes or at the end of February due to tax year end processes, but this is not commonly experienced problem and delays would only be for one or two weeks, not 30 days or more.

When an employee who was previously dismissed for misconduct is reinstated/ re-appointed due to an Arbitration Award or Settlement Agreement, the unblocking of the previous service termination is implemented by National Treasury following the process required after the Head of Department has approved a submission for reinstatement/re-appointment.

The National Department of Health has requested information from the provinces in relation to the question.

Financial Year 2022 - 2023

Province

Category

Salaries

Overtime

Rural Allowance

PMDS related (Notch progression / bonuses)

Any Other (Please Specify)

EC

  1. Doctors

8

8

4 (4 of 8)

0

0

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

FS

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

GP

  1. Doctors
         
 
  1. Nurses
 

Outstanding information

   
 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers
         

KZN

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

13

DC outcomes: suspension without pay

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

 
 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

 

LP

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

MP

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

NC

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

NW

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 
  1. Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

WC

  1. Doctors

0

0

0

0

0

 

(b) Nurses

0

0

0

0

0

 

(c) Other Healthcare Workers

0

0

0

0

0

The table above excludes employees that have been through disciplinary processes and received sanctions of suspension without remuneration.

Eastern Cape:

  • Two Community Service Doctors assumed duties based on institutional appointment letters which still required approval by the delegated authority.
  • Six Medical Officers who applied for renewal of work permits on time but were only issued with instruction letters from Home Affairs which are acceptable for them to continue their services under Government-to-Government agreement. However, treasury regulations on PERSAL appointments necessitates individual work permits.

 

Northern Cape:

  • An update from the province indicates that all remuneration for the identified personnel were settled within the calendar month.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3044

Profile picture: Shaik Emam, Mr AM

Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, given that Muslim women, to whom it is customary to have their heads covered, are being restricted while on duty in healthcare facilities all over the Republic from wearing their head gear, and noting that the head gear poses no risk and/or danger to patients or the worker wearing it, he intends to intervene in the specified matter; if not, why not; if so, by what date will such intervention take place?

Reply:

While it is customary for women of the Muslim faith to have their heads covered, not all Muslim women cover their heads. The nursing profession has members of the Muslim faith who currently do not wear head gear.

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide the uniform or give a cash allowance to its employees if the wearing of a uniform is a condition for their work. This is also aligned to the prescripts and regulatory framework of the nursing profession as reflected in the SA Nursing Council regulations. Chief amongst these is the imperative to uphold and portray professional identity and image, in addition to minimising any potential risk to patient safety. The regulations stipulate that the wearing of the uniform should enable all nurses to display the devices which distinguish a nurse providing care in line with her professional qualifications from others.

The dress code for nurses has always served as an administrative instrument to give effect to all these service obligations that are imposed by the profession on their members. However, since 2005 nurses were provided with an allowance to purchase own uniform. The unintended consequence has been a lack of standardisation in terms of colour, material composition and quality of garment. Thus, posing a threat to historic professional image of a nurse. Hence the recent circular intended to restore standardisation in wearing of uniform. In addition to affirming the historic position of the department regarding wearing of adornment while on duty

The National department of Health is aware of the objection raised by Muslims organisations. This is the first time that the decade old practice reading wearing of adornment while on duty is being challenged. The Department remains open to engage with any affected stakeholder in this regard.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3051

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he has been informed of electricity bills of hospitals; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the total amount in outstanding electricity bills at each hospital in each province and (b) measures has the provincial health departments put in place to mitigate the outstanding debts?

Reply:

The responsibility for the payment of electricity bills resides with the respective provincial Departments of Health. Indicated below are the amounts owing as received from the provinces for various hospitals as appears in the tables:

a) The amounts owing to the various municipalities shown here are as the end of July 2023.

EASTERN CAPE

No.

Municipality

Outstanding Debt

 

Sarah Baartman

R

1

Sarah Baartman DM

1 044 492,88

2

Blue Crane Route

1 047 910,64

3

Camdeboo

0,00

4

Kouga

1 363 996,64

5

Koukamma

564 841,14

6

Makana

1 902 886,27

7

Ndlambe

332 805,52

8

Sundays River Valley

628 719,94

9

Baviaans / Ikwezi / Dr Beyers Naude

1 215 075,41

 

 

 

Total

8 100 728,44

 

 

 

     
     

 

Nelson Mandela

 

10

Nelson Mandela Metro

24 145 981,30

 

 

 

Total

24 145 981,30

 

 

 

 

Amathole

 

11

Amathole DM

15 204 200,95

12

Amahlathi

1 004 040,50

13

Great Kei

128 909,13

14

Mbashe

75 952,00

15

Mnquma

29 136,00

16

Ngqushwa

76 581,50

17

Nkonkobe / Nxuba / Raymond Mhlaba

20 811 489,12

 

 

 

Total

37 330 309,20

 

 

 

 

Buffalo City

 

18

Buffalo City Metro

6 600 804,35

 

 

 

Total

6 600 804,35

 

 

 

     

 

Chris Hani

 

19

Chris Hani DM

20 986 174,81

20

Emalahleni

1 964 407,15

21

Engcobo

522,35

22

Sakhisizwe

2 478 085,35

23

Intsika Yethu

468 884,20

24

Inxuba Yethemba

844 200,73

25

Inkwanca / Lukhanji /Tsolwana / Enoch Mgijima LM

4 539 032,16

 

 

 

Total

26 742 274,59

 

 

 

 

Joe Gqabi

 

26

Joe Gqabi DM

1 382 332,82

27

Elundini

103 544,30

28

Senqu

1 410 656,03

29

Garriep / Maletswai / Walter Sisulu

3 464 505,18

 

 

 

Total

6 361 038,33

 

 

 

     

 

OR Tambo

 

30

OR Tambo

7 085 527,07

31

KSD

9 608 874,60

32

Mhlontlo

8 429,53

33

Nyandeni

844 423,00

34

Ingquza Hill

8 686,65

35

Port St Johns

2 120,31

 

 

 

Total

17 558 061,16

 

 

 

 

Alfred Nzo

 

36

Alfred Nzo DM

18 052 297,74

37

Matatiele

6 987 581,43

38

Mbizana / Winnie Madikizela

4 828 870,90

39

Ntabankulu

3 900,69

40

Umzimvubu

69 166,84

 

 

 

Total

29 941 817,60

 

 

 

 

Grand Total

161 320 047,13

       

a) Acknowledgement of debt has been made to the relevant municipalities. There are ongoing mechanisms in place to ensure disconnection by the municipalities is avoided. After Budget Adjustment Estimates the Department will further engage relevant municipalities again with a purpose of re-arranging payments terms for this financial year and negotiate the payment terms for the next financial year.

The Department has engaged Reonet (Pty) LTD through the EC Department of Public Works with the aim of verifying all outstanding debts and billings by certain municipalities are valid and accurate.

FREE STATE

a) The Free State Department of Public Works & Infrastructure is responsible for payment of all property rates, sanitation and refuse removal accounts for all Provincial Departments. The Department of Public Works & Infrastructure is also responsible for the electricity and water accounts excluding for the schools and leased out properties where the electricity and water is metered separately and paid for by the user.

The following table indicates hospitals in the Free State province with verified outstanding electricity accounts:

FACILITY NAME

MUN CODE

TOWN

SUBURB

VERIFIED OUTSTANDING ELECTRICITY

DIAMOND HOSPITAL

FS162

JAGERSFONTEIN

JAGERSFONTEIN

R356 083,95

TROMSBURG - ALBERT NZULA HOSPITAL

FS162

TROMPSBURG Farm

TROMPSBURG Farm

R905 032,78

SMITHFIELD HOSPITAL

FS163

SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD

R273 713,70

EMBEKWENI HOSPITAL

FS163

ZASTRON RD

ZASTRON RD

R322 470,39

WINBURG HOSPITAL

FS181

WINBURG RD

WINBURG RD

R548 546,84

THUSANONG DISTRICT HOSPITAL

FS184

ODENDAALSRUS

ODENDAALSRUS

R1 039 539,70

KATLEHO HOSPITAL

FS184

VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA

R1 098 783,50

BONGANI REGIONAL HOSPITAL

FS184

WELKOM RD

WELKOM RD

R6 456 031,14

NALA HOSPITAL

FS185

BOTHAVILLE

BOTHAVILLE

R235 524,37

MOHAU HOSPITAL

FS185

HOOPSTAD

HOOPSTAD

R771 548,09

JOHN DANIEL NEWBERRY HOSPITAL / CLINIC

FS191

CLOCOLAN

CLOCOLAN

R168 413,33

PHUTHULOHA DISTRICT HOSPITAL

FS191

FICKSBURG

FICKSBURG

R164 537,07

ITEMOHENG HOSPITAL - SENEKAL

FS191

SENEKAL

SENEKAL

R225 643,91

PHEKOLONG HOSPITAL

FS192

BETHLEHEM

BETHLEHEM

R10 854 908,76

DIHLABENG HOSPITAL

FS192

BETHLEHEM

BETHLEHEM

R5 061 231,19

NKETOANA HOSPITAL

FS193

REITZ RD

REITZ RD

R334 285,13

THEBE DISTRICT HOSPITAL

FS194

HARRISMITH

HARRISMITH

R0,00

ELIZABETH ROSS HOSPITAL

FS194

HARRISMITH RD

HARRISMITH RD

R0,00

MOFUMAHADI MANAPO MOPELI HOSPITAL

FS194

QWA-QWA

PHUTHADITJHABA-A

R0,00

PHUMELELA HOSPITAL/VREDE CLINIC

FS195

VREDE

VREDE

R0,00

SENORITA NHLABATHI HOSPITAL

FS196

LADYBRAND

LADYBRAND

R857 455,55

BOITUMELO HOSPITAL

FS201

KROONSTAD RD

KROONSTAD RD

R3 915 423,49

TOKOLLO HOSPITAL

FS203

HEILBRON

HEILBRON

R1 594 812,28

PARYS HOSPITAL

FS203

PARYS

PARYS

R1 131 364,09

Fezi Ngumbentombi Hospital

FS204

PARYS RD

PARYS RD

R12 565 856,06

MAFUBE HOSPITAL

FS205

FRANKFORT

FRANKFORT

R0,00

NATIONAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL

MAN

BLOEMFONTEIN

BLOEMFONTEIN

R20 785 268,98

PSYCHIATRIC COMPLEX

MAN

BLOEMFONTEIN

BLOEMFONTEIN

R31 590 119,88

PELONOMI HOSPITAL

MAN

BLOEMFONTEIN

BLOEMFONTEIN

R43 334 465,10

UNIVERSITAS ACADEMIC HOSPITAL

MAN

BLOEMFONTEIN

BLOEMFONTEIN

R66 108 250,22

BOTSHABELO HOSPITAL

MAN

BOTSHABELO

BOTSHABELO-BA

R18 733 852,05

DR J S MOROKA HOSPITAL

MAN

THABA `NCHU

THABA 'NCHU

R0,00

b) The Free State Department of Public Works & Infrastructure continue to negotiate with service providers not to disconnect the electricity supply as it will hamper service delivery and may cause loss of lives if a hospital electricity is disconnected. The Province is continuously assisting the department in identifying savings which are then re-directed to augment the budget pressure in this regard.

GAUTENG

a) The total amount in outstanding electricity bills at each hospital in each province amount to R285,357,103.13, from the amount R102,478,398.20 already processed on the system for payments. The total outstanding electricity bill amount to R182, 878, 704.93 of which the institutions to conduct verification for payment.

Refer to the table as below mentioned:

Vendor details

Institution

Awaiting Payment Run

Institution to approve, before payment is done

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Charlotte Maxeke

-

114 174 074,96

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

19 202 124,74

966 713,30

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Edenvale Hosp

2 205 293,14

-

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Health Head Office

-

593,14

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Helen Joseph

7 329 585,56

12 245 916,03

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Johannesburg Metro District Health

-

176 929,11

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Rahima Moosa Hosp (Coronation Hosp)

1 812 301,43

17 542 309,44

City of Johannesburg Municipality

South Rand Hosp

-

6 896 388,53

City of Johannesburg Municipality

Tara Hosp

207 047,83

523 177,46

City of Tshwane

Forensic Pathology Services

-

342 328,32

City of Tshwane

Jubilee District Hosp

-

3 286 238,53

City of Tshwane

Kalafong Hosp

1 589 028,09

-

City of Tshwane

Lebone College of Emergency

-

448 876,27

City of Tshwane

Mamelodi Hosp

589 336,07

-

City of Tshwane

Masakhane Cookfreeze

49 675,80

-

City of Tshwane

ODI District Hospital

-

399 425,03

City of Tshwane

Pretoria West

-

2 497 959,24

City of Tshwane

Steve Biko Hosp (PTA Academic Hosp)

-

96 503,47

City of Tshwane

Tshwane District Health

229 719,49

19 406,52

City of Tshwane

Tshwane District Hosp

-

-

City of Tshwane

Tshwane Rehab

-

501 685,89

City of Tshwane

Weskoppies

-

1 797 203,68

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Dunswart Hosp

884 844,00

-

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Ekurhuleni District Health

53 751 000,00

-

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Far East Rand Hospital

-

2 002 165,09

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Tambo Memorial Hosp

6 126 127,08

45 473,62

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Tembisa Hosp

-

3 268 538,16

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Thelle Mogoerane

-

220 000,04

Emfuleni - GP Local Municipality

Kopanong Hosp

7 094,31

521 335,48

Emfuleni - GP Local Municipality

Sebokeng Hosp

62 501,63

2 831 029,82

Emfuleni - GP Local Municipality

Sedibeng District Health

-

-

Lesedi - GP Local Municipality

Forensic Pathology Services

-

47 196,14

Lesedi - GP Local Municipality

Heidelburg

73 551,13

733 037,29

Merafong City - GP Local Municipality

Carlton Vill Clinic

-

8 815,87

Mogale City - GP Local Municipality

Dr Yusuf Dadoo

-

809 736,78

Mogale City - GP Local Municipality

Leratong Hosp

3 022 440,53

-

Mogale City - GP Local Municipality

Sterkfontein Hosp

2 251 647,14

-

Mogale City - GP Local Municipality

West Rand District Office

168 332,38

-

Rand West City - GP Local Municipality

West Rand District Office

402 852,88

21 284,42

ESKOM

Charlotte Maxeke

-

97 313,13

ESKOM

Ekurhuleni District Health

4 348,81

-

ESKOM

EMS

-

13 876,81

ESKOM

Johannesburg Metro District Health

1 224 494,37

409 322,98

ESKOM

Jubilee District Hosp

-

7 298 418,97

ESKOM

ODI District Hospital

-

265 607,22

ESKOM

Pholosong Hosp

-

397 829,63

ESKOM

Sedibeng District Health

117 874,95

75 465,31

ESKOM

Tara Hosp

497 564,22

-

ESKOM

Thelle Mogoerane

-

1 607 620,72

ESKOM

Tshwane District Health

469 739,63

138 186,88

ESKOM

West Rand District Office

199 872,99

150 721,65

Grand Total

 

102 478 398,20

182 878 704,93

b) The department conduct weekly meetings with Eskom and bilateral meetings with Municipalities, which are arranged and attended to by Representatives from Gauteng Treasury, COGTA, Department of Health: Head Office and Health Institutions (Hospitals & Entities).

KWAZULU-NATAL

a) The Department’s electricity bill across the province is all current, sitting at just over R31million.

b) The Department prioritise the water and electricity on a month-to-month basis resulting to the total debt owed being current.

LIMPOPO

a) Yes, The department has as at 31 August 2023 municipal bills of hospitals amounting to R8 590 999,33, of which the balances were within 30 Days.

The breakdown of the total bills as per the tables below:

Capricorn district

Mopani district

Sekhukhune District

Vhembe District

Waterberg District

b) All bills listed above were settled during the month of September 2023. The department is paying the municipalities monthly, hence all transactions reported are within 30 days. The department will continue reconciling the accounts and settle the debts accordingly.

MPUMALANGA

a) The hospitals will be able to process the electricity bills soon as the outstanding invoices are received and when the system is back. Attached hereunder, please find table detailing the outstanding electricity bill per hospital and payment status.

Name of Facilities

Status

Amount in Arrears

Comments

GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bethal Hospital

Paid until September

604 953,00

Emzinoni Clinic billing from 2018, new matter still under investigation. A meeting schedule for tomorrow with CFO Govan Mbeki

Evander Hospital

Paid until September

300 000,00

A shortfall on the committed order, a new order to be generated

Carolina Hospital

Paid until July

-

waiting for August and September invoices. The municipal has implemented a new system which causes the delay.

Embhuleni Hospital

Paid until August

-

Invoice received after the cut-off date, yet to be processed

Ermelo Hospital

Paid until August

-

Awaiting for September invoice, a dispute was lodged on the initial invoice.

Msukalingwa Clinic

Paid until August

-

Invoice received after the cut-off date, yet to be processed

Total

 

904 953,00

 
       

EHLANZENI DISTRICT

     
       

Tintswalo Hospital

Paid until August

234 770,70

Invoice received after cut-off date

Themba Hospital

Paid until August

-

Waiting for invoice

Barberton TB Hospital

Paid until August

300 980,00

Invoice received after cut-off date.

Barberton Hospital

Paid until August

-

Waiting for invoice

Sabie Hospital

Paid until August

219 970,43

Invoice received after the cut-off date.

Total

 

755 721,13

 
       

NKANGALA DISTRICT

     
       

Kwamhlanga Hospital

Paid until 31st August 2023

37 450,00

September invoice received in process

Benice Samuel Hospital

Paid until 31st August 2023

 

September invoice not yet received

Middleburg Hospital

Paid until 31st August 2023

650 323,18

September invoice received in process

Mmamethlake Hospital

Paid until 31st July 2023

 

August and September invoice not yet received

Impungwe Hospital

Paid until 31st August 2023

253 361,19

September invoice received in process

Waterval boven

Paid until 31st August 2023

 

September invoice not yet received

HA Grove Hospital

Paid until 31st August 2023

 

September invoice not yet received

TB Hospital

Paid until 31st August 2023

192 141,36

September invoice received in process

PHC Facilities

Paid until 31st August 2023

 

September invoice not yet received

Total

 

1 133 275,73

 
       

Grand Total

 

2 793 949,86

 

b) Outstanding invoices will be processed upon receipts and captured invoices will be paid soon as the system is back.

