Questions and Replies
05 June 2017 - NW733
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)Whether there is any position of deputy-director general in any national department that is currently vacant; if so (a) how long has each position been vacant and (b) what is the reason for each vacancy; (2) Whether each vacant position was advertised; if so, (a) were interviews done and (b) when will each vacant position be filled; (3) (a) What is the total amount of persons that are currently employed in each position of deputy director-general, (b) for what period has there been persons acting in each position of the deputy director-general and (c) have any of the specified persons applied for the position of deputy director-general in which they are acting; (4) Which contracts of deputy director-general will expire in the (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19 and (c) 2019-20 financial years?
Reply:
1. According to information from PERSAL, as at 28 February 2017, there are 61 Deputy - Directors General (DDG) posts that are currently vacant across National Departments (Annexure 1).
(a) Information from PERSAL indicates that the median time these posts have been vacant for is 19 months.
(b) Details with regards to the reasons for each vacancy can be obtained from the respective departments.
2. Advertising, interviewing and filling of posts within departments remain the responsibility of each Executive Authority, therefore information in this regard can be obtained from the relevant departments.
3. (a) There are 168 DDGs currently employed across all National Departments (Annexure 2).
(b) Relevant details with regards to acting appointments can be obtained from relevant departments.
(c) Relevant details with regards to any of the specified persons having applied for the position of deputy director-general in which they are acting can be obtained from the respective departments.
4. Which contracts of deputy director-general will expire in the following financial years (Annexure 3):
(a) 2017-18 = 11 contracts
(b) 2018-19 = 5 contracts
(c) 2019-20 = 3 contracts
NB: The majority of positions at Deputy Director –General level in the Public Service are filled on a permanent basis.
END
05 June 2017 - NW1384
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
With regard to the teacher support provided by the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education Authority (ETDP SETA) to each teacher union, (a) what amounts have been transferred over the past three financial years, (b) what is the total amount that has been budgeted for the 2017-18 financial year as grants, (c) what are the conditions linked to these transfers and (d) how is the ETDP SETA ensuring that the transfers are utilised by the teacher unions in accordance with the set conditions?
Reply:
(a) Mandatory Grant
The amounts indicated in the Table below were paid as the mandatory grant from the 20% of the 1% of the Skills Levies contributed by the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) and the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA).
Mandatory grant payments require that organisations, which contribute towards the skills levies without any exemption from the Minister of Finance and those organisations which submit both the Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and the Annual Training Report (ATR) that are compliant as per the Grant Regulations, receive 20% of the 1% of the skills levies contributed in each of the financial years indicated.
The Mandatory Grant is utilised by the employer to reskill its employees based on the WSP submitted and reported in the ATR.
The Professional Educators Union (PEU), Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU) and National Teachers Union (NATU) are not levy paying and therefore are not entitled to the Mandatory Grant.
Teacher Union |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
|
R 75 920.15 |
R 47 330.36 |
R 86 031.34 |
|
R 7 912.56 |
R 10 122.37 |
R 9 544.13 |
Discretionary Grant
The Discretionary Grant is not transferred to any individual or organisation. The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education Authority (ETDP SETA) appoints service providers that will train workers/employees of organisations. Discretionary projects and their associated costs are part of the ETDP SETA Annual Performance Plan (APP) and are accounted for as per the National Treasury Regulations and the Public Finance Management Act.
ETDP SETA supports teachers via the teacher union institutes on content and pedagogical knowledge relevant to the needs of teachers as well as via the Departments of Education without transferring funds to the organisations.
(b) R4 500 000 Discretionary Grant as per the 2017/18 ETDP SETA APP for Teacher Development Teaching and Learning Programmes.
(c) The content of the training programme is outlined in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) which is linked to the ETDP SETA APP. Payments are made to the training providers as per the terms and conditions of the SLAs entered into and paid directly to the service provider.
(d) The implementation of the SLA is managed by ETDP SETA and aligned to its APP.
COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:
EXTENSION:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
QUESTION 1384 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
05 June 2017 - NW1290
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in the Western Cape who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) It was reported to the Department that no examiners of vehicles in the Western Cape were convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness in the 2016 / 17 financial year.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1374
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What is the total number of applications for cellphone data in terms of section 19 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, Act 70 of 2002, that were submitted in the period 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2017 and (b) of the specified applications, what is the total number that was (i) granted and (ii) declined in each case?
Reply:
a) I have been informed that the total number of applications for cellphone data in terms of Section 19 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, Act 70 of 2002 that were submitted in the period 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2017 is 866.
b) (i) Granted: 866
(ii) Declined: 0
05 June 2017 - NW1411
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) total amount has been spent by his department on legal fees (i) in the (aa) 2014-15, (bb) 2015-16 and (cc) 2016-17 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2017 and (b) are the (i) details, (ii) outcomes and (iii) costs of each case?
Reply:
(a) Total amount spent on legal fees
(i)
(aa) 2014-2015 (R8,983.177.00)
(bb) 2015-2016 (R9,383.623.00)
(cc) 2016-2017 (R19,911,320.00)
(ii) Since 1 April 2017 (928,574.00)
(b)
(i) details
2014 2015
Tasima
City of Cape Town / Minister of Transport and SANRAL
DOT / Thwala
Prodiba
2015-2016
Tasima
Prodiba
Marine enquiry Kingfisher
City of Cape Town / Minister of Transport and SANRAL
DOT / Vilana
DOT / Thwala
MEC For Transport KZN / Transport Appeal Tribunal
JV Ndorum (Mthatha Airport)
2016-2017
Tasima
Prodiba
Marine enquiry Kingfisher
Marine enquiry Witbank
MEC for Transport KZN / Transport Appeal Tribunal
City of Cape Town / Minister of Transport and SANRAL
DOT / Thwala
DOT/ Vilana
JV Ndorum (Mthatha Airport)
African Harvest / Minister of Transport and ACSA
1 April 2017
Tasima
JV Ndorum ( Mthatha Airport)
(ii) outcomes
Tasima - success
Prodiba – success
Marine enquiry kingfisher – completed
Marine enquiry Witbank – completed
DOT / Vilana - settled)
DOT / Thwala – success
MEC for Transport KZN / Transport Appeal Tribunal - success
City of Cape Town – not succesful
JV Ndorum (Mthatha Airport) – not finalized
African Harvest (not finalized)
(ii) costs of each case
Tasima (R13, 322, 170. 54)
Prodiba (R1, 792, 495.19)
Marine enquiry Kingfisher (R2, 582, 935.33)
Marine enquiry Witbank (R1, 722, 232.54)
DOT / Vilana (R1, 552, 420.00)
DOT / Thwala (R2, 550, 370.93)
MEC for Transport KZN / Transport Appeal Tribunal (R1, 306, 460.93)
City of Cape Town / Minister of Transport and SANRAL (R1, 087, 503.00)
JV Ndorum (Mthatha Airport) (R247, 095.00)
African Harvest (R809 172.00)
05 June 2017 - NW1291
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
- It was reported to the Department that no examiners of vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness during the 2016 / 17 financial year are still practicing.
