Questions and Replies

Reply:

(1) (a) (i) Hybrid working arrangements have been withdrawn for all employees including employees with co-morbidities (now handled in line with standard sick leave procedures as per DPSA circular 38/2022).

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

(b) N/A

(2) N/A

Reply:

The lead department for the South African Pavilion at the Dubai Expo was the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. It is therefore suggested that the Honourable member redirect his question to the relevant Minister.

Reply:

What total amount in Rand has been spent on:

	a|) Catering since 29 May 2019 – until 31 March 2021*	b) Entertainment since 29 May 2019-– until 31 March 2021*	c) Accommodation since 29 May 2019-– until 31 March 2021*
i) Minister	R 79 451.51	R 8 341.00	R 168 847.36
ii) Deputy Minister	R 98 984.71	R 10 438.17	R 597 072.93
iii) Officials in the department	R 6 681 088.58	R 482 948.00	R 11 020 937.57

*Spent from April 2021 -March 2022 is excluded as it is being audited and spent from April 202 until date still needs to be audited.

Reply:

(a) The Minister is not aware of any funding pledge made at the Africa Travel Indaba. The Department stands ready to assist where possible as indicated by the Minister in support of tourism recovery efforts for both KZN and EC provinces regarding the recent floods. However, provinces will have to confirm the respective needs so as to avoid duplication of resources.

(b) Not applicable

(c) Not applicable

Reply:

a) (i) (aa) and (bb) Catering: Ministry

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(i) Catering	(i) Catering	(i) Catering	(i) Catering
April	10 403.08	-	To be audited	To be audited
May	-	7 355.00
June	49 061.46	-
July	-	-
August	1 640.00	-
September	-	-
October	-	9 652.55
November	-	-
December	-	1 000.00
January	-	-
February	7 152.15	21 992.50
March	3 485.00	42 974.86
Total	71 741.69	82 974.91

(a) (i)(cc) Catering: Officials in the department

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(i) Catering	(i) Catering	(i) Catering	(i) Catering
April	166 628.05	60 716.50	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	329 146.80	90 093.05
June	38 645.23	3 156.20
July	531 471.80	10 000.00
August	207 516.40	1 744.50
September	305 755.20	461 903.00
October	113 323.50	608 559.60
November	440 785.25	554 512.04
December	571 318.90	292 207.70
January	217 514.70	19 950.00
February	113 473.40	70 977.60
March	1 242 868.70	705 752.28
Total	4 278 447.93	2 879 572.47

a) (ii) (aa) and (bb) Entertainment: Ministry

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(ii) Entertainment	(ii) Entertainment	(ii) Entertainment	(ii) Entertainment
April	1 500.00	-	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	-	-
June	-	-
July	480.67	-
August	-	-
September	-	-
October	-	2 915.50
November	-	5 425.50
December	-	-
January	-	-
February	-	-
March	-	-
Total	2 030.67	18 298.50

(a) (ii)(cc) Entertainment: Officials in the department

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(ii) Entertainment:	(ii) Entertainment:	(ii) Entertainment:	(ii) Entertainment:
April	15 975.11	-	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	724.00	-
June	-	-
July	-	-
August	-	4 475.00
September	9 500.00	113 490.00
October	-	-
November	-	69 413.00
December	-	-
January	9 000.00	-
February	61 000.00	-
March	135 250.00	79 920.00
Total	232 349.11	267 298.00

a) (iii) (aa) and (bb) Accommodation: Ministry

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(iii) Accommodation	(iii) Accommodation	(iii) Accommodation	(iii) Accommodation
April	30 496.28	-	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	4 046.58	19 624.84
June	21 726.49	3 007.50
July	108 329.56	-
August	61 477.86	7592.50
September	99 843.71	1 592.50
October	109 581.67	-
November	8 295.18	27 723.70
December	21 949.88	12 207.50
January	89 948.01	-
February	76 976.65	-
March	179 212.91	13 234.50
Total	811 884.78	84 983.04

(a) (iii) (cc) Accommodation: Officials in the department

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(iii) Accommodation:	(iii) Accommodation	(iii) Accommodation	(iii) Accommodation
April	1 290 765.20	10 077.77	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	643 079.51	374 319.26
June	573 968.41	32 960.77
July	709 894.08	3 747.50
August	1 165 472.22	23 987.45
September	1 303 342.65	83 027.31
October	1 129 517.76	385 179.59
November	833 461.78	362 128.25
December	705 196.07	483 663.91
January	573 528.18	61 405.40
February	793 454.91	195 888.39
March	1 019 777.87	458 150.59
Total	10 741 458.64	2 474 536.19

a) (iv) (aa) and (bb) Domestic flights: Ministry

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(iv) Domestic flights	(iv) Domestic flights	(iv) Domestic flights	(iv) Domestic flights
April	126 761.27	-	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	70 736.28	80 286.92
June	63 177.10	74 939.45
July	163 780.20	12 212.92
August	109 375.16	-
September	88 203.84	-
October	117 854.14	-
November	121 741.23	28 116.34
December	137 332.22	5 163.21
January	111 676.23	-
February	50 346.40	45 795.97
March	63 599.40	27 658.09
Total	1 224 583.47	274 172.90

a) (iv)(cc) Domestic Flights: Officials

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(iv)Domestic Flights	(iv)Domestic Flights	(iv)Domestic Flights	(iv)Domestic Flights
April	117 6905.81	-	Still to be audited	Still to be audited
May	926 238.49	517 864.81
June	822 139.92	167 187.14
July	1 192 714.26	12 212.92
August	1 569 268.82	2 426.46
September	1 713 913.55	122 570.92
October	1 903 064.12	420 226.45
November	1 592 496.77	697 071.61
December	1 336 801.79	174 357.96
January	663 784.35	-
February	1 187 906.52	471 265.49
March	1 488 086.33	424 268.28
Total	15 573 320.73	3 009 452.04

(a) (v) (aa) (bb) International flights: Ministry

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(v) International flights	(v) International flights	(v) International flights	(v) International flights
April	192.67	-	To be audited	To be audited
May	-	-
June	-	-
July	-	-
August	68 279.93	-
September	150 035.79	-
October	-	-
November	132 723.86	-
December	61 484.93	-
January	218 689.65	-
February	70 610.43	-
March	197 574.79	-
Total	899592.05	-

a) (v) (cc) International Flights: Officials

Month	(aaa) 2019-2020 financial year	(aaa) 2020-2021 financial year	(aaa) 2021-2022 financial year	(bbb) Since 1 April 2022 to date
	(v) International Flights	(v) International Flights	(v)International Flights	(v) International Flights
April	268 276.89	-	To be audited	To be audited
May	83 337.29	77 577.43
June	89 462.72	142 800.00
July	20 871.93	-
August	143 796.65	-
September	212 570.44	-
October	264 061.65	-
November	553 958.30	-
December	304 018.91	-
January	266 708.91	-
February	56 815.36	-
March	518 604.02	-
Total	2 782 483.07	220 377.43

b) All above expenses are related to the execution of official duties of the Minister, Deputy Minister and Officials of the Department.

Reply:

a) Department

(i) No formal audit has been undertaken however preventative and detective internal controls measures are implemented on the departmental post establishment.

(ii) Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).

(iii) Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).

iv) 

2019-2020 financial year	2020-2021 financial year	2021-2022 financial year	2022 to date
Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).	Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).	Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).	Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).

v) Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).

(vi) Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i).

(viii) Not applicable, based on the answer provided in (i), however the Department has adequate internal control measure on the monthly review of the post establishment and certification of salary expenditure where Head of business units sign-off on the payroll certificates as confirmation that all the names listed therein are employees. Review, monitoring of the post establishment and signing of pay sheets is conducted monthly by the PERSAL manager and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

b) SA Tourism

(i) The audit is conducted annually by the Auditor General

(ii) No ghost employees were identified in the last audit

(iii) Not applicable

(iv) Not applicable

2019-2020 financial year	2020-2021 financial year	2021-2022 financial year	2022 to date
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

(v) Not applicable

(vi) Not applicable

(viii) The organisation conducts monthly head count report against payroll and the monthly alignment of the organogram against the head count.

 

Reply:

a) (i) (iii) (iv) The Honourable Member is referred to the presentations made to the Portfolio Committee on 1 March 2022 and 7 June 2022. These presentations contain a summary of all of the infrastructure projects that are currently underway in terms of Programme 3: Destination Development.

The Honorable Member is also referred to my response to Question 946 dated 18 March 2022 as asked by Honorable Mr. MSF de Freitas, which is included below for the Honourable Member’s convenience.

(ii) I am not able to reveal any amounts as this could jeopardize the current supply chain processes that are underway.

(a) (v) (aa and bb) I am unable to divulge the names of persons and contractors involved in the projects for two reasons:

• In terms of the POPIA, the names of persons and contractors may not be provided without prior permission; and
• According to established practise applicable to parliamentary questions and guidelines contained in the document titled, “Guide to Parliamentary Questions in the National Assembly”, Members of Parliament, including the Executive, are prohibited from divulging names of persons, bodies when asking or responding to parliamentary questions. The document referred to specifically states the following:

“Questions are to be framed as concisely as possible. All unnecessary adjectives, references and quotations are omitted. Names of persons, bodies and, for example, newspapers are only used in questions if the facts surrounding the case have been proven. As the mere mention of such names could be construed as publicity for or against them, it should be clear that this practice is highly undesirable. If a question will be unintelligible without mentioning such names, the Departments concerned are notified of the name (-s) and this phrase is used: ".......a certain person (name furnished)”

(b) How are tenders advertised?

