Questions and Replies

Filter by year

19 June 2017 - NW1459

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)(a) What number of programmes were commissioned by the SA Broadcasting Corporation in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years, (b) what (i) budget was allocated for each programme, (ii) was the title of each programme and (iii) amount was actually spent and (c) on what date was each programme completed; (2) (a) what number of the programmes were actually broadcast and (b) on what date in each case?

Reply:

For (1) and (2), attached herewith please find Annexure 1 and Annexure 2 on details received from the SABC in relation to the programmes commissioned and broadcasted during 2014-15 financial year and during 2015-16 financial year. Auditing on the 2016-17 details has not been concluded.

19 June 2017 - NW1336

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

Has the Public Service Commission received disclosures of interest in terms of section 12(3) of the South African Police Service Employment Regulations of 2008 from the Minister of Police for (a) the National Commissioner, (b) the Deputy National Commissioner, (c) each of the Provincial Commissioners and (d) any person acting in any of the specified positions in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16 and (v) 2016-17 financial years; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

The requirement to disclose financial interests by Public Servants is regulated by the Financial Disclosure Framework. This Framework was introduced in March 2000 with the requirement that all Heads of Department (HoD) and employees on post level 15 in National and Provincial Departments should disclose their registrable interests on the form determined for this purpose by the Public Service Commission (PSC). In May 2001, the Financial Disclosure Framework was incorporated into the Public Service Regulations (PSR), 2001 and extended to cover all members of the Senior Management Service (SMS i.e. levels 13 to 16). These Regulations have since been repealed by the PSR, 2016, which came into effect on 1 August 2016.

Prior to the implementation of the PSR, 2016 the disclosure of financial interests was made in terms of Chapter 3 C.1 of the PSR, 2001, which stipulated that every designated employee (SMS member) shall, not later than 30 April each year, disclose to the relevant Executive Authority, particulars of all her/his registrable interests in respect of the period 1 April of the previous year to 31 March of the year in question. Any person who assumed duty as a designated employee after 1 April in a year was required to make such a disclosure within 30 days after assumption of duty in respect of the period of 12 months preceding her/his assumption of duty. The Executive Authorities were required to submit copies of the forms on which the designated employees disclosed their financial interests, to the PSC by not later than 31 May of each year. These provisions of the PSR, 2001 were retained in new PSR, 2016.

The submission of financial disclosure forms by the National Commissioner, Deputy National Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 are indicated in Tables 1 to 3 below:

Table 1: Submission of financial disclosure forms by the National Commissioner/Acting Commissioner between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016

Names

Financial Years

 

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

Phiyega MV

(National Commissioner)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

On suspension

Phahlane JK

(Acting National Commissioner)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

(Acting)

Table 1 above shows that the National Commissioner of the SAPS submitted her financial disclosure forms consistently between the financial years 2012/2013 and 2014/2015. The PSC did not receive the financial disclosure form of the National Commissioner in respect of the 2015/2016 financial year. This is apparently due to the fact that she has been placed on special leave during this period. The financial disclosure forms of the current Acting National Commissioner were submitted consistently between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016.

The submission rate of financial disclosure forms by Deputy National Commissioners is shown in Table 2 below:

Table 2: Submission of financial disclosure forms by the Deputy National Commissioners between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016

Names

Financial Years

 

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

Masemola SF

(Operational Services)

Yes

Yes

Transferred to Limpopo as Provincial Commissioner

(Please see Table 3 below).

(Post not provided for in the structure)

(Post not provided for in the structure)

Lebeya SG

(Crime detection)

Yes

Yes

Termination of service

(Post not provided for in the structure)

N/A

(Post not provided for in the structure)

Mofomme AL

(Physical Resource Management)

Yes

Yes

Termination of service

(Post not provided for in the structure)

N/A

(Post not provided for in the structure)

Mazibuko NNH

(Human Resource Management)

Yes

Yes

Retired

(Post not provided for in the structure)

N/A

(Post not provided for in the structure)

Dramat A

(Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations)

Yes

Yes

Termination of service

(Replaced by Ntlemeza BM)

N/A

Ntlemeza BM

(Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations)

Yes

Yes

Yes

(Acting in the post vacated by Dramat A)

Yes

Schutte SJP

(New Structure: Resources Management )

Yes

Submitted as a Divisional Commissioner

Yes

Submitted as a Divisional Commissioner

Yes

Submitted as Deputy National Commissioner Asset and Legal Management/ Resources Management

Yes

Submitted as Deputy National Commissioner Asset and Legal Management/ Resources Management

Mbekela CN

(Corporate Service Management: name changed to Human Resource Management in 2016)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Termination of service

Mgwenya BC

(Chief Operations Officer)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Post of Chief Operations Officer was abolished. Official was moved to the re-established post of Deputy National Commissioner Human Resource Management

Yes

Molefe J

(Executive Legal Officer)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Resigned 31-08-2016

Table 2 above shows that the ten (10) officials who are/were on the level of Deputy National Commissioner in the SAPS submitted their financial disclosure forms for the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years. During the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years, the SAPS experienced certain changes relating to the incumbency of the posts of Deputy National Commissioner. The following changes were experienced:

  • Masemola SF, who was the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Operational Services, was transferred to the Limpopo Province as a Provincial Commissioner. The PSC was informed that subsequent to this transfer, the post of National Commissioner: Operational Services was not provided for on the structure of the SAPS during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years. In view thereof, the financial disclosure form of the incumbent of the post of Deputy National Commissioner: Operational Services was not expected during these periods.
  • The services of Lebeya SG, who was the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection, were terminated. The PSC was informed that subsequent to this termination, the post was not provided for on the structure of the SAPS during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years. In view thereof, the financial disclosure forms of the incumbent of the post of Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection were not expected during these periods.
  • The services of Mofomme AL, who was the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Physical Resource Management, were terminated. The PSC was informed that subsequent to this termination, the post was not provided for on the structure of the SAPS during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years. In view thereof, the financial disclosure forms of the incumbent of the post of Deputy National Commissioner: Physical Resource Management were not expected during these periods.
  • Mazibuko NNH, who was the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Human Resource Management, retired from the service. The PSC was informed that subsequent to this retirement, the post was not provided for on the structure of the SAPS during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years. In view thereof, the financial disclosure forms of the incumbent of the post of Deputy National Commissioner: Human Resource Management were not expected during these periods.
  • The services of Dramat A, who was the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations, were terminated during 2014/2015 financial year. This official was replaced by Ntlemeza BM in an acting capacity during the 2014/2015 financial year. Ntlemeza BM was subsequently appointed permanently to this position and his financial disclosure form for 2015/2016 financial year was submitted. Table 2 shows further that Ntlemeza BM has been submitting his financial disclosure forms consistently between the 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 financial years.
  • Schutte SJP submitted the financial disclosure form as Divisional Commissioner during the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years. During the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years the official submitted the financial disclosure forms as Deputy National Commissioner: Asset and Legal Management/Resources Management.
  • Mbekela CN, who was the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Corporate Service Management (name changed to Human Resource Management in 2016) submitted the financial disclosure forms consistently between the period 2012/2013 and 2014/2015. The services of this official were terminated during the 2015/2016 financial year. In view thereof, the financial disclosure form of this official was not expected during the 2015/2016 financial year.
  • Mgwenya BC submitted the financial disclosure forms consistently between the 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 financial years. During 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years the official was occupying the post of Chief Operations Officer. The PSC was informed that the post of Chief Operations Officer was abolished during the 2014/2015 financial year. The official was then moved to the re-established post of Deputy National Commissioner: Human Resource Management.
  • Molefe J submitted the financial disclosure forms consistently between the 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 financial years. Although the official resigned from the SAPS during the 2015/2016 financial the financial disclosure form for this period was submitted prior to the resignation.