- See above (a)
- See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1232
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him has (i) procured any services from and/or (ii) made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) were the total costs, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of the costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of the payments in each case?
Reply:
(a),(b)(i),(ii) No.
(aa),(bb),(cc),(dd),(ee),(ff) Falls away.
05 June 2017 - NW1294
Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the secondment in 2016 of a certain person (name furnished) from the department to Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa as its Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, at which Board meeting was his (a) salary, perks and conditions, (b) start and termination date and (c) as well as terms of reference and authority concluded and resolved?
Reply:
The Minister and the Board met on the 30th June 2016, after lengthy deliberations on the state of PRASA, the Minister announced her decision to second Mr. Letsoalo to PRASA as its Acting GCEO. The Board accepted the secondment.
Subsequent to the meeting of June 30 2016, the Board requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss the details of Mr. Letsoalo’s secondment and appointment as Acting GCEO. The said meeting was scheduled for 5th July 2016, however the Minister did not attend the scheduled meeting and submitted an apology.
At which Board meeting was his (a) salary, perks and conditions, (b) start and termination date and (c) as well as terms of reference and authority concluded and resolved?
The Board at the meeting of the 5th July 2016 then mandated the Chairman of the Board to write a letter of appointment to Mr. Letsoalo. The letter of appointment by the Chairman to Mr. Letsoalo was written and dated 7 July 2016, which contained the terms and conditions of Mr. Letsoalo’s appointment.
05 June 2017 - NW1280
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Northern Cape inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
(b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
(c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1283
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the KwaZulu-Natal inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
(b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
(c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1285
Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What the total number of examiners of vehicles in Mpumalanga who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) The province of Mpumalanga has reported that there were no examiners that were convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness in the 2016 / 17 financial year.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1266
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
Whether the Office of the Valuer-General was involved in any of the transactions involving the (a) acquisition and (b) transfer of land undertaken by his department since the Valuer-General’s appointment; if not, why not; if so, (i) what are the relevant details of the transactions and (ii) in each case, (aa) what were the values of the transactions and (bb) to what extent were these values (aaa) less or (bbb) more than the estimated market value of the property?
Reply:
Response:
a) Yes
b) Yes
Response to (i), (ii), (aa), (aaa) (bbb) on table below.
PROGRAMME |
ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE |
OVG DETERMINED VALUE |
DIFFERNCE |
LAND REDISTRIBUTION AND DEVELOPMENT |
R 116,866,011.00 |
R 98,264,000.00 |
R 18,602,011.00 |
STRENGTHENING OF RELATIVE RIGHTS |
R 218,457,051.64 |
R 176,651,900.00 |
R 41,805,151.64 |
RESTITUTION |
R 250,376,449.00 |
R 226,205,265.96 |
R 24,171,183.04 |
Total |
R 585,699,511.64 |
R 501,121,165.96 |
R 84,578,345.68 |
05 June 2017 - NW1278
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the North West inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1433
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) total amount in legal fees and (b) other costs did (i) his department and/or (ii) any of the entities reporting to him have to pay with regard to the High Court case number 17748/17 of 10 April 2017?
Reply:
(a) The Department has not as yet received the legal fees from its legal team.
(b) Not applicable
(i) The Department has not yet received any taxed costs from the Applicants.
(ii) PRASA did not join legal proceedings, thus there were no legal fees to be paid
05 June 2017 - NW1328
Ross, Mr DC to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) What number of e-toll invoices have been issued in each month (i) in the (aa) 2015-16 and (bb) 2016-17 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2017 as part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project and (b) what number of the specified invoices have been paid; (2) what is the (a) current compliance rate and (b) total outstanding amount owed by (i) registered and (ii) nonregistered e-toll users in each case
Reply:
1. The link below indicates the number of invoices issued and paid for each month since 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017. The information for April 2017 is not yet available, but will be submitted once it is available.
https://pmg.org.za/files/RNW1328Table-170605.pdf
2. SANRAL calculates the compliance rate in Rand value due to invoices varying in terms of tariff due to class of vehicle, time-of-day, frequent user discount, etc. Additionally, it should also be noted that once a vehicle reaches the monthly cap, invoices are still issued even though the value is zero.
a) The compliance rate for February 2017, based on Rand value was 29%.
b) Due to the year-end processes and audits still to be concluded, the value of outstanding debt can’t be disclosed. This will be available once the Auditor-General has concluded the audit on 31 July 2017. The audited results as at 31 March 2016, reflects the outstanding value (trade receivables), which would be for unregistered users, as R7 206 million.
05 June 2017 - NW1073
Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to his reply to question 406 on 27 March 2017, are there any patients being accommodated in correctional services facilities due to inadequate mental health facilities in any other province; if so, (a) what is the total number of patients who are currently being accommodated, (b) in which prisons and (c) for how long?
Reply:
Yes.
Detailed answers to questions (a), (b) and (c) are as follows:
Province |
(a) Number of patients accommodated |
(b) Prison facilities |
(c) For how long |
Eastern Cape |
14 |
St. Albans |
8-22 months |
14 |
Grahamstown |
6-19 months |
|
43 |
East London |
1-22 months |
|
1 |
Wellington |
1month |
|
13 |
King Williams Town |
1-11 months |
|
11 |
Fort Beaufort |
10-18 months |
|
3 |
Cradock |
14-21 months |
|
Sub-total |
99 |
||
Mpumalanga |
2 |
Witbank |
84 months |
6 |
Nelspruit |
12-36 months |
|
1 |
Middelburg |
12 months |
|
6 |
Ermelo |
1-48 months |
|
Sub-total |
15 |
||
Total |
114 |
The waiting list of patients in prison facilities in Mpumalanga province is due to the lack of a specialised psychiatric hospital to render this service. Plans are underway to build a hospital, and currently patients are referred to Weskoppies Hospital in Gauteng Province, when a bed becomes available.
END.
05 June 2017 - NW1179
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether performance bonuses were paid to employees in her department (a) in each of the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2017; if so, what is the total (i) number of employees who received bonuses and (ii) amount paid out for these bonuses in each of the specified financial years?
Reply:
No, the Department of Communications has not paid any performance bonuses.
05 June 2017 - NW1252
Mulder, Dr CP to ask the Minister of Transport
(a)(i) Why the Telkom lines of the eNatis system have been cut by Telkom and (ii) what is the effect of this on owners of motor vehicles who want to obtain motor vehicle licences, (b) on what date will the matter be resolved and (c) what is the status of any criminal or other statutory accountability towards owners of motor vehicles who cannot obtain an/or renew motor vehicle licences?
Reply:
a) (i) Telkom cut voice services to NaTIS sites on 21 March 2017 because Tasima had not paid.
(ii) There were no adverse effects because the system remained operational as data services were not affected.
b) Voice services were restored on 19 April 2017 after the RTMC had taken over the NaTIS.
c) No owner of a motor vehicle was unable to licence a vehicle due to a planned interruption by Telkom. In the event of an unplanned interruption such as copper theft or other similar incidents, the licensing office logs a call with the provincial helpdesk to obtain a reference number. Through this process, the licensing office is authorised by the provincial helpdesk to backdate the effective date of licensing to prevent any penalties and arrears being payable.
