Questions and Replies
27 February 2017 - NW52
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether the Naledi Local Municipality in the North West faces imminent restrictions on the use of electricity as a result of failing to pay its Eskom bills; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the full reasons for the specified municipality’s failure to meet its financial obligations to Eskom, (b) by what date will it settle its debt and (c) what steps are being taken to ameliorate the impact of the restrictions and resolve the problem; (2) whether all revenue generated by the so-called smart-meter system in the municipality is utilised to settle its bulk electricity costs; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the specified funds being used for; if so, what are the full relevant details of all (i) income generated and (ii) payments made for bulk electricity costs since 1 June 2016; (3) whether his department has taken any steps to ensure that the situation between the municipality and Eskom are normalised in the long term; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each intervention implemented to date; (4) whether any steps have been taken to negotiate with Eskom to address municipalities’ concerns around the (a) interest rate charged and (b) 15-day billing cycle used by Eskom; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW56E
Reply:
1. Yes.
(a) The municipality has been struggling to make monthly payments to ESKOM. Numerous payment arrangements were made but the municipality did not honour them as it is facing cash flow challenges. As a result, the municipalitymade two payments towards ESKOM electricity account.
On 28 July 2016 an amount of R10 290 026.61 was paid and on 31 January 2017 an amount of R25 500 000.00 was also paid into the ESKOM electricity count. To date, a total amount of R35 790 026.61 million has been paid to ESKOM to service outstanding debt.
(b) The Naledi Local municipality has entered into a payment agreement with ESKOM and the total outstanding amount of R215 845 376.54 will be paid over a period of four (4) years.
(c) The municipality has drafted a financial turnaround strategy and the cash flow situation is expected to improve in the next three (3) to five (5) years. The debt collection strategy is being implemented and the faulty electrical meters have been replaced.
2. No. Not all revenue generated from the sales of pre-paid electricity has been used to settle the bulk electricity costs.
(a) The municipality is struggling to collect revenue from the sale of other services (i.e. refuse, water, sanitation and property rates).
(b) Money collected from pre-paid electricity was used to cross-subsidize other municipal services and day-to-day operations.
(i) the table below indicates the total income generated from the smart meters.
(ii) payments made for bulk electricity costs since june 2016.
Detail |
Opening / closing balance and other movements |
Expenditure incurred |
VAT |
Interest on overdue account |
Payments made |
Closing Balance |
Opening balance as on 1 July 2016 |
175 977 953,47 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
175 977 953,47 |
Consumption for July 2016 |
175 977 953,47 |
8 930 384,12 |
1 250 253,78 |
2 053 567,38 |
(10 290 026,61) |
177 922 132,14 |
Consumption for August 2016 |
177 922 132,14 |
8 845 901,78 |
1 238 426,25 |
2 391 814,42 |
- |
190 398 274,59 |
Consumption for September 2016 |
190 398 274,59 |
5 386 705,88 |
754 138,83 |
2 399 131,41 |
- |
198 938 250,71 |
Consumption for October 2016 |
198 938 250,71 |
5 022 234,73 |
703 112,87 |
2 769 727,86 |
- |
207 433 326,17 |
Consumption for November 2016 |
207 433 326,17 |
5 616 217,03 |
786 270,39 |
2 448 430,04 |
- |
216 284 243,63 |
Consumption for December 2016 |
216 284 243,63 |
5 229 458,92 |
732 124,25 |
2 736 608,96 |
- |
224 982 435,76 |
Consumption for January 2017 |
224 982 435,76 |
4 924 194,91 |
689 387,29 |
2 986 881,09 |
(25 500 000,00) |
208 082 899,05 |
(3)Yes.
On 12 January 2017, there was an engagement between the Minister and the Premier of the North West Province to discuss the challenges facing the municipalities, in particular, their failure to pay the ESKOM electricity accounts.
