Questions and Replies
05 September 2017 - NW1421
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(a) What number of cases of (i) fruitless, (ii) wasteful and (iii) irregular expenditure in her department were identified by the Auditor-General in the (aa) 2014-15, (bb) 2015-16 and (cc) 2016-17 financial years, (b) what was the amount in each case and (c) how much of the specified amount has been recovered in each case?
Reply:
Description |
aa. 2014/2015 |
bb. 2015/2016 |
cc. 2016/2017 |
a. What number of cases of |
|||
(i) Fruitless |
- |
- |
|
(ii) Wasteful |
- |
- |
|
(iii) Irregular |
- |
1 |
|
b. What was the amount of each case? |
|||
(i) Fruitless |
- |
None |
- |
(ii) Wasteful |
- |
None |
- |
(iii) Irregular |
- |
R1 834 000* |
- |
c. How much of the specified amount has been recovered in each case? |
|||
(i) Fruitless |
- |
None |
- |
(ii) Wasteful |
- |
None |
- |
(iii) Irregular |
- |
None |
*Related to the B'avumile training. The department did not comply with paragraph 3.4 of PN 8 of 2007/2008 which requires that for transactions with a value of and above R500 000.00 a competitive bidding process should be followed. An investigation into the matter was conducted and no official was found to have personally benefited and it was confirmed that the department derived value in the form of training provided to beneficiaries. |
04 September 2017 - NW1497
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Police
Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him procured any services from and/or made any payments to (i) a certain company (name furnished) or (ii) any other public relations firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the total cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii)(aa) to (ff) The South African Police Service (SAPS) did not find any indication that any services were procured or payments made to the mentioned company.
(b) To be replied to by other entities which report to the Minister of Police.
04 September 2017 - NW2529
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With reference to all the persons arrested during the 2016-17 festive season, how many of the evidential blood test results were positive for ethyl alcohol; (2) broken down by (a) age group and (b) gender, how many of these blood test results showed (i) an ethyl alcohol level of (aa) between 0,05g per 100ml and 0,08g per 100ml of blood sampled, (bb) between 0,09g per 100ml and 0,14g per 100ml of blood sampled and (cc) 0,15g per 100ml or greater of blood sampled and (ii) the presence of drugs having a narcotic effect; (3) how many convictions have arisen therefrom to date; (4) what has been the average turnaround time in the return of ante mortem evidential blood test results?
Reply:
1. Evidential blood test results are handled by forensic laboratories and handed directly to the SAPS for processing in court.
2. This information is contained in the SAPS docket and the RTMC does not keep this data.
3. This matter is handled by the SAPS and the justice department.
4. This information is kept by the SAPS as the authority that processes the cases for court.
04 September 2017 - NW1365
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Police
(1)Whether, with regard to the death of a 17-year-old community member on 2 February 2017 (details furnished), there is currently an investigation ongoing; if not, why not; if so, what is the current status of the investigation; (2) has a suspect been identified; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) where will the suspect be brought before the court?
Reply:
(1) The death of a 17-year-old community member, as reported in The New Age of 2 February 2017, is currently being investigated by the Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit under Temba CAS 724/01/2017, Murder. The investigation in the case docket is ongoing.
(2) No suspect has been identified thus far.
(2)(a)&(b) Not applicable.
04 September 2017 - NW2478
Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Why has the R600 road between Winterton and the Drakensberg mountains in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal not been maintained, resulting in severe deterioration, (b) what are the full relevant details of (i) maintenance and/or (ii) rebuilding plans that are planned for the specified road, (c) on what date will the maintenance and/or rebuilding plans be implemented, (d) what amount will it cost to rehabilitate the road and (e) which contractors will be contracted to rehabilitate the road?
Reply:
(a) R600 is Main Road P212 which is 34km under Okhahlamba Local Municipality; the
bi) Departmental has been maintaining the road by means of the following activities:
- Verge Maintenance is being done on regular basis;
- Pothole Patching has been done by the Departmental internal team when it is required; and
- During the 2016/17 financial year seal rejuvenation has been done on the road between km 0.5 to km 13.
b) Main Road P212 is due for Heavy Rehabilitation and design is schedule to commence in the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year in order to start Phase1 Construction in the third quarter of the 2018/19 financial year.
c) The Rehabilitation of Phase 1 is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2018/19 financial year.
d) The project cost estimate is R 161.8 million for Rehabilitation of 34kilometres in three financial year.
e) The Department will advertise the contract through open tender to get contractor to rehabilitate the road.
04 September 2017 - NW881
Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the MNISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
a) What amount did the event and workshop on 23 March 2017 of the Southern African Liaison Office entitled: Dialogue on Major South African Foreign Policy Trends and Issues of 2017, cost her department? b) Under which mandate was the money spent? NW947E.
Reply:
a) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation did not co-ordinate or partner with the Southern African Liaison Office to host this event and did not spend any money on the workshop entitled: Dialogue on Major South African Foreign Policy Trends and Issues of 2017
b) Not applicable.
04 September 2017 - NW2069
MS H O HLOPHE (EFF) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION to ask the MS H O HLOPHE (EFF) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
(1) Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to her are funding, including by way of discretionary funding, any institution of research and development (i) domestically and/or (ii) internationally; if so, (aa)(aaa) what are the names of the specified institutions and (bbb) what are their functions, (bb) from what date has her department or any entity reporting to her been funding them and (cc) what amount has her department contributed towards such funding?
Reply:
(a) and (b) No, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) nor the entity, the African Renaissance and International Cooperation fund (ARF) reporting to her are not funding any institution of research and development.
(i) None
(aa)(aaa) None
(bbb) Not applicable
(ii) None
(bb) None
(cc) None
04 September 2017 - NW2555
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With respect to the e-toll collection contract, what (a) is the monthly collection budget, (b) are the monthly costs for collection, (c) are the actual monthly costs and (d) are the actual monthly amounts collected for the period 1 April 2014 to date; (2) will he provide Ms D Carter with a copy of the monthly figures?
Reply:
1. (a) Please see the graph link below: (please turn to the next page for more visible graph)
https://pmg.org.za/files/RNW2525GRAPH-170904.pdf
(b) The average monthly cost of toll collection amounts to R53,8 million.
(c) See (b) above.
(d) See (a) above.
(2) The honorable member is invited to view the information at the offices of SANRAL.
04 September 2017 - NW1566
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1)What (a) progress has been made in the investigation into the murder of a certain person (name furnished) who was killed during a restaurant robbery in Edenglen on Harris Road in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on 7 May 2017 and (b) is the docket number of the case that was opened; (2) whether any suspects have been arrested to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any (a) suspects and/or (b) witnesses have been interviewed; if not, why not; if so, (i) on what date and (ii) what are the further relevant details in each case; (4) by what date does he expect the investigation to be finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a) The case docket is still under investigation.