05 June 2017 - NW1236
Robinson, Ms D to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him has (i) procured any services from and/or (ii) made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) were the total costs, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of the costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of the payments in each case?
Reply:
(a) and (b) (i) and (ii) The Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa and the entities reporting to its Executive Authority did not procure any services from and/or make any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation.
Thus (aa), (bb), (cc), (dd), (ee) and (ff) fall away.
************************************
05 June 2017 - NW1277
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Gauteng inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
(b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
(c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1432
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Why has the Metrorail Chatsworth and Durban service been suspended, (b) how are passengers being accommodated whilst the service is suspended, (c) what is being done to reinstate the service and (d) by what date will the service be reinstated?
Reply:
a) The Metrorail commuter service between Crossmoor (Chatsworth) and Durban was suspended from 22 February 2017 due to the general shortage of serviceable rolling stock experienced by the PRASA KZN Region. As at February 2017, only 32 train sets out of the required 57 train sets were in-service, due to major overhaul/upgrade and maintenance program requirements of the ageing fleet. PRASA was also losing 5 coaches on average per month due to vandalism. As a consequence the in-service fleet is under pressure and run more kilometres than usual, with less time to effect day to day maintenance, having an adverse effect on the performance of the fleet. The over extension and poor performance of the available fleet create serious risks in terms of commuter dissatisfaction and overcrowding.
In balancing the available in-service fleet with overall demand across the KZN region, the Chatsworth and Bluff services were suspended in order to make rolling stock available on higher demand corridors in areas where alternative bus services are not viable due to objections from the taxi industry.
b) A replacement bus service was provided by PRASA between Crossmoor and Merebank, making it possible for commuters to connect with trains travelling to and from the South Coast and Umlazi.
c) Although a partial recovery of the KZN Metrorail fleet availability towards the end of March allowed the train service between Durban and Crossmoor to be reinstated, limited spare trains sets still affects service capacity and performance, resulting in frequent cancellations. Buses are arranged on an ad-hoc basis to augment the train service as far as possible.
d) The train service between Durban and Crossmoor was officially reinstated on 30 March 2017. The train service between Durban/Umlazi and Wests (Bluff) remains suspended due to the ongoing shortage of rolling stock. PRASA is in a process of accelerating the return of additional rolling stock (train sets) to improve the fleet availability across all services in the KZN region.
05 June 2017 - NW1282
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Eastern Cape inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
(b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
(c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1289
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in the Northern Cape who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) It was reported to the Department that no examiners of vehicles in the Northern Cape have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness during the 2016 / 17 financial year.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1072
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)(a) What were the reasons for the (i) suspension and (ii) subsequent reinstatement of The Hill High School principal in Johannesburg and (b) what were the allegations levelled against him; (2) whether an investigation was undertaken; if so, (a) by whom, (b) what processes were followed and (c) what were the timelines; (3) (a) who were all the parties involved, (b) what were the costs to each party and (c) what was the total cost to her department with regard to this matter?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) and (ii)
The suspension of Hill High School principal was as a result of the alleged financial mismanagement of the school funds. The principal was found guilty and sanctioned to suspension without pay and subsequently returned to work after completing the suspension.
(b) The allegation levelled against him was financial mismanagement of the school funds.
2. (a) Yes, an investigation was undertaken by the Gauteng Department of Education. (b) and (c) An internal investigation was conducted and concluded within 60 days.
3. (a) The principal of the school and the Department were the only parties involved.
(b) and (c) The matter was investigated internally and therefore no costs were incurred by the Department.
05 June 2017 - NW1279
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Free State inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
(b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
(c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1297
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour
(1)     What factors did her department take into consideration when deciding to grant 6% increase to her department’s inspection and enforcement services for the 2017-18 financial year; (2) whether she has found that the 6% increase for the 2017-18 financial year is sufficient to ensure that the labour inspectors of her department are (a) properly resourced and (b) capacitated to ensure that all labour market policies are complied with on the front line; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW1439E
Reply:
1. The 6% increase to Inspection and Enforcement Services was granted by National Treasury and not by the Department.
(2) No; the 6% increase for 2017/18 financial year is not sufficient to ensure that the labour inspectors are properly resourced and capacitated to ensure all labour market policies are complied with.
05 June 2017 - NW990
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)Whether, she has found any evidence that supports the fact that children at public schools think a certain political organisation (name furnished) is corrupt and useless, as alleged by a certain person (name and details furnished) if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, has she found that the attitude of the pupils towards the specified political organisation is as a result of what they are taught at school; (2) whether she will make a statement on the integrity of the school system?
Reply:
1. The Minister has written to the identified person to provide the Department of Basic Education (DBE) with evidence in this regard. However, the DBE has been made aware of isolated cases (not a norm) involving some teachers. From the advent of democracy in South Africa, the DBE has built the curriculum on the same values and principles on which the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa are based. The National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement articulates the democratic values, aims and principles, social justice and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The implementation of the National Curriculum and Policy Statement makes it difficult for teachers to stray from the content, pedagogy, dogma and values anchoring the curriculum itself. Where teachers were found to have strayed from the implementation of the curriculum in its true content and spirit, the Department has acted and meted out applicable sanctions.
2. There would be no need to defend the integrity of school system on this matter as the Department is not inundated with reports of such cases. The DBE will, however, bring it to the attention of Provincial Education Departments to make teachers aware of consequences of not adhering to the stipulations of the National Curriculum and Assessment Statement and the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
05 June 2017 - NW1281
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Western Cape inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
- In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
- No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
- An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1305
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to her reply to question 1582 on 21 June 2016, (a) how many of the 76 school classrooms damaged during the May 2016 protest action in Vuwani in the Vhembe District of Limpopo have been repaired to date, (b) what are the reasons for the delay in respect of classrooms that have not yet been repaired and (c) what safety measures have been put in place to prevent the burning of schools in the area in the future?
Reply:
a) None of the classrooms have currently been repaired. 10 Schools have been identified for repairs in the 2017/18 financial year.
b) R177 million was made available during November-December 2016. This has been utilised to fund 10 Vuwani/ Malamulela protest damaged schools, and contractors have been appointed. However, due to the intermittent unrest that have been going on in the area, no progress has been registered. The service provider will proceed with the work as soon as the situation is back to normal.
c) Currently security officials have been deployed to the schools affected and fencing has been included into the scope of work that is to be done at the schools.
05 June 2017 - NW1273
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Labour
(a) What is the total number of employees of the Compensation Fund who are currently suspended, (b) what are the reasons for the suspension in each case and (c) what is the total number of the specified cases relating to fraud are currently under investigation?
Reply:
a) 30;
b) All 30 relate to allegations of fraud;
c) 89
05 June 2017 - NW1429
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Who is the concessionaire of the Huguenot Tunnel in the Western Cape, (b) when were they appointed, (c) how were they appointed, (d) what criteria were used to appoint them, (e) when did this concessionaire start, (f) when will it be terminated (g) what are the terms and conditions of this concessionaire and (h) what financial costs and implications exist for Sanral or any other entity?
