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15 March 2017 - NW397

Profile picture: Ollis, Mr IM

Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Labour

What are the names of (a) each National Economic Development and Labour Council member in each of the four chambers and (b) the organisations that each of the specified members represent?

Reply:

 

DEVELOPMENT CHAMBER DELEGATES

NO.

NAME & SURNAME

CONSTITUENCY

ORGANISATION

1

FaniXaba

Business

BUSA

2

Mpumalanga Myataza

Business

BUSA

3

ZinziMgolodela

Business

BUSA

4

Kevin Cowley

Business

BUSA

5

Nomsa Kula

Business

BUSA

6

SharnaJohardien

Business

BUSA

7

ThamiSkenjana

Business

BBC

8

Zama Ndaba

Business

BBC

9

TafadzwaMupeti

Business

BBC

10

Philip Maseko

Business

BBC

11

PhilaFakude

Business

BUSA

12

Herman Tsebe

Community

DPSA

13

Lucas Qakaza

Community

SANCO

14

Lawrence Bale

Community

SANACO

15

Laura Kganyago

Community

WNC

16

MaloseRamashala

Community

FSCC

17

ThulaneMabuza

Community

SANACO

18

Tumelo Zwane

Community

SAYC

19

ThethiswaMakaya

Community

DPSA

20

Adam Mthombeni

Government

DPW

21

Catherine Mavi

Government

DPW

22

NgubeThokwana

Government

DHS

23

NolwaziMgibe

Government

DPW

24

CJ Abrahams

Government

DPW

25

Devan Pillay

Government

DPW

26

Nyanisile Jack

Government

COGTA

27

Shirley Lloyd

Government

DHET

28

Matthew Parks

Labour

COSATU

29

Godfrey Selematsela

Labour

FEDUSA

30

Tom Bacote

Labour

NACTU

31

Busisiwe Mnisi

Labour

NACTU

32

MaloseKutumela

Labour

NACTU

33

LuthandoBrukwe

Labour

COSATU

34

LebogangMulaisi

Labour

COSATU

35

Mpho Kekana

Labour

NACTU

36

Brenda Modise

Labour

FEDUSA

LABOUR MARKET CHAMBER DELEGATES

NO.

NAME & SURNAME

CONSTITUENCY

ORGANISATION

1

KaizerMoyane

Business

BUSA

2

Elize van der Westhuizen

Business

BUSA

3

Jonathan Goldberg

Business

BUSA

4

Lucio Trentini

Business

BUSA

5

MotsamaiMotlhamme

Business

BUSA

6

Tommy Oliphant

Business

BBC

7

Elias Monage

Business

BBC

8

SharnaJohardien

Business

BUSA

9

NavishaMitoo (Alternate)

Business

BBCBE

10

Dr Thuthula Balfour-Kaipa

Business

CHAMBER OF MINES

11

Aruna Ranchod

Business

BUSA

12

Jesse Doorasamy

Business

Group Five

13

Thembinkosi Mkalipi

Government

DoL

14

David Khumalo

Government

DoL

15

Ian Macun

Government

DoL

16

Ntsoaki Mamashela

Government

DoL

17

Setsomi Molapo

Government

DoL

18

Stephen Rathai

Government

DoL

19

Mbongeni Magula

Government

DoL

20

Masilo Lefika

Government

DoL

21

MduduziMbongwe

Labour

COSATU

22

BhabhaliKaMaphikela - Nhlapo

Labour

COSATU

23

Patrick Phelane

Labour

COSATU

24

Johan van Niekerk

Labour

FEDUSA

25

MajakhunameMphahlele

Labour

COSATU

26

MartleKeyter

Labour

FEDUSA

27

TumedisoModise

Labour

NACTU

28

Matthew Parks

Labour

COSATU

29

ZanoxoloMpendu

Labour

NACTU

30

JanekWilimiec

Labour

UASA

31

Louisa Nett

Labour

COSATU

32

Mpho Kekana

Labour

NACTU

PUBLIC FINANCE AND MONETARY POLICY CHAMBER DELEGATES

NO.

NAME & SURNAME

CONSTITUENCY

ORGANISATION

1

Paul Bondi

Business

BUSA

2

Jeff Gable

Business

BUSA

3

Christo Van Der Reede

Business

BUSA

4

Olivier Serrao

Business

BUSA

5

Tyson Sibanda

Business

BUSA

6

StravrosNicolaou

Business

BUSA

7

SelloRasethaba

Business

BBC

8

George Sebulela

Business

BBC

9

Jesse Doorasamy

Business

BBC

10

SelvanNaicker

Business

BBC

11

Hamlet Hlomendini

Business

BUSA

12

Raymond Masoga

Government

National Treasury

13

OlanoMakhubela

Government

National Treasury

14

Basil Maseko

Government

National Treasury

15

Ismail Momoniat

Government

National Treasury

16

Sidney Kgara

Labour

NEHAWU

17

GodukileMacatha

Labour

NUM

18

Matthew Parks

Labour

COSATU

19

Jan Mahlangu

Labour

COSATU

20

Louise Nett

Labour

COSATU

21

SekgotaPhochana

Labour

NACTU

TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHAMBER DELEGATES

NO.

NAME & SURNAME

CONSTITUENCY

ORGANISATION

1

Johan Pienaar

Business

AGRISA

2

Nico Vermeulen

Business

BUSA

3

DanieJordaan

Business

BUSA

4

Michael Lawrence

Business

NCRF

5

John Purchase

Business

AGBIZ

6

HenkLangenhoven

Business

COM

7

DanisaBaloyi

Business

NBBC

8

Olivier Serrao

Business

BUSA

9

Tyson Sibanda

Business

BUSA

10

Kurt Moore

Business

SALBA

11

Gregory Mofokeng

 

BBC

12

Angela Dick

Business

TRANSMAN

13

Deidre Penfold

Business

CAIA

14

Zama Ndaba

Business

BUSA

15

MluGanto

Business

BUSA

16

Faried Adams

Government

DTI

17

Tendani Ramulongo

Government

DTI

18

Jan Magoro

Government

DTI

19

Niki Kruger

Government

DTI

20

TshifhiwaMahosi

Government

DTI

21

MzikayiseMgijima

Government

DTI

22

Tony Ehrenreich

Labour

COSATU

23

Ashley Benjamin

Labour

FEDUSA

24

Abraham Daniels

Labour

COSATU

25

Etienne Vlok

Labour

SACTWU

26

Tony Franks

Labour

NACTU

27

MpheaneLepaku

Labour

COSATU

28

MolefeRadinne  

Labour

COSATU

29

NokanyoYolwa

Labour

COSATU

END

15 March 2017 - NW473

Profile picture: Horn, Mr W

Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

Whether his department procured any services from and/or made any payments to (a) Mr Mzwanele Manyi, (b) the Progressive Professionals Forum, (c) the Decolonisation Fund and/or (d) the Black Business Council; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what (i) services were procured, (ii) was the total cost, (iii) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (iv) was the total amount paid, (v) was the purpose of the payments and (vi) is the detailed breakdown of such payments in each case?

Reply:

No services were procured and no payments were made to (a) Mr Mzwanele Manyi, (b) the Progressive Professionals Forum, (c) the Decolonisation Fund.

d(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)

Over the past 3 years, a transfer payment of R7 million was paid to the Black Business Council as appropriated. The objective of the transfer payment was to strengthen and promote advocacy and the roll-out of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act 46 of 2013 and in particular, the Black Industrialist Programme.

15 March 2017 - NW399

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Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Labour

Did her (a) department or (b) Ministry pay for any (i) travel or (ii) subsistence costs for any international trips undertaken by any Member of Parliament in the 2016 calendar year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what are the (aa) names, (bb) amount spent, (cc) purpose of the trip and (dd) any further relevant details?

Reply:

The Department / Minister of Labour did not pay for any Member of Parliament.

15 March 2017 - NW398

Profile picture: Ollis, Mr IM

Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Labour

(1) Whether the SA Police Service submitted a full report on the forensic audit into alleged financial mismanagement at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) by the former Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer and others to (a) her and (b) NEDLAC by 23 February 2017; if not, in each case, (i) why not and (ii) by what date is the specified police report expected; if so, (2) Will she provide a copy of the police report to Mr. I M Ollis; if not, why not; if so, by what date?

Reply:

 

  1. In terms of the NEDLAC forensic investigation case no CAS132/1/015, NPA has informed NEDLAC that the matter is receiving attention and that the provisional report that was to be finalised on the 24th February 2017, has not been completed. The NPA has promised that NEDLAC will be advised in due course when the report is ready.

15 March 2017 - NW366

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Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

What is the (a) make, (b) model, (c) price and (d) date on which each vehicle was purchased for use by (i) her and (ii) her deputy (aa) in the (aaa) 2014-15 and (bbb) 2015-16 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2016?

Reply:

(i) Minister

The vehicles purchased are as follows:

(a) Make

(b) Model

(c) Price

(d) Date of purchase

(aaa) FY 2014/2015

(bbb) FY 2015/2016

(bb)FY Since 1 April 2016/2017

Place

Lexus

LEXUS ES HYBRID ES 300H EX C21E

514 649.74

2014/09/26

Yes

N/A

N/A

CPT

Lexus

ES350 EX 36Z

464 819.04

2016/04/20

N/A

N/A

Yes

PTA

(ii) Deputy Minister

(a) Make

(b) Model

(c) Price

(d) Date of purchase

(aaa) FY 2014/2015

(bbb) FY 2015/2016

(bb)FY Since 1 April 2016/2017

Place

Audi

AUDI A8 4H20BA TDI Q TIP

881 629.99

2014/06/05

Yes

N/A

N/A

CPT

Lexus

LEXUS 460 16 G

808 279.00

2016/09/14

N/A

N/A

YES

PTA

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Mr. Mogokare Richard Seleke Ms. Lynne Brown, MP

Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

15 March 2017 - NW274

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) are the full details of the Tourism Oceans Phakisa initiative and (b) progress have been made on the recommendations of the Marine Tourism Lab to date?

Reply:

A. In 2014, South Africa launched Operation Phakisa which focuses on unlocking the economic potential of the country’s oceans. Initially there were four focus areas selected as new growth areas in the ocean economy, with the objective of growing them and deriving value for the country. These were:

  1. marine transport and manufacturing activities, such as coastal shipping, trans-shipment, boat building, repair and refurbishment;
  2. offshore oil and gas exploration;
  3. aquaculture; and
  4. marine protection services and ocean governance.

 

 During an oceans economy review workshop in 2015, two focus areas were added namely; Coastal and Marine Tourism(CMT) and Small Harbours.

B. The Coastal and Marine Tourism Lab[1] convened on a full-time basis from 11 April to 23 May 2016 with the purpose of identifying specific initiatives to accelerate growth, development and transformation in the sector. The Lab supported the implementation of the Oceans Economy Phakisa, thereby contributing to the President’s 9 Point Plan to accelerate job-creation and inclusive growth. The Lab’s work was guided by six principles namely; economic sustainability, transformation, environmental integrity, community empowerment, responsible tourism, and a community-centred approach. Detailed plans outlining the specific projects in each of these priority initiatives are presently being finalised and will be sent to Cabinet for approval.

[An intense session (five weeks) where all stakeholders come together to identify challenges to economic growth and provide initiatives to address those challenges] 

14 March 2017 - NW253

Profile picture: Madisha, Mr WM

Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Finance

(a) What action or investigations did the SA Revenue Service (SARS) initiate into a certain matter (details furnished) that has been reported to the SARS customs authorities by a certain aviation company (details furnished) and (b) what has been the role of the State Security Agency in this matter?

Reply:

This information is provided by SARS:

A) We confirm that the certain company (details furnished) did not report this specific incident to Customs.

B) This question must be directed to the State Security Agency.

14 March 2017 - NW358

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Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

What is the (a) make, (b) model, (c) price and (d) date on which each vehicle was purchased for use by (i) him and (ii) his deputy (aa) in the (aaa) 2014-15 and (bbb) 2015-16 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2016?

Reply:

During the 2014-15 financial year, a BMW 535i sedan was procured for the use of the Minister. The vehicle was procured on 30 January 2015 for the purchase price of R750 122.76. No other vehicles were procured for the Minister or his deputy subsequent to 30 January 2015.

