Questions and Replies
28 August 2017 - NW2232
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Public Works
Whether his department sold any property in the past three financial years; if so, (a) to whom, (b) at what price and (c) what was the market value of the property?
Reply:
The Department did not sell any property in the past three financial years.
(a), (b) & (c) fall away.
28 August 2017 - NW2204
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Transport
(a)(i) What are the reasons for the under-expenditure in the Moloto Development Project and (ii) what are the amounts concerned, (b) what is being done to ensure the under-expenditure does not reoccur, (c)(i) why is the specified project behind schedule and (ii) what are the financial implications thereof and (d) what procedures, processes and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the project runs according to schedule?
Reply:
(a)(i) & (ii) The Mpumalanga and Limpopo sections of Moloto road (R573) were transferred to SANRAL in July 2015. At the time SANRAL indicated to National Treasury that the timelines are severely dependent on the regulated procurement, design and land acquisition processes to be followed by SANRAL, running according to plan.
On the Mpumalanga section a Consulting engineering firm was appointed in February 2016 and in March 2016 for the Limpopo section, for design and supervision of the construction contracts.
Due to the urgency in addressing the safety concerns on the route, a process to accelerate the works was initiated. To this end, one construction project in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, each, commenced in January 2017, where the delays of regulatory requirements were limited.
MOLOTO ROAD PROJECT |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
Totals |
R’ 000 |
R’ 000 |
R’ 000 |
R’ 000 |
R’ 000 |
|
Budget |
R 660 834 |
R 1 279 029 |
1 806 813 |
1 691 990 |
5 438 660 |
Transfer to date |
R 660 834 |
R 639 515 |
n/a |
n/a |
R 1 300 380 |
Table 1: Summary of SANRAL Budget Allocations and Expenditure
(b) The Gauteng section of the R573 Moloto road is not transferred to SANRAL. SANRAL and Gauteng Province signed an implementing agent agreement, in which the funding for the design, land acquisition and construction is provided by the Gauteng Province. To date, the Province has not been able to secure the funding and therefore construction has not started.
The under-expenditure is therefore only on the Gauteng Provincial section of the Moloto Road.
(c)(i) The section of the project under SANRAL’s jurisdiction is not behind schedule, however the following challenges exist:
- Encroachment of the road reserve – The fact that no proper statuary control was exercised in the past, a high number of formal and informal structures were erected within the road reserve. These need to be relocated from the road reserve prior to any construction works commencing.
- Tribal Land Issues – No formal sub-divisions and title deeds exist in tribal areas. To determine compensation for a land owner, SANRAL needs to first establish the land affected, which is normally done from sub-division diagrams available at the deeds office. Since that is not existing for this area, SANRAL first need to survey the area and establish such basic sub-division diagrams based on conflicting stakeholders input. This leads to an extended stakeholder engagement and land acquisition process.
- Demands and threats placed on contractors and subcontractors by local community and organised groups – demanding employment and business opportunities. To date, delays of 2.5 months and 4 months have been experienced for current construction projects in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, respectively. This will be an ongoing challenge throughout the project.
- Environmental and mining authorisations – longer procurement, design and stakeholder engagement processes affect these regulatory processes, thus delaying the implementation phase of the projects.
(c)(ii) None.
(d) (i) Extensive engagement with stakeholders i.e. Local and Tribal Authorities, Land Occupiers and Service Providers.
(ii) Community Participation – Setting up of Public Liaison Committees (PLCs), appointment of the Project Liaison Officers (PLOs) and recruitment processes, which involves setting up databases for labourers and sub-contractors; and selecting labourers through the raffle methods in their Wards (32 in Mpumalanga). All these processes need to be completed prior to any construction works commencing.
(iii) Workshops for SMME’s and prospective contractors and sub-contractors.
28 August 2017 - NW2214
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether Eskom has upgraded any part of its infrastructure in the Sunnyridge, Marlands and Elandsfontein areas of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council in the (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-16 and (c) 2016-17 financial years; if not, why not; if so, what was the (i) nature of the upgrades and (ii) cost in each case; (2) whether Eskom intends to upgrade its infrastructure in the specified areas; if not, why not; if so, on what date(s)?
Reply:
The areas in question are supply areas of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Eskom provides a 22kV bulk supply to Ekerhuleni Metropolitan through the Germiston North substation.
(1)(a) Eskom did not upgrade any part of its Germiston North substation infrastructure in 2014-15.
(1)(b) Eskom did not upgrade any part of its Germiston North substation infrastructure in 2015-2016.
(1)(c) Eskom did not upgrade any part of its Germiston North substation infrastructure in 2016-17.
The bulk point to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is operating optimally without major interruptions and this performance remains a focus of the Eskom Gauteng Operating unit. This enables the Ekurhuleni Metro in the delivery of local services.
(2) Yes, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has applied for an additional 80 MVA transformer. Construction is scheduled to commence on the fourth quarter of 2017/18.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Mr. Mogokare Richard Seleke Ms. Lynne Brown, MP
Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date:
Additional Information for the Minister
We would like to bring the following to the Minister’s attention:
1. A major long term upgrade took place in 2012/13.
As part of Eskom’s strengthening and refurbishment plans, the substation was refurbished, and a new cable was installed from Croydon to Germiston North during 2012/13, at a total valueR207 (m) Preventative maintenance was performed on this network between 2014 and 2015 and the equipment is planned for another planned maintenance cycle 2017 and 2018 as part of the long term planned maintenance strategy.
2. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has applied for an additional 80MVA transformer, a budget quote of R33.4M has been issued and accepted by the Metro. Construction will start on the fourth quarter 2017/18.
28 August 2017 - NW2287
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether any (a) investigations and/or (b) steps have been taken by her department to ascertain the involvement of a certain person (name and details furnished) who is allegedly in collusion with individuals accused of rhino poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horns; if not, what steps does her department intend to take; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) It is the mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate organised crimes such as rhino poaching; and
(b) In line with point (a), officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) have communicated their concerns regarding the above matters to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (“the HAWKS”), and they also assist in coordinating efforts to investigate these matters through various structures that have been set up to curb these crimes.
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28 August 2017 - NW2081
Rawula, Mr T to ask the Minister of Labour
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:
1. The Department funds entities under its purview and the entities do commission research from time to time as part of their operational requirements.
2. The department does conduct research on various topics that relates to operational requirements more so when developing policies.
3. The details of research that the department and its entities conduct, will find expression in the annual reports.
28 August 2017 - NW2077
Mokause, Ms MO to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION:
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:
The Department does not fund any research and development institutions domestically and International.
END
28 August 2017 - NW2072
Mathys, Ms L to ask the Ms L Mathys (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works
Whether (a) his department and/or (b) any entities reporting to him 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 his department or any entity reporting to him been funding them and (cc) what amount has his department contributed towards such funding? NW2294E
Reply:
a) No. The Department does not deal with discretionary funding but rather all funding is appropriated by National Treasury.
(i) (ii) (aa) (aaa) (bbb) (bb) (cc) Not Applicable.
With regard to Council for the Built Environment (CBE), Independent Development Trust (IDT) and Agrement South Africa (ASA):
(b) No
(i) (ii) (aa) (aaa) (bbb) (bb) (cc) Not Applicable
With regard to Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)
(b)
i) Yes (Domestically) |
(aa) (aaa) |
bbb) |
bb) |
cc) |
Institution Name |
Functions |
From what date |
Amount |
|
1. University of Cape Town and |
Postgraduates and Doctoral Conferences |
04 February 2016 |
R200 000 |
|
2. Central University of Technology |
28 February 2017 |
R100 000 |
||
ii) No. (Internationally) |
(aa) (aaa) |
bbb) |
bb) |
cc) |
Institution Name |
Functions |
From what date |
Amount |
|
Not applicable |
28 August 2017 - NW2195
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) Why is the National Public Transport Regulator not conducting operator technical accreditation regionally, (b) what qualifications and further criteria need to be fulfilled for a person to undertake inspections, (c) what mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that athe criteria are maintained, (d) why is the accrediting of licences experiencing delays and (e) what (i) steps are being taken to curb the delays, (ii) are the reasons for the delays in each case and (iii) are the deadlines in this regard; (2) (a) why is one standard licence with one set of conditions for operator technical accreditation issued and (b) what is being done to accommodate different requirements by various operators
Reply:
1.(a) Presently the NPTR has not taken up all the functions as prescribed in legislation. However, when the volume of applications for accreditations increases the matter will be discussed with the PRE’s. In the interim MOUs have been signed between the NPTR and PRE’s for the latter to serve as a post office for applications to the NPTR.
(b) M + 3 years qualification. Diploma in Examiner of Vehicles or Traffic Policing is an added advantage.
(c) Pre-employment checks and security vetting
(d) Submission of incomplete applications by operators and lack of capacity of NPTR support staff.
(e) (i) appointment of additional support staff is currently in progress. The number of days for meetings of the NPTR for adjudication has been increased. In addition remuneration for overtime payment for support staff has been approved
(ii) see (i) above
(iii) Additional staff are envisaged to be appointed in the next two monts
2. (a) The Operating Licences for all forms of tourism transport services as well as the general conditions for operators is standard.
(b) Specific conditions differ from operator to operator based on their requirements
28 August 2017 - NW2293
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
What steps has her department taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) with regard to the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations published under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, Act 39 of 2004, (a) what steps have been taken to implement the regulations (b) will her department require companies operating more than one facility to submit separate greenhouse gas emission data for each of their facilities or will it accept one set of data for all the facilities?
Reply:
(1) Over the past six years, extensive work has been done to translate the National Climate Change Responses Policy (NCCRP) into practical action:
(i) Implementation of the National Mitigation System
Section 6 of the NCCRP lists the key elements in the overall approach to mitigation. The National Mitigation System, comprises the following elements and is directly implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs:
(a) Introduction of desired emission reduction outcomes now called the sector emission targets (SETs);
(b) Allocation of carbon budgets at company level; and
(c) Establishment of a national emissions trajectory.
Phase 1 of the Mitigation System has already commenced, from 01 January 2016 and will extend to
31 December 2020. Phase 2 of the Mitigation System, will commence on 01 January 2021. Phase 1 will contains some of the elements of the full mitigation system, with further elements to be introduced in the second phase.
(a) Sectoral Emission Targets
The rationale for SETs is to set limits of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for sectors and subsectors as part of South Africa’s mitigation efforts, while achieving its developmental goals. SETs will be determined for three rolling 5-year periods, with national government departments (SET departments) being allocated responsibility to ensure emissions remain within the limits of the first 5-year period. The SETs are aligned with emissions categories in the national GHG inventory. The first Phase SETs have been set for the period 2016 to 2020. The second and subsequent phases SETs will be defined and allocated by 2018, pronouncing the 3 cycles for the period (2021-2025; 2026-2030 and 2031-2035); and will be reviewed every 5 years.
