Questions and Replies
09 October 2023 - NW2717
Alexander, Ms W to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he intends to sign a proclamation that extends the scope of the investigation of the Special Investigating Unit into alleged corruption in the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) to include investigation of procurement by the NLC; if not, why not; if so; on what date does he intend to sign a proclamation in this regard?
Reply:
I am advised that allegations relating to procurement irregularities and maladministration at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) are currently undergoing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) internal assessment processes.
Once the internal assessment processes are complete, the SIU will decide whether to submit a motivation to amend the scope of the proclamation.
09 October 2023 - NW2651
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
With regard to the temporary disability grant backlog in the Western Cape and the fact that there are only 11 assessment doctors in the province, what (a) measures has her department taken to address the shortage of assessment doctors and (b) total number of assessment doctors have been successfully recruited to date?
Reply:
a) It is important to put the backlog into context. The current medical assessment backlog in the Western Cape comprises of persons who wish to apply for a disability-related grant for the first time, applications that have been previously rejected and or persons who were granted temporary Disability Grant (TDG).
To address the shortage of assessment doctors, SASSA WC has since inception, entered into Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) with all districts of the Provincial Department of Health for the provision of medical assessment services. The implementation of the SLA Provincial is hampered by the shortage of doctors and other health practitioners who can perform proper medical assessments.
b) In July this year, SASSA embarked on a procurement process for Independent Health Practitioners. An advert for a three (3) year tender was issued with a closing date of 14th July 2023. SASSA WC is in the process of issuing award letters to fourteen (14) successful bidders. The appointed doctors will be provided with schedules to speed up medical assessments, with specific focus on areas where the need for medical assessments remain high.
09 October 2023 - NW2539
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether she intends to implement socio-economic projects in Mitchells Plain and the 50 villages mobilised by the Parliamentary Constituency Office to benefit from the job-creation initiatives of her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she implemented any socio-economic projects for job-creation initiatives in the Women’s Month of August, to empower women and take them out of poverty; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. As the Honourable Member is aware, the Department has facilitated a number of meetings between the identified communities, including Mitchells Plain and potential funders such as the World Food Programme and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), with the view to support socio-economic projects targeting women, youth and persons with disabilities.
These projects identified for potential funding by development agencies that we work closely with include the peanut butter manufacturing cooperative in KwaZulu-Natal and the group of women interested in textile at Mitchells Plain. The partner organisations have taken keen interest in these projects as they have a huge potential to create sustainable job opportunities and to economically empower both women and youth.
2. Yes, during the Women’s Month I partnered with the National House of Traditional and Kho-San Leaders (NHTKL) focusing on youth and women empowerment programmes at Magadimana Ntweng Traditional Authority in Limpopo Province. We are looking at implementing a number of youth and women empowerment projects in the area.
09 October 2023 - NW2547
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) are the details of the resources her department has allocated to implement Pillar 4: Response, Care, Support and Healing of the National Plan of Action Against Gender-based Violence since 2021 and (b) has she found to date has been achieved through the implementation of Pillar 4 in the fight against gender-based violence?
Reply:
a) The National and Provincial Departments allocate funds to NGOs that render prevention and support services to survivors of violence and crime, including gender-based violence as guided by Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. These are inclusive of those rendering immediate response services, shelter ss well as psycho-social support services.
In addition, the department has formed strategic partnerships with a number of funders such as the Global Fund, NEDLAC, Solidarity Fund, European Union, SANAC and the HWSETA. These partners availed resources for the recruitment, training and appointment of the different cadres such as volunteers, social workers and coordinators to provide and increase provision of psycho-social support services across the country. Refer to the table below for the budget allocation for implementation of Pillar 4: Response, Care, Support and Healing:
ITEMS |
AMOUNT APPROX. |
Criminal and Asset Recovery Account (CARA) |
R 100 MIL |
Global Fund/NACOSA |
R 19.6 Mil |
VEP Good and Services |
R 16 Mil |
GBVF Ambassadors HWSETA |
R 4,3 Mil |
Transfer Payments to National NGOs |
R 4.2 Mil |
Overall |
R 144,1 Mil |
b) There are many successes, including:
- Intersectoral Shelter Policy and Policy on Provision of Psycho-Social Support Services). Both policies are meant to standardise and strengthening services offered to victims of Gender Based Violence and Femicide. All nine provinces were reached through capacity building on both policies targeting different stakeholders including those from the JCPS Cluster.
- In partnership with the HWSETA, DSD secured a budget of 4.3 mil for the appointment and capacity building of GBVF ambassadors deployed in the thirty (30) National GBVF hotspots found in six (6) provinces which are (Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, and North West)
- Ensured increased capacity in response, care, support and healing services through the facilitation of the establishment of shelters for abused women as part of response and prevention interventions that address socio-economic needs of women within shelters in the Free State (QwaQwa, Sasolburg and Koffiefontein).
- A partnership has been established between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identify public facilities that are re-purposed for use as shelters for GBV survivors. To date, a total of 95 public facilities have been earmarked for this purpose.
- Provided funding to 332 NGOs rendering psychosocial support services through transfer payments and CARA funding.
- Successfully appointed permanently over 200 Social Workers across all nine provinces to deal specifically with GBV cases. Through the Global Fund, the Department was able to deploy on contract 65 Social Workers dealing with GBV cases in the 30 National GBVF hotspots. The Department has also capacitated frontline workers including those from the NGOs in all nine provinces on GBV-related matters.
09 October 2023 - NW2582
Bilankulu, Ms NK to ask the Minister of Social Development
What measures and mechanisms are in place to curb the practice of parents who do not use child support grants for the children’s needs which contributes to the proliferation of child stunting?
Reply:
The Child Support Grant was introduced specifically to ensure the best interest of the child at all times and to address child poverty, including malnutrition and stunting. The person who receives the CSG must be the primary caregiver of the child.
We encourage members of the public to report cases of the abuse of the CSG SASSA and social workers who will investigate and based on the findings, the grant may then be transferred to a new primary caregiver.
The Department has developed draft policies on integration of children’s grants with other services and maternal support. The two draft policies emphasise the need of building linkages between children’s grants and other developmental services for children amongst others education, health and early childhood development. We are currently preparing to initiate Cabinet approval processes for the policy, which will be followed by amendment of relevant legislation to enable the Department to share data with the Department of Health and Basic Education, amongst others. In this manner, the Department will be empowered to monitor and track health indicators including the prevention of stunting.
09 October 2023 - NW2784
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Whether, with reference to the identification of a number of challenges related to the payment of social grants and other forms of social assistance by the Government, her Office has put measures in place to monitor and/or ensure that the relevant government departments (a) address the issues it had identified relating to security issues around the SA Social Security Agency cards and Post Office accounts and (b) find alternative mechanisms for making safe payments; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
a) Whether her office has addressed the issues it had identified relating to security issues around the SA Social Security Agency cards and Post Office accounts?
Yes, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation conducted an extensive frontline monitoring at the paypoints and produced a report that has been shared with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
DPME made extensive recommendations to improve the payment mechanism. Engagements on this report is ongoing and will be considered in the review of the MTSF in preparations for the 7th administration. In the meantime, DPME continues to monitor the immediate interventions being introduced by the Department of Social Development and Department of Communications and Digital through their entities, SASSA and the Postbank.
B. Whether her office has found alternative mechanisms for making safe payments; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Yes, this is ongoing as the recommendations of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation are being discussed internally within government.
THANK YOU
06 October 2023 - NW3100
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with reference to the reply to question 2675 on 1 September 2023 by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the 2020-21 report of the Auditor-General which stipulates that 84% of municipalities in the Republic failed to pay their creditors within the mandated 30-day period, (a) the National Treasury has conducted a detailed quantitative and qualitative assessment of the resultant socio-economic ramifications, specifically the adverse impact on job losses and business viability for small companies, sole proprietors and cooperatives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) assessment and (ii) strategic measures under consideration to rectify the systemic issue?
Reply:
Payments not made within 30 days are in breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the oversight over compliance to laws and regulations is that of the Municipal Council. Therefore, the questions should be directed to the respective municipalities as these relate to contractual obligations entered between municipalities and their respective service providers.
The National Treasury has not conducted research or an assessment on the adverse impact of late payments. The Department of Small Business Development has a mandate to promote and develop Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). It is therefore suggested that the Honourable Member directs this enquiry to them.
06 October 2023 - NW3035
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether he will provide Mrs. C Phillips with the records of the written notice and consultation as envisaged by section 26(3) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, for the beneficiation of chrome currently undertaken by a certain company (name furnished) on Portion 71 of the Farm Groenkloof, in the Bojanala District, North West; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1, The entity referred to has no mining authorisations issued by this Department, furthermore the Department has no records pertaining their application to beneficiate minerals. However, section 26 of the Act was meant to promote beneficiation of mineral in the Republic. Section 26(3) requires any person who intends to beneficiate any mineral outside the Republic to do so with written notice and in consultation with the Minister. The constraints on electricity generation have limited the ability to facilitate local beneficiation.