NORTHERN CAPE

No response, after several engagement and follow ups with the province.

NORTH WEST

a) The department owes electricity bills of R5 017 155,17 outstanding as of September 2023, However, the R631 134.69 is in dispute with ESKOM.

Name of the Hospital

Total outstanding electricity bills

Ventersdorp CHC (Hospital)

352 035.81

Mafikeng Provincial Hospital

631 134.69

JST Hospital

2 879 515.91

Taung Hospital

1 154 468.76

 

1 506 504.57

b) The outstanding bills are current. The department conduct regular reconciliation of the accounts with facilities when a need arises for settlement.

WESTERN CAPE

a) As of 31 August 2023, 99% of our outstanding balances are current. Some have been settled and reflect as 0 and some in credit reflected in brackets:

Hospital

Current electricity bill

Alexandra Hospital

(R1 023,27) in credit

Beaufort West Hospital

R 406 456,64

Brewelskloof Hospital

R 380 534,96

Caledon Hospital

R 365 431,18

Ceres Hospital

R 287 907,87

Citrusdal Hospital

R 421 045,97

DP Marais Hospital (vacant land)

0

Eerste River Hospital

0

False Bay Hospital

0

George Hospital

R 1 219 583,28

Groote Schuur Hospital

R 5 986,75

Harry Comay

R 166 705,81

Helderberg Hospital

0

Hermanus Hospital

R 35 710,22

Karl Bremer Hospital

0

Khayelitsha Hospital

0

Knysna Hospital

R 391 993,44

Ladismith Hospital

R 78 459,00

Laingsburg Hospital

R 75 264,00

Lapa Munnik Hospital

R 150 800,53

Lentegeur Hospital

0

Metro TB Hospital

0

Mitchells Plain Hospital

0

Montagu Hospital

0

Mosselbay Hospital

R 151 655,87

Mowbray Hospital

0

Murraysburg Hospital

R 45 654,65

Nelspoort Hospital

R 12 777,66

Oudtshoorn Hospital

0

Paarl Hospital

R 1 107 137,61

Prince Albert Hospital

R 135 198,70

Radie Kotze Hospital

R 68 478,58

Red Cross Childrens Hospital

R 2 994 987,92

Riversdale Hospital

R 210 159,68

Robertson Hospital

0

Somerset Hospital

R 805 743,74

Stellenbosch Hospital

R 270 917,51

Stikland Hospital

R 6 822,08

Swartland Hospital

R 2 582,18

Swellendam Hospital

R 168 770,49

Tygerberg Hospital

0

Valkenberg Hospital

0

Victoria Hospital

(R 400,00) in credit

Vredenburg Hospital

R 418 976,96

Vredendal Hospital

R 170 159,95

Wesfleur Hospital

R 227 512,42

Worcester Hospital

0

b) Measures in place:

  • Monthly reporting to Provincial Treasury (PT) Local Government Directorate on Rural debt, which manages outstanding Provincial municipal debt, based on identifying long outstanding debt. PT will engage with the said municipality and the Department to address the debt and identifying and resolving disputes,
  • Receipt of month-end outstanding billing from the City of Cape Town (Metro) to ensure all payments processed in that month are allocated to the correct accounts and all Metro accounts are reflected as current.
  • BAS reports are monitored monthly.

 

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3052

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether there are ongoing studies on the adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether donor blood is tested for COVID-19 vaccinations and labelled as such; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether there have been reported cases of patients reacting negatively to vaccinated blood in the medical sector, including the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the position of citizens who wish to access unvaccinated blood due to medical and religious reasons?

Reply:

1. Applicants are required to submit safety data on vaccines before they are registered by regulatory authorities (SAHPRA in the case of South Africa). Once registered manufacturers and regulatory authorities are required by law to conduct post-marketing surveillance of adverse events following immunisation, and to update or amend registration and product information based on this surveillance.

In addition, health care workers and the public are encouraged to report adverse effects following immunization to SAHPRA. After notification, provincial authorities investigate each case in a systematic manner and provide results to the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee (NISEC). Experts on this committee evaluate each case to determine causal associations with vaccines. Results of these case evaluations are reported on the SAHPRA website https://aefi-reporting.sahpra.org.za/.

2. No. There is no scientific reason nor evidence to support the notion that exposure to COVID vaccine through a blood transfusion can cause harm to the person who receives the blood. As a result, donated blood is not routinely tested to determine whether it contains COVID vaccine.

3. There are no reported cases of patients reacting negatively to blood as a result of the donor having received a COVID vaccine. Blood donated by vaccinated and unvaccinated persons is processed and made available to potential recipients using the same standardised safety and other procedures.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3087

Profile picture: Hicklin, Ms MB

Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health

(1)With respect to the devastating fire that occurred in Johannesburg and claimed the lives of 76 people, 12 of whom were children, (a) what are the reasons that the bodies were taken to the mortuary in Diepkloof and not the Hillbrow mortuary for postmortems and (b) to what extent is the Stage 6 load shedding affecting the identification of bodies given that very few mortuaries have generators; (2) how effective has the biometric system been in helping to identify the bodies of the 76 victims whose remains can still be identified bearing in mind that many of the victims are believed to be immigrants; (3) whether he has been informed that an amount of R700,00 has been demanded from the family members collecting and/or identifying the bodies or remains of their loved ones before the bodies or remains are released to them; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) steps will he take regarding allegations of the illegal practice as neither the Gauteng Department of Health nor the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services are allowed to charge for rendering the specified services and (b) consequences will there be for officials who have been found guilty of contravening the law by demanding illegal payment for the services rendered?

Reply:

1. (a) Bodies were taken to both Hillbrow (Johannesburg) and Diepkloof Forensic mortuaries.

  • The Diepkloof Forensic Mortuary was used for postmortem examination, but also as a central storage for bodies so that families can access one central point for identification of family members.
  • The Hillbrow (Johannesburg) was also used to conduct advanced scientific investigation such as DNA harvesting, Fingerprint taking and use of the LODOX/ X-Ray services.

(b) All mortuaries in Gauteng province operate with back-up/emergency generators.

(2) The Gauteng Department Health indicates that there were 21 fingerprints taken from the bodies using Forensic Pathology Digital Fingerprint system, 12 bodies were verified of which four (4) bodies were that of immigrants with valid Republic of South Africa permit.

(3) Currently, Gauteng Department of Health Forensic Pathology Service offers a no-fee for the investigation service. The said allegations were investigated by means of CCTV footages, security access control register and media announcements with no success in identifying the complainant.

In addition, Department of Health in Gauteng held a live TV interview session with Newsroom Africa on 07 September 2023 to create public awareness regarding free investigative services provided by Gauteng Forensic Pathology service.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3039

Profile picture: Shaik Emam, Mr AM

Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Health

What measures have been put in place to (a) ensure that all medical graduates who have completed their community services are placed at relevant health facilities and (b) address the difficulty doctors experience in being allowed to write their board examinations to be integrated into the medical field of the Republic so that they can contribute effectively to the health of the people?

Reply:

a) To date from January 2023, a total of 3 974 posts of medical doctors were advertised and filled as compared to 2 053 medical doctors’ posts of the previous year (2022) for the same periods of employment. This means that an additional 1 921 posts for medical doctors were funded to accommodate unemployed medical doctors.

It is also acknowledged that not all unemployed medical doctors after completing community service, applied for these positions due to their different personal interests (e.g., Preference of urban areas rather than rural).

It remains the obligation for the Department of Health to ensure that sufficient platform is available for all eligible South African Citizens and Permanent Residents for medical internship and community service and after qualifying for independent practice, doctors are allowed to seek employment either in public or private sector.

The National Department of Health remains accessible/open to refer unemployed medical doctors, either individually or through their Associations, to Provinces for recruitment to available funded posts.

b) The National Department of Health has been working with the HPCSA throughout the process to ensure that all South African Citizens who studied abroad are eligible and given a fair opportunity to sit for the Medical Board examinations.

Following engagements with HPCSA, the Department can now confirm that the next schedule of exams will be held as follows:

  • Theory Medical Board examinations: 25 October 2023.
  • Practical/OSCE Medical Board examinations: Planned between 05 and 08 December 2023.
  • HPCSA has since invited applicants who meet the requirements for these examinations.

END.

11 October 2023 - NW3138

Profile picture: Tetyana, Mr Y

Tetyana, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether, in light of the allegations that Intercape buses are sharing permits, she will furnish Mr Y Tetyana with proof of operating permits issued for the entire fleet of Intercape buses, including all routes that each bus is permitted to use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The National Public Transport Regulator issued to Intercape Ferreira Mainliner PTY (LTD) 74 operating licences comprising of 40 operating licences authorising the conveyance of tourist, charter and bus services; 16 operating licences which authorises tourist and bus services, 05 operating licences authorising tourist and charter services and 13 operating licences authorising tourist services only.