(b) Carbon Budgets
A carbon budget sets the maximum volume of emissions from certain activities that a company is allowed to emit over a certain time period. By assigning a carbon budget to a company, an indication is provided of the extent of greenhouse gas mitigation that is required within a specific time period. Furthermore, by providing companies with an understanding of how budgets are likely to be assigned in future phases, as well as how the budgets will be impacted by the shape of the trajectory, it sensitises them to how mitigation requirements may change in the future (even if the future quantum is not specified). Carbon budgets will be allocated for a period of five years, supported by the GHG Emissions Reporting regulations, which will facilitate the submission of GHG emissions data by companies.
(c) Mitigation Plans
The companies whom the I have given carbon budgets are expected to prepare, submit and implement mitigation plans to demonstrate how they are going to reduce/manage their GHGs towards achievement of their carbon budgets. For the first phase, companies will be empowered to prepare mitigation plans through the Pollution Prevention Plan regulations promulgated in July 2017. The plans will be reviewed every five years. Progress towards implementation of these plans is done every year and at the end of the five years (in line with the carbon budgets).
(d) The National Emissions Trajectory
The National GHG emissions trajectory serves as the country’s greenhouse gas emission reduction pathway over time. The first refinement of the National Trajectory emissions trajectory is planned for 2018, with an update every five years. The National Trajectory will inform what gets committed to the UNFCCC as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
(ii) The Mitigation Potential Analysis
The Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA) involves identifying and analysing mitigation options in key economic sectors. The MPA entails:
- Setting baselines and projecting greenhouse gas emissions in to the future;
- Conducting an in-depth assessment of the mitigation potential for key sectors and sub-sectors of the economy; and
- Identifying best available mitigation options for key sectors and sub-sectors which is formed by amongst other:
National GHG emissions are projected based on the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, mentioned previously. Sector plans (policies and strategies) also form part of the inputs to the MPA. The Mitigation Potential Analysis will be periodically reviewed (every 5 years).
(iii) Development and Implementation of Policies and Measures
The work here involves quantification or estimation (ex-ante) of effect of policies and measures (PAMs) on emission reduction based on currently implemented adopted and planned PAMs. To fill the gap to meet South Africa’s emission reduction objectives, new PAMs are recommended. The role of sectoral departments is very critical in the development of PAMs. The PAMs are very important in the process of achieving sectoral targets (SETs). The Carbon Tax is one of the policy instruments articulated through the NCCRP as one such policy intervention/ instrument to influence behavioural change on industry to internalize external costs associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
(iv) National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting System
As an international requirement, Decision 17/CP.8,3 of the UNFCCC states that non-Annexure I Parties (includes South Africa) shall, as appropriate and to the extent possible, provide in its national inventory, on gas-by-gas basis and its units mass, estimates of anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) by sources and removals by sinks – in line with the IPCC Guidelines.
Accurate GHG emissions inventories are essential for the following reasons:
- To fulfil the UNFCCC reporting requirements and also support the development of the national communications, Biennial Update Reports;
- Mitigation Potential Analysis;
- To evaluate mitigation options and to provide for GHG emissions reductions;
- To assess the effectiveness of policies and mitigation measures;
- To develop long term emissions projections;
- To monitor and evaluate the performance of South Africa’s GHG emissions profile; and
- Used as a basis for allocation of carbon budgets, DEROs/SETs, etc.
South Africa has already developed five national greenhouse gas inventories (1990, 1994, 2000, 2014, and 2017). These have been published nationally and included in various international reports to the UNFCCC. The 4th National Greenhouse Gas Inventory was published in December 2014, covering the 2000-2010 period. The Department of Environmental Affairs has recently finalised the 5th inventory, 2000-2012 National GHG inventory. South Africa’s greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory will now be compiled and published on a biennial basis.
(v) Implementation of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting Regulations
The Minister has promulgated the National GHG Reporting Regulations to encourage the reporting of national GHG emissions annually. The main objective of these regulations is to introduce a single national reporting framework for the reporting and dissemination of information related to GHG emissions. Reporting of this GHG data will be done through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory System (NAEIS).
(vi) Implementation of the Climate Change Near-term Priority Flagship Programmes
The Climate Change Flagship Programmes are strategic measures implemented by the South African Government intended to serve as a rallying point to trigger a large-scale transition to a lower carbon economy and a more climate resilient South Africa. They are government led programmes and they provide the certainty needed to stimulate the investment required for these transitions. The Programmes place government at the forefront of increasing the use, visibility and recognition of climate change response technologies and services, facilitating their rapid diffusion. South Africa’s implementation capability has grown tremendously, characterised by more effective systems and processes, and a more capable workforce that is better able to achieve strong, well-coordinated progress in responding to climate change. The Department of Environmental Affairs, other national government departments and key implementation partners intensified their efforts towards the development, implementation and scaling-up of climate action in their respective sectors. In partnership with the relevant lead departments and implementers, the Department of Environmental Affairs is currently working on the development and implementation of the two new Flagship Programmes and the expansion of several existing flagship programmes.
The second phase of the Climate Change Flagship Programmes, which began in 2012, has focused on (i) deepening the impact of existing programmes; (ii) expanding the initial set of Flagship Programme activities to incorporate increasingly ambitious and innovative elements; and (iii) introducing new Flagship Programmes to anchor climate action leadership and reflect the importance of both adaptation and mitigation action as part of a holistic national climate change response.
shows the updated list of South Africa’s Climate Change Flagship Programmes and investment priority areas. The shaded boxes indicate new Climate Change Flagship Programmes included in the 2016 priority work packages.
Figure 1: South Africa’s Climate Change Priority Investment Areas and Corresponding Expanded Climate Change Flagship Programmes (2016)
The 2016 priority work packages included pre-existing Climate Change Flagship Programmes (first described in 2011), as well as new Flagship Programmes established since the publication of the NCCRP.
provides a summarised description of the current Climate Change Flagship Programmes focus areas. Table 1 Current focus areas of the Climate Change Flagship Programmes
Climate Change Flagship Programmes 2016 Priority Work Package |
Climate Change Flagship Programmes |
Envisaged Climate Change Outcome |
|
Work Package |
Core Focus |
||
Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings Programme |
|
Energy Efficiency and Energy Demand Management Flagship Programme |
Urgent, comprehensive and coordinated large-scale implementation of energy efficiency measures and technologies, across all sectors of South Africa’s economy and society anchoring and stimulating the establishment of inclusive and localised energy services and technologies. |
Diversion of Municipal Solid Waste from Landfill |
|
Waste Management Flagship Programme |
Accelerated investment in, and implementation of large scale waste minimisation; recycling and composting of organic waste; using waste-to-energy opportunities available within the solid-, semi-solid- and liquid-waste management sectors; and establishing appropriate infrastructure and value chains to enable widespread uptake of low carbon waste management approaches. |
Wastewater Biogas Generation for Electricity |
|||
Tsamaya Sustainable Urban Transport NAMA |
|
Transport Flagship Programme |
Accessible and integrated transport systems that prioritise the use of more efficient spatial design, transport networks and operations; low emissions transport modes, vehicles, fuels, technology; non-motorised transport; and climate-resilient infrastructure to enhance social mobility; access to economic opportunities and levels of rural access and connectedness |
Rainwater Harvesting Strategy Development |
|
Water Conservation and Demand Management Flagship Programme |
Urgent and large-scale implementation of efficient water systems, water storage and infrastructure coupled with prudent resource and demand management, and informed behavioural change |
Small-scale Embedded Energy Generation |
|
Renewable Energy Flagship Programme |
Widespread development, integration and use of, and affordable access to, South Africa’s abundant renewable energy (RE) resources through the large-scale deployment of appropriate technologies at all scales driving innovation; localisation of RE goods, services and technologies; energy security and economic growth. |
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies |
|
||
Agriculture, Food Systems and Food Security Flagship Programme |
|
Agriculture, Food Systems and Food Security Flagship Programme |
Widespread and urgent establishment of climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing and food production systems to enhance productivity and climate resilience, at all scales of production; and successfully integrating agro-ecological practices and resource efficient approaches to drive the growth and competitiveness of South Africa’s agricultural sector. |
Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Built Environment, Communities and Human Settlements |
|
Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Built Environment, Communities and Human Settlements Flagship Programme |
Resilient, low emissions and spatially efficient, rural, urban and coastal communities, settlements and infrastructure incorporating a high-performance green built environment, green building practices, green retrofits of existing buildings, protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems and extensive green infrastructure networks. |
Land, Biodiversity and Ecosystems |
|
The Climate Change Response Public Works Flagship Programme |
Large-scale investment in, and expansion of, the restoration and rehabilitation of South Africa’s natural resource base; including management of invasive species; enhancing ecosystem integrity and resilience; creating and enhancing carbon sinks; ecosystem-based adaptation approaches and better management of marine resources, fisheries and ecosystems: |
(vii) South Africa’s Green Climate Fund Strategic Investment Framework
The Climate Change Flagship Programmes are South Africa’s main link to the primary climate finance mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other funding opportunities. Just as the ability to achieve South Africa’s NDC is premised on accessing adequate finance, technology and capacity building support; the required support needs to be directed by a clearly articulated set of investment priorities. In addition, this needs to be led by an identifiable champion, governance structure and implementation approach. The Climate Change Flagship Programmes fulfil this specific function. The Climate Change Flagship Programmes provide a focal point for attracting and leveraging investment from both the private and public sectors at the scale required to enable meaningful climate action.
The GCF presents South Africa with a potential opportunity to access a significant part of the financial support required to drive the national climate change response. To fully utilise the opportunity presented by the GCF, a national GCF Strategic Framework has been developed to enable a coherent engagement with the GCF and to ensure that South Africa’s GCF investments are aligned to the national climate change response priorities.
2 (a) The department has effectively administered an offline reporting system as required by the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations, in the absence of an online reporting platform. Thus far, between the period May 2017 and present, the department has received registrations from 140 data providers nationally that have registered a total of 595 facilities that meet the reporting thresholds specified in the regulations. Currently the department is undertaking verification work in order to conclude the first phase of the registration process and is also intending to further extend the registration period through a consultative process, as called for by various affected stakeholders and data providers.
In addition the Department has also published detailed Technical Guidelines for Measurement Reporting and Verification of Greenhouse Gas emissions by Industry, which provide and enable data providers affected by the reporting regime to understand the reporting requirements and assist them in developing emission reports that are in line with the reporting requirements. In addition to the technical guidance, the department is also putting in place Greenhouse Gas Reporting Guidelines and Reporting Tools that will provide clarity on procedural aspects of the reporting programme and further enhance the successful implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations.