All tenders are published on the relevant state organ’s website and on the etender website of National Treasury. http://www.etenders.gov.za

All suppliers must be registered on the Central Supplier Database of National Treasury in order to do business with government. http://www.csd.gov.za

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY:

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY:

Question Number: 946

Date of Publication: 18 March 2022

NA IQP Number: 11

Date of reply: Still to be tabled

Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism:

With reference to tourism infrastructure projects (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2021, (i) what total number of projects commenced, but were not completed in each specified month and/or period, (ii)(aa) what and (bb) where were the projects in each month and/or period, (iii)(aa) which projects did not have an environmental impact assessment undertaken and (bb) why not, in each case, and (iv) why were the projects not completed in each month and/or period? NW1189E

REPLY:

a) (1) 2018/19 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2018/19 page 46-51 https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Department%20of%20Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202018-2019.pdf

(2) 2019/20 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2019/20 page 47-54 https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202019-20.pdf

(3) 2020/21 refer to Annual Performance Report 2020/21 page 34-36

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%2020-21.pdf

b) Since April 2021 the following infrastructure projects are outlined in the Department’s 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan

1. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented at 19 (nineteen) National Parks:

1. EC Addo National Park
2. EC Camdeboo
3. EC Mountain Zebra
4. WC Garden Route (Knysna, Wilderness)
5. EC Tsitsikamma
6. NC Karoo
7. FS Golden Gate
8. NW Marakele
9. LP Mapungubwe
10. NC Kgalagadi
11. NC Augrabies
12. NC Namakwa
13. NC Richtersveld
14. WC Agulhas
15. WC Bontebok
16. WC Table Mountain
17. WC West Coast
18. WC Tankwa-Karoo
19. MP Kruger

2. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented in one state owned asset in all nine Provinces.

Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed for sites recommended for inclusion in the provincial maintenance programme.

3. Support the Implementation of Thirty Community-based Tourism Projects:

1. LP Matsila Lodge
2. LP Phiphidi Waterfall
3. LP The Oaks Lodge
4. MP Mnisi Resort
5. LP Ngove
6. LP Tisane
7. LP VhaTsonga
8. FS QwaQwa Guest House
9. FS Vredefort Dome
10. FS Monotsha
11. NW Manyane Lodge
12. NW Lotlamoreng Dam
13. NC Platfontein Lodge
14. NC Kamiesburg
15. KZN Muzi Pan
16. EC Maluti Hiking Trail
17. EC Mthonsi Lodge
18. EC Qatywa Lodge
19. EC Nyandeni Chalets
20. EC Western Tembuland
21. KZN Anton Lembede Museum eThekwini Municipality
22. NC McGregor Museum
23. KZN AmaHlubi Cultural Heritage
24. NC & NW Sol Plaatjie Museum
25. NW Lehurutshe Liberation Heritage Museum
26. MP Numbi Gate
27. LP Nandoni Dam
28. LP Tshathogwe Game Farm
29. LP Mtititi Game Farm
30. LP Mapate Recreational Social Tourism Facility

(iii) (aa) and (bb) In 2021/22, built environment professionals were appointed for these projects and planning is being finalised, including the necessary planning approvals which would include EIA’s if and where applicable.

(iv) Final completions of projects can only be reported once the financial year has been concluded with an audit of all the project

Reply:

The Minister has been briefed of the impact of the floods on tourism infrastructure. This was done during the recent site inspections by a team from the Department of Tourism; EDTEA; TKZN; Ezemvelo and the KZN Sharks Board: - (19 April 2022), to the following sites: -

• Two World Heritage Sites - iSimangaliso Wetland Park and uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park focusing on Didima Nature Reserve
• Big 5 Game Reserve - Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
• Coastal & Marine Tourism and Coastal Belt - Dakota Beach in Isipingo, Margate, Salt Rock Beach Front, Ballito, St. Lucia)
• Midlands Tourism Route – Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls, Midmar Game Reserve, etc.

The intention was to undertake assessments of sites that have relatively high impact on the value-chain to drive local tourism development and recovery post the pandemic, thus having socio-economic bearing on affected neighboring communities.

Findings

The damage wreaked by the floods is in various categories, viz:-

• Damage at beaches include debris, damage to dunes as well as damage to safety nets etc;
• Infrastructure and services, including water and electricity, roads and bridges;
• Structural damage to buildings, including roofs and walls.
• While King Shaka International Airport experienced water damage in parts of the terminal, there was no disturbance to operations and flights are operating as scheduled (not part of the inspections by the team).

Based on the latest available information from these areas, the total estimated damage thus far is about, R131 445 000,00. KZN has indicated that cases for immediate attention amount to about R89 595 000, while the balance can be undertaken over the medium term.

Fortunately, the overall impact is that tourism will not face long term negative impact. Arrangements were made by the Province and local authorities to clean up the beaches by removing the debris and other objects that affect access thereto. Relevant Provincial and municipal Departments and entities have commenced work in restoring/repairing infrastructure and services crucial to communities and business, e.g. raids, bridges etc. In some of the areas e.g. Isipingo, local communities have been closely involved in the cleanup of the beaches and we are grateful to them for lending a hand. At the moment access to beaches in some areas is possible and normal beach activities can take place.

(2) The reconstruction of the infrastructure is being assessed by the relevant lead departments. Progress is being communicated to the public in the normal course. As a department, we will contribute to the extent required where possible once the Province has concluded associated processes regarding the nature of support. This is also to ensure that there is no duplication of resources.

As regards the specific tourism infrastructure, the owners have during engagement indicated that some have insurance to cover some of the damage and mainly want speedy reconstruction of the affected bulk infrastructure. The Department working with the Provincial Authorities will ascertain the extent to which tourism specific support may be required and if necessary look into reprioritisation of resources. Again, this is based on the understanding that there should not be a duplication of resources.

The overall assessment is that there has not been fundamental disruption of the province’s tourism offerings. Based on the assessment, the department has no separate initiatives for the floods but is working with the province to assist in recovery of the affected site.

Reply:

10 The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) has been under implementation since April 2021 and progress towards achieving the Plan’s seven Strategic Interventions has been achieved as follows:

a) Norms and Standards

• Norms and Standards in respect of COVID-19 were gazetted by the Department in December 2021, providing a uniform framework for safe tourism operations for the sector. Integration of the norms and standards into various training programmes, namely, Food Safety Quality Assurers; Chefs; Wine Service Training and Hospitality Youth Programmes is in progress.

b) Infrastructure Maintenance and Enhancement

• Infrastructure maintenance work continued in 19 National Parks and 800 participants were employed as at the end of quarter three;
• Five (5) Nature Reserves identified in Limpopo for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme aimed at enhancing and maintaining state-owned attractions;
• Five (5) community-owned tourism projects to enhance visitor experience supported in Limpopo; and
• Nine state as well as community owned projects supported by the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DEDTEA) to enhance their physical state and sustainability.

c) Other achievements

• Three sessions were held to encourage hosting of major events in Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSDs).
• The implementation of the recovery efforts has also seen the return to full operation for food and beverage facilities.
• Improvements has also been noticed in the accommodation sector with regards to occupancies.
• Furthermore, the country has also witnessed the return of the various tourism trade shows such as Meetings Africa and Africa Travel Indaba in person and many other business meetings that the country is now hosting with more secured going forward.

d) Enablers

• The Global Advocacy Programme aimed at re-igniting the South African Brand was launched;
• The Tourism Monitors Programme was launched in collaboration with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) on 15 November 2021 at the OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports;
• Integration of Tourism Safety Tips into MYSAPS App was completed and the development of a coding system by the South African Police Services to help encode cases reported by tourists is underway;
• The Department of Home Affairs (DHA)’s e-visa application system is now open. Eligible countries include:
• Kenya and Cameroon;
• Democratic Republic of the Congo, Philippines and Rwanda;
• Ethiopia, Iran and Egypt;
• India, Uganda and Mexico;
• Pakistan and Nigeria; and
• China and Saudi Arabia.
• The e-visa link https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home creates a four-step process where applicants can create their profile associated with passport details; submit online application form; upload documentation; and confirm secure payment;
• Biometric Movement Control System rolled-out at OR Tambo International Airport; and Immigration e-Gates implemented at three (3) major international airports.
• In respect of re-establishing South Africa’s airlift capacity, various airline operators resumed operations to and within South Africa.
• The challenge remains the vaccination uptake.
• Government consumption when it comes to utilization of commercial venues has also supported the recovery of the sector.

2. The Department engaged with the Departments of Home Affairs, Health, SAPS and Transport during the development of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan and they endorsed actions that are within their respective mandates. The plan was approved at Cabinet level and reporting against its implementation is part of the reporting against Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).

3. The Department coordinates the Local Government Peer Learning Sessions in conjunction with Provinces and Local Government to constantly address matters relating to tourism development and promotion including tourism recovery. Thus, the Department’s point of entry to community tourism organisations is through Provincial and Local government with due recognition of the concurrency of the tourism legislative mandate.

Reply:

a) Department

(i) In October 2020 a criminal case was opened with the South African Police Service against implicated officials and service providers.

(ii) The reason for opening the case was due to contravention of PFMA provisions.

(iii) One criminal case was opened in October 2020 against all involved officials.

(iv) The criminal case was opened at the Sunnyside Police Station in Pretoria.

(v) The Director-General of the Department of Tourism opened the criminal case.

(vi) here is no case currently resolved, investigations are underway.

(vii) There is no outcome at the moment as the investigations are currently underway.

b) SA Tourism

SA Tourism has not opened any criminal case with SA Police Services in the past three financial years as well as the current year to date.

(i) – (viii) Not Applicable

 

Reply:

1. The broader challenges with infrastructure are well known to respective Government Departments including the Department of Tourism. While the tourism sector, just like many others depends on bulk infrastructure and services to be fully operational for both citizens and tourists alike, the development and maintenance of bulk infrastructure is not the competency of the Department of Tourism. The Department also believes that effective and functional public infrastructure at local level is the direct responsibility of the local authorities and where necessary with the support of the respective mandated portfolio departments.