Over and above 74 licences, there are 17 applications for renewal of licences comprising of 2 operating licences authorising tourist and charter services and 15 operating licences authorising tourist, charter and bus services applications that were approved by the National Public Transport Regulator but were not uplifted.

Detailed routes are attached

11 October 2023 - NW2721

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport

With reference to (a) each board member and (b) Executive of the Road Accident Fund, what are the details of the protection provided to each person since 1 April 2017, including but not exclusively (i) the number of protection personnel costs of personal protection and (ii)(aa) the details of security equipment and (bb) costs thereof associated with personal protection, including but not exclusively (aaa) motor vehicles, (bbb) weapons, (ccc) offices, (ddd) home security and furniture and (eee) employers of all personal protection personnel?

Reply:

Reference to RAF Security Policy 3. Policy statements The RAF has duty to establish, provide and maintain physical Security and safe secure occupational environment for its employee; to protect other persons as defined in the policy. Personal Security 7.5.2, the Physical protection of identified against violent, insults and life threats, as well as protection of information in possession such as persons against unauthorized exposure or disclosure to malicious/opposing/hostile elements or persons after SRTA is done to the individual by Security, SSA, SAPS Crime intelligent and or Security advisory services.

Security shall initiate develop and provide Close protection program for identified employees after threat and risk assessment. Limiting the probability of critical incidents which may result in physical harm and limiting the impact of any critical incidents through contingency planning in all spheres of operational activities.

Focus will be on securing the Executive against identified potential security threat related to their employment in the RAF. This will be done in terms individual personal protection plan approved by the EXCO.

Permanent protectors will be allocated for the CEO and Chairperson of the board, allocation of protector/s to other board members, Executive management and employees shall be dependent upon the identified potentials threats.

Security department shall set out guidelines that are required to render professional, effective, and accountable protective security services to the Executives, board and employees.

ANNEXURE A: PERSONNEL SECURITY PROTECTION FROM 1 APRIL 2017 TO 1 APRIL 2023

Name & Surname

Security Provider

Financial Year

Duration

Office

Description of the service

Amount

Justice Mdluli

Mphosha Security

2019/2020

1 months, 6 days

Head Office

1)Driver

2)Armed Close protector

3) 1 x Vehicle

R 165 137.49

Gontse Baloyi

Mphosha Security

2019/2020

25 days

Head Office

1)Driver

2)Armed Close protector

3)1x Vehicle

R 108 643.09

Nozipho Gumede

Mjayeli Security

2022/2023

4 days

Durban

1) 2x Security Officers

R4 465.38

Tshepo Moatshe

Siyefana Security

2022/2023

3 months

Menlyn

1)Driver

2)Armed Close protector

3) 1 x Vehicle

R107 626,00

Collins Letsoalo (RAF CEO)

Mjayeli Security

2021/2022

12 months

Head Office

1)Driver

2)Armed Close protector

3) 1x Vehicle

4) Static Guard

R 1 326 669

Collins Letsoalo (RAF CEO)

Mjayeli Security

2022/2023

13 months

Head Office

1) 2x Drivers armed

2) 2x Armed Close protector

3) 2x Vehicle

4) 2x Static Guard

5) 2x Rifle

R 3 917 027

Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of RAF Board

Mphosha Security

2022/2023

6 Months

RAF Board

1) 2x Driver armed

2) 2x Armed Close protector

3) 2x Vehicle

4) 4x Rifle

R 1 549 740

10 October 2023 - NW3040

Profile picture: Powell, Ms EL

Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What amounts did (a) Russia, (b) China, (c) India and (d) Brazil contribute to the (i) BRICS Ministerial Meeting hosted in Cape Town on 1 June 2023, (ii) 2023 BRICS Political Party Plus Dialogue and (iii) BRICS Summit hosted in August?

Reply:

i) The contribution of Russia (a), China (b), India (c)and Brazil (d) to the BRICS Ministerial Meeting hosted in Cape Town on 1 June 2023:

a) Nil

b) Nil

c) Nil

d) Nil

ii) The Department was not involved in the BRICS Political Party Plus Dialogue as this event was organised by the governing party.

iii) The contribution of Russia (a), China (b), India (c) and Brazil (d) to the 15th BRICS Summit:

a) Nil

b) Nil

c) Nil

d) Nil

10 October 2023 - NW3063

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)What (a) total number of (i) provincial and (ii) national departments appointed (aa) deputy directors-general (DDGs) and (bb) heads of department (HODs) since 1 January 2019 and (b) is the breakdown of the specified number for each (i) provincial and (ii) national department; (2) what (a) total number of (i) provincial and (ii) national departments have had acting (aa) DDGs and (bb) HODs for more than four years and (b) are the reasons that the specified departments have not advertised the specified positions?

Reply:

(1) (a) The total number of Deputy Directors-General (DDGs) appointments, omitting the Defence and State Security Agency, from January 2019 to September 2023 are as follows (source: PERSAL):

(aa) (i) Provincial departments: 238.

(ii) National departments: 241.

(bb) From January 2019 to 31 August 2023, Heads of Department (HODs) are as follows:

  • Provincial departments: 87.
  • National departments: 33 (including contractual extensions and role transitions).

(1)(b) For an in-depth analysis, please refer to Annexures A through D, which provide a detailed breakdown of the specified numbers for each (i) provincial and (ii) national department.

2. Acting appointments refer to temporary roles filled for a limited period and cannot be obtained through the PERSAL system. By governance structures, the management of acting appointments falls under the purview of respective national and provincial departments. The exclusive authority for disseminating acting information resides with the executive authorities overseeing the filling of temporary roles within the national and provincial departments.

End

10 October 2023 - NW2873

Profile picture: Mkhonto, Ms C N

Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What (a) was found to have been the exact cause of the illness of 78 primary school learners in Tshwane and (b) assurances can he give that it was not related to the quality of tap water?

Reply:

a)  The Department of Water and Sanitation advises Honourable member to request the exact cause of illness of 78 primary school learners in City of Tshwane from Department of Health. The name of the Primary School concerned will assist to expedite response.

b) The Department Water and Sanitation collected water samples at strategic points for analysis after the cholera outbreak. The points were Rooiwal discharge point, Apies River abstraction points, water treatment plant, distribution network and points of use. The samples were taken by the Department as well as the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) took additional samples as an independent laboratory. The department laboratory results established that points of abstraction and point of use were compliant with the SANS 241:2015 standard. Therefore, in the absence of confirmation of the exact nature of the illness, the department hereby confirms that water provided through Rand Water pipeline and water tankers is fit for human consumption.

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10 October 2023 - NW3062

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Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

With reference to adopting the Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector, what measures has her department put in place to root out the practice of cadre deployment in provincial and national departments?

Reply:

Per the Public Service Act (PSA) of 1994, the Public Service operates under a merit-based recruitment and selection system, rendering cadre deployment non-applicable in filling vacancies. The MPSA has devised a three-tiered strategy for ensuring equitable, fair, and transparent appointments. Firstly, the PSA grants an executive authority the latitude to make appointments within national and provincial departments, contingent upon compliance with Sections 9 and 11(2) concerning merit-based recruitment. Secondly, Sections 65 and 67 of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, provide further specification and governance for such appointments. Lastly, the Executive Protocol unambiguously outlines the rules for appointing Heads of Departments and Deputy Director-Generals. Strict compliance with these three strategic elements is obligatory for all National and Provincial Departments, thus precluding any form of cadre deployment.

End

10 October 2023 - NW2740

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Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial year, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?

Reply:

Find here: Reply

10 October 2023 - NW2944

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Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What long-term plans have been put in place by his department to permanently eradicate the sewerage and stormwater challenges experienced in almost all local municipalities?

Reply:

Although the Water Services Authorities have a duty to maintain a safe environment that is not harmful to people by managing and maintaining the sewerage systems and resolving sewer spillages into the environment, the state of sewerage systems is generally deteriorating, as shown in the 2023 Green Drop Report. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is also compelled by the Constitution to support municipalities and intervene where there is non-compliance with the compulsory national norms and standards.

The DWS has developed the Water Services Improvement Programme to guide, support and strengthen interventions measures that address the decline in water and sanitation services in municipalities. The Water Services Improvement Plan will be implemented within the existing legislative framework and regulations, and it consists of the following interventions amongst others:

a) DWS will issue updated and more comprehensive norms and standards for water and sanitation services in terms of section 9 of the Water Services Act.

b) DWS will publish a National Regulatory Dashboard showing the extent of compliance with national norms and standards for water and sanitation services for all Water Service Authorities, drawing on existing monitoring information, including from the Green Drop reports, National Treasury, and Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs reports. No new additional reporting requirements will be put on municipalities)

c) DWS will develop regional support and intervention plans based on the evidence in the Regulatory Dashboard and standards decision rules, in consultation with provincial governments, municipalities and District Development Model structures.

d) The support and intervention plans will draw on a range of support programmes which will be developed at national level.

e) DWS established the Water Partnerships Office to facilitate partnerships with the private sector in support of water and sanitation services.