(1)(b) Edenvale, CAS 84/05/2017, murder and business robbery.
(2) No arrests had been made to date. The investigating officer is still following up on leads.
(3)(a) No suspects have been interviewed to date.
(3)(b) Seven witnesses were interviewed.
(3)(b)(i) The witnesses were interviewed, on 7 May 2017.
(3)(b)(ii) Four statements were made by the witnesses.
(4) It is not possible to commit to a specific date. The case will be finalised once all the exhibits have been analysed and all leads followed up.
04 September 2017 - NW1360
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1004 on 25 April 2016, the outstanding information has been sourced; if not, why not; if so, by what date will it be communicated?
Reply:
The Question in Parliament, no 1360, that appears in the National Assembly Internal Question Paper no 17 dated 19 May 2017, refers.
The reply to Question 1004 was submitted and attached here is the remaining annexures
04 September 2017 - NW1363
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Police
(a) How many (i) temporary and (ii) permanent housing units are available for members of the SA Police Services in each province, (b) how many units are currently occupied, (c) how many beneficiaries are currently allocated housing, (d) how many beneficiaries are on a waiting list for housing and (e) are the waiting lists available to the public?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii), (b), (c) and (d)
PROVINCE |
(a)(i) TEMPORARY UNITS |
(a)(ii) PERMANENT UNITS |
(b) UNITS OCCUPIED |
(c) NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES |
(d) ON WAITING LIST |
Eastern Cape |
68 |
1 221 |
824 |
3 170 |
0 |
Free State |
24 |
668 |
547 |
547 |
55 |
Gauteng |
0 |
1 407 |
1 073 |
1 073 |
27 |
Limpopo |
25 |
875 |
639 |
639 |
0 |
Mpumalanga |
0 |
864 |
844 |
844 |
0 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
425 |
946 |
840 |
840 |
0 |
Northern Cape |
38 |
434 |
366 |
676 |
0 |
North West |
7 |
600 |
478 |
478 |
0 |
Western Cape |
0 |
426 |
347 |
1 453 |
0 |
Head Office Components |
67 |
867 |
920 |
934 |
6 |
TOTAL |
654 |
8 308 |
6 878 |
10 654 |
88 |
(e) The waiting lists are not available to the public.
04 September 2017 - NW2556
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)In light of the current e-toll collections contract that will expire in the next 18 months, (a) does the Government intend to continue with the e-toll project; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) does the Government intend to renew the current contract; if not, will the collection contract go out on tender; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1). The e-toll scheme is official government policy and shall continue to be implemented subject to a decision to the contrary from Cabinet.
(2). The current e-toll operations contract comes to an end in December 2019 and has an option to be extended for a further 2 years. Government will review its options and the performance of the current contractor before making a decision whether to extend the contract for such an extension or retender.
04 September 2017 - NW1366
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Police
What total number of convictions have been secured for the (a) possession, (b) sale, (c) manufacture and (d) use of drugs in the (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11 and (v) 2011-12 financial years?
Reply:
a), (b), (c) & (d)
The Investigation Case Docket Management System (ICDMS) does not make provision for separate statistics on the possession, sale, manufacturing and use of drugs. All are categorised under drug-related offences. The total number of convictions secured, is as follows:
(i) 2007/2008 financial year = 62 019;
(ii) 2008/2009 financial year = 68 330;
(iii) 2009/2010 financial year = 77 213;
(iv) 2010/2011 financial year = 85 700; and
(v) 2011/2012 financial year = 97 373.
04 September 2017 - NW2551
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Transport
What were the circumstances that resulted in the grounding of (a) the Air Zimbabwe flight at O R Tambo International Airport on 18 August 2017 and (b) the SA Airways flight in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 19 August 2017?
Reply:
(a) As part of its mandate to uphold aviation safety and security, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) routinely conducts ramp inspections on aircraft operating into and within the South African air space.
On the evening of Friday, 18 August 2017, one of the aircraft inspected was a Boeing 767-200 operated by Air Zimbabwe. The inspection conducted by SACAA personnel discovered that the operator, Air Zimbabwe, was not complaint with both international civil aviation standards, and Part 129 of the South African civil aviation regulations. Part 129, among others, requires an operator to be in possession of a Foreign Operator’s Permit in order to conduct operations into South Africa. A copy of the Foreign Operator’s Permit, together with other documents, must be on-board an aircraft at all times, and made available for inspection on request by the relevant authorities.
As a result of the inability of the Air Zimbabwe flight crew to produce a copy of the Foreign Operator’s Permit, the SACAA instructed the crew not to take off until such time that there is full compliance with Part 129 of the South African civil aviation regulations.
The airline resumed operations as soon as they were issued with a Foreign Operator’s Permit.
(b) The SACAA was informed by South African Airways (SAA) that its operations were affected on 19 August 2017 when the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) instructed the SAA flight crew not to take off until such time that there was full compliance with the applicable Zimbabwean civil aviation regulations. It was established that, SAA, just like Air Zimbabwe was not in possession of a Foreign Operator’s Permit that would allow them to operate commercially in the Zimbabwe airspace.
Both airlines resumed operations as soon as they were respectively issued with Foreign Operator’s Permits.
04 September 2017 - NW2366
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1) What is the Government’s policy regarding South African citizens who are taken hostage (a) inside the country and (b) abroad; (2) Whether the Government has to date paid any ransom directly or indirectly for the release of South African citizens; if so, (a) in which cases, (b) what was the ransom in each case and (c)(i) to whom was the payment made and (ii) who made the payment; (3) whether she has been informed of any ransom that has been paid to date by any other entity and/or persons for the release of South African citizens; if so, (a) in which cases (b) what was the ransom in each case and (c)(i) to whom was the payment made and (ii) who made the payment; 4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The position of the Government of the Republic of South Africa is that no ransom is paid for South African citizens taken hostage.
2. No, the Government has to date not paid any ransom directly or indirectly for the release of South African citizens.
3. No, the Minister has not been informed of any ransom that has been paid to date by any other entity and/or persons for the release of South African citizens.
4. The Minister will have no objection to making a statement on the matter.
04 September 2017 - NW2525
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a)(i) Why has there been underexpenditure with regard to the development of the White Paper on Rail Transport, (ii) what steps has his department taken to turn this around and (iii) how is this being monitored and (b)(i) why were (aa) deliverables, (bb) timelines, (cc) timeframes and (dd) deadlines not met and (ii) what steps has his department taken to turn each situation around?
Reply:
(a)(i) The Department has appointed a service provider to assist with the development of the White Paper National Rail Policy. Payments of invoices are aligned to project deliverables/milestones. The Department only process payment once it is satisfied with the deliverables and any delay in the deliverables subsequently leads to under expenditure for that period.
(ii) The project team had regular engagements with the service provider in order to fast-track the deliverables.
(iii) This is monitored through constant engagement and technical discussions in finalizing the policy positions.