A Task Team was established to support the municipality and address all revenue related challenges faced by the municipality. Among other matters attended to by the Task Team, were the following:
- the municipality was assisted to negotiate a new payment agreement with ESKOM;
- Government departments that owe the municipality were engaged and requested to settle their outstanding debt
(4)Yes.
The engagements with ESKOM are continuing. ESKOM has to finalize and make an announcement on the suspension of interest charged as well as the 15-day billing cycle.
27 February 2017 - NW143
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Communications
In respect of training conducted by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) on content development, governance and grantee orientation in the 2015-16 financial year, in each case (a) what are the names of the companies that were contracted to provide (i) training and (ii) accreditation, (b) what is the total number of training sessions that were conducted, (c) what was the topic for each training, (d) where was each the training session held, (e) what is the total number of beneficiaries who attended the training sessions, (f) for each training session, what was the total expenditure incurred by the MDDA in terms of (i) transport and (ii) accommodation and meals and (g) from which budgetary item were the funds sourced?
Reply:
Reply to parliamentary question 143
TRAINING CONDUCTED |
(A)(i). Training provider |
(A)(ii). Accreditation status |
(B) Total number of training sessions |
(C) Training topic |
(D) Training venue |
(E) Total number of beneficiaries |
(F) Total expenditure |
||
(F)(i) Transport |
(F)(ii) Accommodation (F)(ii) Ammodation (F)(ii) Accommodation A |
(F)(iii) Meals |
|||||||
Content Development |
SASJA/SAASTA |
Professional association |
1 |
Science Reporting |
SAASTA hall, Pretoria |
34 |
R75,000.00 |
R79,000.00R79 000 R79,000.00 |
R30,000.00 R30,000.00 |
Governance
|
WITS University |
Institution of higher learning |
3 |
Mentorship in governance |
1. Maruleng FM, Limpopo 2. Mogale FM, Gauteng 3. Ratlou FM, North West |
3 stations 1. Maruleng FM 2. Mogale FM 3. Ratlou FM |
R100,000.00 |
R100,000.00 R100,000.00 |
R100,000.00 R100,000.00 |
Grantee Orientation |
MDDA |
Funding agency |
1 |
Compliance & Reporting |
Birchwood, Boksburg |
132 |
R259,000.00 |
R129,000.00 R129,000.00 |
R324,000.00 R324,000.00 |
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
26 February 2017 - NW177
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)(a) What is the position of a certain person (name furnished) at the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences and (b) on what (i) date and (ii) salary scale was the specified person appointed; (2) whether the specified person was paid overtime (a) in the (i) 2015-16 and (ii) 2016-17 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2017; if so, (aa) what amount was paid in overtime in each specified financial year and time period and (bb) what are the details of the work that the person performed during the overtime period?
Reply:
The National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) has provided the following responses to the questions posed.
1. (a) Mrs Busi Pilane holds the position of Senior Manager: Communications and Marketing at the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS).
(b) (i) She was appointed on 1 February 2016.
(ii) R722 550.
2. (a) (i) No overtime was paid to the person in the 2015/16 financial year.
(ii) Overtime was paid to the person in the 2016/17 financial year.
(b) No overtime was paid to the person in the 2017/18 financial year, from 1 April 2017 to date.
(aa) An amount of R13 832.27 was paid in December 2016.
(bb) It was for overtime work performed in relation to organising the National Doctoral Conference.
COMPILER DETAILS
NAME AND SURNAME: MS PEARL WHITTLE
CONTACT: 012 312 5248
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Minister signs Parliamentary Question 177.
MR GF QONDE
DIRECTOR–GENERAL: HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DATE:
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 177 IS APPROVED / NOT APPROVED / AMENDED.
COMMENT/S
PROF HB MKHIZE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DATE:
24 February 2017 - NW189
Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Transport
What is the (a) purpose of the upgrade, (b) expected date of completion and (c) cost involved with regard to the planned upgrades at the (i) Cape Town International Airport and (ii) Oliver Tambo International Airport?