2. The recovery of tourism is a collective responsibility of all spheres of government and across the various role-playing portfolios. Thus, each portfolio responsible for such enabling infrastructure across the spheres of government should effectively perform the mandate thereby enabling the recovery efforts for tourism and other sectors. To this end, the District Development Model (DDM) will go a long way in creating such enabling environment.

Reply:

The Department of Tourism does not use cultural grouping as a criterion for selection of projects but rather implements transformational projects in destinations with the potential for more than one tourism project within the District Development Model.

The following projects do involve the Khoi and San communities:

• Interpretation Centre, signage and Narrative Development for the Khomani San Cultural Landscape in the Kgalagadi World Heritage Site (Local San communities in Rietfontein, Ashkam and Mier);
• Tourism Interpretative Signage in Richtersveld World Heritage Site Local San (Nama) communities, Khuboes and Lekkersing);
• The !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park (Local San (!Komani San) communities in Rietfontein, Ashkam and Mier);
• Mier Tourism SMME Incubator (Local San communities in Rietfontein, Ashkam and Mier);
• SANParks Infrastructure Maintenance Programme- (Local communities surrounding the National parks, i.e Richtersveld, Namakwa, Tankwa, Karoo, Kgalagadi, Augrabies, Bontebok, Agulhas, West Coast and Table Mountain);
• Capacity Building Workshops- (Namakwa and Upington); and
• SKA Science Visitor Centre - (Carnarvon, Vanwyksvlei, and Brandvlei).

Reply:

a) The Department of Tourism, has not concluded any commercial contract with (i) the government of the Russian Federation and/or (ii) any other entity based in the Russian Federation since 1 April 2017.

(aa) – (ee) Not applicable

b) SA Tourism, has not concluded any commercial contract with (i) the government of the Russian Federation and/or (ii) any other entity based in the Russian Federation since 1 April 2017.

(aa) –(ee) Not applicable

Reply:

1. (i) Minister, since 29 May 2019

(a) Make	(b) Model	(c) Year of manufacture	(d) Price	(e) Purchase date
Volvo based in Cape Town	XC60 D4 AWD G/T Inscription	2020	R700 000-00	2020/12/07
Volvo based in Pretoria	XC60 D4 AWD G/T Inscription	2020	R700 000-00	2020/12/07

(ii) Deputy Minister, since 29 May 2019

(a) Make	(b) Model	(c) Year of manufacture	(d) Price	(e) Purchase date
Volvo based in Cape Town	XC40 D4-AWD G/T Momentum	2021	R700 000-00	2021/03/24
Volvo based in Pretoria	XC40 D4-AWD G/T Momentum	2021	R700 000-00	2021/03/24

(a)&(b) (i) Security detail for both the Minister and Deputy Minister is confidential and is the responsibility of SAPS.

(a)&(b) (ii) Cost for security is paid for by the VIP Protective Services of the SAPS and not by the Department of Tourism.

Reply:

a) (i) Security Services paid by the Department relates to the Head Office at Tourism House at 17 Trevenna street, Sunnyside. No personal security is provided for personnel.

(ii) Security Services paid by the department is rendered by Octavian Group (Pty) Ltd, with the purpose of provision of 24-7-365 days Security and Guarding services to the Department of Tourism’s Head Office.

(iii)The monthly cost is R140 326.94

b) (i) Security Services paid by SA Tourism relates to the Head Office at Bojanala House, 90 Protea Road, Chislehurston, 2196. No security is provided for personnel.

(ii) Security services at SA Tourism is rendered by Fidelity Security Services (Pty) Ltd, with the purpose of provision of 24-7-365 days Security and Guarding services to SA Tourism, Head Office.

(iii)The monthly cost is R72,082.68.

 

Reply:

No, the department has not placed advertisements with the Minister’s face and her profile. Only departmental programme-based advertorials/advertisements are placed at the department’s cost.

(a) –(e) Not applicable

Reply:

a) Department

(i) Current total number of unfilled posts.	(ii) Since what date has each respective post been unfilled in each case.	(iii) What are the reasons for each post remaining unfilled in each case.
52	Since April 2017 to March 2022. (Refer to attached table)	Natural attrition due to movement of staff (Refer to attached table) and fiscal constraints on the compensation of employees

 

(d) It is envisaged that all posts will be filled by latest the end of September 2022. (Refer to attached table)

(e) The functions of the unfilled posts are currently executed through various intervention strategies e.g. assignment of additional functions in terms of section 32 of the Public Service Act, 1994 as amended. (Refer to attached table)

Detail of the Department of Tourism unfilled posts
No.	Post name	(ii)Vacant date	(iii)Reasons for post being vacant	(d)Envisaged date for filling post	(e)How are functions currently executed
Ministry
1.	Parliamentary Liaison Officer	01 September 2021	New post in the establishment	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable.
2	Cabinet and Parliamentary Officer	01 September 2021	New post in the establishment	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable.
Branch: Corporate Management
Office of the DDG: Corporate Management
3.	Branch Coordinator: Corporate Management	01 April 2019	Previous incumbent transferred to another component	Post not yet advertised	There’s an official acting in the post.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
4.	Chief Financial Officer	01 October 2022	Previous incumbent resigned	June/July 2022	There’s an official acting in the post.
5.	DD: Internal Control and Compliance	01 April 2017	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
6.	ASD: Budgeting	01 May 2021	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	July/August 2022	Not applicable No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
7.	Snr Supply Chain Practitioner	01 September 2021	Previous incumbent was promoted	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
8.	State Accountant: Creditors, Travel and Subsistence	01 November 2020	Previous incumbent transferred to another component	July/August 2022	There was a contractor appointed in the post.
CD: Communications
9.	Chief Director: Communications	01 November 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	July/August 2022	There’s an official acting in the post.
10.	DD: Internal Comms and Graphic Design	01 October 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
11.	DD: Content Writer and Editor	01 March 2022	Previous incumbent was promoted to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
12.	ASD: Content Writer	20 December 2018	Previous incumbent is deceased	Post not yet advertised	There’s an official acting in the post.
13.	ASD: Internal Communication	01 November 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
CD: Strategy and Systems
14.	ASD: Risk and Integrity Management	01 November 2018	Previous incumbent resigned	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
15.	Risk Management Practitioner	01 November 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
16.	Risk Management Practitioner	01 December 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
17.	DD: Entity Oversight	01 June 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
CD: HR Management and Development
18.	Snr Health Practitioner	16 February 2018	Previous incumbent was promoted to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
19.	ASD: Auxillary Support	01 April 2022	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	Post not yet advertised	There’s an official acting in the post
20.	Security Officer	01 December 2020	Previous incumbent was retired	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
21.	Security Officer	01 December 2021	Previous incumbent was promoted to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
22.	DD: HR Strategy Planning and Information Man	01 May 2018	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	Post not yet advertised	There’s an official acting in the post.
CD: Legal Services
23.	Legal Admin Officer	01 September 2018	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
24.	Legal Admin Officer	01 February 2019	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
25.	Snr Legal Admin Officer	01 October 2018	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
26.	Admin Assistant: Legal Services	01 February 2022	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Internal Audit
27.	DD: IT Audit	01 November 2018	Previous incumbent resigned	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
Branch: Tourism Research, Policy and International Relations
D: Strategic Sector Partnerships
28.	D: Strategic Sector Partnerships	01 December 2019	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	July 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
29.	DD: Strategic Sector Partnerships	20 November 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	There’s an official acting in the post.
30.	DD: Strategic Sector Partnerships	01 March 2022	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Policy Development and Regulations
31.	DD: Policy Dev and Regulation	01 August 2019	Previous incumbent transferred to another component	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Strategy and Development
32.	DD: Strategy Development	01 May 2021	Previous incumbent was promoted to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Knowledge Management
33.	DD: Knowledge Management Strategy and Planning	01 December 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
34.	Knowledge Management Officer	07 January 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Monitoring and Evaluation
35.	ASD: Monitoring and Data Management	10 November 2018	Previous incumbent was promoted to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
36.	Director: Bilateral Relations and Cooperation	01 June 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	July 2022	There’s an official acting in the post.
37.	Deputy Director: Africa and Middle East	01 November 2019	Previous incumbent was transferred to another component	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
38.	ASD: Bilateral Relations and Cooperation	01 November 2021	Previous incumbent was promoted to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
39.	ASD: Multilateral and Cooperation	01 April 2020	Previous incumbent was transferred to another department	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
Branch: Destination Development
Office of the DDG: Destination Development
40.	Branch Coordinator: Destination Development	12 February 2019	Previous incumbent transferred to another department	July/August 2022	There’s an official acting in the post.
CD: Destination Planning and Investment Coordination
41.	Admin Assistant: Planning and Investment	27 September 2018	Previous incumbent is deceased	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
CD: Tourism Enhancement
42.	CD: Tourism Enhancement	01 August 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	July 2022	There’s an official acting in the post.
D: Investment Facilitation
43.	DD: Investment Facilitation	01 October 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Destination Planning
44.	ASD: Spatial Mapping and Database Management	01 October 2017	New post due to re-structuring	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Experience and Route Development
45.	ASD: Experience and Route Development	01 November 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Tourism Integration
46.	D: Tourism Integration	01 December 2019	Previous incumbent was promoted to a higher post	July 2022	There’s an official acting in the post.
Branch: Tourism Sector Support Services
Office of the DDG: Tourism Sector Support Services
47.	Branch Coordinator: TSSS	01 October 2020	Previous incumbent transferred to another component	Post not yet advertised	There’s an official acting in the post.
D: Responsible Tourism
48.	DD: Tourism and Env Efficiency	01 April 2021	Previous incumbent was promoted to a higher post	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Programme Planning and Implementation
49.	DD: Programme Planning and Implementation	01 November 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Tourism Guiding Management
50.	DD: Tourism Guiding Growth and Dev	01 May 2019	Previous incumbent transferred to another component	July/August 2022	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.
D: Provincial and Local Government Coordination
51.	D: Provincial and Local Government Coordination	13 December 2020	Previous incumbent is deceased	Post not yet advertised	Not applicable. No official appointed in acting capacity or assigned the tasks.

b) South Africa Tourism

(i) Current total number of unfilled posts.	(ii) Since what date has each respective post been unfilled in each case.	(iii) What are the reasons for each post remaining unfilled in each case.
35 vacant positions	Some roles have been vacant since 2020 when the moratorium was put in place. However, with the high attrition experienced last year, the majority of roles have been vacant since Q3 and Q4 of FY21/22	The organisation had a moratorium put in place in May 2020 due to COVID and the possibility of a merger with another public agency. Over the last two years, the organisation has experienced high attrition which has increased the number of vacancies. As the moratorium was in place, only roles that were considered critical were recruited for and filled with fixed term contracts. In December 2021, the organisation lifted the moratorium and has been working at filling the roles as per the approved structure.