(b)(i) (aa)(bb)(cc)(dd)
During the finalization of the draft White Paper process it became apparent that some policy proposals needed further research to consider implementation challenges. This was done in order to balance the views of different stakeholder’s that emerged during consultation.
(ii) The draft White Paper of Rail Policy has been finalised and payments have been processed on those deliverables achieved. The consultations with provinces is underway.
04 September 2017 - NW2532
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What criteria must be met for a driving school to be qualified to offer driving lessons for vehicles of all description and (b) what is the purpose of a drivers licence test?
Reply:
(a) There are no criteria for Driving Schools in force in Road Traffic Legislation at present. Provinces and Local Authorities apply Regulation 250 of the ROAD TRAFFIC ACT NO. 29 OF 1989 to register only Driving School Instructors.
The following should be noted in regard to the DRAFT Driving School Legislative Framework which is not yet in force, as published in Government Gazette, No. 38142 dated 31 October 2014 and 28 January 2015 No. Gazette 38429. This draft legislation addresses numerous of the current shortcomings in the driver training system of the country. The following is a list of the most important areas which will be addressed by the draft driving school legislative framework should the Department put this legislation in force:
Legislation |
Area which legislation will regulate once in force |
Section 28 |
Instructor to be registered |
Section 28A |
Application for registration as instructor |
Section 28B |
Registration and grading of instructors |
Section 28C |
Suspension and cancellation of registration of instructor |
Reg 114A |
Application for registration as instructor |
Reg114B |
Examination and test to determine competence to act as instructor |
Reg 114C |
Registration of instructor |
Reg 114D |
Cancellation or suspension of registration of instructors |
Reg 114E |
Application for Grades of instructors amendment of registration of instructor |
Reg 114F |
Grades of instructors |
Reg 114G |
Manner of application for registration of driving school |
Regulation 114H |
Consideration of suitability of driving school and person or body of persons to operate a driving school |
Reg 114I |
Requirements to be met for registration of a driving school |
Reg 114K |
Manner of registration of a driving school |
Reg 114L |
Notification of change of particulars of a driving school |
Reg 114M |
Approval for appointment of an instructor prior to appointment by a registered driving school |
Reg 114N |
Grades of driving schools |
Reg 114O |
Manner of suspension or cancellation of registration of a driving school |
Reg 114P |
Duties of a driving school |
Reg 114Q |
Powers and duties of inspectorate of driving schools |
(b) The the purpose of a driving licence test is to test the competency of applicants when operating a motor vehicle on a public road whilst obeying all road rules and signs. The Driving Test is prescribed in the applicable K53 Manuals for the various categories of vehicles.
04 September 2017 - NW1572
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) is the average time period that police vehicles spend waiting for repairs and maintenance at Government garages in each province, (b) are the main reasons for the delays experienced and (c) plans have been put in place to reduce the delays in each case?
Reply:
(a) Performance benchmarks were implemented at all SAPS Garages, in order to ensure the timeous turnaround of SAPS vehicles, to ensure that adequate vehicles are available at all stations and units.
The following benchmarks were implemented and are monitored on a monthly basis:
(i) Opening and closing of job cards per garage within specific timeframes for the following types of repairs and services:
- Accidents – 30 days;
- Damages – 15 days;
- Repairs – five days; and
- Services – one day.
(ii) The set production standard of individual artisans per Garage is set at 90%.
(iii) The vehicle availability percentage is set at 86% for the entire SAPS.
(b) The supervision of the various processes at the SAPS Garages, including, inter alia, the allocation of work, the performance of artisans and the various administrative processes, must be improved.
(c) An Improvement Plan has been implemented at all the SAPS Garages, to improve service delivery at the garages.
04 September 2017 - NW1011
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1)With reference to his reply to question 542 on 24 March 2017, (a) what is the legislative basis of the SA Police Service (SAPS) standard practice of directing questions pertaining to the resourcing of the Primrose Police Station to the SAPS provincial office and (b) how does he reconcile the standard practice with the mandate of the National Assembly of conducting oversight of any organ of state, as outlined in section 55 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; (2) what are the reasons that not one question asked at the meeting on 27 May 2016 has been answered; (3) what is a reasonable time period to expect the questions to be answered?
Reply:
1(a) The information pertaining to the resourcing of police stations is confidential, which in the public domain, could jeopardize the safety of police stations and personnel and ultimately impact on the safety of the public. The confidential information regarding the resourcing of police stations, is directly linked to the safety of police premises and police officials.
The Station Commander erred on the side of caution by deferring the questions on resourcing, referring the Councillor to the Provincial Office. Questions regarding the resourcing of police stations are usually referred to the Provincial Commissioner and are responded to accordingly.
The conduct of the Primrose Station Commander is in line with the recent instruction issued by the Provincial Commissioner, regarding the disclosure of confidential information.
The Station Commander in no way intended to hamper civilian oversight, however, the disclosure of confidential information by the SAPS, must be done responsibly.
(1)(b) The mandate of the National Assembly is in no way hampered as the Provincial Commissioner will gladly respond to any requests submitted for information regarding the resourcing of a police station, as long as such information will not jeopardize the safety of police stations, police officials or the community that the SAPS serves.
2. The responses to questions asked, in the form of minutes of the meeting held on 27 May 2016, was attached to the response of Question number 542.
3. All questions were responded to after this office became aware of the meeting and the questions posed.
04 September 2017 - NW1012
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1)How many sectors does the Primrose Police Station comprise; (2) (a) how many (i) sector vehicles does each sector have and (ii) of the sector vehicles are not in working order and (b) for what period has each vehicle been out of commission; (3) what is the total number of (i) visible police officers and (ii) managers for each of the four shifts?
Reply:
1.Primrose Police Station comprises three sectors.
The allocation of vehicles to these sectors is as follows:
(2)(a)(i) Sector one – two vehicles;
Sector two – one vehicle; and
Sector three – one vehicle.
(2)(a)(ii) Two sector vehicles are not in working order.
(2)(b) Vehicle one – mechanical breakdown, three weeks.
Vehicle two – mechanical breakdown, one week.
(3)(i) 14 visible police officials are allocated to each shift.
(3)(ii) Four Relief Commanders are allocated, one per shift.
04 September 2017 - NW1567
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1)What (a) progress has been made in the investigation into the (i) murder of a certain person (details furnished) and (ii) vicious attack on her husband and (b) is the docket number(s) of the case(s) opened; (2) whether any suspects have been arrested to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any (a) suspects and/or (b) witnesses have been interviewed; if not, why not; if so, (i) on what date were they interviewed and (ii) what are the further relevant details; (4) by what date does he expect the investigation to be finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a)(i)(ii) Statements have been obtained from witnesses in the investigation of the murder of the specified person and of the vicious attack on her husband.
(1)(b) Norkem Park, CAS 100/05/2017.
(2) No suspects have been arrested, thus far. The investigating officer is still following up on leads.