 

14 March 2017 - NW83

Profile picture: Selfe, Mr J

Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1)(a) How many instances of physical abuse of inmates by wardens have been reported at the St Albans Prison in Port Elizabeth since 1 January 2014 to date and (b)(i) how many investigations into the cases were finalised and (ii) what was the outcome of each case;

Reply:

St Albans Prison comprises of the following sections mentioned on the table below:

  • St Albans Maximum
  • St Albans Remand Detention
  • St Albans Medium B

ST ALBANS MAXIMUM

DATE/ YEAR

1(a) NUMBER OF ASSAULTS REPORTED

(b)(i)(ii) NUMBER OF CASES INVESTIGATES AND OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATIONS

2014

35 Cases reported

32 x cases were not opened by victims therefore they were finalised

3 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

2015

43 cases reported

36x cases were not opened by victims therefore they were finalised

3x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

4 x cases opened with SAPS but offender did not want to open a case – Finalised

2016

11 cases reported

9 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

1 x case - offender did not want to open a case- Finalised

1 x case opened with SAPS - Pending

2017 AS OF 31 JANUARY

1 case reported

1 x case opened with SAPS in 2017 – Pending

ST ALBANS REMAND DETENTION

2014

14 cases reported

2x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

5 x cases opened with SAPS – Pending

6 x cases reported but detainees did not open the case

2015

35 cases reported

4 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

1 x case opened with SAPS – Pending

30 x reported but not opened by detainees therefore finalised

2016

11 cases reported

7 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

3 x cases opened with SAPS - Pending

1 x case not opened by the Detainee

ST ALBANS MEDIUM B

2014

34 cases reported

8 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

8 x cases opened with SAPS – Pending

1 x case withdrawn by the Prosecutor – Finalised

17 x cases not opened by offenders

2015

35 cases reported

11 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

4 x cases opened with SAPS – Pending

20 x cases not opened by offenders therefore finalised

2016

10 cases reported

3 x cases opened with SAPS – Finalised

7 x cases not opened by offenders therefore finalised

2017

1 case reported

1 x case opened with SAPS - Pending

14 March 2017 - NW168

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Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) When will the water use licences for the (i) Somkhele Mine and (ii) Anthracite Colliery, found in the iMfolozi Wilderness area, be granted, (b) what volume of water is allocated to each specified mine and (c) what is the source of the water?

Reply:

 

(a)(i) The records of My Department only indicate that we have received a Water Use License Application from Tendele Coal Mining (Pty) for Somkhele Anthracite Mine. The Water Use License was issued on 4 August 2014 for Section 21 (b), (c), (g), (i) and (j) water uses of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998). The authorization for abstraction was issued on 10 September 2010.

(a)(ii) Anthracite Colliery has not submitted a Water Use License Application to my Department.

(b) The volume abstracted is 750 000 cubic metres of water per annum for Tendele Coal Mining (Pty) for Somkhele Anthracite Mine.

(c) Tendele Coal Mining (Pty) for Somkhele Anthracite Mine abstracts water from the UMfolozi River.

 

14 March 2017 - NW19

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether the Human Rights Commission found the Emalahleni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga guilty of violating the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how many times was the specified municipality found guilty of violating the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and (b) how did the specified municipality violate the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, in each case; 2) whether (a) the municipality rectified all violations of the Constitution of the Republic, 1996, and (b) he has put any measures in place to ensure that the specified municipality complies with section 2 of the Constitution of the Republic, 1996 in the future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Yes.

(a) The South African Human Rights found in the matter between the Democratic Alliance on behalf of the Residents of Witbank (eMalahleni) under file reference number MP/2011/0134 that the Municipality violated the rights of the residents to have access to sufficient water, largely as a result of lack of maintenance plan for its infrastructure, and consequently their rights to dignity. The Municipality appealed the Commission`s findings and the appeal was dismissed in September 2015.

(b) The findings of the Commission were that the Municipality had failed to provide the residents with access to sufficient water in violation of the provisions of section 27 of the Constitution. The Commission continues to receive complaints of violation of the rights of communities to have access to sufficient water against the Municipality.

2. (a) Following the impression by the Commission on the essence of “Meaningful Engagement” between the Municipality and the communities, the Municiplaity held a mass meeting with the community in eMalahleni on 29 July 2015.

(b) On 09 November 2015, the Municipality sent its Comprehensive Maintenance Plan to the Commission.

(c) The Commission also engaged the Municipality through, inter alia, a meeting between its Former Chairperson: Advocate Luarence Mushwana, Provincial Manager: Eric Mokonyama and the Municipal Manager: Mr Theo van Vuuren on 20 June 2016, with a view to obtain the Municipality`s implementation plan aimed at resolving water supply challenges faced by communities in eMalahleni (e.g. Masakhane, Sizanane, Phola villages)

(d) Following further engagement, 7 February 2017 and 15 February 2017 the Municipality advised the Commission in writing about steps it is taking address the challenges, namely that:

  1. Through its Integrated Development Plan coupled with ongoing discussions with Glencore Mine on water augmentation, it is engaging all affected communities with a view to address within available resources its water supply capacity challenges by end of June 2017.
  2. Related sanitations challenged are currently addressed through a pit- latrine (long-drops) and VIP system which the Municipality is implementing; and
  3. It may, in the long-term have to relocate the Masakhane settlement to Dhuva and Siyanqoba locations so as to create space for development.

The Commission also raised challenges presented by the overflow of sewer at Louise Street in Del Judor Extension 4 due to the blockage of the line as well as the manhole overflow at Mandela Street which has been flowing into the tributary of Klein Olifant`s. an investigation by the Municipality revealed that the blockage was caused by foreign objects and that the line needs to be replaced. The line has been blocked and the Municipality has allocated R10 Million to rehabilitate the spillage and resolve the problem. A written and costed rehabilitation plan has been presented to the Commission.

The Commission is monitoring the implantation plan of the Municipality aimed at resolving the abovementioned issues.

14 March 2017 - NW193

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Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether (a) he and/or (b) any other National Treasury official met with any officials from the (i) Department of Social Development and/or (ii) SA Social Security Agency since 1 January 2016; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, (aa) when did the meeting take place, (bb) where did the meeting take place, (cc) what was the reason for the meeting and (dd) what was the (aaa) name and (bbb) designation of each person who attended the meeting?

Reply:

In addition to routine meetings (Early Child Development, conditional grant frameworks, guideline for NPO payments, Budget 2017), the National Treasury has met with SASSA and Department of Social Development (DSD) multiple times on the issue of social grant payments upon expiry of the current contract. Two meetings were held between senior management of SASSA, DSD, National Treasury and South African Reserve Bank. Numerous meetings were held of the technical task team established to consider options for payment of social grants, consider pros and cons of different options and provide expert advice on procurement, public finance, financial sector policy and banking to SASSA.

I have also had brief discussions with the Minister of Social Development, telephonically or in person, to discuss the payment of grants.

14 March 2017 - NW250

Profile picture: Matiase, Mr NS

Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Finance

(a) How many government departments at (i) national and (ii) provincial level, including state-owned entities, (iii) municipalities and (iv) entities reporting to the municipalities are (aa) using and (bb) not using the central procurement database and (b) what is the name of the department or entity in each case?

Reply:

A.  There are 775 Organs of State (OoS) registered on the CSD as at 2017-02-24.

CSD Utilisation by Organs of State

 

OoS using CSD

(aa)

OoS not using CSD

(bb)

i. National

40

1

ii. Provincial

115

8

iii. State-owned entities

236

73

iv. Municipalities

239

14

v. Municipal entities

16

4

vi. Other

24

5

Total

670

105

B.  Annexure A is hereby attached with the name of Organs of State in each case.

14 March 2017 - NW269

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Hoosen, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

(1) How many Syrian Arab Republic nationals have (a) applied for asylum, (b) been granted refugee status and (c) been denied (i) asylum and (ii) refugee status in each of the past 10 calendar years; (2) has his department placed any limits on the number of asylum and refugee status applications it will receive from nationals from the Syrian Arab Republic; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The information is in the table below:

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC NATIONALS

YEAR

  1. APPLIED FOR ASYLUM
  1. GRANTED

REFUGEE STATUS

(c) DENIED REFUGEE STATUS

2007

0

0

0

2008

1

Information not available

Information not available

2009

0

0

0

2010

0

0

0

2011

0

0

0

2012

5

2

0

2013

11

6

3

2014

40

11

Information not available

2015

27

3

7

2016

20

12

12

2. No

14 March 2017 - NW244

Profile picture: Sonti, Ms NP

Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) Why has the community of (i) Sisonke region, (ii) Umkhanyakude sub-region and (iii) the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal been without water for over two years and (b) what is her department doing to ensure that the communities have access to good quality clean water?

Reply:

(a) The communities within the Harry Gwala District Municipality (HGDM) and uMkhanyakude DM (UKDM) have been without water for over two years due to two factors, i.e. severe drought impact which has plagued most parts of the KwaZulu-Natal including some of Harry Gwala and uMkhanyakude areas and secondly it has been due to infrastructure limitations in some areas.

(b) The department provides funding to uMkhanyakude and Harry Gwala District Municipalities in order to try to resolve the water challenges faced by the districts and my department will continue to support the municipalities to ensure that the communities have access to good quality clean water.

Refer to the table below for allocations for UMkhanyakude DM (UKDM):

Grant

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018-19

RBIG

R313 Million

R110Million

R119 Million

None

MWIG

R54 Million

None

None

None

WSIG

None

R70 Million

R50 Million

R65 million

Refer to the table below for allocations for Harry Gwala DM (HGDM):

Grant

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018-19

RBIG

R14 Million

R48 Million

R90 Million

R100 Million

MWIG

R43.5 Million

None

None

None

WSIG

None

R86 Million

R98 Million

R108 million

 

14 March 2017 - NW249

Profile picture: Mulaudzi, Adv TE

Mulaudzi, Adv TE to ask the THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

What is the total number of poultry farms that have been closed in Limpopo province since January 2016?

Reply:

There are no poultry projects which were closed in Limpopo province since January 2016 to date.

However there are fourteen (14) poultry projects that closed prior to January 2016 due to amongst others:

  1. The distance between the poultry house and the abattoirs which must be less than 100km. Extensive travel to abattoirs leads to weight loss and mortality.
  2. The Lebowakgomo abattoir which has not been operational for some time. This has impacted on poultry farmers especially from the Sekhukhune area.
  3. The closure of Mikes Chicken abattoir in Polokwane.

14 March 2017 - NW120

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Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Finance

(1) Has the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) frozen any payments that are due to a certain company (name and details furnished); if not why not; if so, (a) why did the SARB freeze the specified payments and (b) when was the decision to freeze the specified payments taken; (2) has the SARB conducted any investigations into two specified companies (names furnished);, if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant outcomes of investigations?

Reply:

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is the regulatory authority responsible for the administration of the Exchange Control Regulations (“the Regulations”), as promulgated in terms of section 9 of the Currency and Exchanges Act (Act No 9 of 1933). The SARB has provided the following response to my department in response to this question, based on the publication of Notice and Order of Forfeiture in Government Gazette number 40526 of 2016-12-30 (as attached) in terms of Exchange Control Regulation 22B.

1. (a) and (b) The Financial Surveillance Department of SARB (FinSurv) issued an order on 29 May 2015, in terms of the provisions of Exchange Control Regulations 22A and 22C, prohibiting the withdrawal of all funds standing to the credit of an entity styled Homix (Pty) Limited (“Homix”) in an account held with Mercantile Bank Limited. At the relevant time, Homix had made an application to Mercantile Bank for the transfer of foreign currency to Morningstar International Trade Limited in Hong Kong, ostensibly for the purposes of paying for previously imported goods. The balance in the account amounted to R14 472 075 at the time in question. The relevant order was issued on suspicion that Homix had contravened the Exchange Control Regulations in that it had presented false documentation to Mercantile Bank in support of, inter alia, these pending foreign exchange transactions.

2. An investigation was conducted by FinSurv and finalised during December 2016, the findings of which included that Homix had unlawfully transferred foreign currency from the republic on numerous occasions. Pursuant to the findings of this investigation, the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (Wierdabrug CAS 548/12/2016) for further steps deemed necessary from a criminal prosecution point of view. The above-mentioned amount of R14 472 075,00, together with all interest earned thereon, was, furthermore, declared forfeit to the State in terms of Exchange Control Regulation 22B and the relevant Notice and Order of Forfeiture published in Government Gazette number 40526 of 2016-12-30.

 

14 March 2017 - NW85

Profile picture: Selfe, Mr J

Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1)What (a) facilities are available for prisoners at the St Albans prison in Port Elizabeth to receive contact visits and (b) are the relevant prison policies in this regard; (2) (a) what facilities are available in the specified prison for medical treatment of inmates and (b) how many (i) qualified doctors and (ii) registered nurses are employed (aa) full-time and (bb) part-time in these facilities; (3) (a) what facilities are available in the St Albans prison for prisoners’ personal hygienic needs, including washing facilities, trimming of hair and nails and (b) what are the relevant policies put in place in this regard?