The support provided to municipalities does not suspend this Department’s continuous compliance monitoring and enforcement function to deal with those municipalities that ignore their legal obligations in terms of sewer spillages. Stormwater management is the competency of the local government and this Department continues to offer support in strengthening the bylaws to ensure proper stormwater management.

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10 October 2023 - NW2527

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Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether his department (a) intends building clean, safe and usable toilets and (b) provide clean and running water for the community at Smith’s Mine in Barkley West (details furnished); if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the (i) relevant details and (ii) time frames in each case?

Reply:

Dikgatlong Local Municipality is a Water Service Authority and therefore is responsible for the provision of water and sanitation services to all communities within its area of jurisdiction, including Smith Mine which is a Communal Property Association (CPA). There is currently is no Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the CPA and Dikgatlong Municipality.

The municipality reported that the councilor is mediating for an SLA to be put in place to allow Dikgatlong to formally service these residents. Once the SLA is in finalised, formal arrangements will be made in terms of resources required from the Dikgatlong Local Municipality to provide water and sanitation services.

a) The Department supports the water services authority with construction, upgarde and refurbishment of infrastructure through conditional Water Services Iinfrastructure Grant (WSIG) and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) funding for project prioritised by Municpalities their water services development plans.

The Municipality and the Smith Mine community require a process of formalisation of the settlement into the township in order for the municipality to access the grant funding available for sanitation services.

b) The existing water infrastructure in the community was built by the mining company and is now under the custodianship of The Dikgatlong Local Municipality. The water supply system consists of boreholes and a reservoir in which chemical dosing was being done using a specialized purification system that is container based. The size of the reservoir is approximately 0.05ml/day, however, the municipality has reported that the purification plant was vandalised and is currently not functional. A case of vandalism and theft was opened by the Dikgatlong Local Municipality with SAPS. The Municipality has reported that procurement processess are currently underway for the repairs of the plant in order to restore water supply.

As an interim measure, the municipality is providing water to the residents of Smith Mine through water tankering from Barkley West Water Treatment Works. Two 10 000 litres water tanks are placed at strategic points and are filled by two 10 000 litre water trucks. The Municipality reports that water tanks are filled twice a week, and when necessary the ward councillor communicates any additional needs. The water tankering is fully funded by Dikgatlong.

In order for the municipality to access grant funding for water services refurbishment, augmentation or upgrading, the requirement is that the residential area be a formal township.

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10 October 2023 - NW2736

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Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

With reference to the recent African Peace Mission to provide mediation in the war between Russia and Ukraine, what (a)(i) arms and ammunition were onboard the SA Airways plane and (ii) was the quantity of the arms and ammunition, (b) was the intended purpose of the arms and ammunition and (c) was the total cost of the arms and ammunition?

Reply:

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10 October 2023 - NW2701

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

(1) Given the reported allocation of a long-term contract to Marshalls Aerospace in the United Kingdom, what (a) the reasons that the contract was not allocated to Denel Aeronautics, as clearly expected by them, (b) upgrade and service work will be done under the specified contract by Marshalls Aerospace and their subcontractors and (c) will be done by Denel Aeronautics. (2) What (a) will the monetary value of the work and provided for by (i) Marshall Aerospace and (ii) Denel Aeronautics if any and (b) number of C130 aircraft will be (i) upgraded and serviced by Marshall Aerospace, (ii) at what costs and (iii) over what timeline. (3) whether there are any discussions between the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Enterprises, on whether Denel Aeronautics will play any role now and in the future with regards to the upgrade, service and maintenance of strategic prime mission airframes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the (a) extent, (b) costs and (c) timelines involved?

Reply:

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10 October 2023 - NW3122

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Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

What measures and processes has her department implemented to balance qualifications, skills and work experience in senior management service positions to ensure competent persons are appointed in the specified positions?

Reply:

The Minister for Public Service and Administration (MPSA) has enacted a holistic strategy (measures and processes) through the 2016 Directive on Capacity Development, Compulsory Training Days, and Minimum Entry for the Senior Management Service (SMS). Serving as the cornerstone of the MPSA's initiatives, this Directive aims to infuse the public sector with agility and a focus on citizen welfare, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to the public good.

This Directive is a roadmap serving the norms and standards for fostering continual professional growth, giving precedence to robust human resource management and career progression across the multiple layers of public service. This emphasis is essential for sustaining a well-qualified and experienced senior management team. The Directive meticulously specifies the merit-based standards for entry into the SMS, including necessary qualifications, applicable experience, and the mandatory pre-entry certificate (Nyukela). These measures are expressly designed to embed appointments to SMS based on a balanced consideration of qualifications, skills, and work experience, resulting in an impartial, fair, and competent state administration.

END

10 October 2023 - NW2626

Profile picture: Mohlala, Ms MR

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

In light of the dire situation in Emfuleni Local Municipality where thousands of residents lack access to water despite over R65 million being paid to contractors, what are the details of the oversight mechanisms his department has in place to ensure that funds allocated for water services are effectively utilised and that such critical service delivery failures are addressed promptly?

Reply:

The department has not paid R65 million to contractors for water services in Emfuleni Local Municipality, and neither has Rand Water. Rand Water has been paying contractors to work on waste water treatment systems in Emfuleni. It is possible that Emfuleni Local Municipality might have appointed contractors to work on its water systems using its own funds, but DWS would not have this information.

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10 October 2023 - NW2864

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What (a) number of members constitute the Regulator Commission and (b) are the detailed reasons for a separate commission being in place whereas there are already internal systems in place to assist with the strengthening and improvement of the regulatory function?

Reply:

a)  The Regulator Commission has eleven (11) members.

b) The Commission is not a separate entity. It is established as part of the internal systems to strengthen the regulatory autonomy in decision making. It is for this reason that the commission is provided for in the revised National Water Act and the Water Services Act.

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10 October 2023 - NW2663

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Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education

As at 6 June 2023, what number of schools (a) in the Republic and (b) in each province (i) use only (aa) plain pit and bucket latrines and (bb) ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines and (ii) have (aa) plain pit and bucket latrines and other sanitation facilities on their premises and (bb) VIP latrines and other sanitation facilities on their premises?

Reply:

As at 6 June 2023, what number of schools (a) in the Republic and (b) in each province (i) use only (aa) plain pit and bucket latrines and (bb) ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines and (ii) have (aa) plain pit and bucket latrines and other sanitation facilities on their premises and (bb) VIP latrines and other sanitation facilities on their premises?      

What number of schools (a) in the Republic and (b) in each province (i) use only

(aa) plain pit and bucket latrines

  • In 2018, the Department of Basic Education launched the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE-2018) initiative.
  • This programme focused on providing appropriate sanitation at schools dependent on basic pit toilets.
  • There were initially 3 898 schools on the SAFE programme (This number decreased to 3 382).

(bb) ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines

  • Of the 3 382 sanitation projects, 2 911 have been completed through SAFE.
  • The remaining 471 sanitation projects are scheduled for completion in 2023/24.

What number of schools (a) in the Republic and (b) in each province (ii) have

(aa) plain pit and bucket latrines and other sanitation facilities on their premises

  • In 2018, there were initially 3 898 schools on the SAFE programme (This number decreased to 3 382).

(bb) VIP latrines and other sanitation facilities on their premises? 

  • Of the 3 382 sanitation projects, 2 911 have been completed through SAFE.
  • The remaining 471 sanitation projects are scheduled for completion in 2023/24.

The table below provides requested information in each province.

 

10 October 2023 - NW2706

Profile picture: Smalle, Mr JF

Smalle, Mr JF to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What (a) is the total number of boreholes drilled by his department in each (i) local and (ii) district municipality in the (aa) 2020-21 and (bb) 2021-22 financial years, (b) amount did each borehole cost his department and (c) was the total volume of water supply added to each municipal jurisdiction?

Reply:

(a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) does not drill and equip boreholes in local or district municipalities. However, funding is allocated to prioritised district municipalities through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), to accelerate backlog reduction and improve the sustainability of services particularly in rural municipalities.

(aa) In the 2020-2021 financial year, the DWS allocated R 471, 794,000 to various municipalities across the country, for the drilling and equipping of boreholes, mainly in the rural areas.

(bb) During the 2021-22 financial year the department further allocated R 537, 657, 000 towards projects for boreholes across various municipalities.

The funding provided by the DWS to municipalities for boreholes is meant to facilitate quick interventions where there are serious water shortages. It is also intended to ensure water availability in those areas where it is foreseen that construction of bulk infrastructure will take a long time.

However, it should be noted that there are instances where boreholes are drilled, tested, and found not to be viable due to the inability to yield enough water or where boreholes are operational for a limited period before drying up. These include instances where the water tables are low due to inadequate rainfall which prevents groundwater recharge or where localised drought causes a decline in groundwater available for extraction. The DWS may have in some instances funded boreholes in municipalities, which may have not yielded sufficient water to be viable or may have provided water for a limited period before drying up.

(b-c) The DWS can provide the details of funding transferred to municipalities for the drilling of boreholes but is not able to indicate the total volume of water supply added to each municipal jurisdiction through boreholes, due to the factors indicated above.

Information on municipalities that were funded by the DWS for the drilling of boreholes in each province is indicated in the table appended as Annexure A.