(3)(a) No suspects had been interviewed at this stage.
(3)(b) Witnesses have been interviewed and statements were obtained.
(3)(b)(i) The witnesses were interviewed on 8 May 2017 and 9 May 2017.
(3)(b)(ii) Statements have been obtained from the witnesses.
(4) It is not possible to commit to a specific date. The case will only be finalised once all the exhibits have been analysed and all the leads have been followed up.
01 September 2017 - NW2220
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What is the total number of supplier invoices that currently remain unpaid for more than 30 days in (a) her department and (b) entities reporting to her for the (i) Inclusive Education and (ii) Special Needs System, in each case specifying (aa) the name of the company and/or supplier, (bb) the amount(s) outstanding, (cc) the reason for non-payment, (dd) how long have they been unpaid and (ee) the envisaged date on which the amount(s) will be paid?
Reply:
(aa) |
(bb) |
(cc) |
(dd) How long have the invoices been unpaid |
(ee) Envisaged date of payment |
||
(a) DEPARTMENT |
||||||
(i) Inclusive Education |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
(ii) Special Needs System |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
(b) |
||||||
SACE |
||||||
(i) Inclusive Education |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
(ii) Special Needs System |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
UMALUSI |
||||||
(i) Inclusive Education (ii) Special Needs Systems |
1. |
UTI |
R4,206.85 |
Invoices not paid due to the year-end budget transitions. |
35 days |
18/05/2017 |
2.
|
AJ Martin Locksmiths |
R685.00 |
Invoices not paid due to the year-end budget transitions. |
36 days |
12/05/2017 |
|
3. |
Brinant Security |
R60,086.11 |
Invoices not paid due to the year-end budget transitions. |
55 days |
25/05/2017 |
|
4. |
Persequor Tuindienste |
R2000.00 |
Invoices not paid due to the year-end budget transitions. |
35 days |
25/05/2017 |
|
5. |
Servest Cleaning |
R30,115.12 |
Invoices not paid due to the year-end budget transitions. |
55 days |
29/05/2017 |
|
6. |
Kashan Advertising |
R10,264.56 |
Documents were misplaced |
53 days |
27/06/2017 |
|
TOTAL |
R107,357.64 |
01 September 2017 - NW2379
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) What are the (i) names and (ii) professional designations of each member appointed to serve on the steering committee of the Internet for All initiative and (b) what are the names of the Information and Communication Technology and/or other sector companies and/or organisations that employ each of the specified members; (2) (b) what (i) is the steering committee’s mandate, (ii) are the detailed deliverables, (iii) deadlines have been set for the deliverables and (iv) will the steering committee’s relationship be with the National Broadband Advisory Council, National ICT Forum and his department’s SA Connect project office and (b)(i) what budget has been allocated for the steering committee’s mandate and (ii) from which programmes will the funds be drawn? NW2626E
Reply:
I have being advised by the Department as follows:
The Steering Committee of the Internet for All Initiative has not yet been established.
(1)(a)(i) Not Applicable
(1)(a)(ii) Not Applicable
(2)(b) (i) Not Applicable
(2) (b) (ii) Not Applicable
(2) (b) (iii) Not Applicable
(2) (b) (iv) Not Applicable
(2) (b) (i) No budget has been allocated for programme implementation .
(2)(b) (ii) N/A
Approved/Not Approved
------------------------------
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date:
31 August 2017 - NW2394
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)(a) How many asbestos mines have been rehabilitated since the inception of his department’s asbestos rehabilitation project in 2008, (b) what amount has been spent to date and (c)(i) what are the names of the mines that have been rehabilitated and (ii) where are these mines located; (2) (a) how many asbestos mines still need to be rehabilitated and (b) what is the estimated rehabilitation costs; (3) by what date does his department anticipate to conclude the rehabilitation of asbestos mines?
Reply:
1. (a) 21 sites
(b) R154 152 385.16
(c)
- Strelley Northern Cape
- Jebolo: Northern Cape
- Prieska Old Hospital: Northern Cape
- Langley Limpopo:
- Mafefe Kappa: Limpopo
- Prieska Parkland Creation: Northern Cape
- Heuningvlei: Northern Cape
- Vergenoeg: Northern Cape
- Ga-Lotolo: Northern Cape
- Lokaleng Northern Cape
- Ditabogong: Limpopo
- Mahlatjane: Limpopo
- Klipriver: Kwazulu Natal
- Sithilo: Kwazulu Natal
- Ga-Madiba: Limpopo
- Betle: Limpopo
- Mang le Mang: Limpopo
- Masaneng: Northern Cape
- Buisvlei South: Northern Cape
- Buisvlei North: Northern Cape
- Motsane: Limpopo
2. (a) 234
(b) R1 701 278 865
3. 2029
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
31 August 2017 - NW2451
Gardee, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Angola and (b) imported from Angola to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Angola in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H843143: Parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 843041 or 843049 |
R518,496,654 |
H880230: Aeroplanes and other aircraft, of an unladen mass exceeding 2 000 kg but not exceeding 15 000 kg |
R360,413,163 |
H110313: Maize meal (corn): |
R312,714,968 |
H271012: Light oils and preparations: |
R205,893,309 |
H240220: Cigarettes containing tobacco: |
R186,216,177 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Angola in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H270900: Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude |
R18,556,018,256 |
H710231: Unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted |
R20,209,823 |
H732690: Other articles of iron and steal |
R7,162,152 |
H843143: Parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 843041 or 843049 |
R7,159,374 |
H847990: Parts of Machines and mechanical appliances not else specified |
R6,918,335 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2432
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether his department has made any progress in the past 12 months to reduce the cost to communicate in South Africa, which remains amongst the highest in the world; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department as follows:
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is currently working on transparency mechanisms to regulate the expiry of data bundles. Initial interventions will ensure provisions to ensure that all segments of data bundles do not automatically expire after 30 days but have a cascading scale as proposed in ICASA’s Draft Regulations:
1MB to 50MB: 10 days
50MB to 500MB: 30 days
500MB to 1GB: 60 days
1GB to 5GB: 90 days
5GB to 10GB: 180 days
10GB to 20GB: 12 months
>20GB: 24 months
In terms of the Draft Regulations:
Industry will be required to inform consumers as data gets depleted due to use, and also allow them an option to choose whether to purchase more data bundles as opposed to the usual default to out of bundle rates. The final regulations will be in place by the end of October 2017.
The Competition Commission has announced the commencement of its inquiry into the ICT market and the data market in particular (from 18 September 2017 to 31 August 2018). The intervention of the Commission will include the following actions:
(a) Obtain a clear understanding of the data services value chain, including interactions and commercial relationships between different levels of the value chain as well as the relationship with other parts of the ICT sector and the broader economy;
(b) Assess the state of competition throughout the value chain in order to identify areas of market power where consumers may be exploited and to identify any structural, behavioural and regulatory factors that may influence pricing;
(c) Benchmark South African data pricing against those of other countries; and
(d) Establish whether data supply quality and coverage is adequate by international standards and the country's developmental needs.