Reply:

  1. (a) The following facilities are available for contact visits:
  • St Albans Remand Detention Facility: accommodates 20 people at a time
  • St Albans Medium B Correctional Centre: accommodates 40 people at a time
  • St Albans Maximum Correctional Centre: accommodates 40 people at a time

(b) Correctional Services Order 3, Chapter V (3)(f)(i)(cc) stipulates that all visits are non-contact visits, but attempts should be made to allow contact visits for offenders in privilege group A. Offenders in privilege group A may however not lay claim to contact visits, as security considerations, the behaviour and adaptation of the offender remain the primary factors to be considered. The same apply to remand detainees.

 

2. (a) Each Centre has a clinic to attend to the sick inmates. There is also a 24 hour manned hospital for critically ill inmates.

(b) (i) One permanently appointed doctor.

(ii) There are thirty (30) registered nurses.

(aa) All are full–time employees

(bb) The facilities have two part–time doctors.

3. (a) Each housing unit has ablution block for inmates to shower and wash their clothes. The centres have hair clippers that are issued in each unit and

a dedicated room where inmates go and have their hair trimmed.

(b) Correctional Services Order 3, Chapter V, Sub Section (3)(f)(i)(cc) stipulates that “Head of Prisons must ensure that a qualified barber or

prisoner with appropriate experience is appointed to cut prisoners’ hair”.

14 March 2017 - NW78

Profile picture: Horn, Mr W

Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether (a) he and/or (b) any other National Treasury official met with any officials from the (i) Department of Social Development and/or (ii) SA Social Security Agency since 1 January 2016; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, (aa) when did the meeting take place, (bb) where did the meeting take place, (cc) what was the reason for the meeting and (dd) what was the (aaa) name and (bbb) designation of each person who attended the meeting?

Reply:

In addition to routine meetings (Early Child Development, conditional grant frameworks, guideline for NPO payments, Budget 2017), the National Treasury has met with SASSA and Department of Social Development (DSD) multiple times on the issue of social grant payments upon expiry of the current contract. Two meetings were held between senior management of SASSA, DSD, National Treasury and South African Reserve Bank. Numerous meetings were held of the technical task team established to consider options for payment of social grants, consider pros and cons of different options and provide expert advice on procurement, public finance, financial sector policy and banking to SASSA.

I have also had brief discussions with the Minister of Social Development, telephonically or in person, to discuss the payment of grants.

14 March 2017 - NW418

Profile picture: Figg, Mr MJ

Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Finance

With reference to his Budget Speech delivered on 22 February 2017, what amount will be allocated towards nuclear power procurement in the (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19 and (c) 2019-20 financial years?

Reply:

No funds have been specifically allocated for nuclear power procurement in the 2017 Budget.

14 March 2017 - NW345

Profile picture: Alberts, Mr ADW

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Transport

(1) (a) Since 1 January 2010, what are the national (i) payment figures (ii) percentages regarding AARTO traffic infringements in relation to the fines issued (b) who are the external service providers at each municipal authority in the country responsible for issuing fines and collecting payments in respect of the violations; (2) what are the nature and extent of the contracts that municipal authorities sign with external service providers; (3) whether (a) the contracts and the appointment of external service providers are in accordance with the appropriate municipal legislation and (b) municipal service providers are entitled to make use of external service providers; if not, why not; if so, what legislation serves as a basis for this; (4) whether there are any provisions included in the service level agreement of the tender agreement that (a) hold the service provider responsible for inadequate service delivery by means of a a penalty clause, (b) authorise additional fees that the external mechanisms are allowed to levy from members of the public and (c) place a prohibition on the use of the data by an external service provider to create an additional product and in so doing exploit the data economically; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) Since 1 January 2010, the Department through the Road Traffic Management Agency, responsible for piloting the AARTO Act, issued in total 26 089 730 fines in the City of Tshwane and City of Johannesburg. The break down of this figures are as on the table below:

(i) AARTO payment figures:

Financial Year

AARTO Revenue Collected

2010/11

R 53 506 570.02

2011/12

R 86 553 514.98

2012/13

R 143 185,321.00

2013/14

R 274 398 904.99

2014/15

R 306 993 704.98

2015/16

R 555 459 029.99

(ii) Percentages regarding AARTO traffic infringements in relation to the fines issued:

Financial Year

Number of AARTO Infringements/Offences

% of AARTO Infringements/Offences

2010/11

1 478 265

5.67%

2011/12

1 707 052

6.54%

2012/13

3 474 353

13.32%

2013/14

6 797 128

26.05%

2014/15

6 120 436

23.46%

2015/16

6 512 496

24.96%

Total

26 089 730

100%

2. The honourable member should remember that road and traffic are exclusive Schedule 5A provincial function while municipal roads, traffic and parking are exclusive schedule 5B Municipal function and in contrast, road and traffic is a concurrent function with the National Department of Transport playing largely a facilitating and regulatory role.

It is on this basis that the Department is unable to provide information on (2), however this information can be sources directly from the Municipalities.

3. Please see above (2)

4. Please see above (2)

14 March 2017 - NW281

Profile picture: Basson, Mr LJ

Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)Whether her department is currently experiencing any financial difficulties; if so, (a) when was the situation identified, (b) who identified the situation and (c) what steps are being taken to remedy the situation; (2) what are the full relevant details of her department’s (a) current financial position and (b) balances of each bank account?

Reply:

(1) My Department’s Main Account is not experiencing financial difficulties. However, the Water Trading Entity (WTE) is experiencing temporary cash flow problems due to non-payment of Municipalities and Water Boards. However, the WTE is in a very strong financial position as Assets exceed Liabilities by R72 billion.

During the 2016/17 budget preparation it was clear that, should the debt not be recovered this would negatively impact on the bank balance. This recovery from Municipalities and Water Boards has not happened and the overdraft has been steadily increasing since the start of the financial year.

The WTE is working closely with National Treasury (NT) and NT has sent out letters to Municipalities not paying their debt warning them that they are contravening Section 65(2)(e) of the MFMA and that they should urgently rectify the non-payment of their debt.

(2) My Department’s Main Account has been allocated a budget of R15.5 billion for the 2016/17 financial year, of which R13.6 billion has been spent by 27 February 2017, leaving an available balance of R1.9 billion up to 31 March 2017. The R1.9 billion will be used to pay for salaries (R238 million), direct transfers to Municipalities scheduled for the 8 and 9 March 2017 (R712 million) as well as goods and services and capital expenditures in the normal course of business amounting to R958 million. This is in line with my Department’s planned cash projections, and signals a slight underspending of R99 million anticipated by the end of the financial year from Compensation of Employees.

The Department’s bank account with National Treasury (SARB) is currently at a positive balance of R558 million, and there is still a balance of R1.1 billion which has not been requested from the National Treasury and is due for payment to the Department in the month of March 2017.

The WTE’s current bank balances as at 22 February 2017 are as follows:

 

Reserve Bank

(R 2 989 564 608.84)

ABSA

R 24 872536.05

Standard Bank

R 1 735 342.16

First National Bank

R 420 719.30

SAPO

R 96 644.15

Total

(R 2,962,439,367.18)

14 March 2017 - NW355

Profile picture: Van Dalen, Mr P

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Finance

What is the (a) make, (b) model, (c) price and (d) date on which each vehicle was purchased for use by (i) him and (ii) his deputy (aa) in the (aaa) 2014-15 and (bbb) 2015-16 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2016?

Reply:

(i) Minister of Finance

(a) Make

(b) Model

(c) Price

(d) Date

(aa)

 

(aaa) 2014/15

None

None

None

None

(bbb) 2015/16

None

None

None

None

(bb) April 2016 - current

None

None

None

None

(ii) Deputy Minister of Finance

(aa)

 

(aaa) 2014/15

Mercedes Benz

E200

R661 387.01

27-01-2015

(aaa) 2014/15

Mercedes Benz

E200

R661 387.01

27-01-2015

(bbb) 2015/16

None

None

None

None

(bb) April 2016 - current

None

None

None

None

14 March 2017 - NW380

Profile picture: Purdon, Mr RK

Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Women in the Presidency

What is the (a) make, (b) model, (c) price and (d) date on which each vehicle was purchased for use by (i) her and (ii) her deputy (aa) in the (aaa) 2014-15 and (bbb) 2015-16 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2016?

Reply:

The Department of Women procured an official vehicle for the Minister as follows:

 

(i)(aa)(aaa)

(ii)(aa)(aaa)

 (i)(aa)(bbb) and (ii)(aa)(bbb) and (bb)

(a)

BMW

N/A

No official vehicle was procured during the 2015/ 16 FY and since 1 April 2016

(b)

GT 550

N/A

 

(c)

R926 007.61

N/A

 

(d)

06-Feb-15

N/A

 

________________________

Approved by the Minister on

Date………………………..

14 March 2017 - NW203

Profile picture: Terblanche, Ms JF

Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What are the reasons that case number 2016/37284 regarding Transnet, which was heard in the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court, was removed from the court roll?

Reply:

The case was argued on the 13 December 2016 and the reason for the removal of the case from the urgent court roll is that the court found that the matter was not urgent and advised that it could be placed in the ordinary motion court roll.

14 March 2017 - NW170

Profile picture: Baker, Ms TE

Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)How many water use licences granting abstraction of water from the Hluhluwe River currently exist; (2) Can she provide Ms T E Baker with a list of the owners of these licences as well as the (a) dates of issue, (b) period for which licence has been granted and (c) volume of water to be abstracted?

Reply:

(1) There are currently 2 licences granting abstraction from the Hluhluwe River GWS (SMP 154) that have been registered.

(2) Refer to table below.

Owner of licences

Date issued

Period for licence

Volume of water

UMkhanyakude DM

2007/05/14

expiry date 2047/05/13

2,806,000m3 annually

Bousaam (Pty) Ltd, licence

2001/10/24

expiry date 2021/10/23

300,000m3

 

14 March 2017 - NW210

Profile picture: Mbabama, Ms TM

Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform

(1)(a) How many hectares has his department (i)(aa) purchased under the One Hectare One Household programme and (bb) at what cost, (ii) allocated to beneficiaries and/or farmers and (b) how many beneficiaries and/or farmers received farms; (2) what budget has been allocated to the specified programme since its inception in each year in the Medium-term Expenditure Framework period; (3) how many farmers are currently involved in the specified programme since its inception on 30 October 2015; (4) what are the names of the farms that were transferred to farmers in each (a) province and (b) district by the specified programme in each year since its inception?

Reply:

 

1. (a) (i)(aa) None, since this is a land development programme targeting State

owned farms, PLAS farms and Communal land.

(bb) Falls Away

(ii) 689 hectares have been allocated to beneficiaries from Gorah (14), Krugerpost (221), Mantusini (373), Westwood (18), Kwa-Mashabalane (41) and Libhaba CPA (22)

(b) 689 Beneficiaries have received Gorah (14), Krugerpost (221), Mantusini (373), Westwood (18), Kwa-Mashabalane (41) and Libhaba CPA (22)

2. The budget allocation over the MTEF is as follows:

Year

2016/2017

2017/2018

2018/2019

2019/2020

TOTAL

Budget Allocation

R 100 000 000

R 247 808 000

R 619 497 000

R 698 973 000

R 1 566 278 000

 

3. There are 689 beneficiaries currently involved in a programme

4. (a) and (b)

Province

District

Farm Name

Year

Eastern Cape

OR Tambo

Mantusini

July 2016

Eastern Cape

Sarah Baartsman

Gorah

July 2015

Eastern Cape

Sarah Baartsman

Krugerspost

August 2016

KwaZulu Natal

Umgungundlovu

Westwood

July 2016

Mpumalanga

Mkhondo

Kwa-Mashabalane

March 2016

Mpumalanga

Mkhondo

Libhaba CPA

March 2016

14 March 2017 - NW184

Profile picture: Selfe, Mr J

Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1) Is his department working with the Department of Public Works to resolve the water supply crisis at the Barberton Prison Farm, if not, why not; if so, (2) will the pipeline to the livestock farming area be closed; if not, why not; if so (a) by what date will it be closed and (b) how will the livestock be fed in the interim; (3) will repairs be done to the (a) existing pumping system at the dams, (b) seven boreholes on prison property, (c) pipelines from the boreholes to the reservoirs and (d) plumbing inside the prison areas; if not, why not; if so, by what date will work commence and be completed in each case; (4) will new boreholes and pipelines to the reservoirs be refurbished and/or replaced; if not, why not; if so, by what date will work (a) commence and (b) be completed in each case?

Reply:

(1) Yes,

(2) No; the pipeline to the livestock farming will not be closed, because it will be against the requirements of Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, Sec (1) (c) & (e).

(2) (a) Not Applicable

(b) Not applicable

(3) (a) No, the pumping system is still new as it was installed in May 2016, at this stage the pumping system is well functioning so there is no need for repair.