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ANNEXURE A:

No

Province

Municipalities funded for boreholes

Funding provided

   

District Municipalities

Local Municipalities

2020/2021 fy

2021/2022 fy

 

Eastern Cape

Amathole DM

Amahlathi, Great Kei, Mbhashe, Mnquma, Ngqushwa and Raymond Mhlaba

R21,984,000

R14,600

   

Alfred Nzo DM

Ntabankulu, Matatiele, Mbizana

R69,000,000

R45,000,000

   

Sarah Bartman District Municipality

Blue Crane Route

R5,499,000

 
   

Chris Hani DM

Emalahleni, Engcobo

R18,200,000

R10,170,000

   

Joe Gqabi DM

Senqu, Elundini, and Walter Sisulu

-

R10,000,000

   

Sarah Bartman District Municipality

Makana

-

R5,000,000

   

OR Tambo DM

Qumbu, Tsolo, Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Libode, Ngqeleni, Port St Johns & Mqanduli

-

R7,140.000

   

Sarah Bartman DM

Dr Beyers Naude

-

R11,999,000

 

Free State

Xhariep DM

Letsemeng

R13,800,000

R13,800,000

   

Thabo Mofutsanyana DM

Phumelela

R1,892,000

 
   

Thabo Mofutsanyana DM

Maluti a Phofung

 

R14,127,000

   

Lejweleputswa DM

Tokologo

 

R15,921,000

 

KwaZulu -Natal

uMkhanyakude DM

uMhlabuyalingana Jozini

R37,164,000

R61,288,000

   

Amajuba DM

eMadlangeni & Dannhauser

-

R3, 000,000

   

Zululand DM

Ulundi

R11,347.000

 
   

Umzinyathi DM

Msinga

-

R38,799,000

     

Mzimkhulu, Ubuhlebezwe, Dr Nkosazane Dlamini Zuma

-

R65,274,000

   

King Cetshwayo DM

Nkandla, uMfolozi

-

R18,652,000

 

Limpopo

Capricorn DM

Blouberg

R27,784,000

R13,606,000

     

Lepelle Nkumpi

R14,078,000

-

     

Molemole

R27,983,000

R3,800,000

     

Polokwane

R38,000,000

R20,976,000

   

Mopani LM

Greater Giyani

R15,600,000

R13,984,000

     

Greater Letaba

R15,000,000

R18,455,000

     

Greater Tzaneen

R10,000,000

-

     

Ba-Phalaborwa

R10,000,000

-

     

Maruleng

R10,000,000

-

   

Waterberg DM

Lephalale

-

R30,114,000

     

Mogalakwena

-

R8,928,000

 

Mpumalanga

Nkangala DM

Emakhazeni

R2,500,000

-

   

Gert Sibande DM

Mkhondo

-

R23.685,000

 

Northern Cape

John Taolo Gaetsewe DM

Ga-Segonyana

R16,640,000

R952,000

     

Gamagara

R11,072,000

R5,700,000

     

Joe Morolong

R50,998,000

-

   

Namakwa DM

Hantam

R4,200,000

R4,000,000

     

Kamiesberg

-

R4,000,000

     

Richtersveld

R5,167,000

R11,151,000

     

Karoo Hoogland

-

R4,000,000

   

Pixley Ka Seme DM

Emthanjeni

-

R5,300,000

     

Ubuntu

-

R4,000,000

   

ZF Mgcawu DM

Dawid Kruiper

-

R5,186,000

     

Tsantsabane

-

R4,000,000

 

North West

Bojanala Platinum DM

Kgetlengrivier

R22,542,000

-

   

Dr Ruth S Mompati DM

Greater Taung

R1,344,000

-

   

Ngaka Modiri Molema DM

Ramotshere Moiloa

 

R11,050,000

 

Western Cape

Garden Route District Municipality

Kannaland

R10,000,000

R10,000,000

TOTAL

R 471, 794,000

R 497, 657, 000

10 October 2023 - NW2872

Profile picture: Mkhonto, Ms C N

Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)How frequently does he request (a) Blue Drop and (b) Green Drop reports from the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality; (2) whether his department has any monitoring and/or support system to respond to complaints related to Blue Drop and Green Drop reports; if not, why not; if so, on what date were the last such reports published?

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is responsible for conducting the Blue and Green Drop assessments which audit water service providers (water and wastewater systems) nationally and compile reports for public consumption. The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is one of the 144 Water Services Authorities audited on its drinking water and wastewater systems countrywide.

1. The full departmental Blue and Green Drop audits are undertaken every two and in alternate years. In a year when the Blue Drop audit is done by the Department on all drinking water systems, the water service authorities conduct a Green Drop self-assessments to determine the risk rating that is reported as a Green Drop Progress Report. In the year when the Green Drop audit is done by the Department on all wastewater systems the water services authorities conduct a Blue Drop self-assessment to determine the risk rating that is reported as a Blue Drop Progress Report.

The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, together with all water services authorities, is required to monitor its drinking water quality in accordance with the national standards (SANS 241) and report the results on the DWS Integrated Regulatory Information System. Where there is non-compliance to the standard that poses a health risk to the community, they are required in terms of the Water Service Act and its norms and standards to notify the DWS as well as the Department of Health and to issue an advisory note to the areas affected. The Blue Drop audit verifies the adherence of water services authorities to these requirements.

The wastewater treatment works are regulated by water use authorisations and the National Water Act. The conditions of these authorisations set the performance conditions and reporting requirements. Compliance to these authorisations is monitored by the Compliance Monitoring unit within the DWS. The Green Drop audit incorporates a component of this work but looks at the complete system performance, financial aspects, and capacity of the water services Authority.

2. Complaints can be reported to the department via its toll-free number 0800 200 200, or email [email protected]. Complaints received are tracked in terms of the response and actions taken or to be taken. Reports are not prepared on these complaints, but the Department publishes the Blue and Green Drop Reports. In early October 2023, the Department will release its Blue Drop Report, the Green Drop Progress Report as well as its Compliance and Enforcement Annual report for 2022/23

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10 October 2023 - NW2963

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the cash-strapped City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, what are the relevant details of the immediate interventions and support measures that he has put in place to assist the municipality in overcoming the pressing issues and ensuring uninterrupted access to water services for its residents?

Reply:

The interventions that have been put in place by the Department of Water and Sanitation to assist the City of Tshwane (CoT) with the challenges relating to water services include the following interventions:

a) The Department has issued a directive to Magalies Water Board as per Section 41 of the Water Services Act,1997; for short to medium term measures to address water challenges in Hammaskraal while government is looking at a long-term solution.

b) Magalies Water Board has presented a proposal to the Department in the form of a business plan, which amongst others, proposes the construction of a water treatment package plant to provide immediate relief. The package plant will be situated at Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant premises.

c) The package plant will produce drinking water on a gradual basis water starting with 10 Ml/day up 40Ml/day which will be connected to the Temba water reticulation system. It is envisaged that the project will start delivering at least 10 Ml /day by end of March 2024.

d) An amount of R480 million has been availed by DWS through the budget adjustment (pending National Treasury approval) to ensure that this business plan is implemented by Magalies Water Board.

e) Furthermore, Magalies Water has applied to the DBSA for a loan for the remainder of the funding that is required to construct the package plant – this is pending approval from DBSA. In the meantime, Magalies Water is proceeding with planning and design work for the package plant to ensure that timeline committed is met.

f) As a result of the non-compliance of the Rooivaal waste water treatment works (WWTW) which might have resulted in the cholera outbreak, the city of Tshwane (CoT) has set aside R150 million in the 2023/24 financial year to upgrade and refurbish the Rooiwal wastewater treatment works. This will ensure that phase 1 of the Rooivaal Waste Water Treatment work upgrade is completed.

g) The CoT is finalising the appointment of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as the implementing agent for this phase of the project, while a technical team comprising of the DWS, CoT, Magalies and Rand Water is assessing the overall long-term plan to address the Rooivaal challenges and further improvements to the Temba water treatment works to ensure delivery of portable water which meets drinking water quality standards from the Temba water treatment work to Hamman kraal.

h) In the long term, the CoT is planning to upgrade the Rooivaal WWTW by an additional 80 Megalitres / day which requires close to R 2.5 bn. Currently there is no funding for available this. However, the CoT is approaching various funding institutions soliciting funding.

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10 October 2023 - NW2863

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Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What time frames have been put in place to repair the sewerage plants in Mangaung as they are still not fixed, despite his previous commitments to have them repaired within three months?

Reply:

The response for NA 2230 previously submitted to the National Assembly, was specifically in relation to repairs to the Sterkwater Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and not all the WWTWs in the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM).

The municipality has indicated that although the programme to restore the Sterkwater WWTW back to functionality is behind schedule, the following progress has been made:

  • The municipality is using security cameras and armed response and managed to arrest the crippling cable theft.
  • The municipality has started primary treatment of sewers such as mechanical screens and the screw pumps.
  • Electric cables have been ordered and will be installed upon arrival. The municipality will begin testing all the stagnant equipment that needs to be repaired. The secondary treatment is affected in the main by this.