 

(d) With the majority of roles having been advertised in Q1, we envisage filling the roles in Q2. A few of the roles offers have been extended with start dates for June confirmed.

(e) The critical roles that are vacant are currently being supported through acting appointments. Acting appointments are in place for roles where the organisation requires delegation of authority in place for business continuity.

See below detail of vacant posts at the SA Tourism

No.	Post name	(ii)Vacant date	(iii)Reasons for post being vacant	(d)Envisaged date for filling post	(e ) How are functions currently executed
Brand and Marketing
1.	Regional Public Relations & Communications Officer	December 2019	Moratorium came into effect while role was being recruited for	1 July 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
2.	Brand & PR Manager	1 March 2021	Previous incumbent has moved to a senior role within the division	Role not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
Finance
3.	Head: Supply Chain & Asset Management	1 January 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	1 July 2022	Role is staffed with a resource on a fixed term contract
4.	GM: Finance	1 September 2019	Previous incumbent has moved to a senior role within the division	1 July 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
5.	Finance Business Partner	8 July 2020	Previous incumbent is deceased	1 July 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
6.	Accounts Payable Officer		Role has not been filled since	1 July 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
7.	Sourcing Specialist 1	1 September 2020	Previous incumbent was dismissed	1 August 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
8.	Sourcing Specialist 2	1 April 2022	Previous incumbent has resigned	1 August 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
Insights and Analytics
9.	Chief Strategy Officer	May 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
Office of the CEO
10.	Chief Executive Officer	1 June 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	To be confirmed. Pending Ministerial concurrence.	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
11.	Manager Office of the CEO	1 November 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
12.	Head: Strategic Planning, Evaluation & Programme Management	2017	The role was never staffed on a permanent basis	August 2022	Role is staffed with a resource on a fixed term contract
Group Risk and Compliance/Company Secretariat
13.	Head: Governance, Risk & Compliance/ Company Secretary	25 April 2022	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
14.	Risk and Compliance Officer	1 October 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	Role is staffed with a resource on a fixed term contract
National Convention Bureau
13.	Exhibitions Sales Manager	September 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
14.	Strategic Platforms & Events Manager	1 February 2022	Previous incumbent has moved to a senior role within the division	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
Tourism Grading Council
15.	Chief Quality Assurance Officer	May 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
16.	Head: Global Trade Relations	8 July 2021	Previous incumbent is deceased	Post not yet advertised	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
Human Capital & Facilities
17.	GM: Human Capital	1 December 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	TBC	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
18.	Facilities & Maintenance Officer	December 2018	Previous incumbent was dismissed	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
19.	GM: ICT	May 2021	Previous incumbent was dismissed	Not applicable	Role is staffed with a resource on a fixed term contract
Tourism Execution
20.	Marketing and Communications Officer	April 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
21.	Hub Head: South Europe	November 2020	Previous incumbent’s contract expired	October 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
22.	Channel & Partnerships Manager: South Europe Hub	New roles	Not applicable	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
23.	Channel Specialist	New role	Not applicable	Post not yet advertised	No acting incumbent appointed
24.	Hub Head: Central Europe	1 December 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	October 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
25.	Marketing & Promotions Manager: Germany	1 February 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
26.	Finance & Admin Manager	1 February 2020	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
27.	Hub Head: UK/Ireland	1 September 2019	Previous incumbent’s contract expired	October 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
28.	Trade Training Specialist	1 February 2022	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
29.	Marketing & Communications Manage	1 January 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
30.	Trade Relations West Coast	September 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
31.	Trade Relations East Coast	August 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
32.	Finance and Admin Manager	November 2019	Previous incumbent resigned	1 August 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
33.	Marketing Officer	May 2022	Previous incumbent resigned	1 September 2022	Role is staffed with an acting incumbent
34.	Trade Relations Manager: China	New role	Not applicable	1 September 2022	No acting incumbent appointed
35.	Chief Operations Officer	1 December 2021	Previous incumbent resigned	1 July 2022	New incumbent starting 1 July 2022

Reply:

a) (i) Department

(aa) 2019/2020	(aa) 2020/2021	(aa) 2021/2022	(bb) Since 1 April 2022
4	1	0	0

(b)

1. 25/09/2019 to 31/12/2019
2. 04/10/2019 to 21/01/2020
3. 04/10/2019 to 21/01/2020
4. 04/10/2019 to 21/01/2020
5. 03/03/2021 to 03/05/2021

(c) Reasons for suspension:

1. To enable the department to investigate allegations of misconduct, create a conducive environment for the investigation and to avoid any possible interference and intimidation of witnesses.

2. To enable the department to investigate allegations of misconduct, create a conducive environment for the investigation, avoid possible interference with records or evidence and any tools or sources necessary for the investigation.

3. To enable the department to investigate allegations of misconduct, create a conducive environment for the investigation, avoid possible interference with records or evidence and any tools or sources necessary for the investigation.

4. To enable the department to investigate allegations of misconduct, create a conducive environment for the investigation, avoid possible interference with records or evidence and any tools or sources necessary for the investigation.

5. To enable the department to investigate allegations of misconduct, create a conducive environment for the investigation, avoid possible interference with records or evidence and any tools or sources necessary for the investigation.

5. Not applicable, no current expenditure since all suspensions were resolved within the prescribed 60 days’ timeframe in line with the Public Service requirements.

(e) Not applicable, as all suspensions were resolved within the prescribed timeframe of 60 days in terms of Public Service requirements.

a)b (ii) South Africa Tourism

(aa) 2019/2020	(aa) 2020/2021	(aa) 2021/2022	(bb) Since 1 April 2022
1 official	None	None	None

b) One official was duly suspended on 01 April 2019.

c) The official was suspended pending investigations into allegations of misconduct against him. Allegations of misconduct were investigated and led to the issuing of disciplinary charges against the official. Disciplinary enquiry was conducted in the months of September, October and November respectively.

d) There is no current expenditure as the suspension was resolved.

e) Suspension was resolved on 13 December 2019 following conclusion of a disciplinary enquiry against the suspended official.

Reply:

a) (i) Department

(i) 2019/2020	(i) 2020/2021	(i) 2021/2022	(ii) Since 1 April 2022
11 (eleven)	None	None	None

b) A period between 2005 and 2014.

c) and (d) Transgressions were identified through a forensic investigation after AGSA audit findings.

d) Contravention of PFMA provisions.

e) 11 Officials from the Department are implicated but to the department’s knowledge no one has been charged as yet as matters are still under police investigation.

f) (i) Currently, no money has been paid back as the police investigation is still underway.

(ii) Not applicable.

(a)(ii) South Africa Tourism

(i) 2019/2020	(i) 2020/2021	(i) 2021/2022	(ii) Since 1 April 2022
None	None	None	None

(b) – (g) Not applicable

 

Reply:

According to Chapter 6 of the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 (Act), the role of the National Registrar is amongst others, to maintaining a central database of tourist guides registered by the Provincial Registrars. The registration of tourist guides takes place at provincial level by Provincial Registrars. On a monthly basis, Provincial Registrars, as a legal requirement submit their monthly statistics to the National Registrar as well as the number of renewals processed that month. This is consolidated by the Department in the National Register /database in order to report on areas such as the total number of guides registered by race, gender and province. The statistics below are based on the information submitted to the Department by Provinces.

(a) New tourist guides

(i) (aa) What number of first-time tour guides registered nationally.

(aaa) 2019-2020	(aaa) 2020-2021	(aaa) 2021-2022	(bbb) 2022 to date
1437	480	477	40

(i) (bb) What number of first-time tourist guides registered in each province.

Province	(aaa) 2019 - 2020	(aaa) 2020 - 2021	(aaa) 2021 - 2022	(bbb) 2022 (April only)
Eastern Cape	89	44	25	02
Free State	0	10	00	00
Gauteng	167	28	29	01
KwaZulu-Natal	158	78	79	23
Limpopo	179	73	112	06
Mpumalanga	138	76	101	07
Northern Cape	11	37	00	00
North West	16	23	40	01
Western Cape	679	111	91	06
TOTAL	1437	480	477	46

(ii) What were the categories of tour guides, respectively.

The categories of tourist guides vary and may include, Culture, Nature and/or Adventure guides. Provincial Registrars will have to be contacted to obtain specific information related to the categories of guides that were registered during the period in question.

b) Re-registered tourist guides

(i) (aa) What number of re-registered tour guides registered nationally.

(aaa) 2019-2020	(aaa) 2020-2021	(aaa) 2021-2022	(bbb) 2022 to date
1662	852	1320	67

(i) (bb) What number of re-registered tour guides registered in each province.