(b) Yes, the Department of Public works conducted assessment on boreholes, out of seven (07), four (04) were re-drilled. The water from boreholes was tested and found to be in good condition for consumption.

(c) No, there was no existing pipeline which requires repair at this stage.

(d) No, the life span of plumbing at Barberton Farm is still in good condition.

(4) No,

(a)(b) city of Mbombela has started to dig a trench which will be connecting boreholes to the reservoir.

14 March 2017 - NW243

Profile picture: Moteka, Mr PG

Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

With regard to the community of Mamone in Ward 21 and 20 in the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality in Limpopo, which has not had water in their taps since August 2016, (a) why does the specified community not have water and (b) by what date will she ensure that there will be water in the taps of this community?

Reply:

 

(a) Mamone Ward 20 and 21 in Makhuduthamaga has not had water since January 2017 and not since August 2016 as it is indicated above. This is due to two boreholes that are not functioning. The two boreholes are not functional due to operations and maintenance issues. In one of the boreholes, pipes have collapsed and are submerged and need to be fished and replaced. In another borehole, a submersible pump motor was burnt during drought as the water flow yields were low. The third borehole that is functional is not yielding enough flow and, as a result, not everyone is able to get water.

(b) The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), being the Water Services Authority (WSA); has engaged in a procurement process to replace of equipment for the refurbishment of the two boreholes which are expected to be functional by end of March 2017.

 

14 March 2017 - NW340

Profile picture: Madisha, Mr WM

Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)Whether, with reference to her secondment of Mr Letsoalo as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) (details furnished), she intends (a) taking any disciplinary action against Mr Letsoalo and (b) recovering all monies incorrectly paid to Mr Letsoalo; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; 2) will there be an investigation into (a) who was responsible for the payment and (b) how the specified person was responsible; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Mr Letsoalo secondment was done in terms of section 15(3) of the Public Service Act. The matter of the remuneration of the secondment allowance is a matter that is being dealt with within PRASA.

a. See background information above

b. See background information above

2. PRASA is investigating the matter

a.  See the background information above

14 March 2017 - NW407

Profile picture: Robertson, Mr K

Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)What amount was (a) budgeted for and (b) actually spent on the maintenance of the E514 tar road in Kiepersol, Mpumalanga, (i) in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14, (cc) 2014-15 and (dd) 2015-16 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2016; (2) whether any unspent funds were returned to the (a) National Treasury or (b) Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) on what date was the specified road last worked on?

Reply:

In terms of section 25. (1) of THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY LIMITED AND NATIONAL ROADS ACT, the Agency of the Department of Transport, is given the power to perform, all strategic planning with regard to the South African national roads system, as well as the planning, design, construction, operation, management, control, maintenance and rehabilitation of national roads for the Republic. The road referred to by the honourable Mr KP Robertson is not part of the national road network and no budgets was allocated for road because it is part of the Mpumalanga Provincial Road Network.

(1) Falls away

(2) Falls away

(3) Falls away

Additional information for the Minister

However, the question was referred to the province and the following below is their reply:

Can you please provide me with the budget allocations for the E514 over the past five financial years?

The road in question is Provincial road D514 with a total length of 12.6 km, from the R536 between Hazyview and Sabie at the Western end, and road D1035 at Kiepersol at the Eastern end.

It is known that the road is in poor condition, as indicated by the diagram below. Annual assessments are done on all Provincial paved roads as part of the DPWRT’s Road Asset Management System (RAMS).

One of the important metrics that are derived from these assessments is the Visual Condition Index (VCI), which is an overall indicator of the road condition on a percentage scale of 0 – 100%.

The VCI on road D514 varies roughly between 30 and 40, which classifies the road as in “Poor” condition according to the applicable TMH 9 technical manual. (See Annexure 1 for clear graph)

The DPWRT budget for routine road maintenance is allocated to each of the 21 Cost Centres in the Province, broken down into 15 routine maintenance activities like patching, drainage, grass cutting, etc. Thus, the budget is prepared per activity and there is no specific budget allocation for each road separately.

The budget for preventive maintenance (reseal) and capital works like rehabilitation are allocated per road (or project). However, no project has been budgeted for or implemented on D514 during the past five financial years.

In addition, please provide me with the budget spent on E514 over the past five financial years.

The expenditure for each Cost Centre is kept for each of the 15 routine maintenance activities across all roads in the specific area of responsibility. As a result, the expenditure is not kept by individual road and thus cannot be provided for road D514.

No capital projects have been implemented on D514 over the last 5 financial years.

Have there been any unspent budgets and were these sent back to Treasury? If not, how was the budget spent?

No, there has not been any unspent budgets in relation to D514. The DPWRT has utilized 100% of its budget for the past 5 financial years.

Please indicate the last time any department has worked on the E514 project. Could we be provided with an annexure?

Various routine maintenance activities were performed on D514 during the past financial year. Due to the number of potholes, patching is obviously very important. The previous last time patching has been done on road D514 was on 23 January 2017.

A maintenance team is scheduled to do further patching during the week of 27 February, depending on weather conditions.

ANNEXURE

14 March 2017 - NW280

Profile picture: Basson, Mr LJ

Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(a) How many supplier invoices currently remain unpaid by her department for more than 30 days and (b) what (i) is the name of the company and/or supplier, (ii) amounts are outstanding, (iii) is the reason for nonpayment and (iv) is the envisaged date on which the amounts will be paid?

Reply:

Kindly refer to the presentation provided to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation on 03 March 2017 by the Department of Water and Sanitation for details of supplier invoices and the reasons for non-payment.

14 March 2017 - NW310

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1) Will she institute disciplinary action against the Board Members of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) found to have been involved in a certain tender (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? (2) whether she will be investigating a case of alleged fraud surrounding a radar project that the suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the SAWS brought to the SAWS’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) prior to the CFO’s suspension; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. A complaint was received by the Presidential Hotline on 20 November 2016 relating to Performance Management at theSouth African Weather Service (SAWS) specifically relating to the 2014/15 performance assessment period. The allegations included the following:

a) Unlawful powers of the Executive Committee to change moderated performance scores;

b) Unilateral correction of scores

c) Implementation of performance-based salary increases.

The allegations were referred to the Board of SAWS for further investigation on 28 January 2016.

OMA Chartered Accountants Incorporated (OMA) was appointed to conduct an investigation into allegations made by the complainant. No Board members were involved in the appointment of OMA. The recommendations in the OMA report have been implemented.

2. A senior manager of SAWS brought allegations to the Board, on the matter of the guarantee for the radars. A preliminary analysis has revealed no irregularity. Further investigation is underway.

 

14 March 2017 - NW174

Profile picture: Van Der Walt, Ms D

Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Finance

(a) What is the total number of tax refunds for (i) taxpayers and (ii) vendors that were lodged prior to the end of the (aa) 2014-15 and (bb) 2015-16 financial years that have not been refunded by (aaa) 31 March 2015 and (bbb) 31 March 2016 respectively and (b) what were the total amounts due in each case?

Reply:

 

The following information was submitted by the South African Revenue Service (SARS):

The process of return submission covers the aspect of submitting a return and as such declaring the liability of the taxpayer for a specific period/ year. The submission and declaration does not however automatically entitle the taxpayer to a refund. The return is therefore lodged and not the refund. The assessment result might be an amount due to SARS and not to the taxpayer.  

It is important to note that submissions by taxpayers, where the amount reflects as being due to the taxpayer, do not result in automatic refunds but rather may be credit assessments which may undergo risk evaluation by SARS, prior to being determined to result in a refund.

In general the refund process is subject to certain compliance interventions and follows a standardised process in line with legislation.

These steps include but are not limited to:

  • A declaration by a taxpayer is subjected to an automated risk mitigation system
  • A declaration is reviewed where risks are identified or refunds are released where no risk is identified.
  • Where risk is identified, a generic request for information from clients in support of their declaration is sent to the taxpayer. These requests are made in writing to the taxpayer’s E-filing account or registered address.
  • Evaluation by SARS of the data in support of the declaration is conducted, and requests for further specific supporting documentation is sent to the taxpayer where deemed necessary by the auditor. This second request is made telephonically and followed up by a written request sent to the E-filing account or other registered details
  • If required an adjustment is made to the assessment

    

As indicated above, all reviews are conducted based on the risk identified by the system and all procedures and legislation is adhered to at all times in dealing with identified cases. The TAA, chapter 5, Sec 40, differentiates between an Audit and Verification. Once again, the compliance interventions determine whether a case will be Verified or Audited. Sec 42 of the TAA requires that a taxpayer be kept informed of progress with an Audit. The same obligations do not exist in the case of Verification.

(a)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(aaa)(bbb)(b)      

Based on data that is readily available the following statistics can be provided.

It should be noted that the statistics includes all refunds as a result of current or prior tax year’s returns received. These may also include multiple returns where multiple years were outstanding.

Personal Income Tax (PIT): Refunds processed during these two performance periods that includes refunds paid out for both current and previous tax years

FY 2015/2016

Cumulative Number of Refunds

Cumulative % of Volume

Cumulative Refund Value (R)

Cumulative % of Value

Within 1 day

2 078 529

93.55%

17 636 156 292

89.51%

Within 2 day

2 080 018

93.62%

17 648 106 895

89.57%

Within 3 day

2 081 400

93.68%

17 660 046 629

89.64%

Within 4 day

2 082 565

93.73%

17 671 685 820

89.69%

Within 5 day

2 083 563

93.78%

17 682 211 625

89.75%

Within 10 day

2 093 691

94.23%

17 791 309 571

90.30%

Within 21 day

2 098 039

94.43%

17 834 333 227

90.52%

Within 30 day

2 105 910

94.78%

17 917 459 188

90.94%

Within 60 day

2 131 416

95.93%

18 226 010 663

92.51%

Within 90 day

2 158 953

97.17%

18 588 300 391

94.35%

More than 90 days

2 221 795

100.00%

19 702 139 151

100.00%

Grand Total

2 221 795

100%

19 702 139 151

100%

         

FY 2014/2015

Cumulative Number of Refunds

Cumulative % of Volume

Cumulative Refund Value (R)

Cumulative % of Value

Within 1 day

2 228 408

92.62%

17 475 039 484

89.19%

Within 2 day

2 231 094

92.73%

17 497 695 274

89.30%

Within 3 day

2 233 430

92.83%

17 517 603 195

89.40%

Within 4 day

2 235 407

92.91%

17 534 051 997

89.49%

Within 5 day

2 237 478

93.00%

17 551 802 975

89.58%

Within 10 day

2 245 757

93.34%

17 629 562 736

89.97%

Within 21 day

2 259 968

93.93%

17 771 765 155

90.70%

Within 30 day

2 269 100

94.31%

17 865 671 786

91.18%

Within 60 day

2 317 618

96.33%

18 342 690 800

93.61%

Within 90 day

2 348 282

97.61%

18 661 029 254

95.24%

More than 90 days

2 405 902

100.00%

19 594 118 415

100.00%

Grand Total

2 405 902

100%

19 594 118 415

100%

Corporate Income Tax (CIT): Refunds processed during these two performance periods that includes refunds paid out for both current and previous tax years

FY 2015/2016

Cumulative Number of Refunds

Cumulative % of Volume

Cumulative Refund Value (R)

Cumulative % of Value

Within 1 day

29 011

73.14%

1 926 857 827

56.18%

Within 2 day

29 084

73.32%

1 941 310 905

56.60%

Within 3 day

29 134

73.45%

1 944 784 101

56.70%

Within 4 day

29 189

73.59%

1 948 683 819

56.82%

Within 5 day

29 239

73.71%

1 952 820 096

56.94%

Within 10 day

29 437

74.21%

1 975 891 033

57.61%

Within 21 day

29 880

75.33%

2 120 522 535

61.83%

Within 30 day

30 190

76.11%

2 168 459 999

63.23%

Within 60 day

31 362

79.07%

2 368 672 630

69.06%

Within 90 day

32 708

82.46%

2 526 549 638

73.67%

More than 90 days

39 666

100.00%

3 429 659 974

100.00%

Grand Total

39 666

100%

3 429 659 974

100%

         

FY 2014/2015

Cumulative Number of Refunds

Cumulative % of Volume

Cumulative Refund Value (R)

Cumulative % of Value

Within 1 day

31 258

74.11%

1 740 028 825

51.67%

Within 2 day

31 327

74.28%

1 744 623 695

51.81%

Within 3 day

31 382

74.41%

1 753 376 243

52.07%

Within 4 day

31 432

74.53%

1 758 537 723

52.22%

Within 5 day

31 482

74.65%

1 762 717 215

52.35%

Within 10 day

31 684

75.13%

1 780 635 814

52.88%

Within 21 day

32 041

75.97%

1 843 791 302

54.75%

Within 30 day

32 370

76.75%

1 894 872 625

56.27%

Within 60 day

33 393

79.18%

2 054 283 521

61.01%

Within 90 day

34 614

82.07%

2 225 138 970

66.08%

More than 90 days

42 175

100.00%

3 367 388 343

100.00%

Grand Total

42 175

100%

3 367 388 343

100%

Value Added Tax (VAT): Refunds processed during these two performance periods that includes refunds paid out for both current and previous tax years