Reply:
(a) The Huguenot Tunnel is not a concession contract, but a state-owned toll road, as it is funded and maintained by SANRAL. The toll operations and tunnel management are outsourced to Tolcon Group, the Operator. SMEC Consulting Engineers are the appointed professional service providers; and are responsible for overseeing the operations and maintenance of the Huguenot Toll Plaza and Tunnel.
(b) Tolcon was appointed on 27 November 2014 and the Operations and Maintenance contract officially commenced on 01 February 2015.
(c) Tolcon and SMEC Consulting Engineers were appointed after an open tender process.
(d) The tender provided for a functionality requirement to be met as a minimum. This was calculated on the following basis:
THE QUALITY CRITERIA AND MAXIMUM SCORE IN RESPECT OF EACH OF THE CRITERIA ARE AS FOLLOWS: FORM |
DESCRIPTION OF QUALITY CRITERIA AND SUB-CRITERIA |
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TENDER EVALUATION POINTS |
B1 |
Schedule of Work Experience in comparable projects |
20 |
B3 |
Proposed Personnel for Key staff |
15 |
B4 |
Continuing professional development of the Key staff |
5 |
B5 (Items 1,4,5, & 6) |
Organisational structure, Logistics, support structures and managerial ability appropriate to the size and nature of the work |
10 |
B5 (Item 2) |
Financial control structures |
10 |
B5 (Item 3) |
Financial information |
5 |
B5 (Item 7) |
Maintenance proficiency |
15 |
B7 |
Toll Systems Replacement: Methodology, Approach & Technical Compliance |
15 |
B8 |
Toll Manning Configuration |
5 |
Total evaluation points for quality (MS) |
100 |
The minimum number of evaluation points for quality (WQ) was 75.
All compliant tenders who met the threshold moved on to the second stage of the tender evaluation which was Price and Preference (90/10).
Scoring preference: |
Up to 100 minus W1 tender evaluation points will be awarded to tenderers who submit responsive tenders and who are found to be eligible for the preference claimed. Points are based on a tenderer’s scorecard measured in terms of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE, Act 53 of 2003) and the Regulations (2009) to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA, Act 5 of 2000). |
Points awarded were allocated according to a tenderer’s B-BBEE status level of contributor and summarised in the table below: |
The score for price was calculated out of the 90 points using the formula:
A = (1 – (P – Pm)/Pm)
Pm is the comparative offer of the most favourable comparative offer
P is the comparative offer of the tender offer under consideration
The points for Price was then added to the Preference Point for a total point out of 100. The tender is awarded to the highest point scorer.
(e) It should be noted that this is not a concession contract, but the current Operations and Maintenance contract started on 01 February 2015.
(f) The contract was awarded for a 3 year period, with an option to extend for a further 2 years.
(g) Not applicable
(h) The Huguenot Toll Plaza and Tunnel is part of the SANRAL Toll Portfolio. Details of bonds issued in the capital markets to fund the Portfolio with each bonds corresponding coupon rate is disclosed in the SANRAL financial statements.
05 June 2017 - NW1510
Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Transport
1. Whether (a) his Department and (b) each entity reporting to him procured any services from and/or made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger or (ii) any other public relations firm; if not, in each case, why not, if so, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the total cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payment and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments in each case.
Reply:
Department
Department did not procure any services or made any payments to (i) the certain company (name furnished) or (ii) any other public relations firms. The reason is because the department did not have a need to obtain the services of a public relations firm.
(aa) Not applicable
(bb) Not applicable
(cc) Not applicable
(dd) Not applicable
(ee) Not applicable
(ff) Not applicable
Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)
Airports Company South Africa has not procured any services from the company whose name was furnished. Airports Company South Africa utilises the services of FTI Consulting for its public relations.
Air Traffic Navigation and Services (ATNS)
- According to ATNS records, no services where procured or payments made to Bell Pottinger
- No service or payments were made to any public relations firms. There has not been any reason to procure services or make payments to public relations firms
(aa) Not applicable
(bb) Not applicable
(cc) Not applicable
(dd) Not applicable
(ee) Not applicable
(ff) Not applicable
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
(a) N/A (b)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(cc)(dd)(ee)(ff)The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) procured services from and made payments to a public relations agency called PR Powerhouse. The agency was hired to provide the SACAA with a variety of marketing communications aimed at creating awareness about the organisation, its mandate, and services offered to the public. Examples of outputs include drafting of media statements, setting up media interviews, and related public relations activities. The contract agreement was for a period of six months, ending 31 March 2016. During the contract period, the agency was paid a monthly retainer fee of R54 150, 00 (fifty-four thousand one hundred and fifty rand); amounting to R324 900, 00 (three hundred and twenty-four thousand nine hundred rand). NW1652E
(b) Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRT) has not procured services from nor has it made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger nor (ii) has it engaged any other public relations firm. The Agency has not established the need to do so.
(aa) – (ff) Not applicable
(b) Road Accident Fund (RAF) did not procure any services from and/or make any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger, but (ii) did procure services from The Brand Leadership Group (Pty) Ltd (“Brand Leadership”), a brand strategy, brand valuation and intellectual property management company, to (aa) provide the RAF with communications, media and public relations services, (bb) at a total contracted cost of R3 102 624, including VAT, over the three year period commencing on 13 January 2014, (cc) the detailed breakdown of such cost is:
Description |
Total Cost |
Management fee |
R2 721 600 |
Percentage of markup fee for events |
Billing principles and terms and conditions |
Addition cost |
Billing principles and terms and conditions |
Total |
R2 721 600 |
Total VAT |
R381 024 |
Total VAT inclusive |
R3 102 624 |
, (dd) of which R 2 879 044.31 has been paid to date, (ee) the purpose of the payment was to compensate Brand Leadership for the contracted services rendered to the RAF, (ff) the detailed breakdown of the payments are set out below:
Date of Payment |
Amount |
Particulars: |
07 April 2014 |
R7,524.00 |
Advertisement |
09 May 2014 |
R13 167.00 |
Brand Management |
11 June 2014 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
19 June 2014 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
04 September 2014 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
05 November 2014 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
12 November 2014 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
26 February 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
13 March 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
17 April 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
30 April 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
11 June 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
01 July 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
08 September 2015 |
R86 184.00 |
Retainer |
11 September 2015 |
R96 159.00 |
Retainer of R86 184.00 and R9 975.00 for design and artwork |
18 November 2015 |
R99 581.81 |
Retainer of R86 184.00 and R13 397.81 for road show |
20 January 2016 |
R105 606.75 |
Retainer of R86 184.00 and design and layout R11 172.75 |
20 April 2016 |
R114 114.00 |
Retainer of R86 184.00, R16 758.00 and R11 172.00 for branding. |
22 April 2016 |
R135 560.25 |
Retainer of R86 184.00 and design and placement of advert R49 376.25 |
25 April 2016 |
R172 368.00 |
2 X Retainer of R86 184.00 |
18 May 2016 |
R172 368.00 |
2 X Retainer of R86 184.00 |
20 June 2016 |
R172 368.00 |
2 X Retainer of R86 184.00 |
14 September 2016 |
R172 368.00 |
2 X Retainer of R86 184.00 |
19 September 2016 |
R182 286.00 |
Retainer of R86 184.00, advertorial for R87 210.00 and R8892.00 for design and layout for an advert. |
19 January 2017 |
R401 365.50 |
4 X Retainer of R86 184.00, campaign of R53 437.50 and R3 192.00 for design. |
Total |
R2 879 044.31 |
(b) Road Traffic Management Corporations (RTMC) has not procured services from nor has it made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger nor (ii) has it engaged any other public relations firm. The Agency has not established the need to do so.