06 October 2023 - NW3128
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
With regard to the dried-up slurry that is dumped and heaped close to the residential areas around the power plants in Lephalale, which must be causing health hazards for the communities during windy seasons, what steps has her department, in collaboration with Eskom, taken to manage the spread of deadly fine particles that get swept into the surrounding communities?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW2914
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What assistance is being offered by her department to black-owned small-scale mussel farmers on the West Coast of the Western Cape, who experienced serious setbacks during COVID-19, to ensure their ventures become viable and successful
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW2924
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What is the current status of the implementation of the Just Transition to a Decarbonised Economy for South Africa?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW3084
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) How prevalent is snaring (a) in and (b) on the borders of the Kruger National Park; (2) whether snaring is concentrated in any particular areas; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether there are any discernible snaring trends; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether snaring is increasing or decreasing overall and/or in any particular areas; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are relevant details; (5) what total number of snares were detected and/or removed in the Kruger National Park in the (a) 2020, (b) 2021 and (c) 2022 calendar years?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW3125
Mhlongo, Ms N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) measures have been put in place to ensure that residents who were affected by the Jagersfontein Dam disaster in Free State have been compensated, (b) steps have been taken against the mine to ensure that they are held accountable for the disaster and (c) is the current progress on rebuilding the community?
Reply:
The Department does not have the authority to regulate the processing of residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam. This is as a result of the De Beers court judgment over Jagersfontein mine residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007). The judgement held that historical mine residue deposits (those created before the coming into operation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) on the 01st of May 2004) are not minerals as contemplated in the MPRDA and such they are not regulated under provisions of the MPRDA. The processing of historical mine residue deposits does not constitute mining and the area where they are situated is not classified as a mine. This was again confirmed by the court judgment in the case of Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd & Others vs Lucky Seekoei & Others (2057/2016) [2017] ZANCHC 5 (13 January 2017).
However, The Department engaged the Minerals Council South Africa to provide assistance to the affected community even though the facility is legally not a mining operation. About R2.75 million was spent by the Minerals Council on the following emergency relief through three Public Benefit Organisations, namely Gift of the Givers, Soul Provider and the Red Cross:
- Distributing 15,000 food parcels, each providing an average of 25 meals totalling 375,000 meals at a cost of R1,250,000. An estimated 4,500 people received nutritious meals for four months. The percentage of black South Africans benefiting from the programme is 100%.
- Providing running water from water boreholes at two schools for learners and the surrounding community at a cost of R1 million.
- Distributing mattresses, blankets, clothing, underwear, sanitary packs, water and cooking utensils at a cost of R500,000.
Following a series of meetings by the Minerals Council with the Kopanong Local Municipality and the Free State Government, 6 projects were initially earmarked. Further assessments identified 3 of the 6 projects being potentially sustainable and within the objectives and mandate of the Fund:
- Working towards a sustainable water solution for the Jagersfontein community. The assistance does not include services that are the responsibility of local, provincial and national government.
- Aiding local schools and learning centres to enhance learning and education in the community. The assistance does not include services that are the responsibility of local, provincial and national government.
- Establish an internet and Wi-Fi service for the community at the Jagersfontein library.
06 October 2023 - NW3109
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
With reference to the reported R500 million in revenue that her department will generate through the sales of various properties across the globe, (a) what total amount will be lost through commissions and taxes related to the sales and (b) how does her department plan to spend the remaining money from the sales?
Reply:
(a) The process for the disposal of some of the identified superfluous properties is currently at the approval stage, whilst others are at an advertisement stage. The total amount for commissions and taxes will only be determined at conveyancing stage and when sales have been successfully concluded by estate agents.
(b) Subject to approvals by National Treasury, the generated revenue will be used by the Department to fund new acquisitions/constructions and major refurbishments, using the National Treasury Self-Financing Mechanism
06 October 2023 - NW3131
Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Finance
In light of the latest account provided by the Special Investigating Unit on the malfeasance by the National Treasury in the implementation of the infamous Integrated Financial Management System project, what consequence management steps will he take against officials responsible for the litany of missteps which resulted in hundreds of millions of Rands in irregular and fruitless expenditure?
Reply:
The National Treasury noted the presentation made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to the Standing Committee on Public Accountants on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. The National Treasury will comprehensively respond to the matters raised in the referrals by the SIU to the National Treasury, after receipt of the SIU’s final report, including its entire set of supporting documents and annexures. The National Treasury will also fully co-operate with all law enforcement agencies.
06 October 2023 - NW2766
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Whether he will disclose the beneficial owner registries and audited financial statements of mining companies and their subsidiaries publicly; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3161E
Reply:
I published Regulations in May 2023 under the Companies Act, as amended in 2022, to prescribe how companies will submit information to disclose; or make known companies shareholders; or those who hold beneficial interest in securities in companies.
Companies will be required to file the register of the disclosure of beneficial interest in their companies with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) when submitting their annual returns. The companies required to disclose the beneficial ownership information include mining companies or their subsidiaries. The information as currently provided for in the legislation and regulations, is for law enforcement agencies.
The new Companies Amendment Bill, 2023 addresses the matter of broader disclosure of information on shareholding. I believe it is in the public interest that beneficial ownership should be available more widely. The Bill is currently before Parliament and I await its consideration by Parliament
-END-
06 October 2023 - NW3075
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
What (a) number of megawatts are being transmitted to the Republic from the Cahora Bassa power transmission system, (b) are the details of the extent of financing undertaken by the Republic to build and maintain the specified system since it was put back into operation in 1997 and (c) are the long-term plans for the system in terms of (i) life-span of the existing infrastructure, (ii) expansion of the system and (iii) on-going usage?
Reply:
(a)Eskom is contracted for 1 150 MW until 31 March 2030.
(b)The extent of infrastructure investment/financing undertaken by Eskom to build/sustain Apollo high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) is provided in Table 1 below for a period of 13 years. Ten of the listed projects have been completed (over R241 million), and eight of the projects are in the execution phase (over R951 million), with the remainder in the development phase (R321 million). The infrastructure includes HVDC key components such as transmission lines, converter transformers, and shunt capacitors, which amounts to a total of R1.5 billion. Obtaining information prior to the year 2010 will require more time, as this information has been archived.
Table 1: Details of infrastructure investment (from 2010)
PROJECT NAME |
PLANT TYPE |
INITIATIVE PHASE |
TOTAL (rand) |
Apollo Shunt Capacitor Bank Refurbishment |
CAP BANKS |
COMPLETED |
18 693 718 |
Apollo CS Breaker 11 kV Replacement |
BREAKERS |
EXECUTION |
31 116 104 |
Apollo CS Pietersburg Security Fence and Road |
SECURITY |
COMPLETED |
12 342 665 |
Apollo Bridge 5 Converter Transformers |
TRANSFORMERS |
COMPLETED |
11 554 690 |
Apollo Upgrade DC Harmonic Filters |
CAP BANKS |
EXECUTION |
11 800 000 |
Apollo CS Line Voltage Divider Replacement |
LINE DIVIDERS |
EXECUTION |
62 143 000 |
Apollo CS Problematic Bypass Breakers |
BREAKERS |
EXECUTION |
219 225 000 |
Apollo CS HVDC Line No. 1: Tower 322 |
TOWER |
COMPLETED |
4 266 123 |
Apollo Songo PLC refurbishment |
PLC |
EXECUTION |
14 200 000 |
Apollo Storage Plinths DC Side |
NON-PLANT |
CONCEPT |
11 600 000 |
Apollo CS: HVDC Refurbishment Phase 2: Bridge 4 Transformers |
TRANSFORMERS |
EXECUTION |
296 156 754 |
Apollo CS: HVDC Refurbishment Phase 2: Bridge 2 Transformers |
TRANSFORMERS |
EXECUTION |
296 156 754 |
Apollo – Cahora Bassa No. 1 and 2 Quad Spacers |
LINES |
CONCEPT |
130 000 000 |
Apollo CS: Deluge System Water Storage Tank |
NON-PLANT |
CONCEPT |
17 769 000 |
Apollo – Cahora Bassa Lines Bird Guards |
BIRD GUARDS |
CONCEPT |
5 400 000 |
NSP1 Security Build 2 – Apollo (NKP) ERA |
SECURITY |
EXECUTION |
20 450 000 |
Apollo CS: Replacement of Pole 1 533 kV Reactor |
REACTORS |
CONCEPT |
155 500 000 |
Apollo HVDC Lines Reinsulation Project |
REINSULATION |
COMPLETED |
44 602 502 |
Apollo CS: CCTV Installations |
SECURITY |
COMPLETED |
3 834 421 |
Replacement Bushings for Converter Transformers – Apollo CS |
TRANSFORMERS |
COMPLETED |
17 193 111 |
Apollo CS Install Spare Transformer in Bridge 6 |
TRANSFORMERS |
COMPLETED |
10 000 000 |
Apollo CS Install Spare Transformer in Bridge 8 |
TRANSFORMERS |
COMPLETED |
10 000 000 |
Apollo 2 x Converter Transformers + Reactor (Capital Spares) |
TRANSFORMERS |
COMPLETED |
109 145 411 |
TOTAL |
1 513 149 254 |
The maintenance costs component, provided in Table 2 below, for a period of 14 financial years, amounted to over R165 million, which included the following:
- Servitudes maintenance
- Maintenance by Rotek Industries
- Materials
- Equipment spares
- Production plant services
- Facility services
The maintenance costs information can only be provided from the 2009/10 financial year, as Eskom changed to the current SAP system at that point. Obtaining information prior to that period will require more time, as this information has been archived.