The submission rate of financial disclosure forms by Provincial Commissioners is shown in Table 3 below:

Table 3: Submission of financial disclosure forms by the Provincial Commissioners between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016

Provinces

Names

Financial Years

   

2012/2013

2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

Eastern Cape

Binta CC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Free State

Sitole KJ

Yes

Yes

N/A

Replaced by Mpembe TS

N/A

 

Mpembe TS

Submitted as Limpopo Provincial Commissioner

Yes

Yes

Gauteng

Petros M

Yes

Contract expired

Replaced by Mothiba LJ

N/A

N/A

 

Mothiba LJ

Yes

Submitted as Divisional Commissioner: Visible Policing

Yes

Replaced Petros LJ as Provincial Commissioner

Yes

Yes

KwaZulu-Natal

Ngobeni BM

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Limpopo

Mpembe TS

Yes

Yes

Yes

Submitted as Free State Provincial Commissioner

 

Masemola SF

Yes

Submitted as Deputy National Commissioner

Yes

Submitted as Deputy National Commissioner

Yes

Yes

Mpumalanga

Ntobela TR

Yes

Yes

Contract expired on

31-10-2014

N/A

N/A

 

Nogwanya VM

Yes

Submitted as Provincial Head: Legal and policy services

Yes

Appointed as Acting Provincial Commissioner on

03-11-2014

Yes

The official returned to his/her substantive post of Provincial Head: Legal and Policy Services

Yes

Submitted as Provincial Head: Legal and Policy Services

 

Magadlela MD

Yes

Submitted as Provincial Head: Detective Services: Mpumalanga

Yes

Yes

Appointed as Provincial Commissioner on

01-02-2015

Yes

North West

Mbombo MZN

Yes

Yes

Yes

Retired on

31-05-2015

N/A

 

Tsumane LJ

Yes

Yes

Yes

Submitted as Provincial Head: Detective Services

Yes

Acting on a vacant post of Provincial Commissioner

Northern Cape

Basson JD

Yes

Yes

Yes

Retired on

31-08-2015

N/A

 

Shivuri RP

Yes

Yes

Submitted as Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing

Yes

Appointed as Provincial Commissioner on

01-09-2015

Yes

Western Cape

Lamoer AH

Yes

Yes

N/A

Contract expired on

30-11-2015

N/A

 

Patekile TE

Yes

Submitted as Provincial Head: Operations Coordination: Eastern Cape

Yes

Yes

Yes

Appointed as Provincial Commissioner pointed as on

09-01-2016

  • Yes: denotes that the Minister submitted the financial disclosure forms of officials to the PSC.
  • No: denotes that financial disclosure forms were not received by the PSC during the financial year in question.
  • N/A: denotes that financial disclosure forms were not expected by the PSC during the financial year in question.

Table 3 above shows that all the officials within the SAPS who were occupying or acting in the posts of Provincial Commissioner, submitted their financial disclosure forms for the period between 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 financial years. The Table also shows that there were changes in relation to the incumbency of posts. These changes and the effects thereof on the state of compliance with the requirements to submit financial disclosure forms are explained in the following paragraphs:

  • Sitole KJ was replaced by Mpembe TS as Provincial Commissioner for the Free State Province during 2014/2015. In view thereof, the financial disclosure forms in respect of the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years were not expected from Sithole KJ.
  • Mpembe TS submitted the financial disclosure forms as Provincial Commissioner: Limpopo during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years. He was transferred to Free State during 2014/2015 where submitted his financial disclosure forms for the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years.
  • The employment contract of Petros M expired during the 2013/2014 financial years, and was replaced by Mothiba LJ as Provincial Commissioner: Gauteng. The financial disclosure form of Petros M was submitted in respect of the 2012/2013 financial year. This was the only period when a financial disclosure form was expected from this official. Mothiba LJ submitted the financial disclosure forms as Provincial Commissioner: Gauteng between the period 2013/2014 and 2015/2016 financial years. He had previously been submitting as Divisional Commissioner: Visible Policing.
  • Masemola SF replaced Mpembe TS as Provincial Commissioner: Limpopo during the 2014/2015 financial year. This official (Masemola SF) submitted the financial disclosure forms as Deputy National Commissioner in respect of the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years. The financial disclosure forms of the official were also submitted in respect of the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 financial years.
  • The employment contract of Ntobela TR expired during 2013/2014 after the official had submitted the financial disclosure forms as Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga in respect of the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years. Nogwanya VM was appointed Acting Provincial Commissioner on 3 November 2013. The financial disclosure forms of Nogwanya VM were submitted consistently between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 financial years as Provincial Head: Legal and Policy Services.
  • Magadlela MD was appointed as a Provincial Commissioner with effect from 1 February 2015. This official (Magadlela MD), who was initially the Provincial Head of Detective Services in Mpumalanga has been submitting his financial disclosure forms consistently between the periods 2012/2013 and 2015/2016.
  • Mbombo MZN, who was the Provincial Commissioner for North West, retired during 2014/2015 financial year (on 31May 2015). The financial disclosure forms of this official were, however, submitted in respect of the period between 2012/2013 and 2014/2015 financial years. He was replaced by Tsumane LJ who is the Provincial Head of Detective Services in an acting capacity. Tsumane LJ has been submitting the financial disclosure forms consistently between the periods 2012/2013 and 2014/2015 financial years.
  • Basson JD who was the Provincial Commissioner for the Northern Cape submitted the financial disclosure forms consistently between the period 2012/2013 and 2014/2015. The official retired from the service on 31 August 2015 and was replaced by Shivhuri RP. The latter has been submitting the financial disclosure forms consistently between the period 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 financial years. The official was previously occupying the post of Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing.
  • Lamoer AH who was the Provincial Commissioner for the Western Cape, submitted the financial disclosure forms in respect of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 financial years. The employment contract of the official expired on 30 November 2015. The official’s financial disclosure form for the 2014/2015 financial year was not submitted. This form was supposed to have been submitted in view of the fact that the contract expired seven (7) months after the due date for the submission of financial disclosure forms.
  • Lamoer AH was replaced by Patekile TE as Provincial Commissioner for the Western Cape with effect from 9 January 2016. The official (Patekile TE) submitted the financial disclosure forms consistently between the period 2012/2013 to 2015/2016 financial years. The official was initially occupying the post of Provincial Head: Operations Coordination in the Eastern Cape.

The due date for the submission of financial disclosure forms for the 2016/2017 financial year was 31 May 2017. The PSC is still capturing data relating to that.

19 June 2017 - NW1391

Profile picture: America, Mr D

America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(1)Have any officials in his department been implicated during an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) into a syndicate that offered acceptances for medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in exchange for cash; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) does his department have any oversight mechanisms in place monitoring the fairness of the student application process at universities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

  1. The Minister is not aware of any official in the Department who has been implicated in the Hawks investigation into a crime syndicate offering acceptances for medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
  2. Public higher education institutions are governed in terms of the Higher Education Act (Act No 101 of 1997, as amended) and their respective statutes. The Act clearly stipulates that the public higher education institutions established in terms of this Act are juristic persons (section 20(4)); as such, they enjoy a large degree of autonomy. The Act empowers Councils to govern universities, which entails determining the admission policy, entrance requirements in respect of particular higher education programmes, number of students who may be admitted for a particular higher education programme, manner of their selection and minimum requirements for readmission to study at the public higher education institution concerned. As part of their governance role, Councils must exercise effective oversight over the implementation of these policies.

Currently there are no existing mechanisms to monitor the student application process at universities; however, the Department is in the process of developing the Central Applications Service.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1391 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

19 June 2017 - NW1144

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) How many submarines does the SA National Defence Force have, (b) how many of the specified vessels are (i) operational, (ii) non-operational and serviceable and/or (iii) non-operational and unserviceable state, (c) how long has each vessel been in this state and (d) (i) what are the reasons for each vessel’s current state and (ii) how can this be prevented in the future?

Reply:

(a) How many submarines does the SANDF have?

Three.

(b) How many of the specified vessels are operational?

(i) At present two of the three are operational.

(b) How many of the specified vessels are non-operational and serviceable?

(ii) One of the submarines is non-operational and serviceable.

(b) How many of the specified vessels are non-operational and unserviceable state (sic)?

(iii) N/A.

(c) How long has each vessel been in this state?

Apart from the two operational submarines the third submarine has been in a refit period from 2014.

(d) What are the reasons for each vessels’ current state?

(i) A refit period normally takes 24 months. Delays when experienced are attributed to funding and long lead times for the delivery of spares.

(d) How can this be prevented in the future?

(ii) N/A.

19 June 2017 - NW1169

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour

Whether, following the outcry by the Director-General of the Compensation Fund that the pace and magnitude of outcry for improving service delivery in the Compensation Fund is racing ahead of the entity’s control, she has taken any steps to assist the Compensation Fund to drastically improve its service delivery in order to ensure that social security is provided in line with sections 26 and 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Steps taken to assist the Compensation Fund to improve its service delivery include, but not limited;

1. The Introduction of CF-Filing;

The objective of the project improve the turn-a-round time for an employer to register with the Compensation Fund, submit Return of Earnings online, process an immediate online payment and receive the Letter of Good Standing. The project is at an advanced stage and will be launched before the end of 2017.

2. The Introduction of Online Claims System;

The Fund implemented a new claims management system in 2014. This has resulted in visible improvements in the Fund’s service delivery. The system provides an online platform for employers and medical service providers to submit claims on line which facilitates speedy adjudication of claims. Plans are in place to continue to enhance the system with the objective of improving the claims turnaround time.