(aa) – (ff) Not applicable
(b) Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTI) has not procured services from nor has it made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger nor (ii) has it engaged any other public relations firm. The Agency has not established the need to do so.
(aa) – (ff) Not applicable
(b) South African Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) has not procured services from nor has it made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger nor (ii) has it engaged any other public relations firm. The Agency has not established the need to do so.
(aa) – (ff) Not applicable
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has never done any business nor procured any goods or services from Bell Pottinger or any other public relations firm.
The Authority has its own internal Corporate Affairs department which, among other things, is responsible for stakeholder management and communication.
Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA)
(b) The Ports Regulator did not procure any services from and/or made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger or (ii) any other public relations firm. The reason for not using such services is because the activities of the Ports Regulator so far have not necessitated the use of a public relations firm.
National Railway Safety Regulator (NRSR)
(b)(i) The RSR has not procured any services from and/or made any payments to the company in question, Bell Pottinger.
(b)(ii) The RSR utilised the public relations services of Media Equity South Africa
(aa) The services procured related to the provision of reputation management services for the Regulator
(bb) The total cost of the services is contracted for an amount of R295 000.
(cc) Breakdown for cost relate to the assisting the Regulator to strengthen its relationship with the media and increase awareness of its newsworthy initiatives:
(dd) The Regulator has paid Media Equity SA R95 000 to date.
(ee) For services rendered as per the contract awarded to date
(ff) Detailed breakdown:
- Facilitation of the State of Safety report Launch – R35 000
- Interviews with senior management and staff
- Desktop research and social media analysis
- Securing participation from media houses and ongoing relationship building - R60 000
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)
(b) (i) PRASA has never procured services from Bell Pottinger
(ii) No other PR Agency has been used by PRASA
(aa) there was no requirement for those services
(bb) Not applicable
(cc) Not applicable
(dd) Not applicable
(ee) Not applicable
(ff) Not applicable
05 June 2017 - NW1292
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in the Eastern Cape who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
(a) The Eastern Cape Province reported that one examiner was convicted and is still practicing (Case no 217/ 1 /2016 Cradock Magistrate Court). The reason for continuation is that the Department is waiting for the response of the accused. A suspension letter was issued to him and signed by him on 08 May 2017. He was given 21 days to respond and this will end on the 02 June 2017.
(b) See above (a)
(c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1284
Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in Limpopo who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) The Limpopo province reported that there were no examiners convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness in the 2016 / 17 financial year.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1088
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Has she and/or her department decided what will happen to the 245,000 Zimbabweans who have Zimbabwe Special Permits (ZSP) which are valid until the end of 2017 (details furnished); if not, by what date will a decision be made; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she intends to ease the restrictions on the ZSPs to allow qualifying Zimbabweans to apply for immigration, spousal, business or work visas without having to return to Zimbabwe first; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. I have received a detailed briefing from the Department on proposed options and/ or interventions that could be considered for current Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP) holders beyond the expiry date of 31 December 2017. I am currently considering such proposals, and also consulting with my Cabinet peers. I will be ready to make an announcement during August 2017.
2. Relevant details will be contained in the announcement envisaged above.
05 June 2017 - NW1430
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the investigation commissioned by the Board of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa under the chairmanship of a certain person (name furnished), (i) who will lead the investigation (ii) what are the terms of reference (iii) what is the total amount budgeted (iv) what are the timeframes, timelines and milestones of the investigation going forward and (v) how will the findings and evidence from the specified investigation be incorporated into the current investigation?
Reply:
(i) There are three ongoing investigations at PRASA.
- The investigations into the irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure found by the Auditor-General in the 2014/2015 annual financial statements. This was commissioned by the Board of PRASA in terms of its fiduciary duties flowing from the Public Finance Management Act and led by Werksmans Attorneys.
- The investigations into contracts of more than R10 million concluded between 2012 and 2015 as per the remedial steps recommended by the Public Protector’s Report in August 2015 that are associated with the entities and transactions that were under investigation in (1) above. These investigations were, by agreement between PRASA, the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer of the National Treasury and the Department of Transport, led by Werksmans Attorneys.
- The investigations into contracts of more than R10 million concluded between 2012 and 2015 as per the remedial steps recommended by the Public Protector in August 2015. These relate to entities and transactions that were not viewed as related to the entities and transaction under investigation in (1) above. These investigations are led by National Treasury and National Treasury has appointed about 20 entities with forensic investigation capacity to conduct the investigation of these transactions and entities.
(ii) There is no new investigation commissioned by the Board of PRASA.
(iii) For the Financial Years 15/16 and 16/17, R148 million was paid for the investigations, and for the 17/18 Financial Year R14 million has been budgeted.
(iv) The timeframes for the conclusion of the investigations is end of July. The Milestones are that reports are submitted to the Board as they are completed. To date the Board has instituted seven court actions and has also forwarded 41 reports to the Directorate of Priority crimes investigations for further criminal investigations and 4 internal disciplinary actions have been instituted against affected employees.
(v) Please see response under (ii).
05 June 2017 - NW1431
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to his reply to question 653 on 29 March 2017, pertaining to the order by the Grahamstown High Court which ordered the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works to reimburse farmers who have repaired damaged roads themselves, (a) by what date will the department be in a position to have completed evaluating its options and (b) by what date will the department obtain a final legal opinion on this matter?
Reply:
The Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works has read the judgement and instructed the State Attorney to appeal components of the judgement. In terms of the process, the Department filed an Application for leave to appeal the judgement. The matter was heard on the 19th May 2017 in the Grahamstown High Court, which reserved its judgement. The Department is therefore still awaiting the judgement of the Court.
05 June 2017 - NW1276
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Mpumalanga inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
(a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
(b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
(c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW1065
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Health
Whether the West End Psychiatric Hospital in the Northern Cape has been (a) refurbished and (b) equipped for patients?
Reply:
The Department has refurbished and equipped the West End Psychiatric Hospital state patients unit in the 2016/17 financial year.
(a) A vacated 36 bed ward at West End Hospital has been completely upgraded to make it suitable for involuntary male health patients. The male involuntary patients were transferred from the secure ward adjacent to the existing State Patient Ward. This vacated ward is also suitable for State Patients which allowed rapid transfer in early May of 21 State Patients from Kimberley Correctional Services.