Furthermore, the Department is also working with the National Treasury, through the Partnership for Market Readiness programme, a programme funded by the World Bank, to modify the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory System (NAEIS) which is the primary reporting system for the reporting of Greenhouse Gases, in order to meet the reporting requirements in line with the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations. This work will enable future reporting to be done using electronic (Web-based) reporting via the NAEIS system and this work is currently at procurement stage.
The department also has been and continues to participate in various public and private sector-led capacity building initiatives aiming to create common understanding of the reporting regime and to play an active role in creating consensus about the reporting requirements amongst key stakeholders and affected data providers.
Whilst building capacity to understand the reporting regime amongst external stakeholders, as captured above, the department is also building its technical and institutional capacity in order to effectively administer the mandatory GHG reporting programme by putting systems in place to improve business intelligence of the department and putting in place sound quality control and assurance procedures in order to ensure that such reporting is done sustainably in the future.
Whilst aiming to finalise the registration process in the second quarter of the 2017/18 financial year, the department is also preparing itself to receive the first round of emissions reports from data providers in March 2018 and is providing the necessary technical assistance to various data providers on technical and other methodological aspects of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations
2 (b) In the current design of the reporting programme, data providers (companies) are required to submit one emissions report for all its facilities and are not required to submit separate emissions reports for each of its facilities. It is the view of the department that, in future, reporting of Greenhouse gases should follow international best practice and move towards facility-level reporting and the department is planning on introducing such level of reporting through a phased approach in the near future. However, the current level of reporting is sufficient to meet our international reporting obligations under the UNFCCC and to provide a robust scientific evidence base that helps us track progress towards implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other key National Climate Change mitigation policy programmes and commitments.
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28 August 2017 - NW2331
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) Whether there are any outstanding monies owed to the department; if so, (a) what is the total amount owed, (b) by whom and (c) since what date has it been outstanding? MINISTRY PUBLIC WORKS REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Department of Public Works l Central Government Offices l 256 Madiba Street l Pretoria l Contact: +27 (0)12 406 2034 l +27 (0)12 406 1224 Private Bag X9155 l CAPE TOWN, 8001 l RSA 4th Floor Parliament Building l 120 Plain Street l CAPE TOWN l Tel: +27 21 468 6900 Fax: +27 21 462 4592 www.publicworks.gov.za NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2331 [NW2576E] DATE OF PUBLICATION: 14 AUGUST 2017 DATE OF REPLY:22 AUGUST 2017 2331.Dr M J Figg (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works: (1)Whether there are any outstanding monies owed to the department; if so, (a) what is the total amount owed, (b) by whom and (c) since what date has it been outstanding? NW2576E ____________________________________________________________________________ The Minister of Public Works: REPLY: The Department of Public works manages accommodation requirements of national departments through the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE). Included in this mandate is the provision of accommodation through state owned and leased properties, construction of new accommodation, major refurbishment of existing properties and management of municipal services. State-owned accommodation charges are billed quarterly in advance in line with the devolution framework principles adopted effective 1 April 2006. The process that is followed to recover monies relating to private leases, municipal services, client infrastructure spending (Capital allocation) and other recoverable infrastructure projects (referred to as PACE and CA) is as follows: PMTE pays lessors, contractors and municipalities on behalf of user departments; At the end of the month, the recoverable costs are consolidated per client; Invoices are then issued to clients in arrears; User departments have 30 days to settle debts in terms of the PFMA; However, in practice clients take an average of 60 days to settle the PMTE claims. As at 22 August 2017, R3.814billion was outstanding from national departments and other organs of state (Annexure: A). In line with established inter-governmental cooperation principles, the PMTE has regular interactions with user departments for the recovery of outstanding debts and is assisted by the National Treasury.
Reply:
The Department of Public works manages accommodation requirements of national departments through the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE). Included in this mandate is the provision of accommodation through state owned and leased properties, construction of new accommodation, major refurbishment of existing properties and management of municipal services.
State-owned accommodation charges are billed quarterly in advance in line with the devolution framework principles adopted effective 1 April 2006. The process that is followed to recover monies relating to private leases, municipal services, client infrastructure spending (Capital allocation) and other recoverable infrastructure projects (referred to as PACE and CA) is as follows:
- PMTE pays lessors, contractors and municipalities on behalf of user departments;
- At the end of the month, the recoverable costs are consolidated per client;
- Invoices are then issued to clients in arrears;
- User departments have 30 days to settle debts in terms of the PFMA;
- However, in practice clients take an average of 60 days to settle the PMTE claims.
As at 22 August 2017, R3.814billion was outstanding from national departments and other organs of state (Annexure: A).
In line with established inter-governmental cooperation principles, the PMTE has regular interactions with user departments for the recovery of outstanding debts and is assisted by the National Treasury.
28 August 2017 - NW2412
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Does the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) provide its services to the 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;
Reply:
Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)
1. ACSA affords all its airline clients fair and equal treatment based on the terms and conditions of the client’s contract – with no preferential treatment provided to any airline.
2. Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA) provides all aviation/ airport related services as defined in the Airports Company Act (44/1993) as amended and charges regulated tariffs per the Government Gazette 29 December 2016 Notice 961 of 2016, In addition ACSA provides non – aeronautical services. (Refer below full list of our revenue lines).
All aeronautical services to all Airlines are standardized with no differentiation. Airlines choose pay to utilize our Non – aeronautical services.
ACSA imposes a late charge (interest) on delayed payments of invoices. In line with the National Credit Act, 2005 (No.34 of 2005, chapter 5, interest and fees), Airports Company Act, 1993 (Act No. 44 of 1993) and PFMA (section 80, Act 1 of 1999).
Aeronautical revenue
Aeronautical revenue is recognized when the services are provided to the customer.
Type of Revenue |
Determination |
Landing fees |
Using regulated tariffs for aircraft landings based on the maximum take-off weight of landing aircrafts for each landing. |
Passenger service charges |
Using regulated tariffs for each departing passenger at an airport of departure. |
Aircraft parking |
On regulated tariffs for each aircraft parked for over four hours, based on the maximum take-off weight of aircraft parking per 24-hour period. |
Non-aeronautical revenue
Non-aeronautical revenue is recognised when services are provided to the customer.
Type of Revenue |
Determination |
Examples |
Advertising |
Based on the higher of a minimum guaranteed rental or a percentage of turnover. |
Rental of advertising space to concessionaires. |
Retail |
Based on the higher of a minimum guaranteed rental or a percentage of turnover. |
Rental of retail space to concessionaires. |
Parking |
Based on time-based tariffs. |
Providing short- and long-term parking facilities. |
Car hire |
Rental is based on the higher of a minimum guaranteed rental or a percentage of turnover. |
Concession fees and the rental of space and kiosks to car hire companies. |
Property rental |
Based on medium- and long-term rental agreements with tenants. |
Rentals of office, air lounges, aviation fuel depots, warehousing, logistics facilities, hotels and filling stations. |
Hotel operations |
Accommodation income is recognised at the date the guests are invoiced. |
Invoice value of accommodation and sale of food and beverages. |
Recoveries |
Recoveries include water, electricity and other utility charges recovered from tenants. |
Water and electricity invoices. |
Interest |
Interest levied on overdue debtors |
Interest is charged at the Prime Lending Rate |
The relationship between Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA) and South African Airways SOC Limited (SAA) is governed by an agreement which has obligations that are continuously monitored.
South African Airways SOC Limited (SAA) utilizes the following services from ACSA:
- Aeronautical Services (Regulated Tariffs)
- Landing fees
- Passenger service charges
- Aircraft Parking
- Non-Aeronautical Services
- Property (Office Property, Terminal Offices which includes ticketing, check in and information counters, VIP passenger Lounges and normal passenger lounges)
- Staff Parking
- Recoveries of Utilities
- Staff Access Permits
SAA is charged interest at the prime lending rate as with all other airlines and customers.
SAA Age analysis.
|
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Corporate Office |
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|
|
|
Group Finance |
|
|||||
|
Central Finance Operations |
|
|||||
|
Debtor: South African Airways SOC Ltd |
|
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|
Debtor Number: 1336 |
22-Aug-17 |
|||||
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|
ACSA Age Analysis Report |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
As of Date : 31-Jul-17 |
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Airport |
Outstanding Amount (ZAR) |
Advance Billing (ZAR) |
Current (ZAR) |
1-30 Days Past Due (ZAR) |
31-60 Days Past Due (ZAR) |
90+ Days (ZAR) |
|
BFN |
43 319.82 |
- |
43 319.82 |
- |
- |
- |
|
CORP |
246 292.57 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
246 292.57 |
|
CTIA |
33 420 756.99 |
822 899.45 |
10 401 705.46 |
9 269 601.82 |
6 161 084.08 |
6 765 466.18 |
|
ELS |
4 603 499.15 |
90 832.90 |
1 343 233.16 |
1 267 290.13 |
901 129.35 |
1 001 013.61 |
|
GRG |
5 441.51 |
23 360.00 |
4 774.51 |
-23 480.00 |
120.00 |
667.00 |
|
KSIA |
18 044 827.89 |
504 996.57 |
5 719 097.48 |
5 094 980.14 |
3 423 290.90 |
3 302 462.80 |
|
ORTIA |
233 162 780.34 |
3 197 406.64 |
71 132 090.22 |
64 368 406.82 |
41 836 573.71 |
52 628 302.95 |
|
PLZ |
5 464 833.92 |
97 819.01 |
1 640 101.07 |
1 535 714.76 |
1 029 669.08 |
1 161 530.00 |
|
Total |
294 991 752.19 |
4 737 314.57 |
90 284 321.72 |
81 512 513.67 |
53 351 867.12 |
65 105 735.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. ACSA has a standardized payment term,. of 30 days to all customers/airlines.
- ACSA has a financial risk management committee which monitors, inter alia, any delinquent clients and appropriate action is initiated in line with its Credit Management Policy, contracts and agreements in place including the regulations of the Government Gazette 29 December 2016 Notice 961 of 2016.
- ACSA has not changed its official payment terms with SAA.
- ACSA and SAA from time to time have gone into restructuring agreements.
- Historically SAA has not defaulted on any payment agreements and is constant communication with ACSA regarding any amounts due.
NW2660E
28 August 2017 - NW2230
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) (a) Which are the 10 properties of the highest value that his department owns and (b) what are they used for; (2) have any of the properties been leased; if so, (a) who are the tenants and (b) how much does each tenant pay?
Reply:
(1) (a) & (b) The table link below indicates the Top 10 properties of the highest value which are under the custodianship of the Department, including their respective use.
https://pmg.org.za/files/RNW2230TABLE-170828.pdf
(2) All the properties are being utilised by client departments, (a) As indicated in the list above.