Table 2: Maintenance (from the 2009/10 to the 2022/23 financial years)
(C) Are there long-term plans for the system in terms of (i) life-span of the existing infrastructure, (ii) expansion of the system and (iii) on-going usage?
(i) Details of the long-term plans for Apollo HVDC in terms of the lifespan of the existing infrastructure (refurbishment plan) are provided in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Long-term refurbishment plan
PROJECT NAME |
PLANT TYPE |
INITIATIVE PHASE |
TOTAL (rand) |
Apollo Install New Earth Electrodes |
ELECTRODE |
PRE-CONCEPT |
14 000 000 |
Apollo CS: Permanent Bipole Bypass |
ISOLATORS |
PRE-CONCEPT |
69 010 000 |
Apollo CS: Replace Bridge 1, 3, and 7 Transformers |
TRANSFORMERS |
PRE-CONCEPT |
888 470 262 |
Apollo CS Repeater Station Pietersburg Battery System |
BATTERY |
PRE-CONCEPT |
15 000 000 |
Apollo CS HVDC Line No. 1 Refurbishment |
LINES |
PRE-CONCEPT |
230 000 000 |
Apollo CS HVDC Line No. 2 Refurbishment |
LINES |
PRE-CONCEPT |
230 000 000 |
Apollo CS Problematic Equipment Phase 2 |
SUBSTATION |
PRE-CONCEPT |
105 600 000 |
Apollo CS Problematic Equipment Phase 3 |
SUBSTATION |
PRE-CONCEPT |
124 200 000 |
Apollo SS Auxiliary Transformer Bund Walls |
NON-PLANT |
PRE-CONCEPT |
10 300 000 |
Apollo CS: HVDC System Ref. Upgrade Phase 3 |
SUBSTATION |
PRE-CONCEPT |
1 700 562 263 |
TOTAL |
3 387 142 525 |
(ii) Currently, there is no long-term plan for expansion for the Apollo Converter Station.
(iii) Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) has indicated that it would like to start engagements in terms of the contractual extension beyond 2030. Eskom will be open to such engagements, as HCB power forms part of the baseload power supply mix.
06 October 2023 - NW2907
Mbatha, Ms SGN to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What (a) are the relevant details of the process to empower communities in the forestry industry to ensure the prevention of deforestation and (b) is the state of pilot projects in this regard?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW3086
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
By what date will the ordinance be effectively repealed as there are discrepancies between national and provincial legislation and the hunting and other ordinances in several provinces are outdates and no long in line with national legislation and with scientific evident in terms of biodiversity loss?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW2919
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
What consultation process does the National Treasury undertake before finalising the cost-containment measures to assist national departments, public entities and provinces to close a fiscal gap?
Reply:
Various high-level forums of government have been briefed about the fiscal challenges in the current fiscal year and the need for urgent and difficult measures to be taken to forestall their damaging impact during the course of the financial year. This includes briefings and discussions at Cabinet, the Minister’s Committee on the Budget, the Budget Council, the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), and the Technical Committee for Finance, which is a committee of Provincial Treasuries. In addition, the National Treasury has publicly highlighted the difficult financial constraints facing government and its implications during a meeting of NEDLAC as well as in the 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budgeting guidelines, which are published on the website of the National Treasury.
In all of these engagements, the National Treasury emphasized that measures will be required to achieve savings, improve efficiency and contain costs.
06 October 2023 - NW2817
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(1) Whether he has found that the practice of seawalls is extremely harmful to the diamond diving industry and the littoral environment when hundreds of tons of residue stockpile are being dumped into the ocean every hour, destroying habitat, sterilising large areas of valuable diamond diving resource, turning the water column into a black slurry and driving the final nail into the coffin of the diamond diving industry; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps have been taken by his department to address the environmental crisis; (2) whether it is his position that seawall material is defined as residue stockpile and is therefore the responsibility of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to monitor, as provided for in the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, instead of his department that has no authority over the specified matter; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3232E
Reply:
(1) Response: Seawalls are generally created using sea – sand excavated directly from the sea mining block to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out and drained. The pumping creates a semi-dry working environment so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently. In most cases, particularly in the case of diamond mining, seawalls are created as temporal structures, they collapse as mining activities proceed from one block to the next. In cases where the mining block is set to have a longer lifespan, the sea – sand (i.e., seawall) is reinforced with rocks often collected on the coast and tailings material. There would be minimal impact on the sea and surrounding environment as there is no harmful or hazardous material introduced to create the seawalls. Naturally, when the seawalls collapse, they create high turbidity in the immediate area that often creates murky water, but given the strength of ocean currents, the sediment is swiftly dispersed. In cases where the mining block is situated in heavy mineral sands, the tailings may appear reddish-brown in colour due to the presence of the zircon element and this is often mistaken as a black slurry.
2. Response: According to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) as amended, the residue stockpile “means any debris, discard, tailings, slimes, screening, slurry, waste rock, foundry sand, beneficiation plant waste, ash or any other product derived from or incidental to a mining operation and which is stockpiled, stored or accumulated for potential re-use, or which is disposed of, by the holder of a mining right…”. Seawalls do not fall into this definition as the material used will not be reused or disposed of. However, the environmental impacts arising out of any mining/prospecting activities subject of a mining right or any right/permit issued in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002, falls within the competent jurisdiction of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.
06 October 2023 - NW2915
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What measures are in place to protect the coast and fishing grounds of the Republic against foreign fishing vessels?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW3120
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What are the reasons that the Acting Chief Financial Officer of SA Tourism is also acting as the Chief Executive Officer and (b) which processes were followed in the appointment?
Reply:
(a) What are the reasons that the Acting Chief Financial Officer of SA Tourism is also acting as the Chief Executive Officer?
I have been informed by South African Tourism (SAT) that an investigation into the attendance of SAT officials at the Soccer World Cup was initiated by the previous board of SA Tourism.
After consideration of the final report, the current board resolved that conclusion of this matter required the then-acting CEO to revert to her role as COO while a fair, independent, and transparent process is conducted.
Since the recruitment process for the Chief Executive Officer is still in progress, the board considered options available for a new acting CEO from within the current executive management. In light of the reduced capacity at the exco level, the board resolved to appoint the CFO as the acting CEO for the short term and to put in place mitigations to manage any associated risks.
(b) Which processes were followed in the appointment?
At various meetings, the board deliberated on the available options. Having resolved to appoint the CFO as ACEO, the board approached the Minister for concurrence on its decision in line with the Tourism Act, 2014. With the Minister’s concurrence received on 6 September 2023, the CFO was appointed as acting CEO with compensating controls including exco participation in decision making, as well as reporting to Board on decisions taken. It must be noted that, in the letter of concurrence, the Minister strongly advised the Board to speedily appoint a new CFO.
06 October 2023 - NW3085
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
How did SANParks take into account the conclusions of the 2020 Elephants Alive Recommendations Concerning the Proposed Elephant Offtakes of the Associate Private Nature Reserves (APNR) in supporting and/or commenting on the proposed APNR Elephant Offtake of 55 elephants, as Elephants Alive recommended that only 35 elephants be hunted (details furnished)?
Reply:
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06 October 2023 - NW3076
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1)What number of megawatts (MWs) (a) has Mozambique undertaken to provide to the Republic in terms of the contractual relationship with Mozambique and (b) is the Republic currently using; (2) whether the Republic uses all the allocated MWs; if not, what are the reasons for the underutilisation of electricity in the midst of the loadshedding crisis; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the terms of the agreement in respect of (a) the period, (b) the pricing matrix and (c) other material elements of the agreement?