Approved/Not Approved
------------------------------
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date:
31 August 2017 - NW2450
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Botswana and (b) imported from Botswana to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Botswana in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H710231: Unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted |
R7,633,268,686 |
H271012: Light oils and preparations |
R7,176,487,201 |
H271600: Electrical energy 1000 kwh |
R1,646,527,967 |
H260400: Nickel ores and concentrates |
R1,148,293,100 |
H870421: Motor vehicles for the transport of goods not exceeding 5t |
R1,133,167,489 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Botswana in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H710231: Unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted |
R1,770,508,887 |
H854430: Ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a kind used in vehicles, aircraft or ships |
R1,558,813,338 |
H283620: Disodium carbonate |
R527,498,394 |
H020230: Boneless Meat of sheep or goats, fresh, chilled or frozen |
R285,871,610 |
H391729: Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor of other plastics |
R213,685,874 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2370
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)With reference to his reply to question 1917 on 28 July 2017, what are the reasons for the vast differences in the numbers of staff appointed full-time and part-time at the nine Community Education and Training Colleges (CET); (2) will his department be working towards a more standardised staff establishment model for CET colleges; if so, (a) what staff establishment model is deemed appropriate to ensure quality service delivery in this regard, (b) what steps will be needed to move towards such a dispensation and (c) by what date will the staff establishment model be implemented?
Reply:
1. The appointed staff within Community Education and Training (CET) colleges was transferred from the erstwhile Adult Education and Training units within the Provincial Departments of Education to the Department of Higher Education and Training under Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act of 1995. The conditions of service for these appointed staff can only be changed through a collective bargaining process in terms of both the Labour Relation Act and Public Service Act.
2. The Department intends to standardise the post establishment model.
(a) In the short-term, the Department is applying the post provisioning model to CET colleges whilst the Department is working towards a programme funded model, which is deemed to be more efficient. The outcome of the programme diversification pilot will assist the Department in determining which programmes are in demand, and what are the cost drivers for each programme.
(b) The implementation of a standardised post establishment model will require the allocation of additional funding. The Department has compiled a draft costed model for the standardisation of the conditions of employment for CET college staff. The model has to be subjected to a collective bargaining process and tabling to National Treasury for additional funding through a bidding process. The speed at which the collective bargaining process progresses depends on the Public Service Central Bargaining Council’s (PSCBC) determination on whether the CET college lecturers’ conditions of service are collectively bargained for in the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council or any other collective bargaining council which the PSCBC may determine.
(c) The implementation of a standardized post establishment model is subject to the availability of funding and conclusion of a collective agreement with Labour. Service Sector Bargaining Council
COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:
EXT:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 2370 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
31 August 2017 - NW1821
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether she travelled to Dubai as it is allegedly revealed in the recently leaked Gupta emails; if so, (a) on what date did she travel, (b) what was the purpose of her trip, (c) who paid for her (i) hotel accommodation (ii) car hire and (iii) spa treatment?
Reply:
Guidelines on Parliamentary Questions published on the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports (ATC) dated 25 November 2017 indicate that “Questions may not refer to matters under consideration of a parliamentary committee or deal with matters within the jurisdiction of the chairperson of a parliamentary committee or a House of Parliament;". The matter on travel to Dubai is with Office of the Members’ Interest for consideration by the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Member’s Interests.
31 August 2017 - NW2313
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Service
With reference to his reply to question number 1761 on 11 July 2017, was there a threat and risk assessment conducted which recommended that the National Director of Public Prosecution be awarded VIP security through the SA Police Service; if not, on what basis is the specified security provided; if so, (a) on what date was the specified assessment done, (b) what were the recommendations of the specified threat assessment, (c) on what date will the situation next be reviewed and (d) will he make a copy of the threat assessment report available to Mr Z N Mbhele?
Reply:
The provision and implementation of close-in-transit protection services, is provided to the National Director of Public Prosecutions. This was done after a Threats and Risk Assessment have been done many years back and has been the norm with all other predecessors appointed to hold the same office. Security services are therefore provided to the Office of the NDPP, irrespective of the person holding such office at any time. Threats and Risk Assessments are done as and when required and the outcome thereof will determine the kind of security required. Threat assessment reports remain confidential.
31 August 2017 - NW2417
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
1. (a) What is the total amount that has been spent on Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system to date and (b) what was the initial budget; (2) (a) on what date was the specified BRT system supposed to have been fully operational, (b) by what date will the specified BRT system be fully operational and (c) what additional amount is needed in order for the BRT system to become fully operational; (3) what are the reasons for the delay in making the specified BRT system operational?
Reply:
(1) (a) What is the total amount that has been spent on Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system to date and (b) what was the initial budget;
The amount spent on the City of Ekurhuleni’s Bus Rapid Transit system has spent R1 687 509 216 to date and the initial budget was R 2 272 685 751.
(2) (a) on what date was the specified BRT system supposed to have been fully operational, (b) by what date will the specified BRT system be fully operational and (c) what additional amount is needed in order for the BRT system to become fully operational;
(a) The date that the BRT system was supposed to be fully operational was June 2016.
(b) The BRT system will be partially operational (kerbside) by the end of September 2017, subject to the finalisation of negotiations with affected taxi operators. Full operations (on trunk route) are scheduled to when the infrastructure is fully complete, in 2018.
(c) There is no additional money that is needed in order for the BRT system to become fully operational, outside of the allocated budget of R660m for infrastructure and operations for the 2017/18 financial year.
(3) what are the reasons for the delay in making the specified BRT system operational?
The reasons for the delay in making the BRT system operational include but are not limited to:
(a) Delays in the procurement process for the various work streams, especially BRT Infrastructure. Currently, the stations, stream crossings, pedestrian bridges, bridges on the trunk route are still under construction.
(b) The slow pace of construction by some of the infrastructure contractors as well as financial cash flow challenges, and lack of performance experienced by some contractors, some of whom had their contracts terminated. For instance, the contractors for some sections of the trunk were constantly penalised due to failure to meet project milestones and delivery deadlines while the initial station contractors were terminated due to inability to proceed within the budget as a result of poor cash flow management.
(c) The protracted process of negotiations between the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Taxi Industry, and the long process of establishment of the Special Purpose Vehicle (Vehicle Operating Company named KTVR), which will be contracted for the BRT operations by the City of Ekurhuleni.
NW2665E
31 August 2017 - NW2386
Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)With reference to her media release on 24 July 2017 (details furnished), wherein it is stated that 15 out of 35 rhinos that were translocated were poached, (a) where were the 35 rhinos translocated from and (b) which facility were they translocated to; (2) have there been any successful arrests regarding this specific incident; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what steps have been taken by her department to protect the remaining 20 rhinos in the affected facility; (4) what is the size, translated in quantity in tonnes, of the rhino horn stockpile currently held by (a) her department and/or (b) other government agencies?