(b) The ward is fully and appropriately equipped for State Patients.
END.
05 June 2017 - NW1220
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Health
Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him has (i) procured any services from and/or (ii) made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) were the total costs, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of the costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of the payments in each case?
Reply:
No, neither the National Department of Health nor any of the public entities reporting to the Ministry of Health procured any services from the Decolonisation Foundation.
END.
05 June 2017 - NW1216
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Economic Development
Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him has (i) procured any services from and/or (ii) made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) were the total costs, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of the costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of the payments in each case?
Reply:
Public funds are intended to be spent for public purposes. Accordingly, no payments were made to the named entity.
-END-
05 June 2017 - NW1275
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) When was the Limpopo inspector of test stations appointed, (b) who was appointed, (c) what criteria were used in the appointment, (d) what reports have been submitted since the appointment, (e) what main issues have been identified, (f) what is being done to fix problem issues, (g) what solutions for problem issues have been identified and (h) what are the deadlines respectively?
Reply:
a) In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), there is no provincial inspectorate of testing stations.
b) No one has been appointed, however the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC is in the process of appointing a service provider /s to conduct assessment and inspections of driver licensing testing centres and vehicle testing stations.
c) An open tender, Reference No RTMC BID 05/2007/18 was issued on Friday 19 May 2017 and the closing date is 12 June 2017 at 11:00.
(d), and (e), for reasons stated in (a),(b) and (c) above, the Department only receives copies of the reports on inspections done by the SABS and is not privy to any provincial reports, findings and actions taken by the MEC of the province.
(f), (g), and (h) The Department has started with the process of developing the Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy that is intended to root out fraud and corruption at the vehicle and driving testing stations; and in terms of the current Departmental Strategic Plan, it is anticipated that the strategy will be approved in March 2019.
05 June 2017 - NW87
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Â What is the current amount owed to Eskom by each municipality which is considered to have defaulted on its payment agreement to the electricity supplier; (2)Â in each case, has (a) his department or (b) any provincial department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs taken any action in terms of section 139(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to implement a financial recovery plan; if not, why not; if so, what was the outcome of this recovery plan; (3)Â what has he found to have been the reason why each specified municipality is not successful in addressing the Eskom debt?
Reply:
(1) Listed below are municipalities with payment arrangements, however these municipalities have defaulted at some point. These key defaulting municipalities’ combined contribution to overdue municipal debt is 87%.
Table 1: Municipalities with valid payment arrangements, as at 31 January 2017
See the link: http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW87Table-170605.pdf
(2)(a) Section 139(5) states that if a municipality, in financial crisis, breaches its obligation to provide basic services or admits that it is unable to meet its financial commitments, the relevant provincial executive authority must impose a financial recovery plan. The Minister can only intervene in terms of Section 139(7) if the provincial executive authority cannot adequately exercise its power to perform the functions referred to in sub-sections 4 or 5. The national executive authority must then intervene.
National and provincial government is obligated, in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution, to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities in managing their own affairs and exercising their own power to carry out functions. In holding municipalities accountable, CoGTA as part of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Eskom debt, has been in discussion with Premiers, MECs and Mayors. The Department has had engagements with various stakeholders to resolve the issue of Eskom debt. The following agreements were reached:
- Eskom proposed to reduce the current interest rate charged to municipalities that are in arrears from 5% to prime plus 2,5%.
- Eskom will review charging interest after 15 days as opposed to 30 days, in terms of the PFMA.
- Eskom has agreed to allocate the payments by municipalities first toward the principal debt before the interest.
- The majority of municipalities have been assisted to enter into payment agreements. In August 2016, only 24 municipalities had agreements in place. However, as at January 2017, it has increased to 54.
- The Inter-Ministerial Task Team is in the process of resolving the legislative matters on electricity reticulation between Eskom and municipalities.
(3) Based on Eskom’s interaction with municipalities and the Inter-Ministerial Task team (DPE/CoGTA/NT) during 2016, the following common challenges were identified as contributing to the municipalities not honouring their financial obligations with Eskom:
i) Financial
- Cross-subsidisation of electricity revenue for other municipal services.
- Electricity tariff setting is not cost-reflective.
- Some municipalities are grant-dependent.
- Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) penalties and interest on arrears makes it difficult to decrease the principal debt.
ii) Technical
- Eskom charges a high penalty when municipalities exceed the NMD.
- Theft and losses of electricity equates to as much as 50% of purchases in some municipalities.
- A maintenance backlog in infrastructure results in high technical losses.
iii) Legislative Framework
- Municipalities are unable to effect credit control measures in Eskom-supplied areas of electricity supply.
05 June 2017 - NW1416
Dreyer, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Transport
What amount has his department spent on (a) travel, (b) accommodation and (c) subsistence costs for (i) him, (ii) his deputy minister and (iii) the respective spokespersons and media liaison officer(s) in the (aa) 2014-15, (bb) 2015-16 and (cc) 2016-17 financial years?
Reply:
(aa) 2014-15
ITEM |
NAME |
DESIGNATION |
AIR |
CAR HIRE |
(a) TRAVEL |
(b) ACCOMMODATION |
(i) |
MS E PETERS |
MINISTER |
R1 298 747.00 |
R 667 166.38 |
R1 965 913.38 |
R181 172.70 |
(ii) |
MS L CHIKUNGA |
DEPUTY MINISTER |
No information available |
R392 782.61 |
R392 782.61 |
R21 345.00 |
(iii) |
MR I MNISI |
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER - MINISTRY |
R8 706.17 |
R17 527.30 |
R26 233.47 |
R69 754.38 |
(iii) |
MS N MAPHANGA |
PARLIAMENTARY AND MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER - DEPUTY MINISTER |
R0.00 |
R142 222.72 |
R142 222.72 |
NO INFO |
No information – no record, company insolvent
(bb) 2015-16
ITEM |
NAME |
DESIGNATION |
AIR |
CAR HIRE |
(a) TRAVEL |
(b) ACCOMMODATION |
(i) |
MS E PETERS |
MINISTER |
R1 401 868.22 |
R883 813.53 |
R 2 285 681.75 |
R50 760.73 |
(ii) |
MS L CHIKUNGA |
DEPUTY MINISTER |
R1 008 247.22 |
R863 496.51 |
R1 871 743.73 |
R109 187.69 |
(iii) |
MR I MNISI |
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER - MINISTRY |
R104 071.11 |
R30 607.13 |
R134 678.24 |
R52 744.00 |
(iii) |
MS N MAPHANGA |
PARLIAMENTARY AND MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER - DEPUTY MINISTER |
R219 534.16 |
R154 047.35 |
R373 581.51 |
R124 636.87 |
(cc) 2016-17
ITEM |
NAME |
DESIGNATION |
AIR |
CAR HIRE |
(a) TRAVEL |
(b) ACCOMMODATION |
(i) |
MS E PETERS |
MINISTER |
R750 529.60 |
R1 047 281.14 |
R1 797 810.74 |
R85 616.07 |
(ii) |
MS L CHIKUNGA |
DEPUTY MINISTER |
R862 245.83 |
R539 112.08 |
R1 401 357.91 |
R152 472.49 |
(iii) |
MR I MNISI |
MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER - MINISTRY |
R93 865.84 |
R47 183.02 |
R141 048.86 |
R49 622.53 |
(iii) |
MS N MAPHANGA |
PARLIAMENTARY AND MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER - DEPUTY MINISTER |
R195 974.90 |
R282 622.46 |
R478 597.36 |
R191 802.97 |
05 June 2017 - NW1288
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in the Free State who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) According to information provided by the Free State province, no examiners were arrested or convicted in the 2016 / 17 financial year for fraudulent certification of roadworthiness.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1286
Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in North West who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) The North West Department of Transport reported on the following:
Four (4) Examiners had been arrested and charged.