Reply:
(1)(a)Mozambique is currently developing a number of power plant projects and is engaging with South Africa at present. At this point, there are no firm commitments. The projects would need to be incorporated into the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
(1)(b) Yes, Eskom is currently using the power from Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), as well as purchasing power from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) competitive markets, which, at times, includes power from Mozambique. Eskom has aspirations to buy power from cross-border countries. Depending on the pricing and technical feasibility, Eskom will procure power from Mozambique in terms of a fair, transparent, and equitable process.
(2) Eskom utilises the allocated megawatts (MWs) most of the time. On odd occasions, Eskom is unable to access the power when there are limiting factors, including infrastructure faults.
(3) (a) 31 March 2030.
(b) The price is based on avoiding the cost of building a baseload station.
(c) 1 150 MW capacity.
06 October 2023 - NW3127
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1)Noting the positive reports regarding bringing units back from planned maintenance like Unit 4 in Kusile Power Station, the expected new capacity soontobe unleashed by Unit 5 and the successes of fuel gas desulphurisation plant for clean emissions, what is the point of pursuing the various bid windows for the unreliable renewable generators?
Reply:
The supply of South Africa’s energy demand is broadly determined by the energy mix as set out in The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019. Based on the 2019 IRP, Coal constitutes 43% of installed capacity followed by Wind (22.53) Solar PV (10.5) CSP (0,76) Nuclear (2,36) and Gas and Diesel (8.1) Hydro (5.84).
Whilst the IRP is currently being reviewed, Coal, Nuclear and Gas is expected to continue to be significant contributors to SA’s base load demand in the foreseeable future, with investments in cleaner technologies to mitigate negative environmental impacts, coupled with and battery storage to neutralise and solar/wind hybrid solutions to stabilise the intermittency challenges of renewables.
06 October 2023 - NW3126
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1)What amount of sulphur has been extracted through the fuel gas desulphurisation unit in Kusile Power Station; (2) whether the sulphur has been sold to other industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals and rubber industries; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the consequences of storing such a corrosive chemical; if so, what amount in revenue has Eskom derived from the sales?
Reply:
1. Eskom removes sulphur dioxide (SO2), which is a by-product of fossil fuel combustion, from the flue gases. This SO2 is removed by means of a wet flue gas desulphurisation system. The flue gas flows through a spray of calcium carbonate (limestone) slurry and forms an end product of calcium sulphate (gypsum).
2. (2)(a) Therefore, no sulphur in its pure, corrosive form is extracted from the absorber, and no sulphur is being sold. The gypsum is currently disposed of on site in a designated area on the power station premises as per licence. The future plan is to sell the gypsum as it can be used in the industry.
(2)(b) No corrosive chemical is being stored and no revenue is being generated at this stage from gypsum.
06 October 2023 - NW2921
Bryant, Mr D W to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether she is actively exploring additional funding mechanisms for the implementation of the Just Transition to a Decarbonised Economy for South Africa to supplement the initial $8.5 billion commitment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
06 October 2023 - NW3121
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the details of the (a) total number of vacant positions at the SA Tourism, (b) level of each vacant position and (c) time frames that have been put in place to the fill the vacancies?
Reply:
I have been informed by South African Tourism that the details of the total number of vacancies, level of each position and timeframes to fill the vacancies, are contained in the table, below.
(a) Total number of vacant positions at the SA Tourism |
(b) Level of each vacant position |
(c) Time frames that have been put in place to the fill the vacancies |
5 |
Executive |
6 months |
2 |
Senior Management |
Work-in-progress |
20 |
Management |
Work-in-progress |
6 |
Officer/administration |
Work-in-progress |
SAT will prioritise appointments for consideration by the Minister, following due process.
06 October 2023 - NW3136
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Whether his department has plans in place for the wide establishment of small-scale miners; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, the DMRE has established a Small-Scale mining component with officials at nine regional offices whose functions is to handle enquiries, guide and advice and assist with the application process. Furthermore, a policy was gazetted in 2022 to develop the mechanisms to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining operations and bring them within the mainstream economy.
06 October 2023 - NW2923
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What total number of (a) cheetahs and (b) cubs born later, which were exported to the Republic of India as part of a Memorandum of Understanding, have died as at the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
06 October 2023 - NW3139
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) What (a)(i) total number of and (ii) which fishing rights were allocated to (aa) individuals and (bb) companies and/or any other entity in each province and (b) total number of licences were denied in each province; (2) whether it is a requirement for applicants to indicate their racial profile; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what total number of licences were allocated to (a) each race in (b) each province; (3) whether any communities and/or individuals are excluded from applying and/or being awarded fishing rights, permits and/or licences; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what grounds?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
06 October 2023 - NW3141
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
What (a) amount of (i) abalone, (ii) crayfish and (iii) fish are estimated to be poached from the seas of the (aa) Western Cape, (bb) Eastern Cape and (cc) Northern Cape annually, (b) amount of each of the poached species have been confiscated fresh, dried, and in live condition in each of the past five years, (c) happens to the confiscate species and (d) other illegal items were confiscate in the above-mentioned instances from the poachers?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
06 October 2023 - NW3047
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
With reference to the entrance gate at the Three Rondavels of the Panorama route in Mpumalanga, (a) what are the reasons that bank card machines are not operational at the gate, (b) by what date will the bank card machines be fixed, (c) how is the cash received being monitored and controlled and (d) what measures, processes, procedures and mechanisms are in place to ensure that there is not theft of the cash received?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
04 October 2023 - NW2869
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
What are the full details of the (a) total amount of the public debt of the Republic and (b) debt of (i) state-owned companies and (ii) municipalities that have been underwritten by the national fiscus as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product?
Reply:
(a) Gross debt of the national government is disclosed in Table 7.7 of the 2023 Budget Review. It is estimated to reach R5.06 trillion or 72.2 per cent of GDP by the end of the 2023/24 Financial Year.
(b) (i) Government guarantee exposure to state-owned companies is disclosed on Table 7.10 on page 91 of the 2023 Budget Review, and these are explicitly underwritten. Other contingent liabilities are included with the provisions in Table 7.11 on page 92 of the 2023 Budget Review.
(ii) There is no debt (borrowing) or loans taken up by municipalities that have been underwritten by the national fiscus. Chapter 6 of the MFMA sets the legal framework that enables municipalities to take their own decisions regarding borrowing. Specifically, sections 50 and 51 of the MFMA deal with municipal guarantees and national and provincial guarantees.
This decision-making process for Municipal Councils were empowered by the Amendment to the Constitution of the Republic, in section 230A. Therefore, Municipalities borrow on the strength of their own financial standing and status.
04 October 2023 - NW2937
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, in light of financial losses incurred by municipalities as a result of lower electricity sales due to the rolling blackouts, the National Treasury has taken any steps to assist struggling municipalities to adapt and recalibrate their budgets; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003) and through various sections of the Act, provide guidelines to municipalities on how to treat impending revenue shortfalls. In addition, the National Treasury also provides regular Budget Circulars to guide municipalities to prepare annual budgets and address situations like loadshedding.
Section 70 of the MFMA, subsection 1. “the accounting officer of a municipality must report in writing to the municipal council – (a) any impending (i) shortfalls in budgeted revenue, and (ii) overspending of the municipality’s budget, and (b) any steps taken to prevent or rectify such shortfalls or overspending.
Section 28 of the same Act provides guidance on Municipal Adjustments Budgets – (1)(a) that “a municipality may revise an approved budget through an Adjustments Budget and (2)(a) must adjust the revenue and expenditure estimates downwards if there is a material under collection of revenue during the current year.
Given the fiscal constrained environment within which the National Fiscus operates, the National Treasury was not in a position during the preparation of the 2022 MTEF, to make any additional funding available to municipalities for this purpose. As a result, they were advised to reprioritize their tabled 2023 MTREF Budgets to absorb the cost associated with loadshedding within baselines.