FY 2015/2016

Cumulative Number of Refunds

Cumulative % of Volume

Cumulative Refund Value (R)

Cumulative % of Value

Paid within 2 days

240 268

67.71%

20 543 123 568

16.14%

Paid within 21 days

282 753

79.69%

77 882 420 639

61.19%

Paid within 30 days

304 595

85.84%

95 477 947 992

75.02%

Paid within 60 days

337 605

95.15%

116 017 076 739

91.15%

Paid in more than 60 days

354 828

100.00%

127 276 361 477

100.00%

Grand Total

354 828

100%

127 276 361 477

100%

         

FY 2014/2015

Cumulative Number of Refunds

Cumulative % of Volume

Cumulative Refund Value (R)

Cumulative % of Value

Paid within 2 days

249 313

67.51%

24 522 511 615

19.61%

Paid within 21 days

322 604

87.35%

96 674 033 289

77.31%

Paid within 30 days

338 011

91.52%

107 434 615 456

85.91%

Paid within 60 days

357 374

96.77%

118 940 253 003

95.11%

Paid in more than 60 days

369 315

100.00%

125 052 605 017

100.00%

Grand Total

369 315

100%

125 052 605 017

100%

14 March 2017 - NW51

Profile picture: Figlan, Mr AM

Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)  Whether all elements of the Supply Chain Management Regulations were complied with when the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape awarded contracts (a) 3083, (b) 3084 and (c) 3085 in the 2015-16 financial year; if not, in each case, why not; if so, (2) whether each winning bidder met all the requirements of the specified tenders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether each of the specified bidders was a local supplier; if not, (a) in each case, why not and (b) where was each bidder based; (4) whether each of the bidders fulfilled all aspects of each contract satisfactorily; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (5) what was the value of each of the contracts awarded in the specified financial year?

Reply:

The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) has not reviewed any of these contracts. A letter dated 01 March 2017 was issued to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality requesting for documents in order to review the bidding process.

13 March 2017 - NW158

Profile picture: Carter, Ms D

Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What is his department doing to create more posts for (a) interns and (b) qualified doctors in light of the medical graduates in South Africa and those returning from studies abroad; 2) whether he considers commissioning an investigation into the entire placement process so that the flaws in the system may be corrected and the algorithm changed before the next cycle; if not, why not?

Reply:

(1) The South African government in collaboration with various medical schools and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is currently preparing for the reception of South African medical students being trained in Cuba, who are expected to start arriving in South Africa in July 2018 and subsequent years.

The Department is also working closely with the Health professions Council of South Africa’s Sub-Committee for Medical Internship who are responsible to identify and accredit additional sites and posts for doctors to perform internships.

(2) In July 2015, the National Department set in motion a process to improve the placement of community service professionals and medical interns. This included a new online application system called ICSP Online, which replaced the paper-based system in use since 1998. The system was introduced in 2016 for placement of 2017 Medical Interns and Community Service.

During the implementation of the ICSP programme various challenges were experienced with the key process activities, and the use of ICSP Online. An improvement plans has been developed to address these challenges. Copy of the improvement plan is attached for ease of reference.

END.

13 March 2017 - NW257

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

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

(1) Is the South African Post Office (SAPO) a registered point for issuing the documents of the Department of Home Affairs; if so, (a) how many post offices currently issue (i) identification documents and (ii) passports and (b) what is the (i) name and (ii) location of each post office. (2) Does the SAPO possess the biometric information and communication technology systems necessary for the issuing of identification documents and passports; if so, (a) how many post offices possess the specified systems and (b) what is the (i) name and (ii) location of each post office?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

SAPO is not a registered point for issuing documents for the Department of Home Affairs.

13 March 2017 - NW309

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1) Has her Department put any measures in place for monitoring, regulation and enforcement in the traditional healers industry with a view to ensure that the traditional healers are not in possession of endangered fauna and flora species; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is her Department doing to ensure that the traditional healers industry complies with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species regulations; if so, (2) has her Department visited the Faraday Taxi Rank in Johannesburg; if so, (a) which endangered species were seen on the market and (b) were any individuals (i) penalised or (ii) arrested?

Reply:

1.  The Department of Environmental Affairs has put various measures in place for monitoring, regulating and enforcement in the traditional healers industry as further expanded upon below:

The Department of Environmental Affairs has promulgated the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004(Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulations, as well as the Threatened and Protected Species (TOPS) regulations. In terms of Section 57(1) of NEMBA, a person may not carry out a restricted activity involving a specimen of a listed threatened or protected species without a permit issued in terms of Chapter 7 of NEMBA. Therefore, a permit would be required each time a traditional healer carry out a restricted activities. Restricted activity is defined in NEMBA, and includes, but not limited to; possession, transporting selling, buying, damaging, and cutting of a specimen of listed threatened or protected species. Carrying out of any restricted activity involving a specimen of a listed threatened or protected species without a permit is an offence which is punishable by either a fine not exceeding R10 million or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years, or both such a fine and imprisonment. Monitoring of compliance and enforcement of the above legislations is conducted by Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs)

(a). Not applicable.

(b). The Minister has, in terms of the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (NEMA), appointed officials within the Department of Environmental Affairs and duly designated them as Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs). The EMIs are part of the National Environmental Management Inspectorate. The EMIs (also known as the “green scorpions”) are mandated to monitor compliance with environmental legislation and to take enforcement action in cases where non-compliance with environmental legislation has been detected. It should be noted that there are also green scorpions at the provincial environmental and conservation departments.

In 2014, the National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Strategy (NECES) was developed for the Inspectorate. In line with the strategic objectives of the NECES, specific sectors are prioritised for compliance and enforcement activities; and during the 2016/17 financial year, the “Traditional healers”, “Muti traders” and “Muti Collectors” industry was a focus area for compliance promotion and awareness initiatives as a precursor to more targeted compliance monitoring and enforcement planned for the 2017/18 financial year.

The project thus far has focused on compliance promotion and awareness campaigns for the “Traditional Healers”, “Muti-Traders” and “Muti-Collectors” operating at the “muti-markets” in order to assist them to come into compliance with national environmental legislations, such as the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004, (NEMBA), with regard to buying and selling species listed on the Threatened or Protected Species List at the “muti-markets”.

On 19 January 2017, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), together with Gauteng Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), hosted the first biodiversity compliance awareness workshop in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. The main purpose of the workshop was to bring together all traditional healers and “muti-traders” operating at the Faraday and Mai Mai markets. Further events in other provinces and additional meetings are planned for the latter part of the financial year, ahead of the more targeted compliance and enforcement work that will take place as part of this project in the 2017/18 financial year.

(2) Yes, the Environmental Management Inspectors (Green Scorpions) from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have visited Faraday Muti Market situated at the Faraday Taxi Rank in Johannesburg.

(b) The reason for this particular visit was not to conduct inspections and identify endangered species yet. The purpose for the attendance at the market was to meet with the management of the Muti Markets with regard to the compliance promotion and awareness campaign being conducted by the Department. This type of campaign is critical to ensure that those working at the market are aware of the legal requirements for trade, as well as what trade is permitted. It was also to ensure that the trade that is conducted at the market is sustainable, as well as also to assist in enabling the trade at these markets to continue in line with what is legally permitted. The effectiveness and ultimate success of our monitoring and enforcement activities are strengthened if they are preceded by these types of campaigns.

(b) (i) No individuals were penalised.

(ii) No individuals were arrested.

It must be noted that there will be further compliance and enforcement work that will be carried out to ensure that there is no trade in endangered species in line with the NECES and that appropriate penalties and arrests will be made should any infractions be found.

 

13 March 2017 - NW259

Profile picture: America, Mr D

America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

(1) Whether a certain official (name and details furnished) has engaged any private consortiums, individuals or companies regarding a tender, bid or proposal to distribute social grants through the SA Post Office on behalf of the SA Social Security Agency; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the names of the private consortiums, individuals or companies that were approached and (b) was the nature of each of the specified engagements; (2) Have any agreements, joint ventures or proposals been concluded as a result of the specified engagements; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

1. (a) – (b) SAPO submitted its Request for Information (RFI) to SASSA on 10 February 2017.

2. No contracts have been entered into.

13 March 2017 - NW20

Profile picture: Bergman, Mr D

Bergman, Mr D to ask the The Minister of Small Business Development

1)Whether her department has made an assessment on regulatory measures on (a) national, (b) provincial and (c) local government levels’ regulatory environment that might impact negatively on small, medium and micro-sized enterprises and cooperatives; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the (i) names and (ii) details of all (aa) legislation and (bb) regulations assessed to date; (2)whether her department has made an assessment to determine if the lack of gaining access to and procedures towards the (a) Small Enterprise Development Agency and (b) Small Enterprise Finance Agency by potential entrepreneurs are a contributing factor to the low success rate of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises to create sustainable jobs; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what were the outcomes of each assessment conducted in each case?”

Reply:

1.1. The DSBD is conducting the national study on the regulatory and legislative protocols impeding small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and Co-operatives as one of the target for the 2016/17 financial year. The research will combine analysis of the existing laws, which should point to the potential for unintended consequences, with evidence on SME experience of implementation. For this reason, the approach to the studies has four main elements

(i) To identify practical and viable ways to reduce the administrative burden of legislation and regulations on SMMEs and Co-operatives;

(ii) An engagement strategy including the relevant departments and agencies to implement the preferred option.

(iii) An evaluation of remedial options, including at least one option that would not require changes to the law or regulation; and

(iv) Analysis of the existing laws and regulations themselves in order to identify the likely costs, benefits and risks for small enterprises and other stakeholders;

1.2 The Department intends to commence with the Provincial study to assess regulations affecting SMMEs and Co-operatives within the 2017/18 financial year.

1.3 The Department as part of the Local government Red Tape Reduction Programme has been conducting an assessment on the implementation of the National Red Tape Reduction Guidelines; this is currently being conducted in four municipalities in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. The assessment was based on the critical red tape issues as listed on the National Red Tape Guidelines including, but not limited to:

      1. Lengthy and inefficient supply chain management processes (which ultimately affects the 30-day payment system to SMMEs and Co-operatives and non-compliance with section 38 (1) (f) of the MFMA as aligned to the PFMA and Treasury Regulations 8.2.3);
      2. An assessment of existing municipal by-laws and which are relevant to SMMEs and Co-operatives. The municipalities need to review by-laws every five year period as per Municipal Systems Act (MSA) (No. 32 of 2000); and
      3. Assessment of business registrations and permits in order to identify red tape issues in relation to starting the business and also the compliance with all the requirements as set out within the Business Act No. 71 of 1992 and as amended No. 186 of 1993.

1.4 The department of Trade and Industry working with the National Small Business Council has in its work during 2008 to 2010 been more involved in regulatory environment related work. This was upon the 2007 Cabinet’s approval of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework followed by guidelines for RIA, a tool used to analyze objectives of regulatory proposals and respective unintended consequences. Initially this focused on national and provincial regulatory regime. Regulatory and administrative bureaucracy /red tape areas that received attention in this period and pertinent to the small business sector have been; business registration, access to finance and access to markets. In the municipal ordinances and by-laws focus has been on trading licenses and business registration as well as street trading and trading hours. No recent studies have been done by the Department of Small Business Development, however, stakeholder engagements as recently held in the current process of the review of the Small Business Act have elicited input on regulatory impact areas that still need to be addressed.

2. The Department has not made an assessment of the possible impact that the lack of access to SEDA and SEFA by potential entrepreneurs may have on the success rate of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises to create sustainable jobs.

2.1 The DSBD has however conducted and concluded the 2014 Annual Review of SMMEs and Cooperatives in South Africa which assess the constraints and enablers for SMME and Cooperatives growth sector-wide and not just specifically on the role of SEDA and SEFA.