3. Improving the Call Centre system;

A new and improved call centre system is in the process of being implemented. The objective is to implement a system that will ensure that the service from the call centre to the back office is well managed in order to ensure that inquiries are responded to in the shortest time possible.

4. Realigning the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) to enhance benefits and service delivery;

The process of aligning COIDA so that it is in-line with the 21st century environment in order to ensure that is capable of responding to the service delivery needs, is at an advanced stage. We will soon be asking Cabinet to give us approval to publish the draft COIDA Amendment Bill for public comment.

19 June 2017 - NW1499

Profile picture: Matsepe, Mr CD

Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

Whether (a) her department and (b) each entity reporting to her procured any services from and/or made any payments to (i) a certain company (name furnished) or (ii) any other public relations firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the total cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments?

Reply:

DPSA

The Department of Public Service and Administration has not procured any services and/or made any payment to Bell Pottinger. The Department never required any services from Bell Pottinger.

NSG

b)(i) The National School of Government (NSG) did not procure any services from Bell Pottinger

(ii) The NSG did not procure any services from any other public relations firms

The NSG did not have any need for such services.

CPSI:

(b) (i) No-the CPSI did not have any need to procure from the said company

(ii) No the CPSI did not have any need to procure from any other public relations firms

(aa) Not applicable

(bb) Not applicable

(cc) Not applicable

(dd) Not applicable

(ff) Not applicable

END

19 June 2017 - NW1583

Profile picture: Madisha, Mr WM

Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

Whether, with reference to his replies to question 27 on 2 March 2016, question 287 on 14 March 2016 and question 1155 on 10 May 2016, and in view of the leaked e-mails that have been published in the media recently, which indicate that he had travelled to Switzerland with a number of members of a certain family (name furnished) and a certain person (named furnished), he travelled to Switzerland with the specified family members and the specified person in 2015; if not, how did he travel to Switzerland; if so, (a) what were the circumstances of the specified trip and (b) what is his relationship with the specified person?

Reply:

In confirmation and further to the responses to questions 287 on 14 March 2016 and question 1155 on 10 May 2016, the Minister and officials from the department made an official trip as part of his mandate and in keeping with the undertakings made to avoid job losses.

Approved/Not Approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017

19 June 2017 - NW1131

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 221 on 6 March 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

 

  1. Consumer Studies: Ms D J Brown and Ms CM van Pletzen
  2. Agricultural Sciences: Dr F Khumalo and Mr SM Gcwensa
  3. Agricultural Management Practices: Mr TA Tshabang and Mr SM Gcwensa
  4. Agricultural Technology: Mr TA Tshabang and Dr F Khumalo
  5. Music: Mr F Lewis and Ms Z Temmingh
  6. Dance Studies: Ms S Botha
  7. Design: Ms G Cowan
  8. Dramatic Arts: Dr LP Singh and Mr MF Hoosain
  9. Visual Arts: Ms C Delport
  10. Information Technology: Prof D Govender

19 June 2017 - NW1212

Profile picture: Kruger, Mr HC

Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether (a) her department and (b) each entity reporting to her 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:

PROCURED ANY SERVICES FROM OR MADE ANY PAYMENTS TO THE DECOLONISATION FOUNDATION

(a) DBE

       
 

(i)

Procured any services from the Decolonisation Foundation

DBE has not procured any services from or made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 

(ii)

Made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 
 

(aa)

Services that were procured

N/A

 

(bb)

The total costs

N/A

 

(cc)

Detailed breakdown of the costs

N/A

 

(dd)

The total amount paid

N/A

 

(ee)

Purpose of the payments

N/A

 

(ff)

Detailed breakdown of the payments

N/A

(b) ENTITIES

       

SACE

(i)

Procured any services from the Decolonisation Foundation

SACE has not procured any services from or made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 

(ii)

Made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 
 

(aa)

Services that were procured

N/A

 

(bb)

The total costs

N/A

 

(cc)

Detailed breakdown of the costs

N/A

 

(dd)

The total amount paid

N/A

 

(ee)

Purpose of the payments

N/A

 

(ff)

Detailed breakdown of the payments

N/A

       

UMALUSI

(i)

Procured any services from the Decolonisation Foundation

Umalusi has not procured any services from or made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 

(ii)

Made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 
 

(aa)

Services that were procured

N/A

 

(bb)

The total costs

N/A

 

(cc)

Detailed breakdown of the costs

N/A

 

(dd)

The total amount paid

N/A

 

(ee)

Purpose of the payments

N/A

 

(ff)

Detailed breakdown of the payments

N/A

19 June 2017 - NW1618

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)Whether any outstanding value-added tax (VAT) refunds were due from the SA Revenue Service (SARS) to a certain company (OAKBAY ENTERPRISES) for each of the past three tax years; if so, (2) whether any VAT refunds were paid to the specified company in 2017; if so, (a) what amount of the VAT refund was paid and (b) into which bank account was the VAT refund paid; (3) whether the value-added tax refund paid to a certain company (name furnished) was audited; if so, what time period did it take SARS to audit the VAT refund; (4) whether the bank account in which the refund was paid was verified as belonging to the specified company in that the company furnished SARS with copies of identification documents, stamped letters from the bank and proof of address; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether any legal advice was sought on the legal ramifications of SARS paying the specified refund; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the legal opinions obtained from (i) the legal advisors of SARS and (ii) any external legal advisors and (b) were these legal opinions taken into account when the decision was taken to effect the refund payment?

Reply:

The South African Revenue Service is, in terms of the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act, bound to treat all taxpayers’ affairs as confidential and may not divulge any aspects pertaining to the affairs of any taxpayer.

The Commissioner can therefore not divulge any details relating to this matter.

19 June 2017 - NW1127

Profile picture: Chance, Mr R

Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 217 on 6 March 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

The 2016 National Senior Certificate (NSC) External Moderator Reports for the above listed subject found that the subject question papers covered the scope and depth of the examinable content, examined the appropriate levels of cognition and difficulty outlined in the assessment syllabus and examination guideline of the examination assessment body. See external moderator’s reports in the accompanying USB flash drive.

19 June 2017 - NW1619

Profile picture: Lees, Mr RA

Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)Whether, with reference to the reported value-added tax (VAT) refund to a certain company (name furnished) around the first week of June 2017, the specified company requested that the specified refund be paid into (a) a foreign bank account and/or (b) an attorney’s trust account; if so, (2) was the refund paid into a foreign bank account and/or an attorney’s trust account; if so, in each case, who authorised the payment; (3) whether the tax affairs of the (a) specified company and (b) associated family (name furnished) and any other associated persons are handled by the VIP unit of the SA Revenue Service (SARS); if so, what are the (i) provisions that the SARS VIP unit rely on to handle the tax affairs of the specified taxpayers and (ii) detailed reasons for the SARS VIP unit to handle the tax affairs of the specified taxpayers?

Reply:

The South African Revenue Service is, in terms of the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act, bound to treat all taxpayers’ affairs as confidential and may not divulge any aspects pertaining to the affairs of any taxpayer.

The Commissioner can therefore not divulge any details relating to this matter.

19 June 2017 - NW986

Profile picture: Vos, Mr J

Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to her reply to question 490 on 31 March 2017, has any attempt been made by her department to settle on a working definition of decolonisation as it pertains to the school curriculum; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) how have colonial powers influenced the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) curriculum since it was introduced in 2011, (b) why is decolonisation of the curriculum a process and not an event and (c) what is a fully transformed curriculum policy regime; (3) since indigenous knowledge systems are already taught as part of the science curriculum, what steps need to be taken to ensure that learners are fully immersed in the indigenous knowledge systems; (4) will Newton’s Laws and Application of Newton’s Laws remain part of the physical science syllabus in a decolonised curriculum?

Reply:

1. The Department of Basic Education has not formulated a definition of the term “decolonisation”, nor has it settled on a “working definition” of it as it pertains to the school curriculum. The reason for this is that decolonisation as a concept or term is not mentioned in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. However, Section 1.3 (c) of the policy does point out the principles that the policy is based on and includes, for example, social transformation; human rights, inclusivity, environmental and social justice; and valuing indigenous knowledge systems.

2. (a) The Curriculum and Assessment Policy statement was crafted by South African education experts and stakeholders, upholding the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and colonial powers have not influenced this process of development or its implementation in the education sector.

(b) Decolonisation of the curriculum is a process and not an event, as the development, review, assessment and strengthening of Curriculum in itself cannot be a once-off event. South Africa has developed and then reviewed several school curricula since 1998 as a process and the current CAPS of 2011, whilst hailed by many as the best Curriculum Statement to date, is also currently being subject to a process of review and strengthening.