04 October 2023 - NW2879
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether, considering that in terms of the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act, Act 12 of 2007, a municipal base tariff includes a reasonable rate of return if authorised by a regulator and/or the Minister responsible for the municipal service, and whereas the National Energy Regulator of South Africa is the regulator for electricity services and that the annual approval of electricity tariffs levied by municipalities includes the reasonable rate of return or surplus margin, the City of Cape Town also charges a municipal surcharge on top of its electricity tariffs called a contribution to rates or an unregulated charge, he has prescribed compulsory norms and standards for municipal surcharges on electricity services as provided for in section 8 of the specified Act; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date(s) were the norms and standards prescribed and (b) will he furnish Mr B N Herron with a copy of the norms and standards; (2) whether he has found that the City of Cape Town complied with the norms and standards as required by section 9(1)(a) of the Act; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the City of Cape Town, on its own and/or as part of a group of municipalities and/or organised local government, applied for and was granted an exemption from compliance with the norms and standards as provided for in terms of section 9(1)(b) of the Act; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, (a) on what date did he gazette the exemption and (b) will he furnish Mr B N Herron with a copy of the notice in the Gazette; (4) whether he promulgated any regulations in terms of the Act, which provide for the municipal surcharge on electricity services currently levied by the City of Cape Town; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) (a) in terms of which provisions of the Act and/or any other applicable law is the City of Cape Town authorised to charge a municipal surcharge on electricity services and (b) what are the consequences to the City of Cape Town for charging a levy on a municipal surcharge on electricity services without being authorised by himself and/or the Act
Reply:
(1) Section 8(1) of the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act (MFPFA) stipulates that the Minister of Finance may prescribe compulsory norms and standards for imposing municipal surcharges. To date, the Minister of Finance have not prescribed any compulsory norms and standards for regulating the imposition of municipal surcharges. However, the absence of the norms and standards does not restrict a municipality from imposing surcharges in their tariffs given that this is a power given to municipalities in terms of section 229 of the Constitution and the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Furthermore, if a municipality decides to levy a surcharge, approval is done by the municipal council in terms of a tariff policy, pursuant to section 75 of the MSA and will also be subject to section 8 of the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act (MFPFA), as soon as norms and standards for municipal surcharges are prescribed by the Minister of Finance. The National Treasury is currently reviewing the possibility of introducing compulsory norms and standards in terms of section 8 of the MFPFA and has appointed a service provider to assist with the development of compulsory national norms and standards for regulating municipal surcharges on electricity.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
(2) It is not yet necessary for the City of Cape Town (or any other municipality) to comply with section 9(1) of the MFPFA given that the norms and standards referred to in section 8 of the Act is yet to be prescribed by the Minister of Finance. As soon as these norms and standards are prescribed, all municipalities levying surcharges on municipal services will however be required to comply with this provision.
(3) See response in (2).
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
4. See response in (1).
(5)(a) Various pieces of legislation regulate the levying of municipal surcharges:
The Constitution
Section 229 of the Constitution indicates that a municipality may impose—
(1) subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), a municipality may impose
(a) rates on property and surcharges on fees for services provided by or on behalf of the municipality
(2) The power of a municipality to impose rates on property, surcharges on fees for services provided by or on behalf of the municipality, or other taxes, levies or duties—
(b) may be regulated by national legislation.
The Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act (MFPFA)
Section 8 of the MFPFA gives power to the Minister of Finance to prescribe compulsory national norms and standards for imposing “municipal surcharges”. Furthermore, when levying surcharges, municipalities are required in terms of section 9(1)(a) of the MFPFA to comply with any norms and standards contemplated in section 8 of the MFPFA.
The Municipal Systems Act (MSA)
Section 4(1)(c)(ii) of the MSA indicates that the council of a municipality has the right to finance the affairs of the municipality by imposing surcharges on fees, rates on property and, to the extent authorised by national legislation, other taxes, levies and duties. In section 74(2)(f), the Act provides that a municipal tariff policy must reflect at least the following principles: “(f) provision may be made in appropriate circumstances for a surcharge on the tariff for a service”. In terms of section 94(1), the Minister responsible for Local Government may regulate the following matters: “(d) criteria to be taken into account by municipalities when imposing surcharges on tariffs for services and determining the duration thereof;”.
(b) Once norms and standards for municipal surcharges are prescribed for a specific municipal service as per section 8 of the MFPFA, any municipality that does not adhere to such norms and standards (e.g. exceeds prescribed levels) will be in non-compliance with the Act, except if the Minister of Finance has given approval to such municipality in terms of section 9(1)(b) to be exempted from complying to any of the norms and standards as contemplated in section 8 of the Act.
04 October 2023 - NW3033
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card which has been extended and is expected to expire in December 2023, (a) what total number of cards are expected to expire in December 2023 in each (i) province and (ii) grant category, (b) on what date will SASSA and/or the SA Postbank commence with the renewal process of the cards, (c) on what date will SASSA communicate with beneficiaries on the status of the card renewal process, (d) what is the name of the service provider which has been awarded the contract for the design and roll-out of the new cards and (e) what is the total cost of the design and roll-out of the new cards?
Reply:
a) There are approximately 5.3 million cards due for replacement by 31 December 2023.
(i) The regional breakdown is as per table below:
PROVINCE |
Beneficiary Volume |
|
KWAZULU NATAL |
1 120 702 |
|
GAUTENG |
975 063 |
|
EASTERN CAPE |
745 994 |
|
LIMPOPO |
717 656 |
|
MPUMALANGA |
490 188 |
|
WESTERN CAPE |
484 131 |
|
NORTH WEST |
331 618 |
|
FREE STATE |
323 604 |
|
NORTHERN CAPE |
110 542 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
5 299 499 |
(ii) The table below illustrates the grant type affected by the December deadline:
PROVINCE |
Care Dependency Grant (CDG) |
Child Support Grant (CSG) |
Foster Child Grant |
Combination of CDG & FCG |
Disability Grant |
Old Age Grant |
War Veteran Grant |
Grand Total |
KWAZULU NATAL |
11 634 |
712 022 |
8 945 |
204 |
72 710 |
265 839 |
1 |
1 071 355 |
GAUTENG |
9 331 |
648 802 |
10 966 |
210 |
41 916 |
315 252 |
2 |
1 026 479 |
EASTERN CAPE |
7 677 |
488 694 |
16 082 |
378 |
58 151 |
226 837 |
|
797 819 |
LIMPOPO |
5 339 |
427 652 |
10 068 |
143 |
34 113 |
222 683 |
|
699 998 |
MPUMALANGA |
5 057 |
338 979 |
6 671 |
125 |
34 974 |
138 790 |
|
524 596 |
WESTERN CAPE |
5 682 |
311 996 |
5 695 |
187 |
36 214 |
148 245 |
2 |
508 021 |
NORTH WEST |
2 482 |
189 266 |
4 662 |
89 |
17 181 |
101 027 |
1 |
314 708 |
FREE STATE |
3 463 |
211 542 |
5 522 |
160 |
26 261 |
94 629 |
|
341 577 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
1 311 |
65 481 |
1 610 |
80 |
9 794 |
30 022 |
1 |
108 299 |
Grand Total |
51 976 |
3 394 434 |
70 221 |
1 576 |
331 314 |
1 543 324 |
7 |
5 392 852 |
b) Work is currently underway to meet the December deadline and Postbank will make necessary information available to the public.
c) Refer to (b) above.
d) I cannot pre-empt the outcome of a procurement process of the Postbank. This is an administrative process that does not involve the Executive Athority.
e) Refer to (d) above.
04 October 2023 - NW2909
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
How does the National Treasury ensure that municipalities comply and lock their adjusted budgets and/or financial systems at the end of each month to ensure prudent financial management?
Reply:
The Municipal Regulations on a Standard Chart of Accounts (mSCOA), Gazette No. 37577, 2014, was promulgated on 22 April 2014. All municipalities and municipal entities had to comply with the mSCOA Regulations by 01 July 2017. In terms of mSCOA, municipalities should budget, transact and report on all six (6) legislated mSCOA segments and submit the required data strings as per the legislated timeframes to the National Treasury’s Local Government Database and Reporting System (LGDRS). The budget and adjustments budgets adopted by Council must be locked on the core municipal financial system before submitting the data strings to the LGDRS. Most of the municipal financial systems have built-in controls that do not allow transacting if the budget or adjustments budget has not been locked. Also, Section 65(2)(j) of the MFMA requires that the accounting officer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that all financial accounts of the municipality are closed at month-end and reconciled with its records before submitting the monthly data string to the LGDRS.
As communicated in MFMA Budget Circular No. 123 dated 03 March 2023, the LGDRS is locked on the 10th working day of the month following the legislated deadline. The late submissions of data strings are not accepted by the LGDRS. The timeous submission of credible mSCOA data strings to the LGDRS has been included in the equitable share release criteria for 2023/24 that was communicated in MFMA Circular No. 122 (dated 09 December 2022).
Since the financial system must be locked at the end of the month to generate mSCOA data strings, municipalities may not open during closed periods to correct errors. Errors must be corrected in the next open period. Providers of municipal financial systems have also been instructed by the National Treasury in 2019 to ensure that the necessary internal controls are built into the financial system to prevent the opening during closed periods on the financial system and the bypassing of such controls.
04 October 2023 - NW2978
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Social Development
What measures has her department put in place to work together with the Department of Basic Education and other role players to place safety ambassadors at schools to identify learners from dysfunctional backgrounds and refer them to a system in which social workers and psychologists work together to create a better and healthier society?