2.2 The 2014 Annual SMME Review which the Department is yet to publish shows that:

      1. South Africa boasts a wide range of public and private sector small business support institutions, presently estimated at around 214 in total, providing a variety of support services.
      2. While the comprehensiveness of the range of support services is generally acknowledged, these services tend to be fragmented or unintegrated and the quality of some of the services, particularly business advisory services, is continuously being questioned.
      3. The 2008-2014 period was characterised by considerably difficult external economic conditions, with generally subdued overall growth performance, high lending rates, falling business and consumer confidence resulting in slowing demand and weakened capacity utilisation in the private sector. These tough trading conditions undoubtedly have impacted the business prospects and performance of SMMEs.
      4. There has been an increase in the number of SMMEs and Cooperatives from 512 518 in 2007 to 1 155 854 in 2013, an overall growth rate of 14.4%.
      5. Bankruptcies, liquidations and insolvencies increased during the economic downturn from 2314 in 2007, to 4763 in 2008, 6078 in 2009; but have since dropped to 3189 in Q1 or 2013.
      6. Lack of skilled staff are the main challenges faced by all SMMEs, followed by lack of finance and burdensome regulations.

2.3 The Department’s application for its ‘Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development’ to be included in the National Evaluation Programme has been approved by DPME. The evaluation of the Integrated Strategy will enable the Department to assess the impact of the interventions outlined in the Strategy as well as the impact of the Institutions, (particularly SEDA) that were to implement these interventions and programmes.

2.4 The Department together with SEDA and SEFA has also embarked on the 2016 Annual Review of Small Business and Cooperatives in South Africa and may also use this study to focus on the accessibility and procedures of SEDA and SEFA by potential entrepreneurs to determine if this is a contributing factor to the low success rate of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises to create sustainable jobs.

2.(a) There is extensive literature on factors resulting in the low success rate of small enterprises. Seda continues to contribute to research work in this regard, especially through its annual contribution to the research focus on South Africa in the GEM report (Seda is one of the main funders). Findings in this report cite access to non-financial and financial business development support as well as access to markets as the key critical success factors for small businesses. The recommendations from these periodic reviews highlight the need for coordinated support and utilising other means toward better access to support, such as; co-location among development support agencies to increase their geographical coverage and pool resources for office presence in as many needy parts within a district municipality jurisdiction. Provision of infrastructure resources in municipality infrastructure plans as part of their Local Economic Development plans and exploring possibilities for partnership with the private sector as part of their Enterprise Support Initiatives to accommodate development support agencies.

SEDA currently proactively identifies partners to pool resources in order to expand its co-location points. As at the end of June 2016, SEDA has established a network of 55 branches, and 35 co-location points. In 2017, SEDA will conduct a study to identify underserviced areas in order to plan for new access points and support modalities. In 2016, SEDA has done a study on the township SMME environment as is currently piloting a model of how to assist rural & township enterprises in Hartwater (PhokwaneMunicipality), Phillipi, KwaNobuhle (Uitenhage) and Oakney (Matlosana municipality). SEDA is also looking for funding for cadet programmes in order to increase human resource capacity trained to service more clients.

2.(b) During the 2015/16 financial year, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) commissioned a study through an external market research organisation to:

      1. Review the products and services offered by the SEFA to determine whether they are aligned to the mandates of the DSBD and the sefa;
      2. Review the sefa products with respect to their effectiveness, efficiency and relevance, ensuring that they are aligned to the mandates of the DSBD and the SEFA;

A 360-degree approach was adopted to conduct the review which comprised of the following:

      1. Desktop research - This included an extensive literature review as well as an examination of relevant documents to assist in providing context to the review process;
      2. Interviews with SEFA’s key stakeholders were undertaken; and
      3. Surveys with beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the SEFA products and services were conducted to solicit their views. (Beneficiaries are described as 'Approved SMMEs and Cooperatives'. These are SMMEs and Cooperatives that were successful in their applications for funding from SEFA. The non-beneficiaries are those that were not successful in their applications for funding from SEFA.

The review focused on determining the extent to which the products and services are relevant (appropriate) and whether they are provided effectively and efficiently (i.e., whether or not the products have improved the sustainability and growth of the target beneficiaries).

The study results concluded that SEFA is reaching its target market and that its reach is extending well into rural, semi-urban and urban areas. Furthermore, the study found that SEFA products and services broadly address the needs of small businesses in a way that is consistent with policies and priorities of the government.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of the SMMEs and Co-operatives indicated that SEFA funding interventions enabled them to achieve their long-term objectives of profitability, growth, job creation and sustainability.

      1. Change in turnover – 87% of SMMEs and Co-operative Enterprises indicated that SEFA funding enabled a positive percentage change in their turnovers
      2. Change in employees – 92% of SMMEs and Co-operative Enterprises indicated that SEFA funding enabled a positive change in the number of employees
      3. Benefits derived from sefa funding - 94% of SMMEs indicated that overall, SEFA funding was beneficial to their businesses.

The table below indicates the audited results of SEFA funding intervention.

Financial Year

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total

Loan Financing Approved

R440m

R1,065b

R1,009b

R1,109b

R3,6 billion

Loan Financing Disbursed

R198 m

R822 m

R1,294 b

R1,168b

R3,4 billion

Enterprises Funded

28 362

46 407

68 724

54 833

193 320

Jobs Facilitated

9 853

46 402

60 169

75 670

202 876

13 March 2017 - NW05

Profile picture: Lekota, Mr M

Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health

In light of the fact that (a) private hospitals are flourishing while public health services are collapsing and (b) the population continues to grow, while hospitals are still of the same size, can he indicate whether there are any plans to create more referral centres with specialised care in rural areas of the provinces; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes.

The Department of Health has adopted an integrated model of care whereby all service users must be consulted within the provision of health care services.

In rural areas where specialized services are not in reach of where communities live, plans are underway to contract with private providers. In areas where there are no private providers communities will be served through specialist outreach services.

END.

13 March 2017 - NW258

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

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

What is the total number of (a) casual and (b) contract workers who have been employed by the South African Post Office (SAPO) since 1 January 2017?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

(1) (a) During the period 1 January to date no casuals were appointed within SAPO. All casuals were converted to permanent part- time or full time employees by September 2016.

(b) Two fixed contractors were appointed since 1 January 2017. One fixed term contractor was appointed with effect from 3 January 2017 for a fixed term of 9 months within the Travel Office and another fixed term contractor was appointed with effect from 1 February 2017 for a period of 18 months to assist with the National Address roll out project.

13 March 2017 - NW293

Profile picture: Purdon, Mr RK

Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1) Whether the SA National Parks has any plans in place to (a) sell or (b) relocate rhino that fall outside of the Kruger National Park’s proposed intensive protection zone to a custodianship programme; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether the specified custodianship programmes will be linked to community empowerment projects where suitable rhino sanctuaries can be identified and incentivised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

 

(1) Yes.

(a) The South African National Parks does have plans in place, and processes are also underway to finalise the sale of rhino that will be sourced from outside the Kruger National Park’s proposed intensive protection zone. The rhinos will be sold to buyers who meet the requirements drawn in terms of the Rhino Integrated Management Approach. The approach calls for animals to be sold to buyers who will keep them in safe areas, grow numbers and who will utilise them to generate an economy that will be to the benefit of local communities as per the Biodiversity Economy Strategy of the Department of Environmental Affairs.

(b) The South African National Parks has plans in place to relocate rhinos that fall outside of the Kruger National Park’s proposed intensive protection zone. The South African National Parks has a custodianship agreement in place that guides the relocation of animals and its management. This custodianship agreement is a tool to govern the shared custody of animals, allows for the loan of a limited number of rhinos and other animals into the custody of communities who are in possession of reinstituted land as a donation to cultivate breeding and use of land for wildlife management. The custodianship agreement also allows for the relocation of animals to emerging game farmers for the same reasons, to grow the numbers while growing the tourism estate and to contribute to the empowerment of these new entrants in the wildlife sector.

(2) Yes the custodianship programmes will continue to be linked to community empowerment projects that facilitate entry into the wildlife ranching sector as well as consistent with the Biodiversity Economy imperatives. These programmes entail a thorough assessment process that identifies suitable rhino sanctuaries through site inspections, and appropriate incentives are built into the programme. These incentives include support for operations and management, as well as capacity development. Furthermore, direct incentives will be derived from the benefits that will be generated from the enhanced operations of the participating entities and resultant income.

 

13 March 2017 - NW145

Profile picture: James, Dr WG

James, Dr WG to ask the Minister of Health

How many (a) directors-general, (b) deputy directors-general, (c) chief directors and (d) directors were employed in each provincial department of health of (i) Eastern Cape, (ii) the Free State, (iii) Gauteng, (iv) KwaZulu-Natal and (v) Limpopo at the end of each of the past 10 financial years?

Reply:

The attached table reflects the information as received from the Provinces. 

 

END.

13 March 2017 - NW294

Profile picture: Purdon, Mr RK

Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) the SA National Parks (SANParks) have found that surrounding local communities have been influenced by and are participating in the illegal trade in wildlife and poaching in and around the Kruger National Park; if not, what are the relevant details; if so, what plans have been put in place by (i) her department and (ii) SANParks to regulate the illegal trade in wildlife and poaching in the surrounding communities; (2) whether SANParks has put a strategic plan in place to work with other government departments to combat poaching both inside and outside of the Kruger National Park; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) Yes, (a) (b) (i) and (ii) the department has found that some members of the local communities have been influenced to participate in the illegal trade in wildlife and poaching in and around the Kruger National Park. There have been instances where some of the community members are used by syndicates to pouch and support those pouchers.

Clarity needs to be given that the approach by the department and the South African National Parks is to combat, root out and stop both illegal trade and poaching, and therefore not to regulate such. Our mandate is to ensure that legal trade is well regulated hence the numerous regulations including Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (TOPS) of 2007, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Regulations of 2010, associated norms and standards, and such complemented by the permitting system adjudicated according to provincial ordinances. The Integrated Rhino Management Approach, being implemented for an example, provides a focused prioritisation of law enforcement, community engagement, biological management, and responsive legislation as its tenants. The implementation of the environmental monitors programme provides an effective interface with the local community. This complemented by the implantation of the People and Parks Programme contributes in the fight against illegal trade and poaching.

Additional Information

  1. Department of Environmental Affairs
  • The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy:

The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy is a 14 year strategy which is aimed at addressing developmental and growth constrains of the Biodiversity Economy in South Africa, focusing on the Bioprospecting/biotrade and wildlife subsectors, in particular. The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy serves as a suitable strategic tool to achieve this anticipated sustainable advancement for these subsectors. The strategy also recognises the significance of sustainability of these sectors through ensuring that the ecological infrastructure is safeguarded, as well as that various stakeholders play significant roles, especially the rural communities in and around areas with high biological resources, and the protected areas being one of these. The vision of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy is to optimise economic benefits from the sustainable use of the country’s biodiversity, and provide an enabling environment for communities and entrepreneurs to participate in the biodiversity economy while contributing to poverty alleviation, sustainable development and conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity and ecosystem services. To address the issue on the illegal trade of wildlife and poaching, which also came to light during the development of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, the department identified and adopted principles that will ensure the sustainable growth of the sector, these include, inter alia, ensure fair and equitable beneficiation; identify incentive driven compliance to regulation and ensure ethical practices.

In light of the above, the strategy also identified a few Transformative Enabling Interventions to speak to these efforts of ensuring sustainable growth of these two subsectors and these include:

  • Streamlining the Regulatory Environment: To address a range of regulatory gaps, overly complicated permitting requirements, inefficiencies and capacity constraints that limit the sector, as well as create a legislative enabling environment for business, and build confidence in the regulatory system.
  • Enhancing Education, Skills and Capacity: To promote Small Micro and Medium Enterprises, to ensure that communities understand the economic value of the wildlife around them and that the young generation understands the value of protecting and sustainably utilising the wildlife.
  • An economic transformation initiative: Provides an environment where the sector comprises of different players, where rural communities, women, youth and people with disability are also able to engage in economic activities that make a difference in their lives and communities.
  • Advocacy for the Wildlife sector: To address the negative perceptions in the wildlife sector which will enable the growth and increased participation in the sector. Furthermore, advocacy for sustainable utilisation of genetic and biological resources which is essential to support the growth of local and international markets, and to encourage participation of communities in these markets.
  • The department is implementing the Great Limpopo Trans-frontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA): Integrated Livelihood Diversification Strategy.

The aim is that such a strategy would serve to:

  • develop a collective vision and integrated approach to enhancing livelihood options in the project area;
  • agree on a set of strategic priorities as well as management nodes for priority attention in the first iteration of implementing the strategy (that is from 2016 to 2030);
  • identify appropriate, viable and strategic livelihood initiatives that could be applied to the GLTFCA area, including where existing initiatives are working and can be scaled and shared to a wider audience;
  • identify and address prevailing constraints to the success of livelihood initiatives; and
  • ensure that current and future threats and risks from climate change and other anthropogenic activities (such as land uses) have been considered when identifying livelihood interventions for resilience.