(c) A fully transformed curriculum policy regime was referred to and explained in response to Internal Question Paper 09/2017, Question 490(c). It refers to a fully transformed policy reflecting the principles of CAPS and incorporating relevant policy documents that direct the content of all subjects, direct the assessment thereof and stipulate the requirements for promotion and progression of learners.

3. Steps to be taken to ensure that learners are fully immersed in the indigenous knowledge systems;

  • Indigenous knowledge advocacy in the form of expos, heritage site visits etc.
  • Inclusion of indigenous knowledge holders in local communities to link indigenous knowledge and school knowledge.
  • Promotion of play based learning through indigenous games.
  • Integration of indigenous knowledge in the social cohesion programmes.
  • Collaboration with Department of Arts and Culture, Heritage Councils and other relevant stakeholders.

4. A number of scientific laws, for example Newton’s Laws and applications thereof are part of the Physical Sciences curriculum. Scientific laws and applications thereof will remain part of any future curriculum as they provide foundational knowledge in science.

19 June 2017 - NW1094

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(a) What is the expected revenue and financial benefit for the South African National Parks (SANParks) regarding the proposed Malelane Safari Lodge in the south of the Kruger National Park, (b) were any monies exchanged between private and government entities during the period 01 January 2007 to 31 December 2010 regarding the approval of this project, (c) why has the project stalled for almost a decade and (d) why does her Department continue to approve this project despite the fact that a traffic assessment study has not been completed, as ordered by the last impact review process?

Reply:

Malelane Safari Lodge:

a) The expected revenue will be higher than the minimum rentals of 6% of actual revenue.

Minimum Rentals are as follows:

Year 1 - R864, 525.55.

Year 2 - R1, 152,700.73.

Year 3 - R1, 440,875.91.

Year 4 - R1, 602,063.32.

Year 5 onwards - R2, 161,313.87.

b) No monies were exchanged.

c) Due to long public participation processes, further delays has recently been experienced due to the BEE partners contractual disputes, the EIA approval was only received in April 2016.

d) The construction of the lodge itself has no impact on the Traffic Impact Assessment associated with the access road in the different projects. The final alignment of the access road will be informed by all the required studies. This EIA study on the realignment of the access road will still commence.

---ooOoo---

19 June 2017 - NW1186

Profile picture: Purdon, Mr RK

Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)Whether her department followed due processes of public participation in processing the application for the proposed Spitskop West Wind Energy facility; if not, why not; if so, (2) why did her department accept and condone the gross underrepresentation of potential and registered interested and affected parties in this application (details furnished); (3) whether officials from her department were in any way (a) aware of and/or (b) involved in the actions of certain persons (names furnished) who engaged with 22 interested and affected parties without advising AVDS Environmental Consultants?

Reply:

1. I am advised that on 5 October 2016, Gestamp and Sarge Wind (Pty) Ltd, lodged an application in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) (the competent authority for this application) for the proposed construction of the 140 MW Spitskop West Wind Energy Facility and its associated infrastructure near Cookhouse within the Blue Crane Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.

In terms of record, the applicant commissioned an independent environmental consultancy, Terramanzi Group (Pty) Ltd, to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the above application. The final Scoping Report was received on 18 November 2016 and was conditionally accepted on 23 January 2017. DEA received the draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr) for review and comment on 18 April 2017 and is awaiting submission of the final EIAr for review and consideration within the stipulated timeframes as outlined in the EIA Regulations, 2014, as amended. The Department has however not yet received the final EIAr, and hence the EIA process has not yet been concluded and the Department has advised therefore not made any decision on the application yet.

Honourable Member will know by now, that environmental assessment practitioner (EAP),
Mr Fabio Venturi of Terramanzi Group (Pty) Ltd., is responsible for the public participation process in terms of the requirements of the EIA Regulations, (please see regulations) 2014 as amended, and not the DEA. As such, the competent authority is not responsible for the actual public participation process and the applicant’s EAP would have to “follow due processes of public participation”. DEA is however required to review the final EIAr as part of its decision-making process to determine whether the methods used by the EAP during the public participation process, have met the legal requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2014. As DEA is still awaiting the submission of the final EIAr, it is not yet in a position to determine whether the “due process of the public participation process” as well as the requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2014 were met.

2. In terms of the department’s knowledge to date, not been any “acceptance or condonation of any alleged underrepresentation” of registered I&APs. Details of the public participation process (followed and to be followed) as contained in the scoping report was thus far deemed acceptable, hence the scoping report was accepted. The EIA process is, I am further advised, still underway, including consultation, and DEA is awaiting the submission of the final EIAr.

3. (a) As indicated above, the EAP is responsible for the public participation process according to the EIA Regulations, 2014, requirements; and

(b) DEA is not involved in any aspect of the actual public participation process. Proof of the public participation process conducted notifications, meetings held, and comments received, and so forth, form part of the final EIA which is still to be submitted by the EAP. Officials from DEA were therefore not privy to such details at this. Please note that I am the Appeals Authority in this matter and all such matters and therefore unable and unwilling to get into further correspondence and engagement on this matter for reasons related to fairness and remaining legally compliant and above board. I will only be able to deal with the responses to the Appellant , should there be one at the time when such an appeal may be received.

---ooOoo---

19 June 2017 - NW1379

Profile picture: Nkomo, Ms SJ

Nkomo, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether, with reference to the Medical Schemes Act, Act 131 of 1998, he has found it to be just and in the interests of the provision of medical cover to all South Africans, that late joiners to medical aids, especially people over the age of 35 years are penalized in terms of paying higher medical aid rates because of them not being a member of a medical aid scheme at the age of 35 (details furnished); (2) would he consider motivating to cabinet to have this section of the Act repealed in the interests of making medical aid cover more financially accessible to new members over the age of 35; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) Late joiner penalties (LJP) forms part of the regulations made in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998 (Act No. 131 of 1998) ("the Act")). Regulations 11 and 13 of the said regulations, refer to instances where a member wants to join a medical scheme after the age of 35 and LJP is determined by the number of years that a person was not a member of a scheme (from the age of 21) prior to the application for membership of a medical scheme. The LJP is aimed at protecting the accumulated risk pool funds from being accepted by high risk late joiners who have not contributed to them. It is also meant to incentivize people to join a medical scheme at an earlier age so that the penalty can be mitigated/avoided. There are circumstances that prevent persons from joining a Medical Scheme at an early stage. For such persons a late joiner penalty is unjust.

(2) The application of the LJP is discretionary and a scheme can choose not to apply to a member after applying to join a medical scheme after the age of 35. The Department is currently in the process of preparing amendments to the Medical Schemes Act. The matter of the Late Jointer Penalty is being reviewed as part of this process.

END.

19 June 2017 - NW1093

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(a) What is the estimated cost for the construction of the Shangoni Gate accommodation and tourist complex in Giyani, (b) what is the budget for the upgrade of roads within the Kruger National Park, (c) will the roads be tarred, and (d) will the gate facilitate (i) entry and (ii) exit to Mozambique for local and foreign nationals?

Reply:

(a) The estimated construction cost (2017) for the Shangoni Entrance Gate, tourism facilities (Camping site, tented site and picnic site) and tar road is R263 million.

(b) The current funding available is R25 million.

(c) Yes, the roads will be tarred.

(d) The new Shangoni Entrance gate will be used for (i) entry and (ii) exit of all guests visiting the park. We do not have a requirement nor mechanism to segregate entry into Park for nationals on the one hand and foreign nationals on the other.

ooOoo

19 June 2017 - NW1134

Profile picture: Esau, Mr S

Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 224 on 5 April 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

The names of the external moderators of the 2016 National Senior Certificate examination are:

(a) English First Additional Language - Ms MP Bembe and Dr L G Bull

(b) IsiNdebele First Additional Language - Mr PJ Masilela

(c) IsiZulu First Additional Language - Ms T Ngobese and Mrs FM Khuboni

(d) Setswana First Additional Language - Ms SFC Sehume-Hlakoane and Dr M Lesete

(e) Siswati First Additional Language - Mr J Mashego and Dr PM Lubisi

(f) IsiXhosa First Additional Language - Ms P Maqhude and Mrs NS Beyile

(g) Xitsonga First Additional Language - Mr TB Maswanganyi

(h) Tshivenda First Additional Language - Ms J Nedzharata and Mr L Sundani

(i) Sepedi First Additional Language - Dr NI Magapa, Ms V Masha

(j) Sesotho First Additional Language - Mr MP Thito and Ms. M Matsabisa

19 June 2017 - NW1476

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

(a) What is the current status of the National Training Centre, (b) what are the funding details of the specified centre and (c) what is the total amount that the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee committed in funds to the specified centre since its inception

Reply:

(a) The National Training and Olympic Preparatory Centre (NTC) emanates from the South African Sport Academies Strategic Framework and Policy Guideline. In 2013, the South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) having earmarked the Free State Sport Science Institute (FSSI) approached the Free State (FS) Provincial Government to develop the FSSI to be the NTC. The Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) further made a commitment to the project and looked at a number of funding options to fund the establishment of the NTC. In 2014 five percent of the Conditional Grant was ring-fenced for the development of the NTC. This occurred after further engagements with the National Treasury to amend the Conditional Grant Framework to provide for construction of sport infrastructure. A project management company with a team of consultants was appointed to develop a Master Plan, which was approved by the NTC Steering Committee (represented by all provinces) overseeing the development of the NTC.