Reply:
The Department of Basic Education leads the implementation of Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) working in collaboration with other relevant government departments, including DSD. This is an integrated programme with a number of interventions aimed at prevention and early intervention services for vulnerable children.
RISIHA, a community-based prevention programme works closely with local schools and assist in early identification of children in need of care and support services and complements other government interventions such as Safety Ambassadors at schools.
04 October 2023 - NW3129
Mafanya, Mr WTI to ask the Minister of Finance
Noting that in its ruling the Constitutional Court stated that section 2 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, Act 5 of 2000, (PPPFA) allows organs of state to formulate their own regulations and further clarified that the power of the Minister to make regulations does not override section 2, what are the reasons that he has not liberated the stateowned companies to make their own regulations instead of forcing them to comply with the PPPFA regulations of 2022?
Reply:
Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act No. 5 of 2000 – “the Act”) states that the Minister may make regulations regarding any matter that may be necessary or expedient to prescribe in order to achieve the objects of this Act. The judgement of the Constitutional court was that the impugned regulations 3,4 and 9 of the 2017 Regulations amounted to determining preferential procurement policy which was the responsibility of the organ of state in terms of Section 2(1) of the Act. The Minister made the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 in line with the Constitutional Court judgement to prescribe what is necessary or expedient in order to achieve the objects of the Act.
It is important to note that the Constitutional Court did not rule that State-Owned Companies can make their own regulations as that would be going against what the Act provides, but it did rule that each organ of state is empowered to determine its own preferential procurement policy (in terms of section 2(1) of the Act) and that these policies must still comply with the Act, which includes the 2022 Regulations.
04 October 2023 - NW3116
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) time frames have been put in place to clear the delays experienced regarding the SA Social Security Agency grant payouts and (b) assistance has been provided to beneficiaries to compensate for the delays?
Reply:
a) The matter is currently receiving attention from myself and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies to ensure there is no recurrence. To date, all failed transactions have been corrected.
b) The matter related to compensation, if any, will be discussed as part of the Service Level Agreement between SASSA and Postbank. I therefore, do not want to pre-empt the outcome of this process at this stage.
04 October 2023 - NW2976
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What has been the latest development in progress towards providing Palestinians visa-free entry into the Republic?
Reply:
The visa waiver for Palestinian ordinary passport holders was implemented on 15 September 2023. Negotiations with Palestinian counterparts on the Agreement to waive visa requirements for Diplomatic passport holders only, are at an advanced stage.
END
04 October 2023 - NW3032
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With regard to the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) payment glitch which affected SASSA beneficiaries over the period 5 to 8 September 2023, what (a) total number of beneficiaries were adversely affected in each (i) province and (ii) grant category, (b) were the root causes of the payment glitch, (c) was the cause of the payment glitch, (d) are the relevant details of any fraudulent activity that was detected during the specified period, (e) are the consequences of the SA Postbank being in breach of their service-level agreement given its inability to reliably pay grants and (f) progress has been made, together with financial institutions, in processing the payment of grants to beneficiaries through their bank accounts which have proven to be far more reliable rather than the SASSA gold card; (2) whether her department intends to work with retail stores to develop a training programme for retail staff to equip them to assist SASSA beneficiaries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether SASSA have access to a bulk SMS system in order to communicate with the beneficiaries when payment glitches arise; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1.(a) The system glitch, which resulted in payment delays affected approximately six hundred thousand (3%) of social grants beneficiaries who access their monies through the Postbank.
(i) The system glitch affected Postbank clients randomly across all the provinces. At the time of responding to this question, Postbank was conducting a proper analysis of province-specific data.
(ii) The system glitch occurred predominantly on the first day of September payment cycle, which is the pay day for the payment of Old Age Grant.
(b) and (c) The glitch within the Postbank banking system was caused by the concentrated load capacity challenge resulting in intermittent timeouts, further complicated by a failure in the auto reversal process.
(d) Postbank reported there were various attempts to defraud the system. At the time of responding to this question, we did not receive any detailed information on this matter.
(e)Matters related to penalties, if any, are covered in the Service Level Agreement between SASSA and Postbank and will be discussed at the appropriate time.
(f) As I have mentioned on many occasions, SASSA clients have the right to choose any bank into which their money will be paid, including Postbank. All clients’ requests to change bank account details are initiated by the client and processed as quickly as possible. SASSA has put in place additional resources to accommodate the increased demand for alternative banks.
(2) neither SASSA nor the Department has any direct dealings with retailers. Retailers are places where clients purchase goods and/ or exchange funds. SASSA continues to conduct beneficiary education that they do not have to withdraw their money as they can use their cards to transact like any other ordinary bank card.
(3) Yes, SASSA uses this platform to communicate directly with beneficiaries on matters related to the administration of grants. However, with regard to the system glitch SASSA could not use this platform as it does not have access to beneficiary bank accounts.
04 October 2023 - NW2981
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Finance
(a) What tourism projects, undertaken by the Development Bank of Southern Africa, were initiated in the (i) past three financial years and (ii) current year to date, (b) on what date was each project initiated, (c) which of the specified projects were completed, (d) what was the set deadline for each project to be completed, (e) what are the actual completion dates for each completed project, (f) what are the reasons that each project was not completed by the set deadline, (g) what budget was allocated for each completed project and (h) what amount was spent in each completed project?
Reply:
The DBSA has seventy tourism-related projects, of which twenty-two have been completed, and forty-eight are in various stages of execution.
The detailed project list, which includes details (question (a)-(h)) is listed below.
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date ( e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
1 |
NW |
Compliance Certificates |
NW Lehurutshe Bird and Trophy Hunting owned by the Bakgatla ba Lencoe Trust |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-03-22 |
2024-03-22 |
Not Applicable |
R28,209,243.11 |
R1,176,025.47 |
2 |
KZN |
Compliance Certificates |
KZN Isibhubhu Project |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-09-16 |
2023-11-15 |
Slow performance of the contractor at commencement due to cash constraints and material sourcing challenges. The DBSA loan facility to the contractor has assisted in procurement of material and the performance of the contractor has improved as they are recovering to complete on time. Suspension of works due to the yearly traditional reed dance for a week was the latest stoppage. Delay also caused by client request for change in design for the maidens change rooms. |
R35,470,271.15 |
R13,489,181.26 |
3 |
KZN |
Compliance Certificates |
KZN Muzi Pan Project |
2020-12-07 |
Concurrence |
Procurement - Concurrence Requested |
2024-06-13 |
2024-06-13 |
Not Applicable |
R21,899,635.05 |
R578,852.36 |
4 |
MP |
Community Tourism Projects |
Numbi Gate - Nkambeni Safari Lodge |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-03-26 |
2024-03-26 |
Delays in commencement of the project due to community social issues and currently a land claim. |
R24,563,693.62 |
R2,659,306.92 |
5 |
MP |
Community Tourism Projects |
Numbi Gate - Mdlhuli Safari Lodge |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-03-26 |
2024-03-26 |
Delays in commencement of the works due to the delays in appointment of the CLO and labour |
R33,554,531.24 |
R3,455,932.19 |
6 |
LP |
Community Tourism Projects |
Nandoni Dam |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-05-16 |
2024-05-16 |
Not Applicable |
R38,982,441.65 |
R1,738,488.51 |
7 |
LP |
Community Tourism Projects |
Tshathogwe Game Farm |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-09-09 |
2023-11-14 |
Poor performance of the Contractor. Penalties to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R26,741,416.87 |
R9,476,563.90 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
8 |
LP |
Community Tourism Projects |
Mtititi Game Farm |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-06-10 |
2023-12-31 |
Poor performance of the Contractor. Penalties to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R27,898,562.18 |
R14,455,737.46 |
2023-12-31 |
LP |
Community Tourism Projects |
Mapate Recreational Social Tourism Facility |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-06-16 |
2023-12-31 |
Suspension of works due to fatality on site, Poor performance by contractor at commencement of the constructions works. |
R27,450,164.53 |
R9,245,260.80 |
2023-12-31 |
KZN |
Local Community Museums |
Product Enhancement at Anton Lembede Museum eThekwini Municipality (KZN) |
2021-02-08 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-03-02 |
2024-03-02 |
Not Applicable |
R23,611,547.91 |
R979,096.02 |
11 |
NC |
Local Community Museums |
Product Enhancement at McGregor Museum (NC) WP1 |
2021-02-08 |
Evaluation |
Procurement - Evaluation |
2024-06-16 |
2024-06-16 |
Not Applicable |
R240,750.00 |
|
12 |
NC |
Local Community Museums |
Product Enhancement at McGregor Museum (NC) WP2 |
2021-02-08 |
Evaluation |
Procurement - Evaluation |
2024-04-15 |
2024-04-15 |
Not Applicable |
||
13 |
KZN |
Local Community Museums |
Product Enhancement at AmaHlubi Cultural Heritage (KZN) |
2021-02-08 |
Concept NDT |
Planning and Design |
2024-03-11 |
2024-03-11 |
Not Applicable |
R8,228,848.39 |
R979,069.02 |
14 |
NW |
Local Community Museums |
Product Enhancement at Sol Plaatjie Museum (NW) |
2021-02-08 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-02-01 |
2024-02-01 |
Delay in commencement of works due to an impasse on works to be implemented (new and maintenance work). Meeting between NDT, DBSA and Mahikeng Municipality to be held on 20.09.2023 to find way forward on scope. |
R8,228,848.31 |