This will be achieved by:

  • providing a mechanism or platform to support networking between actors across the GLTFCA;
  • agreeing on a common approach to monitoring and research that will support improved data-driven management, comparative analysis and enhanced impact;
  • supporting good cooperative governance through coordinating existing strategies, priorities, investments and efforts to achieve synergies, avoid duplication and identify gaps;
  • empowering communities to actively participate in resource management decisions;
  • supporting the sharing of lessons learnt across the groups and regions, including shared information management;
  • defining responsibilities to ensure that all actors are working towards their competitive advantage while also ensuring that activities are being delivered at each scale (household, community, regional levels) and time horizon (short term, medium term and long term);
  • providing inputs to support proactive fundraising that is designed to demonstrate to investors and donors how their interests can be achieved by supporting our defined priorities; and
  • promoting a regular review cycle to ensure plans are adjusted to changing contexts and new learnings.

The timeframe for the strategy is 15 years - from 2016 to 2030.

The Great Limpopo Trans-frontier Park (GLTP) and its implementing agencies in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe namely; Administracao Nation das Areas de Conservacao (ANAC), the South African National Parks and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) are mandated through the treaty to support the livelihoods of communities in the GLTFCA. They, through the protected areas, also have a vested interest to share benefits and create value for the local communities in conservation and associated activities. The parks (both public and private) also have a responsibility to communities to (i) mitigate negative impacts and (ii) deliver effective corporate social investment. This, notwithstanding the formal mandate for socio-economic development outside protected areas, falls under government. Civil society organisations, private sector partnerships and donors are able to support this official mandate through augmenting the resources and capacities of government. As much as possible, decision-making should be devolved to community level to ensure greatest likelihood of success and the skills and assets owned by communities themselves are recognised and strengthened. The view is that if all of these players work together on a joint and agreed upon plan, the likelihood of achieving sustainable and meaningful impacts is significantly enhanced. While elements of this strategy are framed from the perspective of the conservation authorities, we recognise that no one party on its own will be able to drive this process without the buy-in and support of others. It is proposed that the GLTFCA stakeholders and the protected areas authorities play an important role in catalysing and sustaining momentum around the establishment of such partnerships. By identifying all the existing ‘engines’ of delivery and agreeing on how they can be positioned relative to one another under the infrastructure of a shared strategy, we believe our vision can achieve a lift off.

  • The department continues to implement the resolutions of the People and Parks Conferences we have hosted recently which are the culmination of the discussions in the commissions by communities, officials and interested stakeholders. One of the focuses to this is that communities are put in the centre of our efforts to combat wildlife crime, thereby ensuring that a sense of ownership is instilled in order for them to protect and value their natural heritage. Recently the department embarked on a lab activity where details of activities were determined regarding which would be executed/implemented with the view to ensuring that the communities see value in wildlife. Through these, projects earmarked to elevate the value of biodiversity are are being packaged and implemented across the sector.
  • Recently the department had embarked on a Rhino Lab process which entails a stream focusing on community empowerment to prevent them from getting involved in illegal trade in wildlife and poaching. The department has also developed a 14 year National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) which will serve as a suitable strategic tool to achieve the anticipated sustainable advancement for the wildlife and bioprospecting/biotrade industries of South Africa.

To ensure successful implementation of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, the department recently co-hosted with the Department of Tourism a Biodiversity Delivery Lab which took place from 11 April to 13 May 2016, primarily to develop an implementation plan for the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy. The Biodiversity Economy Delivery Lab adopted the Big Fast Results (BFR) methodology which is a similar approach adopted for the country’s Operation Phakisa for Oceans Economy. The Lab brought together a team of government, industry, academics and civil society to work in an iterative manner to develop detailed implementation plans that can fast track delivery for solving complex problems/issues and unlock our biodiversity economy.

The Department of Environmental Affairs hosted two work streams in the Biodiversity Delivery Lab namely, the Wildlife, and Bioprospecting. Overall, the Lab aspirations were centred on transformation, sector sustainability and economic growth. In the process, the respective work streams were able to prioritise issues that would move the respective sectors forward within the next three years. Consequently, initiatives addressing each of the prioritised issues were developed and further unpacked in a “3-feet plan (a detailed, line by line implementation plan with assigned owners and timelines) consisting of the budget and legislative requirements to implement the identified initiatives. The initiatives developed during the Lab processes were presented through syndications with relevant Heads of National and Provincial Government Departments and Entities. This saw the adoption of the initiatives by the mentioned stakeholders and also the Heads of Department of provincial departments. The Biodiversity Economy Strategy focuses on supporting community entities that manages or own land suitable for wildlife, such as Communal Property Associations (CPAs), Traditional Authorities and Community Trusts, this work is done in partnership with other departments such as the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Land Claims Commission as well as the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries where applicable.

  • In addition, the department relies on and supports all Security Clusters partners operating in these communities.
  1. South African National Parks
  • Community park forums intended to improve interaction between the South African National Parks and the surrounding communities and other stakeholders adjacent to national parks. These involve regular engagements around issues related to combating wildlife crime, land claims, beneficiation and other relevant matters.
  • Implementation of awareness campaigns, environmental education programmes, social legacy projects around the national parks.
  • Socio-economic projects designed to ensure that communities adjacent to the national parks benefit directly from the South African National Parks conservation efforts and get them involved in protection of South Africa’s biodiversity assets.

(2) Yes, the South African National Parks works with other government departments to combat poaching both inside and outside the Kruger National Park. The South African National Parks is part of the environmental cooperative governance mechanism of Government that seeks to foster cooperation and harmonisation of approaches. The Kruger National Park in particular, is the hub of anti-poaching operations aimed at combating, particularly rhino poaching. This cooperative approach involves the Security Cluster in the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, as well as the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the South African Revenue Services. The same lessons learnt from the implementation of this anti- rhino poaching approaches are beneficial to other wildlife species crime combating.

Additional Information

In 2014 the South African National Parks developed a National Rhino Management Strategy that places emphasis on cooperation with other government departments in respect to combating wildlife crime both inside and outside the Kruger National Park. At the core of the strategy is also the intention to relocate rhinos from high risk areas in the Kruger National Park to other low risk areas inside the park and other parks to combact poaching and to ensure continued growth of the rhino population. The aim is to stimulate growth in large protected areas while creating new rhino strongholds to offset the effects of poaching and smultaneously improving the population size.

In addition, the formal cooperation with all relevant government departments and other role-players/stakeholders is guided by the National Joint Structures and implemented from a Mission Area Joint Operations Centre. Joint planning and execution is the norm and plans are tailored to align with the national strategy that addresses four focus areas namely:

  • joint anti-poaching law enforcement operations,
  • biological management of the rhino population,
  • the creation of long term sustainable economic and other alternatives, and
  • the constant exploration of game changers such as technology appropriate solutions and the collapsing crime networks.

 

13 March 2017 - NW275

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

Is her Department aware that the traditional medicine market adjacent to the Faraday Taxi Rank in Johannesburg is selling animal remains that require specific permits to trade and sell; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date will her Department conduct an investigation into this matter; if so, why has her Department allowed this illegal activity to be conducted?

Reply:

The Department is aware that the muti traders operating next to Faraday Taxi Rank are selling various anaimal remains and that there have been reports that some of these activities are illegal.

a) Not applicable.

(b) These types of markets are typically monitored and investigated by officials from the provincial conservation departments, both in terms of the requirements set out in provincial and national legislation. However, a decision was made at the beginning of 2016 that muti trade should be elevated to a national priority; and through MINTECH Working Group IV, the project should initially focus on compliance promotion and awareness campaigns for the “Traditional Healers”, “Muti-Traders” and “Muti-Collectors” operating at the “muti-markets” ahead of targeted compliance and enforcement activities.

The Environmental Management Inspectors (Green Scorpions) from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have visited Faraday Muti Market situated in Faraday Taxi Rank in Johannesburg. The reason of this particular visit was not to conduct inspections and identify endangered species yet. The purpose for the attendance at the market was to meet with the management of the Muti Markets with regard to the compliance promotion and awareness campaign being conducted by the Department. This type of campaign is critical to ensure that those working at the market are aware of the legal requirements for trade, as well as what trade is permitted. The effectiveness and ultimate success of our monitoring and enforcement activities are strengthened if they are preceded by these types of campaigns.

On 19 January 2017, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), together with Gauteng Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), hosted the first biodiversity compliance awareness workshop in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. The main purpose of the workshop was to bring together all traditional healers and “muti-traders” operating at the Faraday and Mai Mai markets. Further events in other provinces and additional meetings are planned for the latter part of the financial year, ahead of the more targeted compliance and enforcement work that will take place as part of this project in the 2017/18 financial year.

 

13 March 2017 - NW284

Profile picture: Shinn, Ms MR

Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

What are the full details of (a) the status of the legal challenge against his department by a certain official (name and details furnished) and (b) any other legal actions taken by his department against (i) former and (ii) current members of staff?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

  1. Mr. Buthelezi lodged a dispute of unfair dismissal with the General Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council and the arbitration is ongoing.
  2. (i)The Department has taken action against Mr. Buthelezi in order to recover unauthorised expenditure incurred by the Department. The Department’s decision to recover the legal costs incurred in the labour court case between Mr Wisani Ngobeni, (a former employee of the Department) and the Department is under review.

(ii) No other legal action is being taken against current employees.

13 March 2017 - NW375

Profile picture: Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI

Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

What is the (a) make, (b) model, (c) price and (d) date on which each vehicle was purchased for use by (i) him and (ii) his deputy (aa) in the (aaa) 2014-15 and (bbb) 2015-16 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2016?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department as follows:-

i.  MINISTER

 

  a) MAKE

    b) MODEL

    c) PRICE

   d) PURCHASE DATE

Audi Q7

 Q7 3.0 TDI

 681 841.98

  2014/15 FY

Jeep

 Grand Cherokee 3.6 Overland

 626 661.00

  2014/15 FY

(aaa) 2014-15

The vehicles bought as per the table above.

(bbb) 2015-16

No vehicles were purchased for the Minister in this financial year.

(bb) Since 1 April 2016

No vehicles were purchased for the Minister in this financial year.

ii.  DEPUTY MINISTER

a) MAKE

b) MODEL

c) PRICE

d) PURCHASE DATE

LEXUS

ES250

438 152,16

2014/15 FY

Jeep

Grand Cherokee 3.0 LTD

637 114,00

2014/15 FY

(aaa) 2014-15

The vehicles bought as per the table above.

(bbb) 2015-16

No vehicles were purchased for the Deputy Minister in this financial year.

(bb) Since 1 April 2016

No vehicles were purchased for the Deputy Minister in this financial year.

13 March 2017 - NW17

Profile picture: Kruger, Mr HC

Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

(1)Whether she has found that the current co-operative business model used by her department has been successful in the creation of jobs; if so, how many jobs were created by cooperatives using the specified model in the 2015-16 financial year; if not, (2) Whether her department is working on a model that will work in the South African context; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?”

Reply:

1.The current model involving the Cooperatives Incentive Scheme (CIS) that provide grant funding to the cooperatives without being integrated closely with non-financial support or post investment support has had mixed results on the development of cooperatives in South Africa. 

  1.1 On the one hand, it contributed to the sustainability of jobs through the provision of financial support coupled with training that have been provided to   cooperatives. Thus, via the CIS 246cooperatives were supported resulting in the Department creating and sustaining 1542 jobs to the tune of R75 million.

  1.2 Using various non-financial support instruments, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) supported a total of 118 cooperatives resulting in   6239 jobs sustained.

  1.3 In addition, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), which applies a cooperatives value-chain model, has supported cooperatives in all sectors   of the economy including sub-sectors such as waste recycling, greenhouse and poultry farming that play critical roles in restructuring local economies,     creating jobs, and increasing disposable income available to communities.

  1.4 Furthermore, SEFA developed financing package programmes in partnership with municipalities and/or other strategic partners to support     cooperatives. Such partnerships were entered into with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (Waste Recycling Project) worth R35.1 million which   created 63 jobs (target 320 jobs), Chris Hani District Cooperative Development Centre - Greenhouses project (broiler production) worth R9.5 million which   is expected to create 127 jobs and Super-Grand–Poultry Farming project for R20 million – which created 12 Jobs.

  1.5 On the other hand, the CIS model provides grant funding for certain business transactions particularly involving cooperatives in the rural and township   settings whereby the challenges for development are proving to be difficult has had limited success. Most of the beneficiaries find it hard to sustain their   cooperatives given that their entrepreneurial skills are low and they rely on hand to mouth operations to sustain themselves and find it difficult to engage   in self-income generating activities, which requires medium to long term horizon to achieve incomes that could also sustain them.

  1.6 Thus, for success to be achieved the new Integrated development model must involve both financial and non-financial support deployed to work   closely together on each transaction to ensure success.