The first assignment was to establish the additional high-performance training facilities that can complement the current facilities. The Table below represents the list of proposed facilities to be constructed, with a phased-guide.

List of Facilities

sub-project 

Number

Phase of Development

 

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

NTC Entrance Gates

1

X

X

       

High Performance Training: Athletics

2

X

X

X

X

   

High Performance Training: Swimming

3

X

X

X

X

   

High Performance Training: Martial Arts

4

X

X

       

High Performance Training: Basketball

5

X

X

       

Accommodation Facilities & Sports Hotel

6

X

X

       

High Performance Training: Squash

7

X

X

       

High Performance Training: Hockey

8

X

X

       

After consultation with the NTC Steering Committee it was decided to commence with the construction of the indoor swimming and athletics facilities, because South African athletes are stronger and more competitive in these two-sporting codes. However, since this decision, the Central University of Technology (CUT) approached the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation with an offer of exchanging land earmarked for the FSSI that was planned for the development and construction of the NTC for Cecilia Park, which belongs to the CUT.

The Department (SRSA) considered the offer of the CUT and resolved that the Free State Provincial Government should accept it with the condition that it be Cecilia Park land with the replacement cost of all the existing buildings. The CUT agreed to the land swap and an additional R112 million for the replacement of the existing infrastructure. The exchange of the land is currently underway and is in its final stages. We have adjusted the original master plan to fit the new sit. As soon as the exchange of land is finalised we will immediately commence with the construction.

 

(b) The development and construction of the NTC is through the conditional grant. In 2015/16 to 2016/17 five percent of the grant was made available for the purpose which amounted to R24 million and R23 million respectively. In 2017/18, the conditional grant was increased to ten percent of the total grant allocation, which amounts to R58 million a year.

(c) National Lottery Distribution (Lotto) funded SASCOC to the tune of R10 million, which was for upgrading of the existing accommodation facility.

**************************************

19 June 2017 - NW1130

Profile picture: Dreyer, Ms AM

Dreyer, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 220 on 6 March 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

a) Life Sciences: Dr P Preethlall and Ms PB Majozi

b) Physical Sciences: Dr J Govender, Mr P Struweg, Mr VM Palan and Ms P Zuma

c) Mathematics: Prof P Pillay, Prof N Heideman, Dr C Kriek and Dr R Govender

d) Mathematical Literacy: Dr R Singh and Mr M Hendricks

e) Geography: Ms Z Shabalala and Ms E Powell

f) History: Mr Q Koetaan, Mr E Smuts, Dr S Seetall

g) Religious Studies: Dr W Willemse and Mr A Botha

h) Life Orientation: Ms M Bernard-Phera and Ms F Hendriks

i) Hospitality Studies: Ms S Ismail and Ms C Koekemoer

j) Tourism: Dr L Punt and Mr R Johnson

19 June 2017 - NW1389

Profile picture: Bozzoli, Prof B

Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

With regard to the total number of students receiving funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in the 2016 academic year, what is the reason for the discrepancy between the figure of total number of students stated in his reply to question 606 on 24 April 2017 as 470 352, and the figure of 405 000 quoted by a certain person (name and details furnished) during a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education on 3 May 2017?

Reply:

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provided the Department on 4 April 2017 with unaudited data for the 2016 academic year. The unaudited 470 352 NSFAS funded students consisted of 244 488 university and 225 864 Technical and Vocational Education and Training college students as stated in my response to Parliamentary Question 606. Audited 2016 numbers will be submitted upon completion of the external 2016/17 audit process currently underway at NSFAS.

The 405 000 students mentioned by the NSFAS Chairperson refers to the Medium Term Strategic Framework 2016 targeted number of students to be funded.

The difference between the targeted number of students and unaudited funded students is due to the additional allocation NSFAS received for historic debt funding during the 2016 academic year.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1389 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

19 June 2017 - NW1439

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

With reference to his reply to question 1545 on 11 May 2015, (a) what amount of money did his department allocate to (i) implement and (ii) manage the 112 emergency call centre programme listed under Programme 4 of her department’s 2017 Budget Vote and (b) what is her department’s plan of action for the emergency call centre programme?

Reply:

With reference to Question 1545, I have been advised by the Department as follows:

(a) (i) No budget was allocated to implement the 112 emergency centre in 2017/18 financial year.

(ii) No budget was allocated to manage the 112 emergency centre in 2017/18 financial year.

(b) The 112 emergency call centre programme is not part of the Department’s current financial year deliverables.

The Budget Programme structure of the Department, which informs its programmes and sub-programmes was determined by National Treasury in 2009, following the last time the Department was restructured. Since then, there has been major changes including the change to the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) however there has never been a change to the Programme Budget Structure hence all our Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) documents and allocation still reflect this outdated Programme Structure. Similar examples are the Digital Terrestrial Television which is still reflected as a sub-programme under Programme 5 and Programme 4 still has SMME Enterprise development.

Following the current restructuring process in line with the new DTPS mandate, the Department will approach National Treasury to revise its Programme Structure accordingly so that going forward the ENE and allocations are done in line with a Budget Programme structure that is reflective of the organisational structure.

19 June 2017 - NW1457

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether a new funding model is being explored for the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she intends to table an amendment to the Broadcasting Act, Act 4 of 1999, as amended, so that those persons viewing SABC programmes via electronic devices such as cellphones‚ tablets and laptops are brought into the SABC revenue stream; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date does she intend to table the amendment?

Reply:

1. Yes. This matter is a work in progress, details will be released when consultation has been concluded.

2. An Amendment to the Broadcasting Act, Act 4 of 1999 is currently before Parliament,

19 June 2017 - NW1462

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)With regard to a certain contract (name furnished), (a) what was the initial budget allocated for the outsourcing of the service to redesign the SA Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) website, (b) why did the service need to be outsourced and (c) how many staffers are employed in the SABC’s IT division; (2) whether a tender process was followed to appoint the specified company; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the tender process that was followed; (3) (a) who did the shortlisting, (b) who decided to appoint the specified company to provide this service, (c) what was the total value amount of the contract tendered, (d) what total amount has been paid to the specified company to date and (e) what was the quality of work delivered by the specified company?

Reply:

According to the SABC:

(1)  (a) an amount of R 4 550 000 excluding VAT was budgeted for redesign of the SABC seven websites, (b) due to lack of skills and requisite expertise, (c) the business unit (BIT) currently employes five (5) technical and development resources who have to develop and maintain/support 26 websites of the SABC.

(2) an unsolicited proposal was received from the service provider and the entitiy was appointed through deviation in line with the SABC Supply Chain Management Policy.

(3) there was no shortlisting, the appointment was endorsed by the three executive directors, the contract value amount to R4 550 000 excluding VAT, an amount of R4 550 000 excluding VAT has been paid to date, the New Metro FM website bears reference.

19 June 2017 - NW1589

Profile picture: Lekota, Mr M

Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

(1)(a) What is his position regarding allegations that (i) a certain family (details furnished) was involved in his appointment as the Minister of Mineral Resources and (ii) his CV was forwarded to a certain person (name furnished) and (b) what is his relationship with the specified family; (2) who (a) organised his trip to Dubai in December 2015 and (b) paid for the trip?

Reply:

1. a). The President appoints Ministers and assigns their powers and functions and may dismiss them.

  1. b). They are mining industry stakeholders.

2 a and b). The trip was organized and paid for by the Department of Mineral Resources.

 

Approved/Not Approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017

19 June 2017 - NW1797

Profile picture: Khawula, Ms MS

Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Women in the Presidency

(1)Which entities reporting to her (a) have a board in place and (b) do not have a board in place, (i) of those that have a board, (aa) when was each individual board member appointed and (bb) when is the term for each board lapsing and (ii) how many (aa) board members are there in each board and (bb) of those board members of each entity are female; (2) with reference to entities that do not have boards in place, (a) who is responsible for appointing the board and (b) when will a board be appointed? NW2005E

Reply:

Not applicable.