Reply:
(a) Capital investment programmes across Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) airports are defined primarily to firstly address refurbishment and replacement requirements of existing infrastructureand secondly, to provide new or additional capacity. The first intervention is to ensure the realisation of the full benefit of the existing infrastructure/assets over their entire useful livesas well as ensuring compliance to applicable legislation, standards and/or best practices. The second intervention is to introduce new or additional capacityto ensure that the ACSA network of airports can support the growth in air transport demand in a sustainable manner.To this end, a number of projects have been defined for both O. R. Tambo International Airportand Cape Town International Airport. Some of the projects are listed below:
(b) & (c)
(i) CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
- New Realigned Runway and Associated Taxiways (R3.18 Billion)
- Planned project commencement
- The preliminary design for the project was started in 2008. A preliminary design has been accepted and the detailing thereof is planned to commence upon the Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) approval and issue of its record of Decision
- Planned Construction start
- July 2019
- Planned completion date
- December 2021
- Current status
- The EIA report has been submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs and ACSA is awaiting its approval.
2. Aircraft Parking Stands (R303 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- February 2017
- Planned Construction start
- March 2018. This will be done in a phased process dependant on operational requirements in order to minimise the impact on the peak operational period.
- Planned completion date
- March 2023.There are 4 apron related projects which will be phased over a 4-5 year period.
- Current status
- Process to procure consultants in progress.
3. Boarding Gates and International Departure Lounge (R100 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- February 2017
- Planned Construction start
- March 2018. This will be done in a phased process dependant on operational requirements in order to minimise the impact on the peak operational period.
- Planned completion date
- June 2019
- Current status
- Process to procure consultants in progress.
4. New Domestic Arrivals Terminal (R331 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- April 2012. The project has been on hold since April 2014 due to Regulator related issues. With the recent approval of the Permission, it has been restarted and will be prepped for tender stage
- Planned Construction start
- March 2018
- Planned completion date
- April 2020
- Current status
- Process to procure a contractor in progress.
5. Terminal 2 Redevelopment (R996 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- February 2017
- Planned Construction start
- March 2019
- Planned completion date
- September 2022
- Current status
- Consultant tender to be awarded.
6. Domestic Departure Lounge Extension (R108.6 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- February 2017
- Planned Construction start
- March 2018
- Planned completion date
- May 2019
- Current status
- Process to procure consultants in progress.
(ii) O. R. TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
1. Terminal A Refurbishment and Redevelopment (R448 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- January 2016
- Planned Construction start
- February 2018
- Planned completion date
- October 2020
- Current status
- Consultants appointed;
- Concept designs complete, design development underway.
2. Additional Baggage Carousel in Terminal A (R72 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- April 2016
- Planned Construction start
- January 2018
- Planned completion date
- June 2019
- Current status
- Consultants appointed;
- Concept designs complete, design development underway.
3. Bussing Gates (R150 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- April 2016
- Planned Construction start
- April 2018
- Planned completion date
- May 2019
- Current status
- Consultants appointed;
- Concept designs complete, design development underway.
4. Airside Buildings (R186 Million)
- Planned project commencement
- 28 February 2017
- Planned Construction start
- 19 February 2018
- Planned completion date
- 15 December 2019
- Current status
- Process to procure consultants in progress.
4.5. Remote Apron Stands (RAS) (R 1.584 Billion) and Enablement Work for RAS(R159Million)
- Planned project commencement
- December 2016
- Planned Construction start
- June2020 and June 2021
- Planned completion date
- June 2023
- Current status
- Process to procure consultants in progress.
24 February 2017 - NW133
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With regard to the Amathole District Municipality project to build toilets in villages in the district, (a) when did the project begin, (b) what are the details of the progress of the project, (c) how many toilets have been built thus far and (d) what are the (i) current and (ii) projected costs of the project?