 

2. In providing impetus to the development and promotion of Cooperatives in South Africa, the Department of Small Business Development (Department) is formulating and piloting various cooperative models by kick-starting the process with the task of reviewing the Integrated Strategy on the Development and Promotion of Cooperatives adopted by Cabinet in 2012, whose output will be the final adoption of the two models that proved to be effective in developing cooperatives in the country. The one-stop-shop model involving the Cooperatives Development Agency (CDA) will be utilised to bring about this integrated support involving pairing non-financial with financial support to effect cooperatives development. This will be coupled with the provision of demand-side support measures (i.e. public and private procurement opportunities) and for cooperatives products and services and developing cooperatives networks in the form of shared services, user cooperatives, secondary cooperatives whose raison detre is to provide various support services aimed at enhancing the sustainability of primary cooperatives. In other words, the model will aim to address the following considerations, namely, ‘what works’, ‘for whom it works’, ‘why it works’, ‘how it works’ with the view to replicate and ensure cooperatives sustainability. Where the programme and projects of the model are found not to be working to optimally benefit the beneficiary cooperatives, adjustments will be made accordingly. The model(s) adopted will be designed to enable them to be open to contextually respond to relevant prototypes that are responsive to the nuanced needs of the various sectorial beneficiary cooperatives.

  2.1 The first cooperatives model that the Department is piloting contains four strategic pillars that will be utilised to promote and develop cooperatives in   the country’s economy. The first and second pillars involve the provision, on a massive scale, of non-financial and financial support services to   cooperatives, which will be implemented through the CDA in partnership with national government departments, provincial governments and district   municipalities. While various support programmes will be utilised to support cooperatives financially, cooperatives will also be encouraged to develop their   own financial systems, through the formation of cooperative banks, as envisaged in the Co-operative Banks Act, No. 40 of 2007.The CDA is one of the   institutions that will beestablished under the Cooperatives Amendment Act, No 6 of 2013 and operate under the direct supervision of the Minister of Small   Business Development.

  2.2 The third strategic pillar involves ‘creating demand for cooperatives’ products and services through leveraging the 30% public sector procurement   opportunities designated by government to benefit cooperatives and small enterprises. Transversal agreements will be entered into between the   Department and various national governmentdepartments, provincial governments and municipalities with the purpose to leverage opportunities from these   entities. The Department will also leverage private sector procurement opportunities arising from B-BBEE legislation and regulations.

  2.3 The fourth strategic pillar involves improving the sustainability of cooperatives through the formation of enterprise networks and provision of business   infrastructure support. The Enterprise Networks Programme (ENP) aims to promote the vertical and horizontal integration of cooperatives, resulting in the   creation of shared services platforms, user cooperatives and secondary sector cooperatives that are designed to support the growth of primary   cooperatives. The ENP will also be implemented through the envisaged CDA. Incubation support and after care will also play a meaningful role in   enhancing the sustainability of cooperatives.

  2.4 The fifth and last pillar aims at increasing the supply of financial support services to cooperatives. As with the other pillars, this pillar will be   implemented through the CDA. This strategy posits an integrated approach that provides adequate and relevant support and delivery mechanisms that   cover the entire collective entrepreneurship and cooperatives life cycle from pre-formation; survivalist; micro, small to medium; growth and expansion; and   turnaround of ailing cooperatives.

  2.5 In a nutshell, all support programmes for cooperatives throughout the economy will be increased and streamlined under a single, identifiable, one-  stop-shop (CDA) dedicated to cooperatives development. It is the aim of this model to ensure the establishment of a CDA that will have provincial and   district branches to aid in the implementation of the one-stop shop model. The one-stop shop model ensures an integrated and seamless support to all   the targeted cooperatives which increases the probability of success and sustainability of the entities.

 

3. The core thrust of this model underpinned by the integrated strategic approach will be the provision of support across the entire value chain of support services covering the entire spectrum from pre-  formation support, non-financial support (i.e. technical and management training, business development support, market intelligence, access to   technology, etc.), financial and post-investment support (i.e. mentorship or hand-holding, shared services support platforms, incubation and access to   market support, etc.). In addition, the model also posits the provision of the following support, namely, the on-going profiling of cooperatives, communication outreach, improving access information, conduct research, strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of impact of support services.

 

4. The second co-operative model entails developing new generation cooperatives. In the past, the focus was to solely support the development of traditional cooperatives, a shift in emphasis will now be to develop new generation cooperatives. A New Generation Co-operative (NGC) is a relatively new type of cooperative used primarily in the value-added processing of agricultural commodities. The NGC is not a specific legal structure. Rather, the term New Generation Cooperative is used to describe how a firm operates. It primarily describes the relationship between the firm and its members and how the firm is financed. Unlike traditional cooperatives, in which start-up expenses are minimal and growth is financed through members' retained earnings, permanent equity to fund NGC start-up and growth is financed through the sale of delivery rights. These delivery rights represent a member's right to deliver a specific amount of commodities to the cooperative. Members benefit in proportion to their use, and nearly all NGCs are democratically controlled through one member/one vote.

 

5. There are six primary characteristics of New Generation Cooperatives:

  5.1 Defined membership. Frequently, NGCs are referred to as closed cooperatives. The number of members in an NGC depends upon the proposed   capacity of the cooperative's operations. One of the key features of the NGC is its ability to control supply or access to the cooperative's operations. In   other types of cooperatives, members can enter and exit as they please, and cooperatives operating without marketing contracts with their members have   no way to guarantee a specific operating capacity at any one time. By limiting membership to those members who purchase the right to supply the   cooperative, the NGC is able to ensure a steady supply of the agricultural inputs required for running operations at the most efficient level possible. In an   NGC, the membership is generally not permanently closed. If the cooperative decides to expand production, for example, it could seek equity from   producers outside the initial membership.

  5.2 Delivery rights: a right and an obligation to deliver. Once members contribute equity towards the NGC, they receive the right and obligation to   deliver a specific quantity of the commodity each year. This means if producers have purchased the right to deliver 5,000 bushels of corn each year, they   must deliver 5,000 bushels-no more, no less. If they cannot deliver that amount or if the commodity does not meet the quality standards set forth in the   marketing agreement, the cooperative may have the right to buy the commodity on the producers' behalf and charge for the difference in price.

  5.3 Upfront equity required from producers. Adding value to agricultural commodities can be capital-intensive. Before lending money to a project,   banks and other lending institutions will require producers to raise part of the project cost. Often, this means producers must raise 50 percent or more of   the total project cost. If the project is estimated to cost R1million, for example, producers will need to raise R500,000 or more. Although it may be   possible to find private investors to reach the required equity level, producers are often the sole source of equity. As a way to tie members' use to the total   project equity required, the total amount to be raised is broken into smaller units. These units are tied to the amount of product required to be delivered.   A market feasibility study will help determine the most economically efficient size for the processing facility. Once you know the amount of commodities   the plant will require each year, you should then determine how to allocate this total amount into shares. For example, if the most efficient size plant   requires one million bushels of soybeans a year, you should divide one million into a specific number of shares. To determine the specific number of   shares, you should set minimum and maximum amounts of delivery rights to be purchased. To determine this, you need to balance two issues: how   many producers do you want involved in the business and what is financially viable for you and other producers to commit. For example: assume on the   R1 million project above, producers need to raise R500 000. If one million bushels a year are required to run the plant at the most efficient level, you could   divide the number of bushels into a minimum delivery right purchase of 5,000 bushels and a maximum of 50,000 bushels. Thus, the cooperative could h   have as many as 200 members or as few as 20 members.

  5.4 Delivery rights are transferable and may fluctuate in value. The delivery right is similar to a share of corporate stock because it represents a   firm's permanent equity. As with a share of corporate stock, the value of your delivery right will depend on your firm's profitability. If an NGC is successful   and provides value for its members, the delivery right may appreciate in value. If the NGC does not provide value to its members, the value of the delivery   right may decrease. Unlike stock in a public corporation, however, the delivery right has a very limited resale or trading market. To comply with antitrust   laws, tax, and registration law, NGC constitutions limit transfer to other producers and usually require the board of directors to approve any transfer.

  5.5 Marketing agreement entered into between member and cooperative. Upon purchasing delivery rights, members are required to sign a   marketing contract outlining the duties of both the members and the cooperative toward each other with respect to the delivery, quality, and quantity of   producers' commodities. These contracts are usually evergreen contracts, meaning they are for specified periods of time (from one to five years). They are   renewed automatically unless either party gives notice to the other within a window of time specified in the marketing agreement. The market agreement   often specifies the high quality standards required of members' commodities, especially in cooperatives producing consumer-level goods. The marketing   agreement outlines the specific quality required to be delivered, how quality will be measured, and the producer's rights and obligations if the quality   standard is not met.

  5.6 Members and their NGC share three primary legal relationships: Members must purchase a share of common stock or other membership   share to enable them to vote in all decisions set forth in the constitution. Members also purchase delivery rights, which are both a right and an obligation   to deliver. The delivery rights are evidenced by legal documentation and are usually transferable upon approval from the board of directors. Finally,   members must sign a marketing agreement when purchasing delivery rights and voting stock. The marketing agreement defines the rights and obligations   of both the member and cooperative toward each other with respect to the delivery of commodities from the member to the cooperative.

  5.7 As a result, members must pay money to the cooperative for both the voting stock (usually very minimal) and the delivery rights (amount varies on   project size, minimum and maximum purchase requirements, and the specific amount of commodity to be delivered by the member). Members are   required to deliver the specified quality and quantity of commodities at pre-specified intervals for the length of the marketing agreement (which is usually,   through evergreen contracts, perpetual in nature). The cooperative, in turn, is required to pay members a pre-specified price for the commodities delivered   (usually a formula price based on spot market prices at a specified exchange, with additions or subtractions based on quality). The cooperative also is   required to return any profits to members on a pre-specified schedule determined by the board of directors. Depending on operating cash requirements,   the timeline for returning profits could be immediately. Due to securities law issues, cooperatives are not actively involved in the transfer of delivery rights.   The cooperative usually requires approval from the board of directors before any transfer is complete, and sometimes an outside broker handles the   actual transfer of delivery rights.

 

6. The new generation cooperatives deal with all those risk areas that rendered the traditional cooperatives vulnerable, weak and unsustainable. These involved providing a closed market through membership ensuring members operate within the ambit of the cooperatives and cannot easily transfer its trading rights to other entity. By allowing equity ownership structure new generation cooperative can easily raise external capital which was not easy for the traditional cooperative whose democratic ownership structure made it possible to attract foreign equity owners in the traditional cooperatives. Sustainability of primary agricultural cooperatives will be guaranteed with the promotion of the utilisation of the new generation cooperative model.

 

7. The core beneficiaries of the two models are poor households, youth, women and men. The two models are to focus on developing cooperatives in rural and township areas in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, retail/consumer cooperatives, Cooperatives Financial Institution (CFI), Arts and Craft, Textile, and Informal Sectors of the economy. This does not mean other sectors are excluded, it only means that these will be given priority

The new models, which among others, place a considerable emphasis on community development,are envisaged to be rolled-out effectively during the 2017/18 financial year. The envisaged outcome with respect to the implementation of the models will be an increase in the number and sustainability of cooperatives, which will, in return, contribute to employment creation and poverty reduction thus assist government to move closer to fulfilling the socio-economic goals set out in the National Development Plan.

13 March 2017 - NW04

Profile picture: Lekota, Mr M

Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health

(1) Are all Government hospitals, including rural hospitals, equipped with the necessary functioning and lifesaving equipment in emergency sections such as casualty, maternity, intensive care unit, neonatal units, trauma or theatre; if not, why not; 2) will his department provide a list of (a) all Government hospitals and (b) the number of functioning (i) blood gas machines, (ii) partograms, (iii) paediatric ventilators, (iv) neonatal central lines, (v) hard trauma collars and (vi) anesthetic machines with a capnogram, allocated to each hospital; if not, why not; if so, in each case what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) All hospitals inclusive of rural hospitals are equipped with necessary functioning and life saving equipments in emergency sections.

(2) (a) & (b) An explanation of the equipment provided at all levels of care is elaborated below in (i) - (vi) -

(i) Blood gas machines in district hospitals are available in theatres and also provided National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), which is on site for trauma cases, and in the higher level of care from regional hospitals is available in trauma units, theatres and intensive care units;

(ii) Partograms are available in all antenatal care units in maternity as from district hospitals to the higher level of care;

(iii) Paediatric ventilators are available to all regional hospitals where paediatric services are provided and higher level of care as this forms part of specialised care. CPAPs are available in district hospitals with high care units;

(iv) Neonatal central lines are available in Neonatal Intensive Care units as from regional hospitals to the higher level of care;

(v) Hard trauma collars are available from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and also in trauma units in all hospitals;

(vi) Anaesthetic machine with capnogram are available in all theatres in all hospitals.

END.