________________________

Approved by the Minister on

Date………………………..

19 June 2017 - NW1451

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture

How many (a) persons employed at cultural organisations were assessed against the Child Protection Register in the (i) 2014, (ii) 15, (iii) 16 and (iv) 2017 calendar years and (b) of the specified persons were found not suitable to work with children in each case ?

Reply:

We do fund legitimate and credible cultural organisations, these are Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s). Because they are independent from government we are not involved in their employment process.

19 June 2017 - NW1486

Profile picture: Kruger, Mr HC

Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

Whether (a) her Department and (b) each entity reporting to her procured any services from and/or made any payments to (i) a certain company (name furnished) or (ii) any other public relations firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the total cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments, and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments?

Reply:

(a) No

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

(b) Public Entities

South African National Parks (SANParks)

(i) No. SANParks has not procured any such services.

(ii) No. SANParks uses its own internal resources for communications and public relations work.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

(i) No. SANBI has not procured any such services.

(ii) SANBI procured the services of Hippo Communication.

(aa) Hippo Communication services were procured to promote Kirstenbosch’s events through the media, including the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concerts.

(bb) The total cost to Hippo Communication is R38 775.96.

(cc) The detailed breakdown of such costs is as follows:

  • Monthly retainer for April 2017: R12 127.32.
  • Monthly retainer for May 2017: R12 127.32.
  • Monthly retainer for June 2017: R12 127.32.
  • Facebook boosts to advertise Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in March, was invoiced in April 2017: R2 394.00.

(dd) The total amount paid so far is R26 648.64 (Invoice for June retainer is still to be paid).

(ee) The Kirstenbosch events office uses the Public Relations agency called Hippo Communications to help promote Kirstenbosch’s events through the media, including the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concerts, SANBI’s Kirstenbosch-South Africa Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, and the Kirstenbosch Winter Wonders campaign.

(ff) The detailed breakdown of such payments is as follows:

  • Monthly retainer for April 2017: R12 127.32 was paid on 23 March 2017.
  • Monthly retainer for May 2017: R12 127.32 was paid on 10 May 2017.
  • Facebook boosts to advertise Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in March, invoiced in April 2017 (R2 394.00), was paid on 24 April 2017.

iSimangaliso

(i) No. Isimangaliso has not procured any such services.

(ii) No. Isimangaliso uses its own internal resources for communications and public relations work.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(i) SAWS has not procured any such services.

(ii) We have procured the services from Litha Communications in January 2017.

aa) We procured support for Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations Management from Litha Communications.

(bb) SAWS has a 12 months contract with Litha Communications for a total cost of R1.14m.

(cc) January –March 2017 (511 hrs)

  • Research current SAWS documents and reports.
  • Compile Strategies: Stakeholder Relations, Media and Communications Strategy.
  • Crisis communications, Interim communication Plan.
  • Community needs survey.

April-June 2017 (320 hrs)

  • Update Media and Communications Strategy.
  • Development of a Corporate Resource Mobilisation Strategy.
  • Development of a CSI Strategy.
  • Development of a 5-year Marketing Strategy and Implementation Plan.
  • Public Relations (media briefings, content, advisory articles etc.).

July-September 2017 (285 hrs):

  • Roll-out of approved 5 year Marketing Plan.
  • Roll-out of approved strategies.
  • Public Relations (media briefings, content, advisory articles, etc.).
  • Stakeholder Relations (meetings, invitations, partnerships, etc.).
  • Resource mobilisation strategy (monthly action list and recommendations).

October-December 2017 (229 hrs):

  • Public Relations (media briefings, content, advisory articles, etc.).
  • Finalisation of the relevant strategies and preparations for Board approvals.
  • Roll-out of approved strategies.
  • Stakeholder Relations (meetings, invitations, partnerships, etc.).

(dd) To date, SAWS has paid R434 350 to Litha Communications (for the period: January-March 2017).

(ee) Purpose of the payments:

  • Drafting of Media and Communications Strategy.
  • Conduct SAWS Stakeholder Research.
  • Positioning and messaging support to SAWS stakeholders.
  • Development of a SAWS Media and Communications Strategy.
  • Development of a SAWS Stakeholder Engagement Strategy.
  • Development of a Commercial Marketing Plan for the Agricultural Sector.
  • Capturing of community weather needs from completed survey questionnaires..

(ff) January 2017: R123 250.

February 2017: R175 100.

March 2017: R136 000.

---ooOoo---

19 June 2017 - NW1133

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 223 on 6 March 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

The names of the external moderators of the 2016 National Senior Certificate examination are:

(a) IsiNdebele Home Language – Mr P.J. Masilela

(b) IsiZulu Home Language – Ms C Maphumulo and Dr I.K. Mndawe

(c) Setswana Home Language - Prof P.M. Sebate and Mr Godfrey S Molaotse

(d) Siswati Home Language – Dr P.M. Lubisi and Mr S.Z. Simelane

(e) IsiXhosa Home Language - Mr S.M. Matsolo and Mr H.M. Matshingana

(f) Xitsonga Home Language – Ms L Ndobela and Ms T.B. Maswanganyi

(g) Tshivenda Home Language - Ms J Nedzharata and Mr L Sundani

(h) Sepedi Home Language -Ms D.M. Mampuru and Prof M.J. Mojalefa

(i) Sesotho Home Language - Ms P Mohapi

(j) Afrikaans First Additional Language – Mrs. M Venter and Dr D Lawrence

19 June 2017 - NW1082

Profile picture: Alberts, Mr ADW

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether he has been informed of the situation where opportunities for placements for nursing students who are not bursars and who completed their degrees in nursing have been withdrawn and/or rejected by the South African Internship and Community Service Programme and that they are therefore prevented from starting their compulsory community service year, whereas opportunities for placements for students who are bursars have been accepted and their community service year started on 2 January 2017 already; if so, (2) whether he can provide a full explanation as to why a distinction is made between nonbursar nursing students who completed their studies and those who paid for themselves when placements are made for community service; if not, (3) whether he will investigate the specified practice; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) During the 2016/17 cycle for community service placements, there was a challenge in placing all Professional Nurses eligible for community service as some provinces had incorrectly stated their available posts. This impacted both provincial bursary holders as well as privately funded graduates.

(2) In accordance with Public Service Regulations, all provincial departments are compelled to contractually obligate bursars to serve their respective departments for a stipulated period of time. Failure to redeem the bursary obligation results in the money having to be paid back by the bursar. Approximately 76% of all Professional Nurses who required a community service placement in 2016/17 had a contractual obligation to serve in a particular public health facility, district or province.

(3) The National Health Council has reviewed the matter in-depth and has requested provinces to urgently avail the posts required for the remaining group. The National Health Council resolved on 12 May 2017 that this process should be completed by 31 May 2017. I, in consultation with the provincial Members of the Executive, has written to each province to request a specific number of posts per province, to accommodate all the waitlisted individuals.

The National Department of Health has also been tasked to investigate how to improve post co-ordination and funding to avoid such challenges going forward.

 

END.

19 June 2017 - NW1193

Profile picture: Stander, Ms T

Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What amount has been spent on (i) researching and (ii) producing the Government’s new Max condoms, (b) to whom was the contract(s) awarded in each case, (c) what is the (i) budget and (ii) actual amount spent to date and (d) what is the total number of condoms that have been (i) produced and (ii) distributed to date?

Reply:

(a) (i) The research on MAX condoms was conducted by the Society for Family Health (SFH), on behalf of the Department of Health, through funding from the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) amounting to R420,000.

(ii) The production and distribution of the Max Condom is done on a tender basis. The current tender is for 3 years. It was awarded in July 2015 and is expiring in June 2018.

(b) The three-year contract was awarded to the following suppliers: Almika Trading, Barrs Medical, Bliss Pharmaceutical, Fulloutput, Medproc, RRT Medcon, SA Health Protecting services, Unitrade, and Medicore Technologies.

(c) (i) The budget allocated is R836,000,000.

(ii) The expenditure to date is R654,229,431.

(d) (i)-(ii) From the period: August 2015 to March 2017, the total number of MAX condoms produced and distributed to date is 1,333,121,613.

END.