Province	(aaa) 2019 - 2020	(aaa) 2020 - 2021	(aaa) 2021 - 2022	(bbb) 2022 (April only)
Eastern Cape	71	56	61	04
Free State	4	01	00	00
Gauteng	262	85	190	17
KwaZulu-Natal	101	117	114	06
Limpopo	127	116	84	10
Mpumalanga	190	111	336	27
Northern Cape	3	10	15	00
North West	42	24	50	03
Western Cape	862	332	470	54
TOTAL	1662	852	1320	121

(ii) What were the categories of tourist guides, respectively.

The categories of tourist guides vary and may include, Culture, Nature and/or Adventure guides. Provincial Registrars will have to be contacted to obtain specific information related to the categories of guides that were registered during the period in question.

Reply:

The Department of Tourism and its entity SA Tourism has not conducted research regarding the effect of the Elandshoogte Gold Mine on tourist visits to the Sudwala Caves nor did it receive any enquiries.

Reply:

The Honourable Member’s attention is drawn to his previous question 1846 of 13 May 2022 that are the same as above. The response is hereby attached for the Honourable member’s convenience.

Reply to 1846 of 13 May 2022 Question Paper no: 17

According to Chapter 6 of the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 (Act), the role of the National Registrar is amongst others, to maintaining a central database of tourist guides registered by the Provincial Registrars. The registration of tourist guides takes place at provincial level by Provincial Registrars. On a monthly basis, Provincial Registrars, as a legal requirement submit their monthly statistics to the National Registrar as well as the number of renewals processed that month. This is consolidated by the Department in the National Register /database in order to report on areas such as the total number of guides registered by race, gender and province. The statistics below are based on the information submitted to the Department by Provinces.

a) New tourist guides/first time

(i) (aa) What number of first-time/new tourist guides registered nationally.

(aaa) 2019-2020	(aaa) 2020-2021	(aaa) 2021-2022	(bbb) 2022 to date
1437	480	477	40

(i) (bb) What number of first-time/new tourist guides registered in each province.

Province	(aaa) 2019 - 2020	(aaa) 2020 - 2021	(aaa) 2021 - 2022	(bbb) 2022 (April only)
Eastern Cape	89	44	25	02
Free State	0	10	00	00
Gauteng	167	28	29	01
KwaZulu-Natal	158	78	79	23
Limpopo	179	73	112	06
Mpumalanga	138	76	101	07
Northern Cape	11	37	00	00
North West	16	23	40	01
Western Cape	679	111	91	06
TOTAL	1437	480	477	46

(ii) What were the categories of tour guides, respectively.

The categories of tourist guides vary and may include, Culture, Nature and/or Adventure guides. Provincial Registrars will have to be contacted to obtain specific information related to the categories of guides that were registered during the period in question.

b) Re-registered tourist guides

(i) (aa) What number of re-registered tour guides registered nationally.

(aaa) 2019-2020	(aaa) 2020-2021	(aaa) 2021-2022	(bbb) 2022 to date
1662	852	1320	67

(i) (bb) What number of re-registered tour guides registered in each province.

Province	(aaa) 2019 - 2020	(aaa) 2020 - 2021	(aaa) 2021 - 2022	(bbb) 2022 (April only)
Eastern Cape	71	56	61	04
Free State	4	01	00	00
Gauteng	262	85	190	17
KwaZulu-Natal	101	117	114	06
Limpopo	127	116	84	10
Mpumalanga	190	111	336	27
Northern Cape	3	10	15	00
North West	42	24	50	03
Western Cape	862	332	470	54
TOTAL	1662	852	1320	121

(ii) What were the categories of tourist guides, respectively.

The categories of tourist guides vary and may include, Culture, Nature and/or Adventure guides. Provincial Registrars will have to be contacted to obtain specific information related to the categories of guides that were registered during the period in question.

Reply:

Financial Year	(a) What MOUs and other similar agreements have been concluded	(b) What countries were the signatories to the specified agreements	(c) On what date was each agreement signed
(i) 2019-2020 financial year	None	Not applicable	Not Applicable
(i) 2020-2021 financial year	MoU in the field of tourism	Ethiopia	12 January 2020
(i) 2021-2022 financial year	MoU in the field of tourism	Kenya	23 November 2021
(ii) 1 April 2022 to date	None	N/A	N/A

(d) (i) Department

There were no cost implicatios for the signing of the MoU s’

(ii) South African Tourism

What about the MOU recently signed between SA Tourism and Emirates Airlines?

SA Tourism does not have any MOU’s with countries. As an entity of the Department, SA Tourism works with the department on implementing key activities.

Reply:

The Department’s main purpose of visiting KwaZulu-Natal was to assess the impact of the floods on major tourism attractions and establishments that drive tourism demand in the province. While the assessment team focussed primarily on damage to the physical infrastructure of key establishments, as well as the roads inside these major attractions, the assessment of access municipal roads and the national or provincial roads leading to these major attractions fall within the mandate of the relevant departments and entities responsible for road infrastructure. The various efforts are integrated at the level of the Disaster Management Centers both provincially and nationally.

The Department of Tourism did not visit the Eastern Cape for an assessment. This was done by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) working with the Local Tourism Organisations (LTOs). Their reports indicate that the roads in the affected areas were not in a good condition due to past and recent heavy rains and/or floods. ECPTA indicated that this has disrupted operations in three major tourism attractions in the OR Tambo District Municipality, namely: Hluleka Nature Reserve, Mkhambathi Nature Reserve and Cremone Estate.

Tourism stakeholders have been requested to report any road infrastructure challenges they are facing due to the floods to the relevant provincial tourism departments.

Reply:

a) Townships and (b) villages

Advocacy and Awareness initiative is implemented through partnerships with the Provincial Departments of Tourism, the Provincial Tourism Agencies and SANParks to develop awareness platforms in order to empower youth, unemployed graduates, students and high school learners. The initiative further promotes the importance of travel and tourism by creating platforms for information sharing and career guidance workshops in order to encourage learners to take tourism as a subject at secondary school and to pursue a career within the sector. The advocacy and awareness initiative targets learners from secondary schools including those in townships and villages.

The initiative entails the following:-

The Walk and Learn on the Wild Side (WALOW) Awareness.The programme is hosted in SANParks (Kruger National Park) on annual basis, targeting grade 10 to 12 learners from previously disadvantaged schools.

National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE)

The Department hosts the annual National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) with Industry Stakeholders that exhibit various career opportunities and share information. The NTCE primary target group are secondary school learners from both rural villages and townships. The NTCE exposes learners to careers in areas of hospitality, food and beverage and travel. Other multiple interactive side platforms are established at the NTCE that include the following:

• Chefs Corner which practically demonstrates to learners how exciting and interesting Chefing can be as a profession.
• Mixology Corner is a platform where Bar Tenders (Mixologists) demonstrate the art of mixing drinks into cocktails, be they alcoholic and or non-alcoholic.
• Hospitality Corner is where a hotel environment is displayed with front of house activities (Reception), back of house (Management, finance, accounts and maintenance), Room Services).
• Youth Business Zone is where young people especially those who are doing final year in their studies are invited to pitch new tourism business ideas that can be nurtured and fine-tuned with the help of professionals in government.

Other platforms include Debates and Schools Competition, Educators Seminars, Conservation Corner, Entrepreneur Corner, Aviation Corner and more.

Reply:

1. (a) The focus of the Department’s intervention in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was to assess the damage to major tourism attractions i.e. attractions with relatively high impact on the value-chain to drive local tourism development and recovery, post the heavy rains and floods that hit the province in April 2022.

The Department, through its entity South African Tourism, also sought to ensure that the key events scheduled for the province such as the Africa’s Travel Indaba went ahead as planned. The South African Tourism together with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal engaged tirelessly with industry and other authorities in ensuring that the events went smoothly during the Africa Travel Indaba held from 2-5 May 2022 and on other events to be hosted in the province.

(b) The Department deployed nine (9) officials with the Director-General joining the efforts on the 19th and the 22nd of April 2022. There were also officials from South African Tourism focussing on the major events scheduled to be hosted in the province, starting with the Africa’s Travel Indaba in early May 2022. No officials from the Department are deployed on site full-time. However, there is a Flood Response Team within the Department that participates actively in the Economic Recovery Workstream of the Extended National Joint Flood Coordination Committee (NJFCC).

2. No funds have been disbursed at this point.

3. (a) Not applicable. The Department is not involved in the Humanitarian Assistance Workstream but the Economic Recovery Workstream.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Not applicable

(d) Not applicable

(e) Not applicable

Reply:

No, there is no integrated strategic plan. The intention of the site inspections undertaken by officials from NDT; EDTEA; TKZN; Ezemvelo and KZN Sharks Board was to assess affected sites that have relatively high impact on the value-chain to drive local tourism development and recovery post the pandemic, thus having socio-economic bearing on affected neighboring communities. The purpose was to assess damage and to determine how the Department may assist the province and product owners in repairing-refurbishing affected critical tourism infrastructure. Integration of various aspects of responses to the flood damage is integrated at a level of the Disaster Management Centers both provincially and nationally, working with relevant departments.

a) Product owners affected by flooding have mostly indicated that their insurances will pay for the repair of damaged tourism infrastructure. Given that there is not much damage and disruption to tourism establishments and infrastructure, businesses have continued to operate. To this end, operators are largely calling for restoration of bulk services. This is attended to through the efforts of the various mandate departments.

The focus is on restoration of operations through refurbishment in the cases of tourism infrastructure in the publicly owned facilities working with the provincial authorities.

b) As indicated, the purpose of the site inspections was to assess damage to tourism products and infrastructure. Consultations were with relevant product owners and operators both public and private sector.

c) Where there might be limited disruption of incomes, those effected will be eligible to approach the UIF in line with its mandate.