The MMM has also reported that instability at senior management level (position of Chief Financial Officer and City Manager) is also contributing to delays in implementation of some of the projects.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) issued a Notice for intention to issue Directive in terms of Section 19(3) of the National Water Act, in July 2023 and will proceed to issue a Directive due to the fact that the Sterkwater WWTW has not been restored to functionality and sewer spillages continue to pollute the environment.

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09 October 2023 - NW3113

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Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Given that the Presidential Hotline is a referral unit, (a) what total number of cases were referred to each government department since the Sixth Administration took office and (b) how long did it take on average for the departments to acknowledge receipt and resolve those complaints? NW4181E

Reply:

a) The total number of cases that were referred to each government department for the period of 2019 – 2023:

  • All correspondence including telephone calls, emails from the presidency mailbox, walk-ins by citizens, complaints lodged by citizens during the Presidential Izimbizo to date are 51 278 cases.

b) How long did it take on average for the departments to acknowledge receipt and resolve those complaints?

  • On average it took 179 days for Provinces to resolve 8 113 complaints out of 11 912.
  • On average it took 112 days for a National government department to resolve 16 743 complaints out of 28 189. No information on acknowledge is available as the system is not design to report on it.
  • On average it takes 18 days for Presidential Hotline team to resolve 10 717 cases out of 11 177.
  • The acknowledgement of receipt by departments is done within 5 days upon receipt of cases as per the framework.

Interventions undertaken to date:

  • Through participation on Presidential Izimbizo for citizens engagements. This has improved our reach and provided access to the citizen who are in rural areas, that has no access to government information
  • National Public Liaison Officer’s forum, took place during 2022/23 and in May 2023, the next one scheduled is for October 2023. This is a peer learning platform where we share best practices and institutionalization of PH.
  • Letters of engagement to non-performing departments were sent to accounting officers, in the 2022/23 Q4
  • Presentation on department performance on case resolution was done at GSCID, in the 2022/23 Q3

 

THANK YOU

09 October 2023 - NW3117

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Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What steps has she and/or her department taken to ensure that blind persons are provided with the necessary tools such as Braille Machines, Braille Printers, Computers and Audio Technology, as early as at basic education level, so as to enforce their rights to dignity and equality as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, 1996?

Reply:

In 2017, the Minister appointed the Advisory Committee on Provisioning for Learners with Visual Impairments, whose terms of reference include the following: 

  • Identifying challenges related to the education of learners with visual impairment and advise on mediation, best practices, and resources;
  • Advising on ongoing development, printing and delivery of Learning and Teaching Support Materials, including assistive technology and devices; and
  • Advising on training programmes and resource toolkits to capacitate educators, teacher aides and school support staff to achieve excellence in the field of visual impairment.

In 2021, the DBE purchased over 26 master copies of Braille and Large Print language textbooks from Pioneer printers and Blind SA service providers. The master copies were uploaded on the DBE website for schools to download, reproduce or print for learners with visual impairment. Subsequently, the link was forwarded to provinces to ensure easy access for them to support schools. For the past six (6) years, the Department of Basic Education has provided Braille workbooks in Mathematics, Home Languages and Life Skills for Grades  1- 9. The Braille textbooks are procured by provinces directly from services providers. 

One of the priorities identified for special schools for the Blind has been the improvement of teacher competencies in Braille. For instance, in 2022/23, 84 teachers were trained in Braille. The training of teachers in specialised areas, such as Braille, is an indicator in the Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Basic Education.

Provinces continue to procure ICT-related gadgets that cater for learners with special educational needs.  The provinces that are doing so, are using a tranversal tender under the Chief Procurement Officer at National Treasury to procure identified ICT-related gadgets.  Constant training and support is provided to the provinces by the service providers of these ICT-related gadgets.

09 October 2023 - NW2892

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Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)What are the (a) addresses and contact details of each SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) (i) district and (ii) local office in the Eastern Cape and (b) names and contact details of each SASSA district director in the Eastern Cape;(2)(a) what is the total number of (i) staff employed and (ii) vacancies at each district and local office and (b) by what date will the vacancies be filled; (3)what is the total number of the SASSA recipients of each grant in each district and local municipality; (4) what (a) methods are utilised by grant recipients to withdraw their grant payments in each district and (b) total number of recipients withdraw their funds via each specified method in each district and local municipality?

Reply:

1. (a) i and ii and (b) See Annexure 1

2. (a) i and ii and (b) See Annexure 2 (limited by the POPI Act we have as such provided office contact details of the various positions in the different offices)

3. (a) i and ii See Annexure 3

(b) There is progress currently in filling of vacancies across all regions in adherence with HR processes. Positions are advertised and filled as determined by the Critical Post Committee (CPC) within the limited available budget.

4. (a) and (b) refer to the table below:

EC Region payment trends

   

 

202309

 

Methods of payment

Sum of Number Of Beneficiaries

Sum Amount

ABSA BANK

86,153

R153,674,039.00

ACCESS BANK (SOUTH AFRICA

3,461

R7,262,323.00

AFRICAN BANK

13,285

R23,285,919.00

BIDVEST BANK

5,897

R9,656,835.00

CAPITEC BANK

373,155

R561,245,938.00

DISCOVERY BANK

22

R38,179.00

FINBOND MUTUAL

5,646

R11,303,171.00

FINBOND NET1

208

R360,921.00

FIRSTRAND BANK

141,267

R261,672,748.00

GRINDROD BANK

186,623

R303,855,833.00

INVESTEC BANK LTD

4

R7,980.00

ITHALA

57

R113,380.00

NEDBANK LIMITED

94,238

R165,479,761.00

POSTBANK

730,238

R1,088,461,320.00

IGPS

726,294

R1,081,926,187.00

MZANSI

3,944

R6,535,133.00

STANDARD SA

90,869

R164,139,097.00

TYMEBANK

8,751

R12,429,224.00

Grand Total

1,739,874

R2,762,986,668.00

09 October 2023 - NW2798

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Phiri, Ms CM to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Considering her role and/or mandate as Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, what has she found to have been the impact of the Commission towards the implementation of the National Development Plan?

Reply:

The current National Planning Commission (NPC) of which I am chair is the third Commission. As members know the first Commission drafted the NDP. The second commission started the process of institutionalising planning in government and undertook research into long-term trends, analysing implementation of short- to medium-term plans and recommended improvements to Government to inform policy and planning. This included a review of the NDP.

The current NPC’s mandate is, inter alia, to:

  • Mobilise society to promote the acceleration in implementing the National Development Plan towards 2030, recognising the changes that have ensued since its initial adoption.
  • Assist in forging a conversation among key stakeholders, leading to effective and impactful interventions on several key issues facing the country.
  • Undertake research and build a body of evidence on critical matters for the long-term planning and development of South Africa. Strengthen the use of evidence and the quality of empirical data, generated from impact assessments for national planning.

In the short time that I have been the Minister responsible for the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation and Chair of NPC, I have had the opportunity to engage with the NPC, who displayed a passionate loyalty to seeing South Africa and all its people succeed.

They have done this by identifying objectives that will make a difference not only in terms of long-term planning by ensuring the implementation of the National Development Plan, but that can be implemented in the short-term. The work being undertaken relate to areas that cover social protection, which covers education, health, and social assistance, among others, growing the economy in an equitable and inclusive manner, and addressing governance broadly through developing state capacity.

In this regard, and through establishing partnerships, the NPC has welcomed the adoption of the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector by Cabinet in October 2022; provided practical advice that has since been adopted by government with respect to alleviating the energy crisis; and has played an active role in guiding the implementation of the District Development Model.

The NPC will soon launch its Ten-Year Review of the NDP. This review interrogates the factors that affected the implementation of the NDP since its adoption, including consideration of domestic and international crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the civil unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in July 2021, and the Ukraine-Russia war. In particular, the review assesses the progress made with the key NDP targets of eliminating poverty and reducing inequality and unemployment. The analysis evaluates the extent to which planning has been institutionalised and the reform of the country’s planning system across all spheres of government following the adoption of the NDP.

Given the body of work I can only conclude by indicating that the Commission is having a positive impact in ensuring the implementation of the NDP

THANK YOU

 

09 October 2023 - NW3038

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Manyi, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic

Noting that the outcome of the Lady R investigation has cleared the Government of any wrongdoing, what has been the total monetary cost to the Republic in terms of Rands lost due to the loss of confidence in the Republic; (2) whether the Republic will dismiss and/or request the United States of America to recall the American Ambassador, Mr Reuben Brigety, who was seemingly misleading the public and the international community by accusing the Republic of loading arms to Russia?

Reply:

A preliminary analysis by the National Treasury considered that there was a significant depreciation in the rand against the US dollar in May 2023, as much as 2.4%. While this was in part due to the pronouncements of the US Ambassador to South Africa regarding the Lady R vessel, other variables would need to be considered to arrive at a monetary cost, such as concerns about high inflation, debt servicing costs and the impact of loadshedding. To assign a monetary value to a single event would therefore be speculative. There is no doubt, however, that the elevated geopolitical risk was to blame for the Rand’s further depreciation.