Of the four (4), one (1) examiner resigned during the process,
One (1) examiner was found guilty by the Wolmaranstad Magistrate Court and sentence will be passed on the 9th June 2017.
Two (2) Examiners' case ongoing at the Tlhabane Magistrate Court, but are currently on bail and the hearing postponed to the 8th June 2017 - Case No. 336/02/2017
One (1) Runner and a Clerk arrested with the Examiner above, case also ongoing - Case No. 336/02/2017
The examiner who was found guilty is not currently working as an examiner.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1287
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What is the total number of examiners of vehicles in Gauteng who have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of road worthiness and continue to practice as examiners, (b) why have the specified examiners not been charged and arrested and (c) by what date will they be arrested and charged?
Reply:
It is difficult to report on the statistics relating to convictions of examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case; and due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take much longer than expected to be finalised. This involves arms of government other than the Department of Transport.
a) Gauteng Province responded by noting that that five (5) Examiners of vehicles have been de-registered as Authorized Officers for Fraud during the 2016/2017 financial year and are no longer practicing as Examiners of Vehicles in the Gauteng Province due to their registration being cancelled.
b) See above (a)
c) See above (b)
05 June 2017 - NW1293
Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Why are the provisions of SA National Standards 10216 not being applied equally with regard to the vehicle testing stations in each of the provinces, (b) why have the recommendations by the SA Bureau of Standards Inspectorate of vehicle testing stations been ignored to date, (c) what is his department doing to ensure that these recommendations are complied with, (d) what are the (i) timelines, (ii) milestones and (iii) deadlines in each province, (e) what is being done to ensure that these dates are complied with and (f) who is responsible to ensure that these dates are met?
Reply:
(a) In terms of section 40 of the National Road Traffic act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) read with regulation 136 of the National Road traffic Regulations, 2000 it is the competency of the respective MEC’s responsible for transport to either suspend or cancel the registration of a testing station, if a testing station no longer complies with the requirements for registration. In terms of Regulation 137E the Inspectorate of Testing Stations shall evaluate and inspect as prescribed and make recommendations to the MEC in terms of the compliance or non-compliance of vehicle testing stations in the province. This includes but is not limited to the compliance to SANS 10216. It remains the prerogative of the respective MECs to implement the recommendations of the SABS and the reason for different applications of the recommendations is due to the fact that each MEC may choose to implement according to his or her discretion.
(b) The function of the Inspectorate of Testing Stations is currently performed by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). The Inspectorate can only make recommendations to the respective MEC and have no powers to enforce such recommendations. It remains the prerogative of the respective MECs to implement the recommendations of the SABS and the reason for different applications of the recommendations or not implementing at all is due to the fact that each MEC may choose to implement according to his or her discretion. All provinces have replied that the recommendations were adhered to.
(c) The Department is communicating concerns regarding noncompliance at the national forums and via provincial information sessions. This happens on a continuous basis. The Department has further included the development of the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy in its Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan. The Department is further striving towards publishing the Minimum Requirements for Service Delivery Standard. Both these initiatives strive to address non-compliance at not only testing stations but also Driving Licence Testing Centres and Registering Authorities. All of the mentioned initiatives involves publication in the Gazette and impact studies. The replies to (d), (e) and (f) are dependent on the relevant MECs of each province and are depicted under the applicable provincial heading below.
Eastern Cape:
(d) (i) Upon recommendations by the SABS, Eastern Cape issues a TS4 notice to the contravening vehicle test station in terms of Regulation 136 (1) and (2) NRTA, Act 93 of 1996, and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000, requiring the said VTS to report to the MEC in writing within 14 days from the date of the notification, the reason for such failure to comply and details of the measures taken to rectify and prevent such failure. Standards are applied to in terms of the National Road Traffic Act 93/1996
(ii) (iii) The Province follows up with the VTS after the 14 days, and with the SABS to determine if the recommendations have been implemented and findings cleared. If the findings are not cleared, and of a nature that warrants suspension or cancellation, Eastern Cape then issues a TS5 notice to the contravening VTS notifying of the suspension or cancellation of the registration of such VTS, in terms of Regulation 136 NRTA, Act 93 of 1996, and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000.
No SABS findings were ignored. All recommendations by the Vehicle Testing Centre were rectified and sent back to SABS.
EC Inspectorate Section is doing a follow up to those recommendations by SABS and most were rectified.
The contravening VTS then has the right to appeal to the Minister of Transport within 21 days of receipt of the notice as per Section 51A NRTA, Act 93 of 1996. If an appeal is lodged with the Minister of Transport within the 21 days, and the Province is notified of such, then the Province waits for the decision of the Minister before implementing the suspension or cancellation.
(e) Inspectorate after the visit SABS should immediately forward copy or Email to the Provincial Inspectorate
(f) Eastern Cape Vehicle Fitness Section
Free State:
(d)The Province has started during the 2014-2015 Financial Year to upgrade and calibrate all the vehicle testing equipment at vehicle testing stations in the province.
(i) (ii)The Province reported that 17 stations were upgraded (i.e. Bloemfontein, Trompsburg, Bethlehem, Harrismith, Parys, Heilbron, Sasolburg, Kroonstad, Welkom, Virginia, Wesselsbron, Marquard, Ladybrand, Ficksburg, Odendaalrus, Thaba-Nchu, and Windburg Testing Stations) by the end of the 2016/17 financial year.
(iii) The province endeavors to continue upgrades in the 2017/18 financial year and will further calibrate the equipment of five more stations i.e. Botshabelo, Phuthaditjhaba, Bultfontein, Viljoenskroon and Petrusburg.
(e) The Inspectorate for Vehicle Testing Stations will follow up on the progress reported by the province.
(f) Provincial Monitoring Unit
Gauteng Province:
(d) (i) Upon recommendations by the SABS, Gauteng issues a TS4 notice to the contravening vehicle test station in terms of Regulation 136 (1) and (2) NRTA, Act 93 of 1996, and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000, requiring the said VTS to report to the MEC in writing within 14 days from the date of the notification, the reason for such failure to comply and details of the measures taken to rectify and prevent such failure.