R832,007.41 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4), Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date ( e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
15 |
NW |
Local Community Museums |
Product Enhancement at Lehurutshe Liberation Heritage Museum |
2021-02-08 |
Concept NDT |
Planning and Design |
2024-02-27 |
2024-02-27 |
Not Applicable |
R15,384,460.00 |
R832,007.41 |
16 |
NC |
lndi-Atlantic Route (Coastal and Marine Tourism initiatives) |
Tourism development at Orange River Mouth (NC) as part of the Indi-Atlantic Route |
2021-02-08 |
Design Development |
Planning and Design |
N/A |
N/A |
Project works to be completed till Design Stage. Further stages will await NDT instruction to Proceed. |
R76,121,200.33 |
R949,421.57 |
17 |
EC |
lndi-Atlantic Route |
Tourism Development at Hole in the Wall (EC) as part of the Indi-Atlantic Route |
2021-02-08 |
Design Development |
Planning and Design |
N/A |
N/A |
Project works to be completed till Design Stage. Further stages will await NDT instruction to Proceed. |
R56,103,208.95 |
R1,760,791.87 |
18 |
KZN |
lndi-Atlantic Route |
Tourism development at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve as part of the Indi-Atlantic Route |
2021-02-08 |
Design Development |
Planning and Design |
N/A |
N/A |
Project works to be completed till Design Stage. Further stages will await NDT instruction to Proceed. |
R48,708,342.83 |
R1,443,770.69 |
19 |
GP |
Maintenance & Beautification |
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng |
2020-12-07 |
Evaluation |
Procurement - Evaluation |
2024-03-20 |
2024-03-20 |
Not Applicable |
R8,733,665.78 |
R257,326.41 |
20 |
KZN |
Maintenance & Beautification |
J L Dube Precinct, KZN |
2020-12-07 |
Design Development |
Planning and Design |
2023-11-27 |
2023-11-27 |
Not Applicable |
R4,277,257.82 |
R37,527.79 |
21 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Gariep Dam Resort, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-09-14 |
2023-12-31 |
The contractor is behind schedule. Penalties to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R2,182,007.88 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
22 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Maria Moroka Resort in Thaba Nchu, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-09-15 |
2023-12-31 |
The contractor is behind schedule. Penalties to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R894,648.15 |
23 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Phillip Saunders Resort in Bloemfontein, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-08-15 |
2023-12-31 |
Additional scope of work requested by the end user Client and extension of time under review to determine the completion date. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R2,637,239.48 |
24 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-08-14 |
2023-12-31 |
The contractor is behind schedule. Penalty to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R2,967,908.65 |
25 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Manyeleti Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R2,922,378.71 |
26 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Andover Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R3,476,227.74 |
27 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Songimvelo Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R3,801,835.77 |
28 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
SS Skosana Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R3,089,137.42 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status (c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
22 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Maria Moroka Resort in Thaba Nchu, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-09-15 |
2023-12-31 |
The contractor is behind schedule. Penalties to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R894,648.15 |
23 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Phillip Saunders Resort in Bloemfontein, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-08-15 |
2023-12-31 |
Additional scope of work requested by the end user Client and extension of time under review to determine the completion date. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R2,637,239.48 |
24 |
FS |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, Free State |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-08-14 |
2023-12-31 |
The contractor is behind schedule. Penalty to be charged in accordance with contract. |
R4,999,748.71 |
R2,967,908.65 |
25 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Manyeleti Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R2,922,378.71 |
26 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Andover Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R3,476,227.74 |
27 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Songimvelo Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R3,801,835.77 |
28 |
MP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
SS Skosana Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
2023-06-08 |
Not Applicable |
R3,736,433.94 |
R3,089,137.42 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date ( e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
29 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-08-08 |
2023-09-14 |
Certain areas on site were put on hold due to environmental concerns which did not form part of the scope. Practical completion has been achieved. |
R4,285,162.35 |
R3,415,779.54 |
30 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Hluleka Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Concept To be Approved |
Planning and Design |
2023-12-27 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
R4,185,939.39 |
R83,973.60 |
31 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Double Mouth Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-06 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,528,146.03 |
R2,859,541.75 |
32 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Oviston Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-25 |
2023-09-01 |
Project was affected by the hunting season as the contractor had limited access to site, hence the delay in completion against the baseline PC date. The project has achieved practical completion. |
R3,504,584.39 |
R2,622,218.39 |
33 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-07-25 |
2023-10-31 |
Change in the design of the kitchen building and location allocated by the end user. |
R3,528,146.03 |
R2,182,741.34 |
34 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Cwebe and Dwesa, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-12-01 |
2023-12-01 |
Delays in granting contractor access to all facilities on site due to a movie recording or filming. |
R4,263,982.64 |
R888,768.16 |
35 |
EC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Mpofu and Fordyce Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-12-02 |
2023-12-02 |
Delay on works as some facilities had to be put on hold to accommodate the hunting season which generates revenue for the reserve. |
R4,263,982.64 |
R1,502,586.19 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date ( e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
36 |
NC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Doornkloof Nature Reserve, Northern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-11-23 |
2023-11-23 |
Not Applicable |
R5,254,310.06 |
R1,235,877.71 |
37 |
NC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Rolfontein Nature Reserve, Northern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-11-23 |
2023-11-23 |
Not Applicable |
R5,254,310.06 |
R1,686,739.19 |
38 |
NC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Goegap and Witsand Nature Reserve, Northern Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-11-23 |
2023-11-23 |
Not Applicable |
R5,254,310.06 |
R3,410,098.70 |
39 |
LP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Makapans Valley WHS, Limpopo |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,145,623.58 |
R2,997,834.07 |
40 |
LP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Nwanedi Nature Reserve, Limpopo |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,145,623.58 |
R2,558,202.70 |
41 |
LP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Blouberg Nature Reserve, Limpopo |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,145,623.58 |
R2,465,052.22 |
42 |
LP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Musina Nature Reserve, Limpopo |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,145,623.58 |
R2,777,971.87 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
43 |
LP |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Modjadji Nature Reserve, Limpopo |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-16 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,145,623.58 |
R2,430,597.23 |
44 |
WC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-06-14 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,634,316.46 |
R3,003,843.38 |
45 |
WC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Goukamma Nature Reserve, Western Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-06-14 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,634,316.46 |
R2,527,332.95 |
46 |
WC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Lookout Hill Khayelitsha, Western Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-06-14 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,634,316.46 |
R3,277,649.65 |
47 |
WC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-06-14 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,634,316.46 |
R2,026,649.36 |
48 |
WC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Wolwekloof Nature Reserve, Western Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-06-14 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,634,316.46 |
R3,072,463.11 |
49 |
WC |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Cederberg Wilderness Area, Western Cape |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-06-14 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R3,634,316.46 |
R1,946,132.58 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
50 |
NW |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Mafikeng Hotel School |
2022-04-04 |
Concept NDT |
Planning and Design |
2024-09-12 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
||
51 |
NW |
Maintenance & Beautification of Provincial State-Owned Attractions. |
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, North West |
2022-04-04 |
PSP Appointment |
Pre-Initiation |
2024-06-11 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
||
52 |
NC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
NC Platfontein Lodge |
2020-12-07 |
Concept |
Planning and Design |
2023-12-27 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
R36,944,350.33 |
R464,114.63 |
53 |
NW |
Further detailed planning & construction |
NW Lotlamoreng Dam |
2020-12-07 |
Tender / Retender |
Procurement - Contractor |
2024-02-11 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
R21,680,806.49 |
R392,300.67 |
54 |
NW |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
NW Manyane Lodge |
2020-12-07 |
Evaluation |
Procurement - Evaluation |
2023-11-02 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
R25,788,890.01 |
R392,300.67 |
55 |
LP |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
LP Matsila Lodge |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-12-14 |
2023-12-14 |
Contractor is running behind schedule due to cashflow constraints on purchasing the high value items. DBSA has approved a loan facility and is assisting the contractor with purchasing of the material. |
R43,036,821.09 |
R9,940,053.98 |
56 |
LP |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