Reply:
(1) (a) The rhinos were translocated from the Kruger National Park; and
(b) were translocated to Langgeluk Beleggings property in Kroonstad which comprises several farms across the Kroonstad district.
(2) The 20 rhinos are in private ownership and management.
(3) Private rhino owners authorised to possess rhinos are responsible for the security of their rhinos. Government supports such rhino owners, either upon request or through the overall national and provincial programs like the Intergrated Strategic Management Approach.
(4) (a) and (b)
The size and the whereabouts of the stockpile cannot be disclosed for security reasons.
---ooOoo---
31 August 2017 - NW2377
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1)(a) What are the (i) names and (ii) professional designations of each member appointed to the National Cybersecurity Advisory Council (NCAC) in response to the advertisement for nominations published on 23 April 2017, (b) what are the names of the information communication technology, cybersecurity or other sector companies or organisations that employ each of the specified council members and (c) how many nominations were received; (2) Whether the names of the proposed council members were approved by Cabinet; if not, (a) why not and (b) by when will the list be approved; if so, on which date was it approved; (3) Whether he has met with the council yet; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date does he plan to meet with them; if so, on which date; (4) What (a) is the mandate of the council and (b) deadlines have been set for deliverables?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department as follows:
1(a) (i) The Department has not finalised the appointment of the NCAC members. The Department is reviewing the received applications and thereafter the appointment process will be finalised.
(ii) As indicated in 1(a)(i) above, the appointment process has not yet been concluded, however, the professional designations of the applicants are as follows: (5) five from the legal fraternity, (4) four government officials, (5) five from academia, (16) sixteen from the ICT-sector, (1) one member of a research council and (3) three members of NGO’s.
(1)(b) The appointment of NCAC members have not been finalised.
(1)(c) 34 nominations were received
(2) No
(2)(a) Cabinet approval is not a prerequisite, however, according to the NCAC Terms of Reference, the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services has the responsibility to appoint the Council Members.
(2)(b) See (2)(a) above
(3) The Minister will meet with the Council as soon as the members of the Council have been appointed.
(4)(a) According to the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework the mandate of the NCAC is to advise the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services on policy and technical issues, and other matters pertinent to Cybersecurity pursuant to building confidence and trust in the secure use of ICTs.
(4)(b) After appointment, the NCAC will engage with the Department and the Minister, thereafter it will adopt a work plan which will detail the deliverables for the term of the Council.
Approved/Not Approved
------------------------------
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date:
31 August 2017 - NW2369
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether, with reference to his answer to question 1614 on 4 August 2017, he can indicate (a) What number of complaints have been lodged with the Ombudsman and (b) what number of the complaints submitted, expressed as percentages,
Reply:
(a) What number of complaints have been lodged with the Ombudsman
Financial period |
Total number |
2013/14 |
156 |
2014/15 |
1270 |
2015/16 |
2133 |
NB: Final information relating to the 2016/17 will be made available once the Annual Report is tabled in Parliament. In regard to earlier Parliamentary Question 1614, details relating to 2016/17 were provisional and were still to be verified.
and (b) what number of the complaints submitted, expressed as percentages,
(i) were successful for the applicant(s) and (ii) were unsuccessful in that there was no merit in the applications? NW2614E
Year |
Successful for taxpayer |
Unsuccessful for taxpayer |
2013/14 |
80% |
20% |
2014/15 |
84% |
16% |
2015/16 |
87% |
13% |
NB: The 2016/17 information will be made available once the Annual Report has been tabled in Parliament.
31 August 2017 - NW2524
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a)(i) Why has there been under expenditure with regard to the Rail Safety Strategy (ii) what has his department done to change this and (iii) how is this being monitored and (b)(i) why has there been (aa) deliverables, (bb) timelines, (cc) timeframes and (dd) deadlines that were not met and (ii) what is being done to change the situation in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) The Department has appointed a service provider to assist with the development of the National Railway Safety Strategy. Payments of invoices are aligned to project deliverables/milestones. The Department only process payment once it is satisfied with the deliverables and any delay in finalising the deliverables subsequently leads to under expenditure for that period.
(ii) The project team had regular engagements with the service provider in order to fast-track the deliverables
(iii) This is monitored through constant engagement, progress reports and regular follow ups with the service provider.
(b)(i) (aa))bb)(cc)(dd) The period which was initially set out for stakeholder consultation proved to be insufficient and this affected delivery period that has subsequently affected the timelines, timeframes and deadlines.
(ii) The timelines, timeframes and deadlines are interrelated and in addressing them the Department continuously work closely with the service provider to ensure that the missed time-frames/timelines/deadlines are corrected.
NW2781E
31 August 2017 - NW2448
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Swaziland and (b) imported from Swaziland to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Swaziland in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H271012: Light oils and preparations: |
R1,626,086,619 |
H271600: Electrical energy 1000 kwh |
R862,164,842 |
H100590: Unspecified maize |
R487,222,526 |
H330210: preparations used in the food or drink industries |
R360,638,988 |
H870421: Motor vehicles for the transport of goods not exceeding 5t |
R230,763,011 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Swaziland in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H330210: Mixtures of odoriferous substances used in the food or drink industries |
R4,501,258,031 |
H382490: Unspecified chemical products |
R1,845,841,148 |
H170113: Cane sugar specified in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter |
R1,772,053,266 |
H170114: Other cane sugar |
R760,772,322 |
H620462: Trousers made of cotton |
R437,624,046 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2413
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Does the Air Traffic Navigation Services SOC Ltd (ATNS) provide its services to SA Airways (SAA) on an equal basis as it does to all other airlines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the relevant details of (a) each service that ATNS provides to (i) SAA and (ii) each other airline, (b) the rates that are charged for the specified services, (c) the payment terms given and (d) total amounts owed as at 31 July 2017 and (e) age analysis of the amounts owed as at 31 July 2017 in each case; (3) whether ATNS made any changes in the payment terms given to the SAA from 1 April 2017 up to 31 July 2017; if so, what are the full details of the changed payment terms
Reply:
Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS)
1. ATNS provides its services equally to all airspace users, and our credit terms are 30 days from date of invoice. SAA has from 01 April 2017 to date been settling their invoices on average 45 days after due date and as a result ATNS has been charging SAA interest due to late payment.