(b) State-owned accommodation charges are billed on a quarterly basis, in advance, in line with the devolution of budgets to client departments as developed and approved by the National Treasury.
28 August 2017 - NW2076
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
Whether (a) his department and/or (b) any entities reporting to him 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 his department or any entity reporting to him been funding them and (cc) what amount has his department contributed towards such funding?
Reply:
(a) and (b) (i) and (ii) The Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa and the entities reporting to the Executive Authority of the Department are not funding any institution of research and development, whether domestically and/or internationally, including by way of discretionary funding.
Thus, (aa) (aaa) and (bbb), (bb) and (cc) fall away.
28 August 2017 - NW2292
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With reference to the SA Air Quality Monitoring System and the SA Atmospheric Emissions Inventory Portal, (a) what is her department doing to improve the online portals to ensure that air quality monitoring data and atmospheric emission licences are accessible to the public and (b) what are the reasons that the atmospheric emission licences of big polluters, such as Sasol and Eskom, are not available on the portals?
Reply:
a) My Department has developed the South African Atmospheric Emission Licensing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP). This portal consists two systems, one for the Inventory of National Atmospheric Emissions and the other is a Licensing System across the spheres of government responsible for the function of air quality management. The licensing system has public query tab that allows members of the public to view Atmospheric Emission Licenses (AELs) that have been issued in the system. Since the launch of the Licensing System in September 2015, around 69 AELs have been issued through the portal and these are available on the system. Some licenses were issued before the licensing system was developed; note that for AELs to be available in the portal they need to be digitised, all the existing AELs (before the system AELs) issued prior to the launch of the portal must be processed in the system before they can be available to the public. These AELs will become available on the portal once they are processed in the system when they are either reviewed, renewed, varied or transferred, otherwise they are available in hard copies to the public save for proprietary information.
b) The reason that some AELs for example, Sasol and Eskom AELs, are not yet available in the system is that, they were issued long ago before the portal were established. They will be available in the portal once digitised as I have just said. Stakeholder feedback is received by the Department on a regular basis and the system is enhanced from time to time to ensure it stays user friendly and relevant.
The question on ambient air quality monitoring is a separate one. We are monitoring ambient air quality across the country band, the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) that provides information to the public on the state of air quality across the country. The SAAQIS is being upgraded in order to enable live reporting of information to the public and system upgrade will be completed by the end of 2017. However, data is available now in the current system, with its limitations – hence we are upgrading it, otherwise members of the public are given available data upon request where the current system fails to provide such data.
---ooOoo---
28 August 2017 - NW2315
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to his reply to question 1758 on 12 July 2017, (a) what is the total monthly expenditure for the internal security officer protecting the Head of the Department of Home Affairs, including (i) salary, (ii) benefits, (iii) over-time payment, (iv) incidentals and (v) other costs, (b) on what date was the threat and risk analysis conducted and (c) how often is the situation reviewed?
Reply:
(a) The total monthly expenditure for the internal security officer protecting the Head of the Department of Home Affairs is R48 869.09, including:
(i) Salary, [R36 385.00]
(ii) Benefits, [R4 343.12 (pension)]
(iii) Over-time payment, [R5 960.12]
(iv) Incidentals, [R0.00]
(v) Other costs, [R2 180.85 (standby/role playing allowance)]
(b) The threat and risk analysis was conducted in February 2016.
(c) The situation is reviewed annually, unless a need arises to deviate from the established annual review.
28 August 2017 - NW2122
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance
(a) What are the full relevant details of the process followed to appoint a new Chief Commercial Officer for SA Airways and (b) what is the current status of the specified process?
Reply:
The process steps undertaken to appoint a new Chief Commercial Officer for SAA consists of the following:
Step |
Action |
Detail |
1 |
Advertise position |
Placed internal and external advertisement in Sunday Times and SAA’s E-recruitment system (Neptune) with closing date 1 August 2017 |
2 |
Shortlisting |
Shortlist applications received against advertised criteria |
3 |
Shortlist finalisation |
Present shortlist to Acting CEO and Acting GM HR and agree on final shortlisted candidates |
4 |
Establish Interview/ Selection Panel |
Identify and establish interview panel. Set tentative interview date |
5 |
Competency Based Interviews |
Arrange and conduct competency based interviews with panel |
6 |
Assessments |
Arrange for assessments to be completed on recommended candidates who are successful with interview phase |
7 |
Pre-employment checks |
Arrange pre-employment checks (reference and background checks) on recommended candidates |
8 |
Consolidate selection results |
Consolidate results (interview, assessments and pre-employment checks) and present results to selection panel |
9 |
Final decision on preferred candidate |
Selection panel makes decision on preferred candidate |
10 |
Recommend preferred candidate |
Recommend preferred candidate and remuneration package for approval by Board |
11 |
Offer to successful candidate |
Offer issued to successful candidate |
12 |
Inform unsuccessful candidates |
Inform/ regret unsuccessful candidates |
(a) Current status
The Chief Commercial Officer position was advertised and reached closing date on the 1 August 2017. A total of 107 applications were received (50 through E-recruitment system and 55 through Sunday Times).
A provisional shortlist has been compiled and a shortlist discussion is scheduled with Acting CEO and Acting GM HR on the 11 August 2017.
28 August 2017 - NW2271
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With reference to the reply to question 2632 on 13 December 2016, which permits may and/or can be issued by the permit offices rather than by the Minister; (2) on what legal grounds does he support such authorisation, since authorisation is not provided for in the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996; (3) on what legal grounds does his department support the permit fees and exemption from permit fees, since there are not provisions with regard to such permits?
Reply:
(1) The other permit which can be issued other than an exemption issued by the Minister is a permit issued by the MEC’s in terms of section 81(2) of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) authorising the conveyance in a safe manner on a public road of passengers or any load which does not comply with the provisions of the NRTA.
(2) Section 81(2) of the NRTA supra, empowers the MEC’s of respective provinces to authorise the conveyance or transportation as the case maybe, in a safe manner of passengers or any load which does not comply with the provisions of the NRTA.
(3) Section of 81(3) of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996), provides further that, an MEC shall determine the fees or charges payable for a vehicle or load that does not comply with the NRTA.
28 August 2017 - NW2332
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Dr M J Figg (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works
Whether any entities in his department are in a financial crisis; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Council for Built Environment (CBE)
The CBE has no financial crisis, besides the pressure on the budgets due to the growth in the organisation and inflationary expenditure escalations.
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)
The CIDB has never been at any stage deemed to be in financial crisis. This is further supported by the Auditor-General’s audit reports which consistently assessed the CIDB’s financial viability to be good.
Agrement South Africa (ASA)
ASA does not have any financial crisis.
Independent Development Trust (IDT)
IDT does not have any financial crisis. It has had going concern challenges at the beginning of 2017/18 financial year due to a budget deficit, which had no initial committed funding from National Treasury or the Department of Public Works. The National Treasury has however since committed to fund the deficit of IDT for the METF period. This is in terms of Section 4 of the 2017 Appropriations Act. Further, the entity is currently reviewing its Operating Model and Turnaround Plan in order to embolden its future financial viability and sustenance.
25 August 2017 - NW2310
Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether the movement control system that tracks the entry and departure of persons who enter the country is currently operating effectively; if not, what are the relevant details of the problems that are being experienced; (2) is the specified system being managed by her department or the SA Revenue Service; (3) whether the system has experienced any failures since 1 April 2017 to the extent that her department is unable to detect persons who have overstayed their respective visas; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether her department is capacitated to (a) detect and (b) prevent any fugitives attempting to escape justice from entering the country; if not, what are the relevant details of the specific problems being experienced with the system in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether (a) her department has access to databases of suspected terrorists and (b) the movement control system is able to prevent any persons appearing in these databases from entering the country; if not, since what date was this weakness detected?
Reply:
1. Yes, the Department’s enhanced Movement Control System (EMCS) is operating effectively. However, there are occasional challenges which may arise on individual work stations using the EMCS such as faulty scanners, which are then attended to within the timeframes as agreed with service providers.
2. The system is currently running on the SARS network platform and is managed by SARS as well as service providers appointed by the Department’s Information Services Branch.
3. Since 1 April 2017, no off-line situations on the EMCS at the ports of entry were reported which could have resulted in overstayers not being detected. The Department is able to detect persons that overstay as this is an automated process on the system.
(4)(a-b) The Department is capable to detect and prevent any fugitive attempting to escape justice from entering the country as there is a risk engine on the EMCS that accommodates various warning lists in the security cluster. Once these travellers are detected, they are either handed over to the Department’s Inspectorate Branch or the South African Police Services (SAPS).
5(a) The Department does not have access to databases of other institutions.
5(b) Information received on fugitives or international terrorists from other Departments such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or SAPS are flagged and recorded on the Department’s warning lists which run against the Enhanced Movement Control System. The Enhanced Movement Control System is then able to prevent any persons appearing in these databases from entering the country.
25 August 2017 - NW2178
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether she can provide all the applications, refusals and/or permits granted in relation to the international export of (a) live rhinoceros and (b) lion bones from South Africa for the period from 01 January 2016 to 30 March 2017 in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations of 2007 and/or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Regulations of 2010?
Reply:
a) Yes.
b) Yes.
However, the information will have to be sourced from all the different provinces, which will require sufficient time. I do however, advise that such information be sourced directly from the responsible authorities/implementors, who are provincial governments.
---ooOoo---
25 August 2017 - NW2067
Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether (a) his department and or (b) any entities reporting to him 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 his specified institutions and (bbb) what are their functions, (bb) from what date has his department or any entity reporting to him been funding them and (cc) what amount has his department contributed towards such funding?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department as follows:
(a)(i) Yes,
(ii) No
(aa)(aaa) NAME OF INSTITUTION: African Centre of Excellence for Information Ethics at the University of Pretoria
(bbb) FUNCTION: It conducts research and awareness on the Ethical Dimension of an Information Society
(bb) FROM DATE: financial year 2011/12
(cc) TOTAL AMOUNT CONTRIBUTED: R13 421 440.00 over a period of six (6) financial years [2011/12 to 2017/18]
I have been informed by the SOCs as follows:
(b)(i)Sentech funded the institutions of research and development domestically.
(ii) No
(aa)(aaa) Refer to table below
(bbb) Refer to table below
(bb) Refer to table below
(cc) Refer to table below
Entity |
Institution (aa) (aaa) |
Function (bbb) |
Date funding commenced (bb) and Amount (cc) |
||
2015/16 (R) |
2016/17 (R) |
2017/18 (R) |
|||
Sentech |
University of Witwatersrand |
Academic Development and Research |
1 000 000 |
500 000 |
1 500 000 |
University of Pretoria |
Academic Development and Research |
1 100 000 |
1 700 000 |
1 700 000 |
|
University of Cape Town |
Academic Development and Research |
1 000 000 |
1 500 000 |
||
CSIR |
Research |
500 000 |
SAPO, USAASA, SITA, NEMISA, .zaDNA and BBI have not funded any institutions of research and development either domestically or internationally.