Reply:

(a)      The estimated costs for the Ministerial visit to Kuruman in the Northern Cape for the Tourism Outreach Programme and engagement of Tourism Sector Stakeholders is R 269 119.72 which includes transport, accommodation and stakeholder event.

(b) 14 Departmental Officials.

 

Reply:

a) (1) 2018/19 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2018/19 page 46-51 https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Department%20of%20Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202018-2019.pdf

(2) 2019/20 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2019/20 page 47-54 https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202019-20.pdf

(3) 2020/21 refer to Annual Performance Report 2020/21 page 34-36

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%2020-21.pdf

b) Since April 2021 the following infrastructure projects are outlined in the Department’s 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan

1. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented at 19 (nineteen) National Parks:

1. EC Addo National Park
2. EC Camdeboo
3. EC Mountain Zebra
4. WC Garden Route (Knysna, Wilderness)
5. EC Tsitsikamma
6. NC Karoo
7. FS Golden Gate
8. NW Marakele
9. LP Mapungubwe
10. NC Kgalagadi
11. NC Augrabies
12. NC Namakwa
13. NC Richtersveld
14. WC Agulhas
15. WC Bontebok
16. WC Table Mountain
17. WC West Coast
18. WC Tankwa-Karoo
19. MP Kruger

2. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented in one state owned asset in all nine Provinces.

Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed for sites recommended for inclusion in the provincial maintenance programme.

3. Support the Implementation of Thirty Community-based Tourism Projects:

1. LP Matsila Lodge
2. LP Phiphidi Waterfall
3. LP The Oaks Lodge
4. MP Mnisi Resort
5. LP Ngove
6. LP Tisane
7. LP VhaTsonga
8. FS QwaQwa Guest House
9. FS Vredefort Dome
10. FS Monotsha
11. NW Manyane Lodge
12. NW Lotlamoreng Dam
13. NC Platfontein Lodge
14. NC Kamiesburg
15. KZN Muzi Pan
16. EC Maluti Hiking Trail
17. EC Mthonsi Lodge
18. EC Qatywa Lodge
19. EC Nyandeni Chalets
20. EC Western Tembuland
21. KZN Anton Lembede Museum eThekwini Municipality
22. NC McGregor Museum
23. KZN AmaHlubi Cultural Heritage
24. NC & NW Sol Plaatjie Museum
25. NW Lehurutshe Liberation Heritage Museum
26. MP Numbi Gate
27. LP Nandoni Dam
28. LP Tshathogwe Game Farm
29. LP Mtititi Game Farm
30. LP Mapate Recreational Social Tourism Facility

(iii) (aa) and (bb) In 2021/22, built environment professionals were appointed for these projects and planning is being finalised, including the necessary planning approvals which would include EIA’s if and where applicable.

(iv) Final completions of projects can only be reported once the financial year has been concluded with an audit of all the project

Reply:

Yes, a domestic tourism survey is conducted, which amongst other matters looks into the reasons for people not traveling. The results indicate the following:

The main reason why most South Africans did not take part in domestic overnight trips in 2021 was no reason to travel (29.2%), this had gone up by +7.0% over 2020. Just as in 2020, financial reasons amounted to a further 11.5%, and domestic travel being too expensive contributed a further 7.8%, as well as having no income or being unemployed, an additional 4.4%. Safety and security issues make up another 5.0% with this alluding to general safety and security as well as the Covid-19 restrictions emanating from the pandemic.

Reply:

(a) The Audit Committee receives its mandate from the Treasury Regulations, 3.1.15 which states that “an audit committee may communicate any concerns it deems necessary to the executive authority, the relevant treasury and the Auditor-General”.

In terms of the approved Department of Tourism Audit Committee Charter, the authority of the Audit Committee is outlined as follows:

The Audit Committee has free and unrestricted access to the entire Department activities, records, property, personnel, the Accounting Officer, the Minister, as well as the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).

The Audit Committee is authorised within its scope and responsibilities to:

(i) investigate matters within its powers as identified in the Audit Committee Charter. The necessary resources must be made available to the Audit Committee to investigate such matters, and it shall have full access to the information required. The Audit Committee must safeguard all the information supplied to it within the ambit of the law.

(ii) Seek any information it requires from any employee of the Department and all employees are directed by the Management to comply with any requests made the Audit Committee.

(iii) Obtain outside legal or other independent professional advice and to secure the attendance of outsiders with appropriate experience and expertise if it considers this necessary.

(iv) Meet with Departmental officers, external auditors or other people outside the Department pertaining to any matter within the scope of their responsibilities.

(b) In line with the provisions of the Public Service Risk Management Framework that defines the responsibilities of the Risk Management Committee, the committee’s mandate when recommended internal controls are not implemented is to escalate the matter to the attention of the Accounting Officer.

Reply:

Findings, including repeat findings, are assessed to determine if there was any breakdown in the internal control processes that may have led to findings. An assessment is also made whether findings were as a result of an act of omission on the part of officials, in the execution of their duties, that may have led to the finding. Where officials are found to be responsible for the findings through transgressions, then appropriate action is taken in accordance with the labour relations prescripts and in case of losses, recovery is initiated.

Reply:

(a-c) There is one tourism project located in the Msunduzi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal that has received funding support under the Tourism Transformation Fund, which is administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) on behalf of the Department.

The Department has facilitated the establishment of a Women in Tourism Chapter in the KwaZulu Natal Province. The KwaZulu Natal Chapter has a sub-chapter in the Msunduzi Local Municipality.

Reply:

a) In 2016, SANParks conducted research titled: “Guided game drive experiences in South African national parks” The research indicated a number of areas where the game drives could be improved but the greatest negative feedback that was received was about the poor levels of guiding. Respondents further indicated that the level of knowledge of guides were insufficient and that there was a lack of enthusiasm and passion in the guiding that was received. In addition, SANParks had been receiving complaints regularly via social media about the behaviour of Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) guides operating in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Complaints also included misinformation communicated by guides. Therefore, the aim of the initiative was to provide an up-skilling opportunity for guides who were operating in the KNP to improve the quality of guiding and to ensure the safety of the visitors whilst guiding in OSVs.

b) SANParks benefitted and continues to benefit by improving the overall visitor experience offered at the KNP. The training increases awareness about acceptable behaviour by guides in the Park and provides guides with the latest and most updated information pertaining to KNP. The above-mentioned research also showed that visitors would be willing to pay more for “exceptional guiding experience” meaning that an increase in quality guiding will have positive financial implications and concurrent employment opportunities for local communities.

c) As this programme is ongoing, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs (SANParks) would be in a better position to respond.

d) (i) The total amount budgeted for this project was R217 000.00.

Two groups were trained in January and February 2019 respectively and the budget was allocated for tuition (including training materials), training venue, accommodation and meals). The training took place at the Skukuza Camp in the Kruger National Park

(ii) Not applicable

Reply:

	(a) 2018-2019
i) (aa) What mechanisms and/or processes are used to measure the success of the training.	The completion rate based on the passing of the assignment that tests for guides’ success regarding the training competencies.
i) (bb) What mechanisms and/or processes are used to measure the success of tour guides.	After attending the Kruger National Park Orientation, guides submitted an assignment and had to attain a pass mark of 65%.
ii) (aa) What successes have been identified.	At the time, SANParks reported that the implementation of the KNP Orientation received a lot of positive feedback and they were already seeing an increase in bookings from tourist guides.
(ii) (bb) What failures have been identified.	For this specific training, the challenge that the Department experienced was drop-outs from at least five (5) tourist guides who had confirmed participation in the training but then did not attend. The challenge when implementing up-skilling initiatives in general for existing tourist guides is that work opportunities usually take preference especially for those operating on a freelance basis who rely on work opportunities to earn a living.
(ii) (cc) What steps are being taken by her department in this regard going forward.	To mitigate the risk of drop-outs, for the training programmes that the Department subsequently implemented, guides who committed to attend a training programme were also expected to enter into contracts with the Department which allows the Department to recover any costs incurred should a learner/guide drop off the programme. The Department has noted that this has minimised drop-outs significantly.

No training of tourist guides was done in partnerships with SANParks in the Financial Years of (a) 2019- 2020, 2020- 2021 and (b) since 1 January 2022 to date.

Reply:

a) 4000 business/applicants were paid. One of which was paid twice.

b) Processing of applications started in April 2020 as the applications came in and concluded on 19 July 2020 when the entire fund had been allocated to 4000 beneficiaries.

Reply:

The member is kindly referred to the tabled Annual Performance Reports and presentations to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism as well as the Minutes of the committee for the past three financial years.

a) (1) 2018/19 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2018/19 page 197-199

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Department%20of%20Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202018-2019.pdf

(2) 2019/20 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2019/20 Page 192 -195

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%202019-20.pdf

(3) 2020/21 Refer to Annual Performance Report 2020/21 Page 146 -148

https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Tourism%20Annual%20Report%2020-21.pdf

 

b) Since April 2021 the following infrastructure projects are outlined in the Department’s 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan

1. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented in the National Parks :

(i) (aa) Budget - See Table 1

(bb) Spent – The amount spent must still be audited

(ii) Not Applicable

(iii) The projects were approved for funding following an assessment made by SANParks on the infrastructure maintenance backlog and the need to enhance the tourism products within the parks.