Following the allegations made by US Ambassador Reuben Brigety, he was démarched by DIRCO and admonished by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, who expressed her outrage and displeasure at the manner in which the allegations were made. There are prescribed diplomatic protocols which should have been used to convey any concerns of the US Government in relation to the Lady R vessel.

09 October 2023 - NW3010

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Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

(1)What total amount did the Industrial Development Corporation invest in each specified copper smelting company through debt and equity in the past three financial years; (2) whether his department has provided any tax or other incentives to copper smelters in the past three financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what total amount and (b) to who in each specified financial year? NW4075E

Reply:

The Industrial Development Corporation has not invested in copper smelting activities in the past three financials years being, FY2022/23, FY2021/22 and FY2020/21.

The Department does not have a dedicated funding facility for smelters in its budget, approved by Parliament, and no disbursements were made in the financial years concerned to copper smelters.

Tax incentives are announced by the Minister of Finance.

-END-

09 October 2023 - NW2797

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Dyantyi, Mr QR to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: [487]

(a) What are the details of the plans that have been put in place to strengthen and/or improve the overall work of her Office and (b) how does she intend to repurpose and realign her Office to focus more on planning for development?

Reply:

  1.  REPLY(a)

  2. The overall work of the office is strengthened by putting the National Development Plan (NDP) at the centre of the work and programmes being implemented. The National Planning Commission (NPC) is critical in this process through the periodic reviews of different sectors and production of diagnostic reports identifying challenges and opportunities in order to register progress.
  3. Furthermore, the Minister has signed a Performance Agreement with the President outlining the priority areas which she will be reporting to the President on. This serves as a strategic guideline in the work of the Ministry.
  4. The work of the Ministry is strengthened by the coordination between the Office of the Minister, the Deputy Minister, the department through the Office of the Director-General, the NPC through the Office of the Secretary of the NPC. This ensures that all the components under the leadership of the Minister are in sync and complement each other in the execution of the mandate of the Minister and the Department at large. Regular meetings are held to monitor work such as strategic stakeholder engagements and other priority areas.
  5. The Minister has appointed a competent team of core support staff, in line with the Ministerial handbook, to support her in the execution of her duties. In this regard the Minister has appointed two Special Advisors in line with the Section 12 of the Public Service Act:-

a) to advise the executive authority on the exercise or performance of the executive authority's powers and duties;

b) to advise the executive authority on the development of policy that will promote the relevant department's objectives; and

c) to perform such other tasks as may be appropriate in respect of the exercise or performance of the executive authority's powers and duties.

 

 

REPLY (b)

  1. planning for development means we must pursue or implement an integrated, multi-sectoral process through which governmental institutions streamline social, economic and spatial growth and development.
  2. The NDP defines the desired development outcomes to be achieved by 2030 and it also provides a strategic framework within which more detailed planning and budgeting takes place.
  3. The Minister is advocating active citizenry for the private sector and civil society to play an active role in to promote and accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and the NDP.
  4. The framework to repurpose the department is being developed. Among others it will seek to initiate coordination of development agencies within a “hub” for coherence and clear articulation of the role and contribution of different sectors and stakeholders in achieving the outcomes envisaged in the NDP.
  5. The Integrated Planning Framework Bill is being finalised and will be presented to Cabinet. The Bill when finalised and passed into legislation is intended to help government focus more on planning for development:
  6. We are also conducting benchmarking with our counterparts on the continent and elsewhere in order to share experiences and ideas on how to optimise the department for development planning.

 

 

THANK YOU

 

09 October 2023 - NW2821

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Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What are the relevant details of her department’s plans to ensure the improvement and/or demolition of the plain pit and bucket latrines identified by programmes such as (a) the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative, (b) the Sanitation Appropriate For Education initiative and (c) any other sanitation programmes?

Reply:

What are the relevant details of her department’s plans to ensure the improvement and/or demolition of the plain pit and bucket latrines identified by programmes such as (a) the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative, (b) the Sanitation Appropriate For Education initiative and (c) any other sanitation programmes?

What are the relevant details of her department’s plans to ensure the improvement and/or demolition of the plain pit and bucket latrines identified by programmes such as

(a) The Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative,

  1. In 2011, the Department of Basic Education launched the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI-2011).  This programme focused on the following:
    • Providing appropriate building for schools made entirely of inappropriate materials.
    • Providing appropriate water supply to schools with no water.
    • Providing appropriate sanitation at schools with no toilets.
    • Providing appropriate electricity supply to schools with no electricity supply.
  2. In 2011, there were initially 510 schools on the ASIDI programme made entirely of inappropriate materials. This number decreased to 332.
    1. Of the 332 schools made entirely of inappropriate materials, 330 have been replaced.
    2. The remaining 2 replacement schools are scheduled for completion in 2023/24.
  3. In 2011, there were initially 1 117 schools on the ASIDI programme with no water supply. This number increased to 1 306.
    1. Of the 1 306 water supply projects, 1 292 have been completed.
    2. The remaining 14 water supply projects are scheduled for completion in 2023/24.
  4. In 2011, there were initially 701 schools on the ASIDI programme with no toilets. This number increased to 1 087.
    1. All of the 1087 sanitation projects have been replaced.
  5. In 2011, there were initially 902 schools on the ASIDI programme with no electricity. This number decreased to 373.
    1. All of the 373 electricity supply projects have been completed.

(b) The Sanitation Appropriate For Education initiative

  1. In 2018, the Department of Basic Education launched the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE-2018) initiative.  This programme focused on providing appropriate sanitation at schools dependent on basic pit toilets.
  2. There were initially 3 898 schools on the SAFE programme. This number reduced to 3 382, as some of the schools were either provided with approrpiate sanitation facilities, or the schools were due for rationalisation as they were found not to be viable.
  3. Of the 3 382 sanitation projects, 2 911 have been completed through SAFE.
  4. The remaining 471 sanitation projects are scheduled for completion in 2023/24.

(c) any other sanitation programmes?

Through Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) Provincial Education Departments have ongoing programmes on Provision / Replacement of Sanitation.

09 October 2023 - NW2796

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Pillay, Mr KB to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

What (a) measures are being undertaken to assess the impact of the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework and (b) progress can be highlighted as it is the last financial year of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework?

Reply:

(a) What measures are being undertaken to assess the impact of the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework

Various interventions to assess the impact of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF)

  1. Annual Performance Plans (APPs) analysis to ensure that they are aligned with the MTSF
  2. Biannual reports that are submitted to the clusters and Cabinet with clear recommendations
  3. Recommendations are considered in the Budget Prioritisation Framework
  4. Frontline monitoring undertaken to validate implementation
  5. Secondary data from Stats South Africa (Stats SA) and Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) and other state and non-state actors considered especially in relation to the views of South Africans
  6. The National Planning Commission (NPC) also engages with the stakeholders.
  7. There is a need to improve on this depending on the availability of resources.

(b) What progress can be highlighted as it is the last financial year of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework.

  1. Management of Covid-19 including relief measures for vulnerable groups including business
  2. Cabinet decisions on the professionalization of the public service and implementation ongoing
  3. Stable performance management system of HODs/DGs even though it needs continuous evaluation and improvement.
  4. Establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Zondo Commission and the SIU.
  5. Ministers performance agreements signed and assessments ongoing
  6. Ongoing interventions to improve the performance of the electricity and logistics sectors led by the President and involving the private sector
  7. Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) established and has commenced functioning to support municipalities to improve planning and implementation. Amongst others this focuses on rural roads and bridges.
  8. Successful hosting of the 2023 BRICS Summit
  9. Implementation of SA Connect to connect government buildings and communities ongoing. This follows the successful licensing of the radio frequency spectrum in 2022.
  10. Presidential Employment Stimulus, since its launch in 2020, the Presidential Employment Stimulus initiative has achieved 86.7% of its target, with a total of 1.085 million opportunities created.
  11. SMME support, as at 31 March 2023, a total of 809 products produced and services rendered by SMMEs and Co-operatives have been linked to domestic private sector markets. Furthermore, the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme, which aims to build the industrial base for both the domestic and external markets, has disbursed R548 million to 74 SMMEs.

A total of 136 184 competitive small businesses and Co-operatives were supported through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) using their non-financial and financial instruments, exceeding the MTSF target to support 100 000 competitive small businesses and Co-operatives by 2024.

12. Black Industrialists support programme

13. Land given to entrepreneurs [ 700 000 hectors]

14. Natural Spatial Development Framework finalized. DPME and others aligning the NSDF with the District Development Model [DDM]

15. NHI Bill approved by the Portfolio Committee on Health. Second reading of the Bill in the National Assembly (NA) occurred in June 2023 and the Bill was approved by the NA.

16. Education -NSFAS has grown (numbers)

-Support for TVET and community colleges

-General access has grown

17. GBVF remains a priority of this government

18. Resources allocated to improve the performance of the South African Police Services [SAPS]

However, through our monitoring and evaluation we have identified some limitations on the capacity of the state to deliver services and achieve developmental outcomes. These include:

a) State of Local government i.e. 163 municipalities distressed and 66 municipalities dysfunctional

b) Challenges related to the intersphere coordination (Report to the Presidential Coordination committee which includes Cabinet, Premiers and the Executive Mayors of the Metros and SALGA

 

THANK YOU