2. (a)(i) ATNS provides air traffic control services, air traffic flow management services, aeronautical information management services and alerting services to SAA and (ii) similarly to all other airspace users, (b) the rates charged are as per government gazette no 40552 dated 20 January 2017, Notice 29 of 2017, (c) ATNS credit terms are 30 days from date of invoice and this applies to SAA as well, (d) The total amount owed by SAA as at 31 July 2017 was R 65 610 477, (e) The below table is the age analysis as at 31 July 2017:
Customer Name |
Customer Balance |
Current |
31 - 60 Days |
61 - 90 Days |
91 - 120 Days |
121 & Over |
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS |
65,610,477 |
33,278,543 |
32,158,541 |
173,394 |
- |
- |
3. ATNS never extended/agreed to change its payment terms to SAA, from 01 April to 31 July 2017, SAA has not adhered to ATNS credit terms and as such ATNS charged SAA interest on late payments.
31 August 2017 - NW2361
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
With reference to the contract signed between the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), (a) what is the monetary value of the contract, (b) what is the period of the contract and (c) will SAPO be able to comply with the relevant requirements of the contract applicable to them to ensure that the Constitutional Court deadline in terms of SASSA being ready to pay out grants on behalf of the State is met?
Reply:
I have been informed by SAPO as follows:
SAPO does not have a contract with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) as yet. SAPO has, however, received a letter of intention to work with SASSA.
(a) The final monetary value will be determined out of engagements between SAPO and SASSA.
(b) Not applicable as no contract has been signed.
(c) SAPO has submitted its proposal including its capacity to SASSA. Further, SAPO has informed me that it has the capacity to deal with various aspects of the value chain including banking services.
Approved/Not Approved
------------------------------
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date:
31 August 2017 - NW2380
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) What budget allocations have been or will be transferred from his department’s estimates of expenditure to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to (i) conduct enquiries to identify priority markets in the telecommunications sector and (ii) address the high cost of communication and (b) from which of his department’s programmes will the funding be drawn?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department as follows:
(a)-(b) No budget allocations from the Department’s estimates of expenditure have been or will be transferred to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). ICASA has budgeted for this area of work as reflected in its Annual Performance Plan.
Approved/Not Approved
------------------------------
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date:
31 August 2017 - NW2301
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)Why has he not finally declared a restriction or prohibition on the granting of any rights or permits in terms of section 49(1) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), Act 28 of 2002, in relation to the (a) the buffer zone around the Mapungubwe National Park, which was initiated by the former Minister of Mineral Resources, Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi, by the publication of his intention to declare a restriction and prohibition in the Government Gazette 38004 of 12 September 2014 and (b) the Chrissiesmeer Biodiversity Site, which was initiated by the former Minister of Mineral Resources, Ms S Shabangu, by the publication of her intention to declare a restriction and prohibition in Government Gazette 34051 of 11 March 2011; (2) given the environmental significance of the wetlands and grasslands in the Wakkerstroom area and the extreme sensitivity of those wetlands and grasslands to prospecting and mining, why has he not exercised his discretion in terms of section 49(1) of the MPRDA to declare a restriction or prohibition against the granting of new prospecting and mining rights in that area?
Reply:
- The Minister will exercise his discretion in terms of Section 49 (1) of the MPRDA for mining in the area subsequent to the submission of a technical report currently been compiled by the Joint Planning Task Team comprising officials from the Department of Mineral Resources, Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Water and Sanitation.
- On the strength of the information received, the Minister is considering to restrict the granting of any right over the properties within a buffer zone of the Mapungubwe work Heritage site. The environmental sensitivity of the wetlands and grasslands as well as the overall occurrence of certain species were duly considered when the area was declared to be a buffer zone. If the area falls outside the buffer zone as declared, the necessary studies shall be conducted and the result thereof shall be presented for further consideration by the Minister. The restriction would not constitute prohibition and each case will be considered on its merits.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
31 August 2017 - NW2521
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a)(i) Why has there been underspending with regard to the Rail Safety Amendment Bill, (ii) what has been done to change the situation and (iii) how is this being monitored and (b)(i) why have the (aa) deliverables, (bb) timelines, (cc) timeframes and (dd) deadlines not been met and (ii) what is being done to change the situation in each case?
Reply:
(a) (i) The Department appointed a service provider to assist with the drafting of the Railway Safety Bill and payment of invoices are aligned to project deliverables/milestones. The Department only process payment once it is satisfied with the deliverables and delays in finalising the deliverables subsequently leads to under expenditure.
(ii) The project team has regular engagements to fast-track the deliverables.
(iii) This is monitored through constant engagement, progress reports and regular follow ups with the service provider.
(b) (i)(aa)(bb)(cc)(dd) The Railway Safety Bill had to undergo the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System(SEIAS) process, which was not anticipated, as the SEIAS process was not yet introduced by the time the project timelines were drafted. The stakeholder consultations process also took longer than was anticipated and this further prolonged the completion of the deliverables. This subsequently also negatively affected the timeframes and the deadlines.
(ii) The draft Railway Safety Bill has been finalised and it is due for submission to Cabinet for approval for further broader consultation.
NW2778E
31 August 2017 - NW2423
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Energy
(1)What were the circumstances surrounding and reasons for the suspension of a certain person (name and details furnished); (2) has the matter been investigated and resolved; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings and outcomes?
Reply:
(1) The suspension of Mr Aphane is still a matter between the department and the employee. The circumstance leading to the suspension cannot be disclosed to anyone as this is still under investigation. This cannot be revealed as it might taint the integrity of the investigation.
(2) The matter is still under investigation and the processes are within the 60 days prescribed by the law and no findings and outcomes have been reached. The matter will be subjected to disciplinary processes as guided by Chapter 7 of SMS handbook.
31 August 2017 - NW2447
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Namibia and (b) imported from Namibia to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Namibia in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H271012: Light oils and preparations |
R2,261,295,005 |
H870421: Motor vehicles for the transport of goods not exceeding 5t |
R2,108,908,680 |
H271600: Electrical energy 1000 kwh |
R1,527,564,830 |
H300490: Unspecified Medicaments |
R862,922,173 |
H170114: Other cane sugar |
R750,358,210 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Namibia in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H220300: Beer made from malt |
R715,769,582 |
H010229: Unspecified live bovine animal |
R624,109,615 |
H710231: Unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted |
R445,852,448 |
H790120: Zinc alloys |
R274,928,114 |
H030355: Jack and horse mackerel |
R269,110,278 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2445
Shivambu, Mr F to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Zimbabwe and (b) imported from Zimbabwe to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Zimbabwe in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H271600: Electrical energy 1000 kwh |
R2,000,576,962 |
H100590: Unspecified maize |
R1,534,766,472 |
H271012: Light oils and preparations |
R752,936,660 |
H870421: Motor vehicles for the transport of goods not exceeding 5t |
R558,812,658 |
H150710: Crude oil, whether or not degummed |
R530,622,383 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Zimbabwe in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H750110: Nickel mattes |
R2,229,094,553 |
H260400: Nickel ores and concentrates |
R1,366,860,404 |
H240120: Tobacco, partly or wholly stemmed or stripped |
R769,540,454 |
H253090: Minerals not elsewhere specified |
R175,025,246 |
H261000: Chromium ores and concentrates |
R124,332,647 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2522
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a)(i) Why has there been under expenditure with regard to the National Rail Safety Strategy, (ii) what has his department done to change this and (iii) how is this being monitored and (b)(i) why were (aa) deliverables, (bb) timelines, (cc) timeframes and (dd) deadlines not met and (ii) what is being done to change the situation in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) The Department has appointed a service provider to assist with the development of the National Railway Safety Strategy. Payments of invoices are aligned to project deliverables/milestones. The Department only process payment once it is satisfied with the deliverables and any delay in finalising the deliverables subsequently leads to under expenditure for that period.