Table 1

NR	NATIONAL PARK	c (i) Date commenced and (ii) end	i (aa) BUDGET ALLOCATED R ‘000	MAINTENANCE WORK (MAIN FOCUS AREAS)
1.	Addo Elephant	Oct 2019-June 2022	R 7.240	Buildings & Services
2.	Camdeboo	Oct 2019-June 2022		Fences
3.	Mountain Zebra	Oct 2019-June 2022		Buildings & roads
4	Karoo	Oct 2019-June 2022		Fence & Buildings
5.	Wilderness	Oct 2019-June 2022	R 4.322	Buildings, bulk services & terrain rehabilitation
6.	Knysna	Oct 2019-June 2022		Terrain rehabilitation
7.	Tsitsikamma	Oct 2019-June 2022		Buildings, bulk services
8.	Golden Gate	Oct 2019-June 2022	R 4.813	Footpaths, fences, buildings & terrain rehabilitation
9.	Marakele	Oct 2019-June 2022		Fences, roads & buildings
10.	Mapungubwe	Oct 2019-June 2022		Buildings, bulk services
11.	Kgalagadi	Nov 2019- Dec 2022	R 10.225	Fences, buildings & roads
12.	Namaqua	March 2020 - June 2022		Fences
13.	Ais Ais Richtersveld	March 2020 - June 2022		Buildings, terrain works
14.	Augrabies	Nov 2019- Dec 2022		Buildings, terrain works
15.	Agulhas	Oct 2019-Dec 2022	R 7.671	Buildings, boardwalks
16.	West Coast	Feb 2020-June 2022		Buildings, roads
17.	Table Mountain	Sept 2020-Oct 2022		Footpaths, hiking trails
18.	Bontebok	Feb 2020-June 2022		Buildings & bulk services
19.	Tankwa Karoo	Feb 2020-June 2022		Buildings, services
20.	Nxanatseni Camp Marula Camp	Nov 2020 – Dec 2022	R 55.145	Buildings, fences, roads, carpentry, electrical

2. Infrastructure maintenance programme implemented in one state owned asset in all nine Provinces.

Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed. The projects are at concept and design development stage of the planning phase.

(i) (aa) Budget

The final figures can only be known once successful contractors have been appointed as a competitive process must be followed.

(bb) Spent - Not applicable.

(ii) Not Applicable. There were no ceased provincial maintenance projects.

(iii) The projects were approved for funding following an assessment made by the provinces on their prioritised tourism products which required maintenance and enhancement.

c) . On what date did each project (i) commence and/or (ii) end

Not Applicable. Projects are in the early stages of planning.

3. Support the Implementation of Thirty Community-based Tourism Projects:

Projects 1 to 18 are the incomplete EPWP projects which are now being completed by the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).

1. LP Phiphidi Waterfall
2. LP The Oaks Lodge
3. MP Mnisi Resort
4. LP Ngove
5. LP Tisane
6. LP VhaTsonga
7. FS QwaQwa Guest House
8. FS Vredefort Dome
9. FS Monotsha
10. NW Manyane Lodge
11. NC Platfontein Lodge
12. NC Kamiesburg
13. KZN Muzi Pan
14. EC Maluti Hiking Trail
15. EC Mthonsi Lodge
16. EC Qatywa Lodge
17. EC Nyandeni Chalets
18. EC Western Tembuland

Projects 19 to 30 are at concept design and development planning stage. Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed.

19. NW Lotlamoreng Dam

20. LP Matsila Lodge

21. KZN Anton Lembede Museum eThekwini Municipality

22. NC McGregor Museum

23. KZN AmaHlubi Cultural Heritage

24. NC & NW Sol Plaatjie Museum

25. NW Lehurutshe Liberation Heritage Museum

26. MP Numbi Gate

27. LP Nandoni Dam

28. LP Tshathogwe Game Farm

29. LP Mtititi Game Farm

30. LP Mapate Recreational Social Tourism Facility

(i) (aa) Budget

For processes that will include external service providers budget remains market sensitive and cannot be made public as it could undermine competitiveness.

(bb) Spent:

Not applicable as service providers still need to be appointed.

(ii) What alternatives are in place of the ceased project respectively?

Projects 1 to 18 are the incomplete EPWP projects which are now being completed through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) after the GTAC investigations and recommendations.

Projects 19 to 30 are new projects. Built Environment Professional Service Providers have been appointed and conditional assessments have been completed. The projects are in the concept and design development stages.

(iii) What had informed the initiation and/or implementation of each project?

Project numbers 1 to 18 were approved for completion following the GTAC assessments which will be completed by the DBSA.

Projects numbers 19-30 were based on requests from beneficiaries, assessment of viability, availability of resources and support by their respective provincial departments and/or municipalities.

(c) On what date did each project (i) commence and/or (ii) end?

Projects 1 – 18: Projects construction work has not yet commenced. They are in the planning stages.

Projects 19 – 30: Not Applicable. Projects are in the early stages of planning.

Reply:

The Minister has not met with the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) regarding the infrastructure matter. The Department of Tourism participates in the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM) wherein the Department of Cooperative Governance (COG) coordinates one district plan per district. All departments including those responsible for various types of infrastructure take part in the coordinated implementation of the DDM. The Department of Tourism believes that this approach will yield better results as infrastructure that is good for the community is good for the tourists and the tourism value chain will also benefit.

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

Reply:

The department has a Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP). The project seeks to build the resilience and adaptive capacity of the tourism sector to the impacts of climate change. In 2012, the department partnered with the then Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to conduct a Baseline Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism. A Basic Vulnerability Guideline was developed to assist tourism attractions to assess their vulnerability to climate change.

2019/20 - The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and GIZ, commissioned a detailed climate change risk and vulnerability assessment of the tourism sector. As part of the project, 27 tourism sites were assessed across the country. Furthermore, a three-year implementation plan was developed as part of the project. One of the priorities in the implementation plan is education and training.

2020/21 - To give effect to this priority on climate change education and training, the department, in partnership with the DFFE and GIZ, identified the need for the development of a Climate Change Communication Strategy for the tourism sector. This resulted in the development of the South African Tourism Climate Change Communication Strategy (SATCCCS) in 2021/22 financial year.

An additional five climate change risk and vulnerability assessments were also conducted during 2021/22 in major tourism attraction sites including the following:

• Table Mountain National Park;
• Robben Island
• Kruger National Park
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park; and
• uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

The Tourism Adaptation Implementation Plan was also updated in 2021/22 financial year.

Reply:

(a) and (b)

Eco-Tourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local communities by promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism development, while ensuring the education of travellers, communities and tourism providers”.

Within the context of this definition, it is important to note that these principles directly cut across most of the areas of work of the Department such as nature-based tourism product and infrastructure development and maintenance, community-based tourism, women in tourism initiatives targeted at rural women projects and, nature-based tourist guiding capacity development and recognition. Indirectly, the quality assuarance programme implemented by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) also significantly contribute to sustainability.

The Department derives it’s ecotourism approach from instruments such as the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998; the Tourism Act 3 of 2014 that promotes sustainable tourism; the National Tourism Sector Strategy (revised 2016), the White Paper on Tourism Development and Promotion in SA, 1996 that introduced the responsible tourism principle; the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162: 2011) and the Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan (2020-2025) which is a framework for environmental management in tourism as well as the Operational Guidelines for Community Based Tourism – 2021. It is also important to note that nature-based tourism already forms the larger part of the country’s leisure tourism offering, and to that extent there is no need to shift towards ecotourism but rather maintain a healthy balance in terms of our tourism offering.

Reply:

a) (i),(ii),(iii) and (b)

The Department, through the office of the National Registrar of Tourist Guides has identified the need for a central repository for the provincial databases. This project has been included in the 2022/2023 financial year with some of the technical work expected to take concluded during the first half of the 2023/2024 financial year. The area of the registers/databases pertaining to tourist guides is one such area that will form part of the policy and law reform process. According to the current legislation, registers/databases are maintained at a provincial level by Provincial Registrars without the oversight of the National Registrar. As a result, there are various discrepancies in how the registers/databases are managed at a provincial level sometimes resulting in incorrect and incomplete records pertaining to guides.

(c) (i) and (ii)

For processes that may include external service providers, budgets remain market sensitive and cannot be made available publicly as it could undermine competitiveness.

(d) Currently, Provincial Registrars submit their data on excel spreadsheets which is then consolidated into one spreadsheet.

Reply:

a) According to the section 48 of the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 (Act), the National Registrar of Tourist Guides does not deal with complaints, but instead acts as an appeals authority for any person who is aggrieved by a decision of a Provincial Registrar and who wishes to appeal against that decision. The National Registrar is therefore unable to provide information about complaints received and handled during the period in question. As was evident during the audit process, there are gaps in the existing legislation which will require the Department to undertake a policy and law reform process to among others, assess the role of the National Registrar and ensure that the Department plays an oversight role when it comes to the functions performed at a provincial level. Various policy options would need to be researched and considered however it is possible that the oversight function would be one way of addressing the current inconsistencies and disparities that exist at a provincial level to realise streamlined processes.

b) Section 53 of the Act which deals with the reporting of contraventions and lodging of complaints, states that any person may report a contravention with the Provincial Registrar and if the complaint discloses an offence, the Provincial Registrar must lay a charge with the South African Police Service. Due to the nature of their function with respect to the handling of complaints, it is best that Provincial Registrars be contacted to provide more information in this regard.

(b)(i-iv) implementation or evoking of the provisions of the Tourism Act in handling complaints led to the testing of the effectiveness of the Law regulating the tourist guiding sector.

Reply:

1 (a) (i-iii)According to the Tourism Act, no. 3 of 2014 (Act), the National Registrar of Tourist Guides does not deal with complaints but instead acts as an appeals authority for any person who is aggrieved by a decision of a Provincial Registrar and who wishes to appeal against that decision. The National Registrar is therefore unable to provide information about complaints received and handled during the period in question. As was evident during the audit process, there are several gaps in the existing legislation which will require the Department to undertake a policy and law reform process to among others, assess the role of the National Registrar and ensure that the Department plays an oversight role when it comes to the functions performed at a provincial level. Various policy options would need to be researched and considered. It is possible, however, that the oversight function would be one way of addressing the current inconsistencies and disparities that exist at a provincial level and realise the streamlining of processes.