Approved/Not Approved
------------------------------
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date:
25 August 2017 - NW2237
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) What were the reasons for her visit to Chicago in the United States of America in July 2017, (b) who did she engage with regarding tourism in South Africa, (c) what were the outcomes of such engagements, (d) what was the total cost of her trip and (e) who was part of the delegation?
Reply:
a) What were the reasons for her visit to Chicago in the United States of America in July 2017?
The Minister was invited by the Rainbow Push Coalition to attend the 46th Annual International Convention. The South African Consulate General in Chicago supported the invitation and believed that the visit would present the opportunity to show case South Africa as a country that respects, upholds the rights of its citizens, promote a thriving tourism destination and present business opportunities. The Minister also used the opportunity to engage with trade, media and other tourism stakeholders as part of the ongoing promotion of South Africa to the United States market.
b) Who did the Minister engage with regarding tourism in South Africa?
The following engagements were planned by SA Tourism for the Minister to participate in:
CHICAGO
- An SA Tourism Luncheon/Round Table themed “Tourism Development and Growth in South Africa”, touching also on “Women in Tourism” in partnership with SAA.
The following companies were present at the engagements with Minister:
- Luxury Travel Professional
- R. Cruscoe Travel
- Creative Incentives
- South African Airways
- WVON Radio
- News Anchor ABC7 News
- Advantage International Tours
- iHeart Media Radio
- Landmark Incentive
- Nat Geographic
- SDI Incentive Market
- Media Interview
edBY WVON Radio on tourism development in the country (RSA) and opportunities for travel repeaters to South Africa from the US market.
- Panel Discussion with Minister Tokozile Xasa and Minister Ayanda Dlodlo, Minister of Communications, COO Sthe Dlamini South African Tourism, and Mr Mudunwazi Baloyi, Brand South Africa US. The topic for discussion was “The Role of Communications and Tourism in the Developmental Agenda of South Africa”
- A reception hosted by the South African Consul General in Chicago, Ms Vuyiswa Tulelo, was also held in honour of the Ministers at the SA Consulate with broader trade in attendance.
- Chicago Sister Cities interaction with Mr Leroy Allala to discuss:
- Harbour Development
- Cruise Tourism
- Culture and Heritage
- Aqua Culture
- Possible Exchange Programmes
- Leveraging on events such as the Essence Festival
MIAMI
Meeting with Key Trade Partners and SAA to discuss “Tourism Development and Growth in SA” as well as “Women in Tourism”.
The following trade partners were present:
-
-
- South African Airways
- Post Haste Travel
- Karell Enterprises. Inc
- The Africa Adventure Company
-
c) What were the outcomes of such engagements?
The key outcomes of the engagements were as follows:
- The need was identified to cater for call-in queries from tour operators in the market so they can access information;
- The potential of the MICE Sector, particularly the Incentives Market was identified. This sector is huge in the US, including Chicago and the Mid-West, a low hanging fruit for South Africa to explore
The Trade Partners present agreed to regularly engage each other and to jointly identify suitable platforms for sharing information on:
- Packages to target travel repeaters
- New products entering the market
- Addressing geographic spread
- Oceans Economy
- The SA Tourism project in the US focusing on the development of a product database for sharing with trade
- Access to SA Tourism Digital Asset Bank to address brand consistency was granted to the US trade
d) What was the total cost of the Minister’s trip?
R659 468.50
e) Who was part of the delegation?
Ms Sthembiso Dlamini; SA Tourism COO
Ms Bangu Masisi; SA Tourism US Country Manager
Mr Sinethemba Sonjica, Assistant PA to the Minister
25 August 2017 - NW2222
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)(a) Who invited him to the community engagement imbizo in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality on 23 June 2017(b) On what basis were the venues chosen(c) what were the reasons for his engagement with the communities; (2) what were the reasons for promising the community food parcels for attendance. (3) whether the food parcels were delivered; if so, (a)what was the total cost, and (b) from which budget was the money allocated NW2454E
Reply:
1. (a) The Minister was not invited but initiated the imbizo after the amendment and the gazetting of the Mining Charter.
(b) Nkangala District Municipality, a mining area, was contacted and requested to assist in identifying a suitable venue within the province.
(c) To inform and educate stakeholders about the 2017 Mining Charter.
2. The Department did not promise or provide food parcels to any of the attendees.
3.(a) NA
(b) N/A
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
25 August 2017 - NW2299
Xalisa, Mr Z R to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)Does his department ensure that public participation is conducted in relation to applications and/or requests for Ministerial consent for the transfer of rights or permits in terms of section 11 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department ensured that public participation was conducted in relation to the transfer of the mining right for Optimum Colliery from Glencore to Tegeta Exploration and Resources; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department has opened an investigation into the money that has allegedly disappeared from the rehabilitation funds for Optimum Colliery alnd Koornfontein Colliery in the process of the transfer of those collieries from Glencore to Tegeta Exploration and Resources; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the outcome of the investigation and (b) what steps has his department taken in relation to the outcome of the investigation?
Reply:
(1) Applications in terms 11 of the Act does not provide for public participation to be conducted as these are commercial transactions between parties involved.
(2) Please see (1) above
(3) No investigation was instituted. The company has provided the department with financial statement indicating the availability of funds for rehabilitation, which was moved from Standard Bank to the Bank of Baroda.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
25 August 2017 - NW2300
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
Does his department ensure that public participation is conducted in relation to applications/requests for Ministerial consent for the amendment or varying of reconnaissance permission, prospecting rights, mining rights, mining permits, retention permits, technical corporation permits, reconnaissance permits, exploration rights, production rights and other relevant programmes and authorisations (details furnished); if not, why not?
Reply:
Yes, in terms of section 102 of the Act, applicants are requested to conduct public participation with interested and affected parties and amend Social and Labour Plan, Environmental Management Plan and Mining Work Programme/Prospecting Work Plan if necessary.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
25 August 2017 - NW2074
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
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:
The Department and the entities responded as follows:
(a) Department of Home Affairs
(a)(i) No
(a)(ii) No
(aa)(aaa) N/A
(bbb) N/A
(bb) N/A
(cc) N/A
(b) Government Printing Works
(b)(i) No
(b)(ii) No
(aa)(aaa) N/A
(bbb) N/A
(bb) N/A
(cc) N/A
(b) Electoral Commission
(b)(i) No
(b)(ii) No
(aa)(aaa) N/A
(bbb) N/A
(bb) N/A
(cc) N/A
25 August 2017 - NW1142
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to the target of 5000 force employment hours flown by the SA Airforce (SAAF) in the 2016-17 financial year, (a) what are the reasons for the SAAF only achieving 58% of its targeted employment flight hours in the third quarter and (b) to what extent did the lack of serviceable aircraft at (i) 35, (ii) 41, (iii) 44 and (iv) 28 Squadrons affect this target; (2) (a) what are the reasons for only flying 155.7 VIP hours in the specified period, (b) how many of the specified VIP flight hours were flown with Inkwazi, (c) how many of the specified VIP flight hours were flown in leased aircraft and (d) what was the total cost incurred to lease these aircraft; (3) (a) how many of the force employment hours flown by the SAAF, excluding VIP hours, in the specified financial year were flown in leased aircraft and (b) what were the costs in each case?
Reply:
(1) (a) This question is ambiguous largely due to the fact that the 5000 flying hours was an annual target for the 2016/17 FY. This target was divided into 4000 hours for the Joint Force Employment Requirements (JFER) as will be tasked by the Chief of Joint Operations whilst the other 1000 was an annual target for the Very Very Important (VVIP) Unit. Therefore, the total hours flown both for the VVIP Unit and JFER is 989.4 hours for the third quarter. Furthermore, the availability of aircraft was the major factor for not achieving the targeted flight hours during the third quarter. It must also be noted that length turnaround time by local service providers has also had an influence in the low availability of aircraft, a matter which is being addresses.
(b) (i) 35 Squadron. The C47-TP fleet is a legacy system. Flight safety and airworthiness issues restricted the aircraft from flying.
(ii) 41 Squadron. Due to a maintenance contract not being in place for the Cessna Caravan C208, flying ceased during September 2016.
(iii) 44 Squadron. The current fleet exists of only 3 aircraft. Since September 2016, only 1 aircraft has been available for flying missions, the other 2 aircraft were unavailable due to unserviceability.
(iv) 28 Squadron. This platform over achieved the required target of flying hours in the quarter under review.
(2) (a) Again this question is ambiguous as it is not clear whether the 155.7 VIP hours referred to were annual or quarterly hours flown.
(b) A total of 195.5 flying hours were flown with Inkwazi during the FY2016-17.
(c) No hours were flown on leased aircraft.
(d) No cost incurred as there were no aircraft leased.
(3) a) No force employment hours were flown by the SAAF on leased aircraft.
(b) No cost/s were incurred.
25 August 2017 - NW1143
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether the Presidential Medical Unit reports to her as part of the SA Military Health Service; if not, to whom does the Presidential Medical Unit report; if so, (a) from which budget(s) is the specified unit funded, (b)(i) how many staff members are employed in the unit, (ii) where are the staff members stationed and (iii) what are their medical competencies in each case, (c) how many vehicles does the unit have at their disposal and (d) what is the (i) nature and (ii) serviceability of each of these vehicles; (2) whether the drivers of the vehicles have received specialty training for driving at high speed; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Presidential Medical Unit (PMU) reports to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans as part of the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS).
(a) PMU is funded from the budget of the Tertiary Military Health Formation (TMHF) of the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) for its operations.
(b) (i) PMU has 56 Staff members nationally.
(b)(ii) PMU members are stationed as follows:
- Pretoria – x 42 members
- Cape Town – x 12 members
- Durban – x 2 members
(b)(iii) PMU members Competencies are as follows:
- Medical Officers (Doctors) - [Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – MBChB] x 6
- Nursing Officers [Professional Nurses] x 3
- Environmental Health Practitioners [National Diploma in Environmental Health] x 5
- Paramedics [National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care] x 4
- Operations and Planning x 3
- Operational Emergency Care Practitioners (OECP) x 24
- Emergency Care Technicians (ECT) x 3
- Logistics x 5
- Drivers x 2
- Clerk x 1
(c) PMU has 80 vehicles at its disposal
(d) The nature and serviceability of the vehicles nationally is as follows:
Ser No |
Nature |
Number of Serviceable |
Number of Unserviceable |
total |
SUV’s |
23 |
11 |
34 |
|
Sedans |
4 |
28 |
32 |
|
Bakkies |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Ambulances |
5 |
7 |
12 |
|
Total |
32 |
48 |
80 |
(2) Most of the members of the PMU who are driving the vehicles on
convoy (High speed vehicles) have the following courses:
(a) Driving and Maintenance course from the SANDF.