19 June 2017 - NW1132

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 222 on 6 March 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

 

  1. Computer Applications Technology: Mr MJ Chiles and Ms W Uys
  2. Civil Technology: Mr T Haas
  3. Electrical Technology: Mr D Hanekom and Mr IE Hearne
  4. Mechanical Technology: Mr MP Moodley and Mr P Naidoo
  5. Engineering Graphics and Design: Mr A Bagus and Mr MP Moodley
  6. Accounting: Ms D Woodroffe and Mr J Mamaile
  7. Business Studies: Mr S Naicker and Mr D Macpherson
  8. Economics: Mr E Pretorius and Ms PP Ntuli
  9. Afrikaans Home Language: Prof. A Coetser and Ms S Fourie
  10. English Home Language: Mrs F Suliman. Ms S Maharaj and Dr V Moodley

19 June 2017 - NW1096

Profile picture: America, Mr D

America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(a) What has been the income generated directly for SA National Parks (SANParks) by franchise and concession operators in the Kruger National Park for each of the past 10 years in terms of (i) tour operators, (ii) private open-safari vehicle operators, (iii) private lodges and (iv) private restaurant franchises and operators and (b) where are these figures reflected in SANParks' annual financial statements?

Reply:

(a) 

(i) On tour operators, SANParks only has information for the last four years as follows:

  • 2013/14 R66 866 711 million
  • 2014/15 R65 471 604 million
  • 2015/16 R76 641 603 million
  • 2016/17 R83 305 805 million

(ii) Private open-safari vehicle operators operate under permit system and their income is not shown separately it is reflected under conservation fees.

(iii) The income from private lodges is R187.4 million over the last ten years.

(iv) The income from private restaurant franchises and operators is R231.3 million over the last yen years.

(b) Yes. The figures are reflected in the SANParks Annual Financial Statements.

---ooOoo---

19 June 2017 - NW1022

Profile picture: Schmidt, Adv H

Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What are the names of the office bearers who are currently serving in certain executive positions (details furnished) at the SA Broadcasting Corporation; (2) (a) which office bearers are serving in (i) a permanent capacity or (ii) an acting capacity and (b) for what period has each specified office bearer been acting in each respective position; (3) whether the specified positions have been advertised; if not, (a) why not and (b) at what date will they be advertised; if so, on what date were the positions advertised?

Reply:

For (1) (2) and (3) as at 4 June 2017, refer to the table link herewith below:

http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW1022Table-170619.pdf

* Incumbent deceased on 13 May 2017

Notes

1 Mr James Aguma is Acting in vacant GCEO position. His permanent role is CFO

2 Ms Maseko is Acting as GE: News in place of Mr Simon Tebele

3. Mr James Mathabula is acting in the vacant position of Group Manager: Internal Audit

4. Mrs Audrey Raphela is acting as CFO in Mr James Aguma’s position

5. Mr Simon Tebele is acting as Coordinator: Special Projects in place of Mrs Bessie Tugwana

6. Mrs Bessie Tugwana is acting in the vacant position of COO

7. Mr Keobokile Mosweu is acting in place of Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng

8. These staff members are not acting

9. All Staff members are on fixed term contract except Mr James Mathebula who is on a permanent contract.

19 June 2017 - NW1479

Profile picture: Kalyan, Ms SV

Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Ms S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture

Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him procured any services from and or made any payments to (i) Bill Pottinger company or (ii) any other public relations firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments

Reply:

We never procured any services from any of these organisations.

19 June 2017 - NW1023

Profile picture: Schmidt, Adv H

Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What is the total number of media queries that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) received in the (a) 2016-17 financial year and (b) since 1 April 2017; (2) (a) how many of the media queries were responded to and (b)(i) how many were not responded to and (ii) why; (3) whether she has been informed that a certain person (name and details furnished) refuses to respond to media queries from certain journalists and has taken some journalists off the mailing list of the SABC?

Reply:

According to the SABC;

(1) Its Group communication department received approximately 144 written media queries and around 360 telephonic media queries during 2016-17 financial year, 24 written media queries and 42 telephonic media queries since 1 April 2017.

(2) The SABC strive to respond to all media queries within set timeframes, however, due to several challenges amongst others that some Journalists do not give SABC enough time to respond to queries and that some Journalists published articles before soliciting responses from the SABC, to name but a few, there are delays in responding to some queries.

(3) No, however, media list change from time to time due to the nature of business for example; with Journalists leaving their organisation

 

19 June 2017 - NW1471

Profile picture: King, Ms C

King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)For each of the past three financial years, (a) what number of local productions has the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) sold, (b) what are the names of the productions that have been sold and (c) what amounts are charged by the SABC for each production; (2) whether, in line with clause 7 of the SABC Freelance Artists’ Agreement, performers are being paid commercial exploitation fees; if not, will she facilitate the process to ensure that actors are appropriately compensated for productions, which have been exploited for their commercial value; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what formula does the SABC use to calculate commercial exploitation fees?

Reply:

According to the SABC;

1. no local productions were sold,

2. in terms of the aforementioned clause 7, the SABC is currently engaged in discussions with actors on an individual basis and through representative organisations to expedite payment. In order to facilitate the payment process, the SABC has made lists of material sold available on its website and would encourage legitimate claimants to lodge claims using the email address [email protected].

3. the formula for the payment of commercial exploitation fees is specified in the SABC standard agreements with production companies and principal actors:

 (a) The producers are entitled to 15% of the revenue, less SABC expenses, generated through content sales and licencing agreements

(b) The scriptwriters are entitled to 10% of the revenue, less SABC expenses, generated through content sales and licencing agreements

(c) Principal actors are entitled to a negotiated lump sum payment on the basis of a content sales and licencing agreements. Should the SABC and the principal actors fail to reach an agreement, the principal actors shall collectively receive two per cent of the revenue, less SABC expenses, on a pro-rata basis.

(d) The provisions regarding scriptwriters and principal actors do not apply to non-drama productions.

19 June 2017 - NW1125

Profile picture: Chance, Mr R

Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 215 on 6 March 2017, the requested information has been received from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi); if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date is the information expected; if so, by what date will she communicate it?

Reply:

The 2016 National Senior Certificate (NSC) External Moderator Reports for the above listed subjects found that the subject question papers covered the scope and depth of the examinable content, examined the appropriate levels of cognition and difficulty outlined in the assessment syllabus and examination guideline of the examination assessment body. See external moderator’s reports in the accompanying USB flash drive.

19 June 2017 - NW1029

Profile picture: Robinson, Ms D

Robinson, Ms D to ask the Minister of Communications

With regard to the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on SABC Inquiry and in light of the overwhelming evidence of external interference and noncompliance with the Broadcasting Act, Act 4 of 1999, the Companies Act, Act 71 of 2008, and other relevant legislation, (a) what is the progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the specified ad hoc committee that the (i) new board takes reasonable steps to regularise previous decisions that may pose a financial or legal risk and (ii) interim board investigate the validity of the memorandum of incorporation that was signed in October 2014 and (b) what is the set deadline for achieving each recommendation?

Reply:

Progress Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the SABC Board Inquiry has been presented to the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Communications on Tuesday, 13 June 2017. The Interim SABC Board is working with speed for achieving each recommendation.

19 June 2017 - NW1480

Profile picture: Kalyan, Ms SV

Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether (a) her department and (b) each entity reporting to her procured any services from and/or made any payments to (i) a certain company (name furnished) or (ii) any other public relations firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the total cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments?

Reply:

(a) Department

(i)

Procured any services from Bell Portinger.

The Department has not procured any services from or made any payments to the Bell Portinger.

 
 

(ii)

Make any payments to the Bell Portinger.

   
 

(aa)

Services that were procured

N/A

 
 

(bb)

The total costs

N/A

 
 

(cc)

Detailed breakdown of the costs

N/A

 
 

(dd)

The total amount paid

N/A

 
 

(ee)

Purpose of the payments

N/A

 
 

(ff)

Detailed breakdown of the payments

N/A

 

(b) Entities

       

SACE

(i)

Procured any services from Bell Portinger.

SACE has not procured any services from or made any payments to the Bell Portinger. SACE makes use of its own internal resources for related services

 

(ii)

Made any payments to the Belll Portinger.

 
 

(aa)

Services that were procured

N/A

 

(bb)

The total costs

N/A

 

(cc)

Detailed breakdown of the costs

N/A

 

(dd)

The total amount paid

N/A

 

(ee)

Purpose of the payments

N/A

 

(ff)

Detailed breakdown of the payments

N/A

       

UMALUSI

(i)

Procured any services from the Bell Portinger

Umalusi has not procured any services from or made any payments to the Bell Portinger. Umalusi makes use of its own internal resources for related services.

 

(ii)

Made any payments to the Decolonisation Foundation

 
 

(aa)

Services that were procured

N/A

 

(bb)

The total costs

N/A

 

(cc)

Detailed breakdown of the costs

N/A

 

(dd)

The total amount paid

N/A

 

(ee)

Purpose of the payments

N/A

 

(ff)

Detailed breakdown of the payments

N/A

 

 

19 June 2017 - NW1505

Profile picture: Mokgalapa, Mr S

Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

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 firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (a) services were procured, (b) was the total cost, (c) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (d) was the total amount paid, (e) was the purpose of the payments and (f) is the detailed breakdown of such payments?