(ii) The Province follows up with the VTS after the 14 days, and with the SABS to determine if the recommendations have been implemented and findings cleared. If the findings are not cleared, and of a nature that warrants suspension or cancellation, Gauteng then issues a TS5 notice to the contravening VTS notifying of the suspension or cancellation of the registration of such VTS, in terms of Regulation 136 NRTA, Act 93 of 1996, and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000. The contravening VTS then has the right to appeal to the Minister of Transport within 21 days of receipt of the notice as per Section 51A NRTA, Act 93 of 1996. If an appeal is lodged with the Minister of Transport within the 21 days, and the Province is notified of such, then the Province implements the decision to suspend or cancel the VTS in question on approval by the Minister
(iii) Addressed in (ii) above
(e)Addressed in (d) above
(f) Gauteng: Vehicle Fitness Section
KwaZulu-Natal:
The KwaZulu-Natal Province abides by the prescripts of SANS 10216. The Inspectorate of testing stations, SABS conducts yearly inspections at KwaZulu-Natal Vehicle Testing Stations and provides recommendations in respect of the findings in terms of SANS codes 10216 and deviations are addressed accordingly.
KZN does adhere to the recommendations made by the SABS. Upon receipt of TS4, TS5 recommendations from SABS, notices of intention to cancel or suspend or suspension/cancellation notices, signed by the HOD, are forwarded to the vehicle testing stations. Responses are followed up.
(c) Notices are sent to the vehicle testing stations, responses are dealt with, and SABS is consulted with regarding the responses.
(d) What are the:
(i) The recommendation is received from SABS. The notice is prepared for the HOD’s signature. On receipt of the signed notice, the notice is hand delivered and from the date of delivery, the testing station is given 14 days to respond.
(ii) The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport issued twelve (12) TS4 notices on recommendation from SABS, and 1 TS5 notice is in the process of being served. The representations in respect of the TS4 notices are in the process of being reviewed by SABS/Administration, and
(iii) The proprietor is given 14 days to respond.
(e) Monitor and pend for response, follow up on responses.
(f) The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport
Limpopo:
(d) The province is having number of compliance inspections conducted as one of the indicators in the Annual Performance Plan.
(i) Each and every institution is monitored every six months.
(ii) Compliance reports are received from National Inspectorate, follow-ups are made on implementation of the recommendations.
(iii) Monthly reports are received from the Departmental Inspectors and reports are being made to the respective institutions.
(e)(f) The National Inspectorate of Vehicle Testing Stations makes regular follow ups to ensure that these dates are met.
Mpumalanga:
(d) (i) (ii) (iii) Once the testing station report has been received, TS4 is issued to the affected testing station and a response is expected within 14 days. The testing station is given 30 days to put corrective measures.
(e) A follow up inspection is conducted to confirm the corrective measures.
(f) The Senior Manager responsible for Transport Administration and Licensing in the province.
North West:
d) The Provincial monitoring unit conducts follow up inspections to ensure the implementation and monitoring of the recommendations as communicated with the stations.
(i) Stations are given 30 days to respond to the recommendations made by the SA Bureau of Standards.
(ii) Non-compliant stations at the time of the inspection, have implemented all recommendations and now operating effectively. Furthermore, the Provincial Inspectorate conducts unannounced inspections to independently confirm that short comings are addressed accordingly.
(iii.) The provincial deadline for the implementation of the recommendations are linked to the SA Bureau of Standards Inspectorate deadline of 30 days.
e) Provincial monitoring unit conducts regular announced and unannounced visits to the Vehicle Testing Stations to ensure strict adherence to the deadlines, and where slow implementation is experienced, immediate intervention is sought with relevant authorities.
f) The Provincial monitoring unit is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that all recommendations and deadlines thereto are strictly adhered to by relevant stations.
Northern Cape:
(d) Follow up letters are submitted to the respective Testing Stations in line with the findings and recommendations of the South African Bureau of Standards where TS4/ TS5 notices were issued.
Follow up visits are conducted to determine whether corrective interventions were taken or not. In the case where no corrective actions are taken the Testing Stations are suspended from operation i.e., De Aar, Victoria West, Kathu, Prieska etc.
Regular follow up visits and hosting of information sessions to ensure a common understanding in respect of the interpretation and application of relevant policies governing the Vehicle Testing Station environment.
(i) Quarterly
(ii) Follow up visits are done on Quarterly basis to ensure implementation plans are adhere to.
(iii) Testing Stations are given 14 (fourteen) days to comply in terms of Regulation 136 of the National Road Traffic Act, (Act. 93 of 1996).
(e) Regular follow ups in writing, telephonically and meetings with Municipal Managers/ Testing Station Proprietors.
(f) The Provincial Monitoring Unit.
Western Cape:
(d) Findings raised in reports that are provided to the Department are formally brought to the attention of the VTSs and followed up until rectified:
(i) as soon as the report is received with feedback due to the Department within 21 days (ii) milestones and corrected finding
(iii) reported immediately for a response within 21 days,
(e) The Section Vehicle Regulation and Standards Unit and the Compliance Monitoring Unit do follow up inspections.
(f) The Section Vehicle Regulation and Standards Unit and the Compliance Monitoring Unit
05 June 2017 - NW1098
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
(1) Whether, with regard to the alleged payment of approximately $10 million that Fifa made to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Football Associations in 2008, using South African funds, the person who decided to make the payment had the necessary delegated authority to make such a decision; if not, (a) who authorised Fifa to make the $10 million payment, (b) who should have authorised this delegated authority and (c) who actually authorised this delegated authority; (2) whether the SA Football Association (Safa) conducted a full inquiry into the alleged unlawful payment; if not, why did an inquiry not take place; if so, will he provide Mr T W Mhlongo with a copy of the results of the inquiry; (3) whether Safa intends to recover the $10 million; if not, what are the reasons for not recovering the money?
Reply:
(1) FIFA was authorized by the South African Football Association (SAFA) to make the necessary payment to the Confederation of North, Central and Caribbean Football Associations (CONCACAF) and was authorized to do so as the funds were destined for the Host Association being SAFA itself.
(2) There was no inquiry into this matter as the payment was not unlawful and SAFA was well within its right to make the payment in furtherance of a standing government programme of making the World Cup an African World Cup, and a FIFA approved programme of ‘Win in Africa for Africa and One Goal’. No South African law was broken in the transactions that ensured to effect the payment of $10 million by FIFA to CONCACAF.
(3) SAFA does not intend to recover this money as it was paid for a legitimate purpose and there is no verdict of wrongdoing on the part of CONCACAF. SAFA has noted the allegations contained in the indictment by the US Attorney General and will follow the developments closely.
**************************************
05 June 2017 - NW1427
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)When was a certain person (name furnished) appointed onto the Road Traffic Infringement Agency Board; (2) whether the appointment was gazetted; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the implications of not having the appointment gazetted; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Adv Bilikwana is not appointed to the Board of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency;
(2) There was no appointment made and thus no need for his name to be gazetted;
(a) there was no gazetting because he is not a member of the board. His official employment duties are that of a Company Secretary. In the RTIA’s correspondence therefore, his name is listed along with that of board members, expressly indicating that he is the Company/Board Secretary, in line with best practise