LP Phiphidi Waterfall |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-03-16 |
2024-03-16 |
Not Applicable |
R24,984,745.91 |
R1,258,843.25 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
57 |
LP |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
LP Oaks |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-02-07 |
2024-02-07 |
Not Applicable |
R30,540,765.25 |
R6,582,104.00 |
58 |
LP |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
LP Ngove |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-05-19 |
2024-05-19 |
Not Applicable |
R35,488,790.91 |
R1,951,886.39 |
59 |
LP |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
LP Tisane |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-12-24 |
2023-12-24 |
The Contractor had cashflow constraints that affected purchasing of material. The DBSA has approved a loan facility and the material has already been provided to the contractor. |
R32,500,362.51 |
R10,759,639.31 |
60 |
LP |
Further detailed planning & construction |
LP Vhatsonga |
2020-12-07 |
Evaluation |
Procurement - Evaluation |
2024-04-11 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
R34,509,658.61 |
R1,164,067.68 |
61 |
FS |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
FS QwaQwa Guesthouse |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-09-18 |
2023-10-30 |
The design of the sewer had to be changed by engineers. |
R24,619,623.73 |
R20,195,710.68 |
62 |
FS |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
FS Infrastructure through Monontsha |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-09-18 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R7,852,914.40 |
R5,605,553.72 |
63 |
FS |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
FS Vredefort Dome |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-10-17 |
2024/25FY |
Contract Terminated due to poor performance of the contractor |
R28,163,338.17 |
R7,165,192.19 |
No |
Province |
Work Package |
Project Name (a) |
Date IPW signed off by NDT to DBSA (b) |
Status ( c) |
Current Status (Planning & Design stage 1-3, Procurement (stage 4),Construction Stage 5, Close Out (stage 6-7) |
Baseline Targeted Practical Completion & Occupation Date (d) |
Actual & revised Practical Completion & Occupation date (e) |
Comments on Delays & targets not being met (pls be precise to the point) (f) |
Total Budget (PSP, Construction, DBSA Fees) (g) |
Actual Total Expenditure as at End August 2023 (h) |
64 |
NC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
NC Kamiesberg Tourism Development |
2020-12-07 |
Design Development |
Planning and Design |
2024-04-15 |
2024/25FY |
Not Applicable |
R19,816,186.00 |
R1,016,253.44 |
65 |
EC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
EC Maluti Hiking and Horse Trail |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-07 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R21,953,838.99 |
R21,099,619.33 |
66 |
EC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
EC Mthonsi Lodge |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2023-11-14 |
2023-11-30 |
Delay due to inclement weather. EOT approved |
R7,563,919.96 |
R20,649,930.73 |
67 |
EC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
EC Qatywa Eco Tourism Development |
2020-12-07 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-01-16 |
2024-03-12 |
Delay due to inclement weather. EOT approved |
R39,654,075.62 |
R18,654,465.84 |
68 |
EC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
EC Chalets at Nyandeni Great Place |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-08-15 |
N/A |
Penalties charged to contractor for late completion |
R22,996,656.27 |
R20,600,239.42 |
69 |
EC |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
EC Western Thembuland |
2020-12-07 |
Practical Completion |
Practical Completion Achieved |
2023-07-07 |
N/A |
Not Applicable |
R28,333,432.75 |
R26,545,363.06 |
70 |
LP |
Construction Planning, Procurement & Implementation |
Royal Khalanga Lodge |
2021-09-13 |
Construction |
Construction |
2024-03-25 |
2024-03-25 |
Not Applicable |
R17,772,742.44 |
R2,409,864.34 |
04 October 2023 - NW2918
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the Government has run out of money; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Government is working to manage public finances in a prudent and sustainable manner. This includes appropriately responding to the materialization of risks, include unforeseen economic and financial conditions. To be clear, the Government has not run out of money. Government publishes the "Statement of the National Government’s Revenue, Expenditure, and Borrowing" monthly, available on the National Treasury website. This statement provides detailed information into government revenue collections, expenditure and borrowing.
Revenue collections for the first four months of 2023/24 have performed below expectations, primarily due to under-collections in corporate income tax and higher VAT refunds. Therefore, the main budget deficit for the first four months of 2023/24 is higher than expected.
Compared to the 2023 Budget, the economic and revenue outlook has deteriorated, and tighter financial conditions have constrained government’s borrowing programme and led to higher borrowing costs. Government remains committed to prudent fiscal management and addressing these challenges to ensure the financial stability of the nation.
04 October 2023 - NW3108
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises (1) What are the cost implications for the Government regarding the new State Asset Management Company as proposed in the National State Enterprises Bill that was recently opened for public comment, considering that some stateowned companies (SOCs) would allegedly be included, with others shut down
(1) What are the cost implications for the Government regarding the new State Asset Management Company as proposed in the National State Enterprises Bill that was recently opened for public comment, considering that some state owned companies (SOCs) would allegedly be included, with others shut down. (2) Whether any costing was done regarding (a) setting up the new company and (b) winding down the SOCs that are not included; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the detailed costs in each case?
Reply:
1. The financial obligation with respect to the development of the National State Enterprises Bill is borne by the Department of Public Enterprises. For 2023/24, budget has been allocated and ring-fenced for the necessary external project support and expertise under the Departmental funds for the processing of the Bill. Working capital of the Holding Company will need to be secured, and consultation with the National Treasury is on-going in this regard.
2. (a) Preliminary costing of the HoldCo has been done on the basis that it shall become self-sustainable in the short term. The Holding Company will derive dividends from its subsidiary companies and it is envisaged that this income stream will be sufficient to cover its operational costs.
(b) The closure, merger or restructuring (some which is already happening, e.g. in Small Business Portfolio) will be considered by government on the basis of recommendations of the PSEC.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
04 October 2023 - NW2956
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Social Development
In light of the gold cards of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) which are due to expire on 31 December 2023, what (a) total number of beneficiaries have (i) renewed and (ii) not yet renewed their SASSA cards and (b) measures have been put in place to ensure that all cards are renewed before the expiry date?
Reply:
a) The Postbank currently provides banking accounts and cards to approximately 5.3 million SASSA beneficiaries. All the cards that are affected by the December deadline will be replaced as part of the Card Replacement Project Plan. The number of beneficiaries fluctuates on a daily basis as many beneficiaries have opted to migrate to other banks.
i) and (ii) Postbank has not provided details at the time of responding to this question.
b) Postbank has a phased-in Card Replacement Project Plan as follows:
- Phase 1: will focuses on SASSA regions with the largest number of beneficiaries (KZN, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga), which account for 76% of the SASSA customer base.
- Phase 2: will focus on SASSA regions with the least number of beneficiaries (Western Cape, North West, Free State and Northern Cape), which account for 24% of the SASSA customer base
- As a contingency measure, Postbank is engaging with VISA and the South African Reserve Bank to extend the validity of cards as a contingency in the event cards cannot be distributed to all customers within the said deadline.
04 October 2023 - NW2908
Abraham, Ms PN to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether he intends to continue financing and expanding public employment programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme and the 2021-22 Presidential Employment Stimulus programme over the medium-term expenditure framework; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Considerations for continued financing and expanding of public employment programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus programme are part of such the budget process, and the outcome of this process will be announced in the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement.
04 October 2023 - NW2922
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether, with regard to the cost-of-living crisis that is currently exhibited most notably by the upward spiralling high food prices that are squeezing the average South African household, he intends to reconsider the position he outlined during questions for oral reply on 21 September 2022 in respect of the proposal by a certain political party (details furnished) to expand the zero-VAT rated basket of food items as a direct intervention; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) with regard to the announcement made by the Minister in The Presidency, Ms K P S Ntshavheni, that the Economic Cluster has been instructed by the President to develop a food security plan of action, what action is being taken by the National Treasury to relieve food insecurity of households in the Republic?
Reply:
- The position of the Minster has not changed since the last oral reply. As indicated then, zero-rating of specific foodstuffs provides a larger proportional benefit to the poor (i.e. progressivity is enhanced). Overall, goods have a progressive impact and a strong equity-gain ratio – poor people consume a relatively high share of zero-rated items. Nevertheless, the analysis of the independent panel in 2018 indicated that extending zero-rating to further food items would be inefficient, since high-income households tend to benefit more from such measures.
- We acknowledge the importance of the agricultural sector in tackling the issue of food insecurity which can both be addressed by increasing availability of food and affordability of food. National Treasury provides fiscal support to departments to support the agricultural sector. The fiscal support for agricultural sector is determined through the budget allocations to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, as articulated in the Estimate of National Expenditure (ENE) -Vote 29 and to provinces though the Division Revenue Act, and this information is available in various provincial budgets.
- Consolidated spending allocations for agriculture and rural development, as presented in the 2023 Budget, are R27.8 billion in 2023/24, R28.6 billion in 2024/25 and R29.9 billion in 2025/26.