Reply:

The Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa and the entities reporting to the Executive Authority did not procure any services from and/or made any payments to (i) Bell Pottinger or (ii) any other public relations firms.

**************************************

19 June 2017 - NW1452

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Social Development

How many (a) persons employed at cultural organisations were assessed against the Child Protection Register in the (i) 2014, (ii) 2015, (iii) 2016 and (iv) 2017 calendar years and (b) of the specified persons were found not suitable to work with children in each case?

Reply:

The Child Protection Register does not categorise organisations in terms of their activities such as cultural, but as employers. However, (a) the number of employees screened in (i) 2014 were 63664, (ii) 2015 were 94552, (iii) 2016 were 103350 and 2017 were 3921 (April and May), and (b) persons were found not suitable to work with children in (i) 2014 were 87, (ii) 2015 were 300, (iii) 2016 were 281, and there no records for first quarter of 2017.

19 June 2017 - NW1763

Profile picture: Mbabama, Ms TM

Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

Does (a) he, (b) his Deputy Minister or (c) any of the heads of entities or bodies reporting to him make use of security services paid for by the State for (i) him/herself, (ii) his/her immediate family members or (iii) any of their staff members; in each case (aa) what are the reasons for it, (bb) from which department or entity’s budget is the security services being paid, and (cc) what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Does (a) he, (b) his Deputy Minister or (c) any of the heads of entities or bodies reporting to him make use of security services paid for by the State for (i) him/herself, (ii) his/her immediate family members or (iii) any of their staff members; in each case (aa) what are the reasons for it, (bb) from which department or entity’s budget is the security services being paid, and (cc) what are the relevant details?

   

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

  1. DPT

DMR

  1. The Minister only utilises security services provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). None of the Minister’s family members or staff members utilizes security services paid for by the state.
  1. The Deputy Minister only utilises security services provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). None of the Minister’s family members or staff members utilizes security services paid for by the state.

b)Entities

CGS

No

No

No

 

MINTEK

No

No

No

 

SDT

No

No

No

 

SADPMR

No

No

No

 

MHSC

No

No

No

Approved/Not Approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017

19 June 2017 - NW1728

Profile picture: King, Ms C

King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

Whether any staff of (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him were awarded any contracts or agreements to conduct business with any state entity in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years; if so, what are the (aa)(aaa) names and (bbb) professional designations of the staff members and (bb)(aaa) details of the contract(s) and/or agreement(s) awarded and (bbb) amounts in each case?

Reply:

Whether any staff of (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him were awarded any contracts or agreements to conduct business with any state entity in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years; if so, what are the (aa)(aaa) names and (bbb) professional designations of the staff members and (bb)(aaa) details of the contract(s) and/or agreement(s) awarded and (bbb) amounts in each case?

   

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

  1. DPT

DMR

The Department does not have proven information pertaining to any staff member having been awarded any contracts or agreements to conduct business with any state entity in the (i) 2014-15, 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years.

b)Entities

CGS

No

No

No

 

MINTEK

No

No

No

 

SDT

No

No

No

 

SADPMR

No

No

No

 

MHSC

No

No

No

Approved/Not Approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017

19 June 2017 - NW1488

Profile picture: Lotriet, Prof  A

Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Health

Whether (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him procured any services from and/or made any payments to (i) a certain company (name furnished) or (ii) any other public relations firms; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what (aa) services were procured, (bb) was the total cost, (cc) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (dd) was the total amount paid, (ee) was the purpose of the payments and (ff) is the detailed breakdown of such payments?

Reply:

No, neither the Department nor entities reporting to it procured services and/or made payments to the company in question.

END.

19 June 2017 - NW1450

Profile picture: Grootboom, Mr GA

Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

How many (a) persons employed at government-sponsored sports clubs were assessed against the Child Protection Register in the (i) 2014, (ii) 2015, (iii) 2016 and (iv) 2017 calendar years and (b) of the specified persons were found not suitable to work with children in each case?

Reply:

(a) Government has and continues to support sport clubs. Clubs directly supported by Government are community based clubs and are normally run by volunteers. The aforesaid volunteers are not paid by Government and thus have not been subjected to an assessment against the Child Protection Act by the Department of Sport and Recreation. Although the requirement for such an assessment may be considered in future, it will require capacity from the relevant agencies, in a programmatic fashion, thus necessitating assessments of the volunteers from the same clubs more regularly. Due consideration must be given to the communication on the purpose of conducting the assessments, as the retention of the volunteers is quite low.

(b) There was no screening done.

19 June 2017 - NW1565

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Did the International Trade Administration Commission oppose the introduction of a 12% safeguard duty on imported hot-rolled steel in an essential facts letter issued in 2017; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

The Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has advised that as part of its standard procedure before making a final determination on trade remedies, it normally issues essential facts letters. The purpose of an essential facts letter is to inform the applicant and interested parties of the relevant factors that the Commission was considering in making a final determination for all the participants to comment. It is always emphasised in these letters that the Commission has not yet made its final determination and nothing in these letters should be construed as such.

In the case of hot-rolled steel, the Commission relayed in the essential facts letter that it was considering making a final determination that: there were unforeseen developments; there was a surge in imports; there was serious injury to the domestic industry caused by a surge in imports; and that it was also considering not recommending imposition of safeguard measures on public interest grounds. It then called on parties to comment on these. ITAC considered comments received from the applicant and interested parties and the Commission made a final determination.

The contents of its final determination and reasons will be made public once the Report of the Commission on the safeguard investigation on hot-rolled steel is published for implementation by the Ministry of Finance.”

 

-END-

19 June 2017 - NW1539

Profile picture: Kohler, Ms D

Kohler, Ms D to ask the Minister of Public Works

(1)How many permanent employees of each municipality were found to have been recipients of Extended Public Works Programme jobs while in the employ of the specified municipalities (a) in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2017; (2) have any of the specified employees (a) been (i) suspended, (ii) arrested and (iii) dismissed or (b) faced any other form of sanction as a result; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

The information required involves a lot of stakeholders whom we are still engaging. Therefore in order for us to provided accurate information we will need more clarity from them. A comprehensive reply will follow soon.

 

19 June 2017 - NW1477

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

Whether he is aware of any disputes that involve boxers not being paid by boxing promoters; if so, what are the (a) details of the current disputes, (b) names of (i) boxing promoters and (ii) boxers involved and (c) amounts owed in each case?

Reply:

There are no disputes that involve boxers not being paid by promoters, which have been brought to our attention, as the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa. The last dispute that involved boxers not being paid their purse money by promoters was resolved by the end of December 2016. The promoters responsible were subjected to a disciplinary process. In that respect the last incident took place in April 2016 and there hasn’t been any such incident since then.

(a) N/A

(b) (i) and (ii) N/A

(c) N/A

19 June 2017 - NW1463

Profile picture: James, Ms LV

James, Ms LV to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)With regard to the Imagine Communications Landmark radio booking system contract, (a) what was the initial budget allocated for the outsourcing of the SA Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) radio booking system, (b) why did the service need to be outsourced and (c) how many staffers are employed in the SABC’s radio division; (2) whether a tender process was followed to appoint the specified company; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the tender process that was followed; (3) (a) who did the shortlisting, (b) who decided to appoint the specified company to provide this service, (c) what are the full details of the processes followed to appoint the specified company, (d) what was the total value amount of the contract tendered, (e) what total amount has been paid to the company to date and (f) what was the quality of work delivered by the company? NW1605E

Reply:

According to the SABC:

1. (a) R7.3 million were budget for Imagine Communications Landmark booking system (Radio and TV) for over a three year period, (b) the service was not outsourced, (c) 126 Radio Sales staffers have been employed of which 58 are employed at Head Office and 68 employed at Provincial Offices across South Africa.  

2. and (3) Not fully compliet, Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) did the shortlisting, made recommendation to Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC), the process followed include; drafting of business case, budget recommendation and approval by the business unit, approval of the business case by the Group Executive Committee, tender publication, shortlisting by Bid Evaluation Committee, evaluation by Bid Adjudication Committee and then awarding. Value and amount paid is R7.3 million, however, after Radio Implementation and in line with SABC procurement and governance structures, R4.7m was approved for Radio Landmark Licence Fee and Maintenance as part of a three-year agreement with Imagine Communications (formerly Harris) from January 2017 to December 2019.

Imagine Communications has delivered the output, benefits derived by SABC Radio Sales to date are that previously-identified significant "revenue leakages" have been addressed, and that broadcast accuracy for radio advertisements has increased to more than 90%.