(b)(i-iii)Section 53 of the Act which deals with the reporting of contraventions and lodging of complaints, states that any person may report a contravention with the Provincial Registrar and if the complaint discloses an offence, the Provincial Registrar must lay a charge with the South African Police Service. Due to the nature of their function with respect to the handling of complaints, it is best that Provincial Registrars be contacted directly to provide more information in this regard.

2. (a and b)In the last three (3) financial years, the result of one (1) case was reported to the National Registrar. The Western Cape Provincial Registrar reported in May 2021 that he issued a sanction to a tourist guide found guilty of committing fraud, misrepresentation and misconduct in terms of section 55 of the Act. As a result, the registration of the guide in question was withdrawn for a period not exceeding five (5) years.

3. (a and b) No further information has been made available to the National Registrar regarding the results of any case dealt with by the Provincial Registrars in terms of section 53 of the Act. The honourable member can contact the various provincial tourism departments/entities that deal with tourist guides.

Reply:

There were no delays in the publication of the tourism sector recovery report. The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) was developed as a three-year sector-wide framework to guide the path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan was published for public comments in August 2020, approved by Cabinet for implementation on 21 April 2021 and launched by the Minister of Tourism on 22 April 2021. A critical approach to the plan was the involvement of public and private sector players in the drafting process and the allocation of actions to various partners as appropriate for the implementation.

For purposes of delivering on the Plan, the Department of Tourism and its entity South African Tourism translated the relevant actions to the respective Annual Performance Plans of the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years and this will continue in 2023/24. Progress on the relevant plans thus gets reflected through quarterly reports tabled to Parliament on a regular basis. As the plan is aligned to the Economic Recovery Plan, quarterly reporting is also done by the Department into the Government Cluster system.

In order to monitor implementation, the Department initiated the process of reporting by provinces and the private sector on the three Pillars, seven Strategic Interventions and four Enablers of the TSRP as applicable. The information generated is synthesised to help support overall reporting and is not envisaged to generate separate reports.

Reply:

(a) The following are the Minister of Tourism’s Key Responsibility Areas:

1. Political leadership contributing to the country’s triple challenges, NDP priorities and Medium term Strategic Framework (NTSF) 2019 – 2024. This contributes to the following outcomes:

• Re-industrialisation of the economy and emergence of globally competitive sectors.
• Transformed, representative and inclusive economy which prioritises women, youth and persons with disabilities.
• A better South Africa.

2. Building a capable, ethical and developmental state. The outcome to which this KRA contributes is functional, efficient and integrated government

3. Institutional oversight of the HOD and Department. This KRA contributes to the following outcomes:

• Executive Authority oversight over the Deputy Minister
• Executive Authority oversight over the Accounting Officer
• The oversight and achievement of departmental strategic goals and annual performance plans and budget
• The oversight and achievement of gender responsive departmental strategic goals and annual performance plans and budget as per the gender responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and auditing framework.
• National Department facilitation of public involvement, participation and service delivery improvement initiatives.
• National Departments’ and entities’ involvement and contribution to the District Development Model.

4. Political leadership and oversight, in respect of Government Structures, Parliamentary Accountability, and Oversight on State Owned Companies and Public Entities / Agencies

(b) The DPME prepares the scorecard, which includes key issues affecting delivery, early warning risks and emerging policy issues for the President, a copy of which is sent to the Minister. In preparation of the scorecard, DPME obtains initial progress reports with supporting evidence from the Department.

(c) The Minister is expected to table bi-annual progress reports to Cabinet on progress with regard to the Minister’s commitments in the MTSF. These bi-annual progress reports also forms the basis of the Executive discussions to identify and tackle obstacles to implementation.

Reply:

(1)

(a) Where does SA Tourism have offices internationally	(b) On what date did each office open	(c) What number of officials are at each office
Nigeria	2014	5
US	1984	3
Germany	1960	4
UK	1989	6
France	1993	4
Netherlands	1983	3
India	2004	5
China	2014	6
Japan	1978	2
Australia	2000	5

(d) Each office operates as a regional hub servicing key source markets, to ensure effective marketing initiatives, support to the value chain partners and effective delegation of authority and responsibility. Mandate of each office is to create demand through traveller acquisition by working with the distribution channels to sell South Africa as a tourism destination.

(e) Annual and/or quarterly targets are set for all deliverables of the various country offices before the start of each financial year and success is measured against the delivery of those targets as per portfolio of evidence.

(2) Continue next page

(2) Annual budgets for each office below include both overhead costs and marketing costs. In the 2020/21 fiscal, country offices were only allocated funding for overhead costs and contractual obligations due to Covid 19 pandemic. Budget allocation to South African Tourism was limited as funds were channelled to support efforts to fight the spread of the pandemic in the country.

Country Office	(i) 2018-2019	(i) 2019-2020	(i) 2020-2021	(ii) Since April 2021 to Jan 2022
	(a) What amount has been budgeted for each office.	(b) What expenditure was incurred in each office.	(a) What amount has been budgeted for each office.	(b) What expenditure was incurred in each office.	(a) What amount has been budgeted for each office.	(b) What expenditure was incurred in each office.	(a) What amount has been budgeted for each office.	(b) What expenditure was incurred in each office.
Nigeria	R30 036 783	R22 698 046	R26 210 153	R18 976 722	R12 020 803	R12 285 452	R40 466 333	R21 857 770
US	R72 265 152	R77 432 730	R87 000 000	R79 844 087	R23 106 798	R15 244 438	R76 199 296	R22 745 990
Germany	R77 994 899	R69 949 316	R75 543 793	R55 517 274	R18 304 367	R11 827 980	R43 695 320	R38 274 172
UK	R71 851 647	R75 062 613	R69 127 524	R92 697 559	R18 441 741	R16 593 867	R43 616 747	R29 628 639
France	R31 392 564	R33 749 174	R45 425 302	R22 634 046	R16 989 398	R10 046 920	R23 379 480	R11 766 050
Netherlands	R49 998 733	R54 533 645	R46 827 089	R37 836 009	R13 881 719	R12 407 193	R36 220 803	R 23 149 700
India	R49 595 332	R47 920 764	R44 694 662	R 4 474 387	R17 190 343	R15 807 495	R50 198 776	R28 609 854
China	R36 631 210	R39 627 027	R57 401 566	R28 225 979	R11 301 529	R11 298 210	R31 369 746	R20 705 142
Japan	R20 463 251	R19 760 242	R15 513 332	R15 684 849	R7 248 486	R 4 653 471	R18 671 315	R16 916 187
Australia	R40 428 712	R37 375 197	R43 993 558	R37 660 105	R14 227 593	R11 045 308	R41 296 569	R27 959 719

Reply:

Due to two to three (2-3) months lag in the release of key tourism statistics, most of the key tourism statistics are not yet available. The only data available to date is for international tourist arrivals, accommodation industry as well as food and beverages industry for January 2022.

Tourist Arrivals

A total of 377 651 tourist arrivals was recorded in January 2022, which was an increase of 171,4% (238 517) compared to the same month in 2021. All regions (overseas and Africa) experienced a growth in tourist arrivals during January 2022 compared to January 2021. Australasia had the highest increase of 626,9% (1 398) followed by Europe (447,4%; 38 846) and North America (315,4%; 6 787). Africa also recorded an increase of 149,5% (187 215) and this region remained the main source of tourist arrivals to the country, accounting for 82,7% (312 440) of total tourist arrivals during January 2022.

Accommodation Industry

For January 2022 period, the total income (current prices) from the accommodation industry recorded an increase of 120,6% compared to January 2021, which was an increase from R1 217,1 million in January 2021 to R 2685,5 million during the same month in 2022. Income from accommodation only (excluding restaurants, bar sales and other income) went up by 65,4% during January 2022. All categories of accommodation recorded an increase in income levels with hotels showing the highest increase of 112,2%; followed by guest houses and guest farms (78,4%), other accommodation (26,4%) and caravan parks and camping sites (18,3%).

Food and Beverages Industry

In January 2022, the total income for food and beverages industry was about R5 288,8 million, which was an increase of 58,4% compared to R3 338,2 million recorded in January 2021.

Reply:

(a) No amendment or changes were ordered by the Supreme Court of Appeal whose ruling came after the once off Tourism Relief Fund’s implementation was already completed. Thus, no changes or amendements were applicable.

(b) - (d) Not applicable.

Reply:

Training of Tourist Guides	(a) 2018-2019
(i) What total number of tour guides have completed their training in each province in each month.	Kruger National Park Orientation January 2019 Mpumalanga (MP) – 20 guides Limpopo (LP) – 3 guides February 2019 MP – 14 guides LP – 8 guides A total of 45 guides were trained.
(ii) (aa) What total number of students started the course and did not complete the course.	All participants that started the course completed it.
(ii) (bb) What were their reasons for not completing the course.	N/A
(iii) (aa) How are potential students identified.	Adverts were developed and circulated to guides from MP and LP (via the respective Provincial Registrars) to apply for the up-skilling opportunity. The advert was also distributed to guides that work in the Kruger National Park and this was done via SANParks.
(iii) (bb) What criteria are used in this regard	Applicants needed to be registered tourist guides with a minimum qualification or competency as a Nature Site Guide with Kruger National Park being listed as one of the areas of operation. Those with qualifications over and above the minimum requirements were also acceptable.

No training of tourist guides was done with SANParks in the Financial Years of (a) 2019- 2020, 2020- 2021 and (b) since 1 January 2022 to date.

(i)- (iii) Not applicable

Reply:

a) What is the total number of incidents reported in the department:

	(aa) 2018-2019	(aa) 2019-2020	(aa) 2020-2021	(bb) Since 1 April 2021
(i) Sexual harassment	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
(ii) Sexual assault	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

b) (i) - (iii) Not applicable

c) Not applicable