(b) Advanced Driving Course from the SAPS College.
25 August 2017 - NW2302
Mokause, Ms MO to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
Whether the Petroleum Association of South Africa refused any application for reconnaissance permission, technical cooperation permit, exploration right or production right in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002 in the past five years; if so, what are the reasons for the refusal?
Reply:
Yes. The reasons for refusal differ from one application to the other and can be summarised as follows:
- Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the granted Exploration Rights in case of renewal of Exploration Rights applications e.g. failure to conduct exploration activities in accordance with the work programme, failure to pay exploration fees etc.;
- Failure to submit Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) or submission of an EMPr that fails to meet the requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act,2002 (MPRDA), failure to apply for Environmental Authorisations;
- Failure to submit proof of access to financial resources as required by the MPRDA;
- Areas applied for already encumbered by another permit or right.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
25 August 2017 - NW2321
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether, with reference to land borders being monitored and patrolled by the 15 sub-units, 70% of our borders are monitored and/or patrolled by Reserve Force members; if not, what are the relevant details; (2) what (a) are the age groups and (b) is the number of Reserve Force members who belong to the specified age groups; (3) whether the budget for the Reserve Force has been cut; if so, (a) was this cut by 30% and (b) how will the objectives still be optimised; (4) whether a budget cut will affect the (a) protection and (b) increased risks of our land borders; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a. Rank Group differs from 21 to 68 years of age.
b. Age 21 2 x Members
Age 23 6 x Members
Age 24 19 x Members
Age 25 16 x Members
Age 26 48 x Members
Age 27 47 x Members
Age 28 56 x Members
Age 29 56 x Members
Age 30 42 x Members
Age 31 48 x Members
Age 32 40 x Members
Age 33 60 x Members
Age 34 42 x Members
Age 35 35 x Members
Age 36 40 x Members
Age 37 33 x Members
Age 38 22 x Members
Age 39 28 x Members
Age 40 40 x Members
Age 41 48 x Members
Age 42 58 x Members
Age 43 61 x Members
Age 44 39 x Members
Age 45 85 x Members
Age 46 50 x Members
Age 47 34 x Members
Age 48 33 x Members
Age 49 49 x Members
Age 50 40 x Members
Age 51 27 x Members
Age 52 18 x Members
Age 53 20 x Members
Age 54 11 x Members
Age 55 19 x Members
Age 56 9 x Members
Age 57 6 x Members
Age 58 2 x Members
Age 59 6 x Members
Age 60 7 x Members
Age 61 2 x Members
Age 62 2 x Members
Age 63 2 x Members
Age 64 3 x Members
Age 65 1 x Members
Age 68 1 x Members
Question 3: whether the budget for the Reserve Force has been cut; if so (a) was this cut by 30% and (b) how will the objectives still be optimised?
REPLY:
The budget reduction for Reserve Fore utilization in the DOD had not impact on the deployments such as Op CORONA. Currently the Force Providers provide additional Reserve Force members than budgeted for.
Question 4: whether a budget cut will affect the (a) protection and (b) increased risks of our land borders; if so, what are the relevant details?
REPLY:
Force Providers cannot commit themselves with the current ratio of 2/3 Regular Force members (66.6%) and 1/3 Reserve Force members (33.3%) for Op CORONA. Currently Joint Operations Division receives 46% + Reserve Force members. If a budget cut in Op CORONA occurs, the risk will be several critical vacant posts; impact on the safe-guarding of the borders, medical support to deployed members and protection cannot be executed.
25 August 2017 - NW2221
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)Whether he has been informed that the Kwazamakuhle clinic in Hendrina in Mpumalanga, one of the social and labour commitments of a certain company (name furnished) in the area, has failed to open on schedule due to the specified company’s failure to pay the contractors of the clinic; if not, what steps will his department take to investigate; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) on what date (i) was the clinic supposed to open and (ii) will the clinic open and (b) what are the full reasons for the delay in opening the clinic; (3) whether his department has taken any steps to ensure that the specified company’s social and labour plan goals are delivered in the specified area; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, however there is a dispute between the company and contractor of which the matter is currently in court.
2. (a)(i) January 2017
(ii) yes
(b) There is a dispute between the company and the contractor, and the Department is awaiting the court ruling on this matter.
(3) Yes, several meeting were held with both the company and the contractor
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
25 August 2017 - NW2114
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Does her department have a policy to provide material and financial assistance to strengthen smallholder farmer capacity and practice in maintaining and building biodiversity; if not, why not?
Reply:
Yes, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has several policies and strategies for supporting smallholder game farmers and indigenous plant producers/farmers that form an integral part of the Biodiversity Economy. The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy forms the basis for this support.
Furthermore, the Department has the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme’s Policy and Procedures Manual, which guides the process of funding infrastructural projects to support, among other stakeholders, emerging game farmers in the Wildlife Economy and the small-scale producers of indigenous plants in the Bioprospecting and Bio-trade Sector of the National Biodiversity Economy.
In addition, Section 42 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, provides for the Co-Management Agreement Mechanism or Assistance through, among others, benefit sharing and development of local management capacity.
---ooOoo---
25 August 2017 - NW2284
Mbatha, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Economic Development
With reference to his reply to question 1874 on 31 July 2017, what was the monetary value of the tenders for which transaction advisers were used by (a) the Industrial Development Corporation’s appointment of Price Waterhouse Cooper Ltd for the Masorini Steel Project, (b) the Industrial Development Corporation’s appointment of PSG Capital for the UCW Transaction, and (c) the Industrial Development Corporation’s appointment of Ernst and Young and Rothschild (South Africa) for SCAW?
Reply:
The IDC from time to time undertake large transactions for which it requires advisory or technical support, often involving global consultancy firms with expertise in the areas concerned.
In the three transactions referred to, the IDC utilized specialist advisory skills for transactions with initial transaction value estimates set out in the table below:
No. |
Name of Transaction Advisor |
Tender description |
Initial Monetary / Transcation Value |
Tender pricing |
Amount paid to date |
1 |
PriceWaterhouseCoopers Incorporated |
Transaction Advisory Services for the Masorini Steel Project |
US$ 5 billion |
R 3,506,800 |
R 3,049,919 |
2 |
PSG Capital (Pty) Ltd |
Transaction Advisor for the UCW Transaction |
R 550 million |
R 2,351,114 |
R 2,351,114 |
3 |
Ernst & Young Advisory Services (Pty) |
Transaction advisor on the Corporatisation of Scaw |
R 6 billion |
R 17,256,155 |
R 13,520,721 |
4 |
Rothschild (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd and Identity Capital Partners (Pty) Ltd Joint Venture |
Transaction advisory services to the IDC to identify strategic equity partners to its subsidiary, Scaw |
R 6 billion |
R 17,500,000 |
R 7,579,905 |
END
25 August 2017 - NW2329
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)With reference to the leaking of examination papers and the postponement of the July/August 2017 examination papers as announced in circular TE39 of 2017, what steps have been undertaken to identify the source(s) of the leaking of examination papers; 2) did the department’s experience regarding the leaking of examination papers in the past lead to any improvements in the security measures regarding national examinations; if so, what steps have been taken to improve (a) security and (b) to protect the integrity of the examinations; (3) has the department over the past five years acted against any official(s) implicated in the leaking of examination papers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the department reported any incidences of examination leaks with the SA Police Service; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) what improvements will be undertaken in order to try and eliminate future leaks of examination papers?
Reply:
1. Noting that the conduct of examinations is a multi-organisational and multi-process value chain, including several organisations and role players within each organisation and that the leakages of question papers can take place at any point in the value chain or organisation. The Department has undertaken the following steps to identify the source(s) of the leaking of examination papers:
- The examinations monitoring and evaluation unit has met with all role players in the value chain and requested investigations into the adherence of security measures and standard operation procedures by officials.
- The Department has also met with senior officials of the Government Printing Works to review any breaches in the printing, packing and sealing of examination papers.
- A case of theft has been reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS) and they are currently investigating the matter to determine the source of the leakages.
- As most of the reports of leakages originated from the Limpopo region a day or so before the leaked papers were to be written, Departmental officials were immediately dispatched to monitor all delivery points in Limpopo and check that question papers were secure and packages were not tempered with.
- The Director-General has requested the Acting National Commissioner of Police to prioritise the investigation of examination related cases.
No evidence of the sources of the leakages has thus far been identified.
2. (a) The following security measures, among others, were taken:
- the question paper setting-unit has been placed in a secure area with limited access;
- printing and packaging of question papers was moved from onsite printing and packaging to a high security environment with CCTV cameras and security guards at Government Printing Works;
- where possible the packing of question papers is automated to reduce the number of hands on live papers;
- question papers are double sealed, firstly in a tamper proof bag and then secondly in a custom made box which is only opened in front of the students in the examination venue; and
- secure delivery points were established nationally at carefully selected public colleges where examination centres collect their question papers one hour before an examination commences and return scripts one hour after the conclusion of an examination.
(b) The following steps to protect the integrity of the examinations, among others, have been implemented:
- a leaked question paper is replaced immediately when the leak is reported and verified twenty-four hours before an examination sitting. Colleges are sent replacement papers for the sitting; and
- where the leak is reported and verified during or after an examination, special measures are put in place to monitor patterns of answering of questions during marking and where there are gross inconsistencies in the scores of candidates as compared to the scores expected, the scores are adjusted to the norm.
3. The Department has not acted against any official in connection with the leaking of question papers during the past five years as no departmental official could be linked to the leaking of question papers. It appears that there is a criminal syndicate active in the leaking of papers and therefore SAPS has been engaged, as the Department does not possess the capacity to investigate criminal elements.
4. The leakages were reported to SAPS at the Pretoria Central Police Station, reference number: CAS 54/8/2017 and New Brighton Police Station, reference number: CAS 12/8/2017.
5. The following improvements are currently being undertaken or being put in place in order to try and eliminate the future leaking of examination papers:
- vetting of officials working with live question papers;
- monitoring of Government Printing Works by a senior Departmental official to ensure security measures are adhered to during the printing and packaging process;
- a tender is being prepared for a service provider that can deliver a fully secure automated printing, warehousing and packaging solution; and
- a feasibility study is being undertaken on a secure digital solution to replace the current printing and transport of question papers.
COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:
Tel:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 2329 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
25 August 2017 - NW2371
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)What was the outcome of the investigation following the suspension of a certain official (name and details furnished) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2013 on alleged financial impropriety; (2) was the specified official reinstated after the investigation; if not, why not; (3) was the specified person appointed as Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at the University of South Africa with the university’s knowledge that he had been suspended at UJ; if so, (a) on what date and (b) why?
Reply:
The Minister of Higher Education and Training does not appoint university personnel. The Council of the university is the employer and therefore, as the Minister, I am not privy to information regarding the dismissal or appointment of university employees.
COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:
EXT:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 2371 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
25 August 2017 - NW2339
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
(1)Whether, since her reply to question 1890 on 30 September 2016, the task team has completed its investigation into the sale of the Technology Innovation Agency's 49% shareholding in a certain company (name furnished) to American shareholders; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the investigation expected to be concluded, if so, (i) what are the main findings and (ii) have the findings been communicated to the Cabinet; (2) will she table the findings in the National Assembly for the consideration of the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology; if not, in each case, why not; if so, on what dates in each case?"
Reply:
(1) Has the Task Team completed its investigation?
No, the investigation has not been concluded.
(i) what are the main findings?
There are no findings yet.
(ii) Have the findings been communicated to the Cabinet?
No, the matter is still under investigation.
(2) Will the Minister table the findings in the National Assembly for the consideration of the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology; if not, in each case, why not, if so on what dates in each case?
At the appropriate time the Minister will advise the Portfolio Committee.
I will determine the next steps once I have the findings
25 August 2017 - NW2328
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to the reported flight of a C-130 aircraft of the SA Air Force which was stranded at Recife, Brasilia and landed on St Helena Island, what were the reasons and justifications for the round trip to Havana, Cuba; (2) (a) is it a contractual obligation to provide transport by means of an SAAF aircraft to the Cubans doing service in the country and (b) was it only freight on board or were passengers being transported to Cuba; (3) whether it was only personal freight of the Cubans working in the country or was there other freight on board as well; (4) what was the cost of the round trip flight; (5) how did the use of this aircraft affect the service delivery to the SA National Defence Force by SAAF aircraft, especially the C-130’s?
Reply:
(1) The aircraft was not stranded as reported but had landed for refuelling purposes.
(2) (a) The SANDF/SAAF took on this task as part of its Force Preparations exercise. The main aim was to attend to the SANDF members who had completed training in Cuba and had to be repatriated all their luggage using the C-130 aircraft. It was therefore financially prudent, to transport the Cuban contingent’s luggage as it were destined to the same place instead of flying the aircraft empty on the way to Cuba.
(b) There was only freight on board in the aircraft;
(3) There was only freight on board in the aircraft.
(4) Cost: Flying hours: R 3 325 825.20 (Part of Force Preparations)
Fuel / Handling: R 1 685 267.51
Total Cost: R 1 685 267.51 (R 5 311 092.71).
(5) Aircraft tasked as per daily operations taskings.
25 August 2017 - NW1944
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether her department has provided any (a) financial and/or (b) other rescue mechanisms to Denel SOC Ltd in each of the past 10 financial years; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what are the details of the (aa) dates, (bb) nature and (cc) amount of rescue mechanisms provided, (ii) which of her department’s budgets were reduced, (iii) what legislative provisions were relied on when her department and not the Department of Public Enterprises provided the rescue mechanism and (iv) what benefits accrued to (aa) her department and (bb) the SA National Defence Force due to the rescue mechanisms in each case?
Reply:
Armscor did not supply any rescue funding to Denel other than what is allowed within its normal business practices.
Armscor allowed its normal contracting process whereby contracts are placed on Denel for delivery of specific products or services. To this extent Denel, similar to any other contractor, requested advance payments on some of the contracts placed for paying long lead items, etc. This awarding of such an advance payment is in the sole discretion of Armscor and is subject to an associated benefit which may include reduction in the price offered as well a guarantee equal to the amount of the advance payment that is acceptable to Armscor. An acceptable benefit is measured against the norm of Bank Acceptance (BA) rate plus 1%.
In terms of Armscor’s current financial policy, Armscor only accepts corporate guarantees (with certain parameters) of advance payments from State Owned Entities (SEOs) as it also reduces the cost for the State. Any advance payment exceeding the set corporate limit is then covered through an acceptable bank or insurance guarantee. Advance payments are then recovered pro-rata from future milestone payments.
During this period, Armscor reviewed Denel’s corporate limit based on Denel’s financial position. The corporate guarantee limit was increased during the period; this assisted Denel to reduce bank or other guarantees to enable them to use their facilities for other business purposes.
25 August 2017 - NW2267
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether any aircraft of the SA National Defence force has landed on the island of St Helena since 1 January 2017; if so, (a) on what date, (b) for what period did it stay on the specified island, (c) what type of aircraft was it and (d) what was the reason for the landing; (2) whether she will make a statement about the matter?
Reply:
(1) (a) A SAAF aircraft landed on the Island of St Helena on the 18 July 2017 and 27 July 2017.
(b) On the 18 July 2017: 1 Hour 05 Minutes; and
On the 27 July 2017: 1 Hour 20 Minutes.
(c) A SAAF C130 aircraft
(d) A technical stop (both occasions).
(2) No
25 August 2017 - NW2298
Mathys, Ms L to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)On what date will his department update its manual in terms of section 14 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000; (2) whether his department’s next manual in terms of section 14 of the specified Act provides that certain documents (names and details furnished) are automatically available in terms of section 15 of the Act; if not, why not?
Reply:
1. The 2017 manual in terms of section 14 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000 has been approved by the Information Officer of this Department and is in the process of being published on the Department’s website.
2. In terms of the 2017 manual, the following listed documents are automatically available:
(i) all registered rights granted in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (the “MPRDA”);
(ii) all applications for rights listed in (I limited to the extent that confidential information contained in such applications will not be made available without the prior consent of the applicant concerned;
(iii) Environmental management programmes approved in terms of the MPRDA and National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998 (“NEMA”);
(iv) Environmental management plans approvedin terms of the MPRDA;
(v) Social and labour plans approved in terms of the MPRDA escluding commercial, confidential or financial information;
(vi) Mining work programmes and prospecting work programmes approved in terms of the MPRDA excluding proof of financial ability;
(vii) Draft versions of the documents listed in (iii), (iv) and (v) submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources for approval is subject to the limitation in (ii) above;
(viii) Environmental authorisations issued in terms of NEMA;
(ix) Full applications for environmental authorisations in terms of NEMA subject to the limitation in ((ii) above;
(x) Social and labour plans approved in terms of the MPRDA (refer to (v) above;
(xi) prospecting work programmes approved in terms of the MPRDA (refer to (vi) above; and
(xii) Documents relating to the financial provision for rehabilitation.
The availability of the remaining listed documents are subject to an application for access to records in terms of PAIA. These documents are not automatically available, because access to records of this nature may have been refused in instances where statutory grounds for refusal are relevant and applicable.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017
25 August 2017 - NW2320
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Why is there an import duty on raw materials for manufacturing polyethylene terephthalate preforms which later get converted into bottles, yet there is no import duty on the preforms manufactured in other countries?
Reply:
I am advised that there is an import duty on PET resin (the raw material input) of 10% as well as on PET preforms and bottles, of 15%. The reason for the duty on both parts of the value chain is to support local manufacturing in South Africa.
-END-
24 August 2017 - NW1425
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) What resources are lacking at the Booysens Police Station in Johannesburg, (b) when will the specified resources be provided, (c) why have these resources not been provided previously and (d) what has been put in place in the interim to address this resource short-fall; (2) (a) how many posts are vacant at the specified police station, (b) when will the vacancies be filled, (c) why have the vacancies not been filled previously and (d) what measures have been put in place in the interim to address this human resource short-fall.
Reply:
(1)(a) The Booysens Police Station has a shortage of 12 vehicles.
(1)(b) Four vehicles were allocated to the Police Station, in the 2016/2017 financial year.
(1)(c) The allocation is based on the limited availability of new vehicles.
(1)(d) The Police Station has been earmarked for an additional allocation in the 2017/2018 financial year.
(2)(a) Fixed Establishment: 235.
Actual Personnel Strength: 283.
Surplus: 48.
Although there are surplus personnel at the Police Station, the following three posts, at the level of Captain (salary level eight), have been prioritised, for advertisement, during the next promotion round:
- 1 x CIMAC Official;
- 1 x Human Resource Management: Personnel Management; and
- 1 x Information Management Centre.
(2)(b) The vacant posts will be advertised in June 2017, and it is envisaged that they will be filled by 31 August 2017.
(2)(c) No allocation of posts were received prior to these allocations.
(2)(d) Vacancies are monitored on a monthly basis and requests are forwarded to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Head Office, for the allocation and advertisement of posts.
24 August 2017 - NW1678
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Police
How many drug-busting operations were conducted by the (a) SA Police Service and/or (b) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation at the (i) Apel, (ii) Maleboho, (iii) Rust de Winter, (iv) Burgersfort, (v) Tshamutumbu, (vi) Zebediela, (vii) Motetema and (viii) Bela-Bela police stations in Limpopo in each of the past 10 financial years?
Reply:
a) The total number of operations targeting illicit drugs conducted, during the specified period, by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo is as follows:
NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TARGETING ILLICIT DRUGS CONDUCTED AT THE STIPULATED STATIONS IN LIMPOPO |
||||||||||
STATION NAME |
2007 / 2008 |
2008 / 2009 |
2009 / 2010 |
2010/2011 |
2011/ 2012 |
2012/ 2013 |
2013/ 2014 |
2014/ 2015 |
2015/ 2016 |
2016/ 2017 |
(i) Apel |
18 |
16 |
200 |
261 |
224 |
216 |
249 |
265 |
160 |
173 |
(ii) Maleboho |
12 |
9 |
120 |
270 |
206 |
309 |
306 |
338 |
372 |
300 |
(iii) Rust de Winter |
6 |
4 |
162 |
214 |
228 |
472 |
596 |
99 |
22 |
51 |
(iv) Burgersfort |
385 |
338 |
429 |
506 |
577 |
476 |
445 |
362 |
349 |
308 |
(v) Tshamutumbu |
167 |
11 |
264 |
484 |
350 |
397 |
434 |
697 |
708 |
634 |
(vi) Zebediela |
27 |
94 |
275 |
202 |
241 |
237 |
242 |
188 |
279 |
307 |
(vii) Motetema |
18 |
67 |
391 |
762 |
538 |
304 |
427 |
366 |
278 |
227 |
(viii) Bela-Bela |
446 |
413 |
433 |
336 |
331 |
481 |
557 |
596 |
259 |
84 |
(b) The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was established in 2009 under SA Police Service Amendment Act 57 of 2008, as amended SAPS 10 of 2012, the reply provided is, therefore, a consolidation of the last eight financial years.
NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TARGETING ILLICIT DRUGS CONDUCTED AT THE STIPULATED STATIONS BY DPCI |
|
STATION NAME |
|
(i) Apel |
0 |
(ii) Maleboho |
0 |
(iii) Rust de Winter |
0 |
(iv) Burgersfort |
0 |
(v) Tshamutumbu |
0 |
(vi) Zebediela |
1 |
(vii) Motetema |
0 |
(viii) Bela-Bela |
1 |
24 August 2017 - NW1571
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(a) Who is the investigating officer in the (i) CAS 500/05/2016 lodged at the Silverton Police Station, (ii) CAS 943/10/2016 lodged at the Sandton Police Station and (iii) CAS 617/09/2015 lodged at the Durban Police Station and (b) what is the current status of the investigation into each of the specified cases?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii)(iii) and (b) All the above-mentioned case dockets are being investigated by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID). The Executive Director of IPID, should be approached to provide replies to the questions.
24 August 2017 - NW1367
Kalyan, Ms SV 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) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16 and (v) 2016-17 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) 2012/2013 financial year = 114 279;
(ii) 2013/2014 financial year = 129 328;
(iii) 2014/2015 financial year = 131 172;
(iv) 2015/2016 financial year = 127 323; and
(v) 2016/2017 financial year = 152 074.
24 August 2017 - NW1424
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) What resources are lacking at the Moffatview Police Station in Johannesburg, (b) when will the specified resources be provided, (c) why have these resources not been provided previously and (d) what has been put in place in the interim to address this resource short-fall; (2) (a) how many posts are vacant at the specified police station, (b) when will the vacancies be filled, (c) why have the vacancies not been filled previously and (d) what measures have been put in place in the interim to address this human resource short-fall?
Reply:
(1)(a) There are no shortages of vehicles at the Moffatview Police Station.
(1)(b) Two vehicles were allocated to the Police Station, in the 2016/2017 financial year.
(1)(c) Not applicable.
(1)(d) Not applicable.
(2)(a) Fixed Establishment: 160.
Actual Personnel Strength: 140.
Shortage: 20.
The following seven posts, at the level of Captain (salary level eight), have been prioritised for advertisement during the next promotion round:
- 1 x CIMAC Official;
- 1 x Sub-Section Commander: Communication Services;
- 1 x Sub-Section Commander: Human Resource Management;
- 2 x Sub-Section Commander: Detective Service; and
- 2 x Sub-Section Commander: Shifts.
The station also received an allocation of eight new entry level appointments.
(2)(b) The vacant posts will be advertised in June 2017, and it is envisaged that the posts will be filled by 31 August 2017.
(2)(c) No allocation of posts were received, prior to these allocations.
(2)(d) Vacancies are monitored on a monthly basis and requests are forwarded to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Head Office, for allocation and advertisement of posts.
24 August 2017 - NW1670
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
How many drug-busting operations were conducted by the (a) SA Police Service and/or (b) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation at the (i) Ikamvelihle, (ii) Mtontsasa, (iii) Storms River, (iv) Thornhill, (v) Motherwell, (vi) Cookhouse, (vii) Alexandria in the Cacadu district and (viii) Tsolo police stations in the Eastern Cape in each of the past 10 financial years?
Reply:
a) The total number of operations targeting illicit drugs conducted, during the specified period, by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape is as follows:
NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TARGETING ILLICIT DRUGS CONDUCTED AT THE STIPULATED STATIONS IN THE EASTERN CAPE |
||||||||
STATION NAME |
2009 / 2010 |
2010/2011 |
2011/ 2012 |
2012/ 2013 |
2013/ 2014 |
2014/ 2015 |
2015/ 2016 |
2016/ 2017 |
(i) Ikamvelihle |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
48 |
44 |
100 |
32 |
(ii) Mtontsasa |
37 |
37 |
37 |
37 |
37 |
37 |
37 |
37 |
(iii) Storms River |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
(iv) Thornhill |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
(v) Motherwell |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
32 |
9 |
0 |
14 |
(vi) Cookhouse |
36 |
31 |
36 |
24 |
28 |
32 |
34 |
26 |
(vii) Alexandria |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
(viii) Tsolo |
0 |
4 |
7 |
4 |
6 |
11 |
0 |
7 |
(b) The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was established in 2009 under SA Police Service Amendment Act 57 of 2008, as amended SAPS 10 of 2012, the reply provided is, therefore, a consolidation of the last eight financial years.
NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TARGETING ILLICIT DRUGS CONDUCTED AT THE STIPULATED STATIONS IN THE EASTERN CAPE BY DPCI |
|
STATION NAME |
|
(i) Ikamvelihle |
0 |
(ii) Mtontsasa |
0 |
(iii) Storms River |
0 |
(vi) Thornhill |
0 |
(v) Motherwell |
0 |
(vi) Cookhouse |
0 |
(vii) Alexandria |
0 |
(viii) Tsolo |
0 |
24 August 2017 - NW1679
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Police
How many drug-busting operations were conducted by the (a) SA Police Service and/or (b) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation at the (i) Sekukhune, (ii) Namakgale, (iii) Masisi, (iv) Nebo, (v) Makuya, (vi) Tshilwavhusiku, (vii) Sekgosese and (viii) Vaalwater police stations in Limpopo in each of the past 10 financial years?
Reply:
a) The total number of operations targeting illicit drugs conducted, during the specified period, by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo is as follows:
NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TARGETING ILLICIT DRUGS CONDUCTED AT THE STIPULATED STATIONS IN LIMPOPO |
||||||||||
STATION NAME |
2007 / 2008 |
2008 / 2009 |
2009 / 2010 |
2010/2011 |
2011/ 2012 |
2012/ 2013 |
2013/ 2014 |
2014/ 2015 |
2015/ 2016 |
2016/ 2017 |
(i) Sekukhune |
41 |
192 |
176 |
132 |
160 |
187 |
423 |
575 |
132 |
318 |
(ii) Namakgale |
57 |
76 |
160 |
157 |
170 |
389 |
912 |
399 |
76 |
209 |
(iii) Masisi |
0 |
370 |
646 |
794 |
677 |
666 |
633 |
246 |
259 |
301 |
(iv) Nebo |
152 |
45 |
259 |
328 |
362 |
297 |
266 |
364 |
251 |
190 |
(v) Makuya |
41 |
22 |
246 |
215 |
304 |
455 |
568 |
654 |
656 |
636 |
(vi) Tshilwavhusiku |
178 |
245 |
266 |
299 |
319 |
484 |
722 |
731 |
159 |
517 |
(vii) Sekgosese |
10 |
22 |
105 |
591 |
652 |
801 |
701 |
738 |
293 |
151 |
(viii) Vaalwater |
9 |
11 |
122 |
194 |
229 |
282 |
347 |
515 |
179 |
517 |
(b) The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was established in 2009 under SA Police Service Amendment Act 57 of 2008, as amended SAPS 10 of 2012, the reply provided is, therefore, a consolidation of the last eight financial years.
NUMBER OF OPERATIONS TARGETING ILLICIT DRUGS CONDUCTED AT THE STIPULATED STATIONS BY DPCI |
|
STATION NAME |
|
(i) Sekukhune |
0 |
(ii) Namakgale |
1 |
(iii) Masisi |
0 |
(iv) Nebo |
0 |
(v) Makuya |
0 |
(vi) Tshilwavhusiku |
0 |
(vii) Sekgosese |
0 |
(viii) Vaalwater |
0 |
24 August 2017 - NW1593
Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Police
What programme or strategy does the SA Police Service have in place to deal with the nationwide epidemic of sexual violence committed against female students at institutions of higher learning?
Reply:
The South African Police Service (SAPS), is committed to provide a professional and empathetic service which will focus on the needs of victims of all sexual-related crimes, which are committed against women and children. The SAPS has a dual mandate in terms of addressing sexual-related crimes, which is as follows:
- Proactive: Conduct awareness programmes to educate and sensitise communities, as a preventative measure, to curb sexual-related crimes, as well as to collaborate with external stakeholders, such as the Department of Social Development, the Department of Higher Education and various non-profit organisations.
- Reactive: Investigate reported sexual related crimes, as guided by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007) and the Sexual Offences Act, 1957 (Act No 23 of 1957).
The proactive approach to the addressing of sexual-related offences, committed at institutions of higher learning, is one that requires specific interventions and the forging of partnerships, based on what would be the most appropriate manner of addressing causes and factors that contribute to the crimes committed. Examples of these interventions range from those that specifically target institutions, where these crimes have been reported, to general awareness-raising campaigns, aimed at all members of the public, regarding sexual offences.
In addition, as part of the general approach to addressing sexual-related offences, victims of sexual offences are encouraged to report these crimes, in order to enable thorough investigation, directed at ensuring the successful conviction of the perpetrator.
Examples of the proactive crime prevention approach, per Province, are indicated below:
PROVINCE |
APPLICABLE INTERVENTIONS |
Eastern Cape |
|
Free State |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
|
Limpopo |
|
Western Cape |
|
Gauteng |
|
North West |
|
Northern Cape |
|
Mpumalanga |
|
24 August 2017 - NW1545
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Police
(1)Whether the trip that was undertaken from Gauteng to Cape Town by the SA Police Service (SAPS) member (name and details furnished) who visited the Chief Whip of the Opposition, Mr J H Steenhuisen, at Parliament on 12 May 2017 in the company of three unknown female officers to take down a warning statement was authorised; if not, what action will be taken against the officers involved for undertaking an unauthorised trip from Gauteng to Cape Town; if so, (a) by whom and (b) on what grounds; (2) what are the full details of the costs incurred by the SAPS for (a) (i) fuel, (ii) accommodation, (iii) meal and (iv) overtime costs and (b) any other expenses?
Reply:
1. Yes, the journey from Gauteng to Cape Town was authorised as an official journey, specifically to conduct investigation duties.
(1)(a) The journey was authorised by Colonel V Boodhoo, from the office of the Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Crime Detection, Gauteng.
(1)(b) The journey was authorised to obtain statements and serve subpoenas on persons in relation to Brooklyn, CAS 798/03/2017 (criminal defamation), Alberton, CAS 182/07/2015 (murder) and Hillbrow, CAS 798/09/2015 (possession of a firearm without a licence).
(2)(a)(i) to (iv) and (b)
The following costs were incurred by the South African Police Service (SAPS):
(2)(a)(i) |
Fuel |
R2 490,06 |
(2)(a)(ii) |
Accommodation |
R4 200,00 |
(2)(a)(iii) |
Meals |
R2 160,00 |
(2)(a)(iv) |
Overtime |
R0,00 |
(2)(b) |
Subsistence expenses |
R1 413,30 |
Total |
R10 263,36 |