(ii) The project team had regular engagements with the service provider in order to fast-track the deliverables
(iii) This is monitored through constant engagement, progress reports and regular follow ups with the service provider.
(b)(i) (aa)(bb)(cc)(dd) The period which was initially set out for stakeholder consultation proved to be not sufficient which affected deliverables, the timelines, the timeframes and the deadlines.
(ii) The the timelines, the timeframes and the deadlines are interrelated and in addressing them the Department continuously work closely with the service provider to ensure that the missed time-frames/timelines/deadlines are corrected.
NW2781E
31 August 2017 - NW2454
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Mozambique and (b) imported from Mozambique to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Mozambique in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
R 3,412,980,607 |
|
R 3,320,872,456 |
|
R 2,304,527,424 |
|
R 1,714,658,103 |
|
R 744,247,536 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Mozambique in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
R 3,108,880,405 |
|
R 2,644,697,897 |
|
R 1,232,553,978 |
|
H760511: Of which the maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeds 7 mm: |
R 455,280,852 |
H670490: Other wigs, false beards and eye lashes and products of human hair |
R 409,189,161 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2446
Mathys, Ms L to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What are the top five goods, listed in accordance with their Rand value, that are (a) exported from South Africa to Lesotho and (b) imported from Lesotho to South Africa?
Reply:
(a) The top five exports by South Africa to Lesotho in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H271012: Light oils and preparations |
R1,880,742,274 |
H100590: Unspecified Maize |
R497,459,187 |
H110313: Maize meal |
R355,693,456 |
H853890: Unspecified Parts |
R298,432,918 |
H252329:Unspecified cement |
R242,309,390 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
(b) The top five imports by South Africa from Lesotho in 2016; listed at 6-digit HS Code level and in accordance with Rand value; were the following:
Products |
Value in 2016 |
H853620: Automatic circuit breakers: |
R353,169,564 |
H940190: Seats (excluding those of heading 9402) |
R313,721,058 |
H620342: Mens or boys suits made of cotton |
R273,217,737 |
H510529: Wool not Combed |
R212,947,375 |
H610910: T-shirts made of cotton |
R201,385,719 |
Source: www.thedti.gov.za
31 August 2017 - NW2384
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
What total amount has been spent on the set-top box procurement process to date in terms of (a) legal costs, (b) administration costs, (c) outsourced consulting costs and (d) any other costs that may have been incurred?
Reply:
Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) is in a better position to provide a Reply to this Parliamentary Question. This Parliamentary Question should be redirected to DTPS
31 August 2017 - NW1857
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
Whether he received the letter (details furnished) pertaining to the comments made by a certain person (name and details furnished); if so, (a) on what date will he acknowledge receipt of such correspondence and (b) what action is he taking in this regard?
Reply:
(a) The letter, dated 23 May 2017, from Michael Waters MP (Deputy Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance), was received on 12 June 2017. The office of the Provincial Commissioner, acknowledge of receipt, thereof.
(b) A case of crimen injuria and corruption (bribery) was opened, as per Edenvale CAS 108/06/2017. The matter was reported to the Cluster Community Police Board, for the necessary disciplinary action to be instituted against the Chairperson. A date was set for, 20 June 2017.
31 August 2017 - NW2247
Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)How does (a) her department and/or (b) the provincial departments intend to distribute the R477 million Medium-Term Expenditure Framework conditional grant for profoundly intellectually disabled children; (2) how will the specified grant be used to benefit (a) learners and (b) teachers in the implementation of the Policy and Learning Programme; (3) did any legal settlements prompt the introduction of the grant?
Reply:
1. (a) The funding allocation to Provincial Education Departments is as follows:
Province |
Allocation 2017/18 |
Allocation 2018/19 |
Allocation 2019/20 |
R’000 |
R’000 |
R’000 |
|
Eastern Cape |
3 537 |
12 283 |
14 622 |
Free State |
11 368 |
28 864 |
34 360 |
Gauteng |
12 632 |
30 707 |
36 554 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
5 558 |
14 739 |
17 545 |
Limpopo |
9 853 |
24 565 |
29 243 |
Mpumalanga |
12 883 |
31 322 |
37 285 |
Northern Cape |
2 021 |
6 142 |
7 312 |
North West |
2 274 |
6 756 |
8 042 |
Western Cape |
11 874 |
30 093 |
35 822 |
Total |
72 000 |
185 471 |
220 785 |
(b) Provinces will distribute the grant in accordance with the following guidelines as stipulated in the Grant Framework:
- 13% for training of teachers and the 31 Outreach Teams;
- 11% for Learning and Teaching Support Materials, toolkits and equipment for centres and designated schools;
- 56% for compensation of itinerant teams and provincial co-ordinators; as well as
- 20% for administration including travel, vehicles, accommodation and subsistence.
(2) (a) The Grant will be used to benefit learners in the following ways:
- To provide therapeutic and psycho-social intervention to learners and their families in targeted 186 schools and 280 care centres by appointing and training 155 specialised staff, who will provide the therapeutic intervention and procuring equipment as well as learning teaching support materials (LTSM) to be used by the staff;
- To track, provide learner-specific support and follow up on their progress by creating a comprehensive and reliable database of learners in the targeted schools and care centres;
- To provide quality education and support to learners by further developing the professional capacity, knowledge and skills of caregivers and teachers in the 280 care centres, 186 schools;
- To facilitate leaners’ access to various government services and other intervention programmes through working collaboratively with other government departments and non-governmental organisations (NGO); and
- To advocate for learners’ rights to access public-funded quality education through documenting and reporting on the Grant’s achievements.
(b) The Grant will be used to benefit teachers in the following ways:
- To provide accredited training programmes to teachers in 186 schools, caregivers in 280 care centres and 155 therapists, on disability and on how to implement the Learning Programme for Learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability;
- To develop teachers’ and caregivers’ professional practice in managing learners with severe to profound intellectual disability, through the provision of onsite training and support by a team of therapists and special needs teachers; and
- To provide caregivers in 280 targeted care centres an opportunity to acquire a Level 5 qualification, which is currently being developed by the DBE in collaboration with the University of Cape Town.
(3) Yes. The grant was prompted by the judgement of the Western Cape High Court in 2010, in the case of the Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability against the Government of South Africa and the Government of the Province of the Western Cape (Case No: 18678/2007).