Reply:
(a) Amathole District Municipality appointed a service provider for the sanitation project on 1 September 2014.
(b) To date, of 66 700 Units, a total to some 30 409 Units are completed whilst 36 291 Units are still outstanding.
(c) Refer to (b) above.
(d)(i) The current estimated cost is R 288 064 457, 00.
(d)(ii) The projected cost to complete the project is R508m which includes payments of invoices not paid to service providers.
---00O00---
24 February 2017 - NW123
Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)What are the potential risks to tourists as a result of incursions by poachers into the Kruger National Park? (2) has any impact assessment been conducted on the negative effect of the incursions on tourism; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department has not received any reports on threats to tourists visiting the Kruger National Park with respect to incursions by poachers.
2. The Department of Tourism has not conducted any impact assessment study on the negative effects of incursions on tourism in the Kruger National Park. SANParks, which is the management authority for Kruger National Park, manages and implements a comprehensive anti-poaching strategy, which also takes into account the tourism aspects. The department will continue to support SANParks endeavours in this regard.
24 February 2017 - NW237
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Is there a maintenance plan to ensure that the water pipes in the (a) Buurendaal, (b) Highway Gardens, (c) Harmelia, (d) Tunney, (e) Elandsfontein and (f) Klopper Park suburbs in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng specified suburbs are regularly maintained; if not, are the specified water pipes only repaired when there is a burst water pipe; if so, how often are the water pipes maintained?
Reply:
The following information was provided to My Department by the Municipality.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has a system of annual maintenance plans for all pipelines. The maintenance plans are used for scheduling all required maintenance. This is backed by a monitoring system which tracks time lines for repairing and replacing of burst and leaking water pipes. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has a turnaround time of 48 hours to fix burst water and leaking water pipes. To ensure customer satisfaction, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality uses a Customer Relationship Management System, which monitors and tracks the reported cases.
In an effort to increase water supply to its consumers, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality treats every burst and leaking water pipe in a serious light. During early 2015, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality established a Rapid Response Unit, which its sole function is to address water losses within the Municipality areas, including the suburbs of (a) Buurendaal, (b) Highway Gardens, (c) Harmelia, (d) Tunney, (e) Elandsfontein and (f) Klopper Park.
---00O00---
24 February 2017 - NW169
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether a water use licence has been applied for in respect of the proposed Fuleni Coal Mine; if not, why not; if so, what (a) would be the source of this water and (b) volume has been applied for?
Reply:
The applicant has not applied for a Water Use Licence. Water Use Licensing is a demand driven service which is initiated by the prospective applicant.
My Department does not have a Water Use Licence Application for Fuleni Coal Mine, hence it will not be able to determine the source and the volume of water required for the proposed mine.
---00O00---
24 February 2017 - NW68
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
(a) how many libraries are currently dysfunctional in each province and (b) in each case, what (i) are the reasons and (ii) steps he has taken to rectify the situation NW72E
Reply:
EASTERN CAPE LIBRARIES THAT ARE NOT OPERATIONAL AND REMEDIAL STEPS
NO |
DISTRICT |
MUNICIPALITY |
LIBRARY |
REASON FOR CLOSURE |
REMEDIAL STEPS |
1. |
Nelson Mandela Metro |
Nelson Mandela Bay |
Central library |
Need major renovations |
The municipality was given an additional R3 68 000 in the 2014/15 financial year to assist in the renovations of the library |
2. |
O.R Tambo |
Port St Johns |
Kwa Ndevu |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
3. |
O.R Tambo |
Nyandeni |
Lwandile |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
4. |
Alfred Nzo |
Matatiele |
Mvenyane |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
5. |
Alfred Nzo |
Ntabankulu |
Sukude |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
6. |
Amathole |
Amahlathi |
Mgwali |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
7. |
Chris Hani |
Engcobo |
Quthubeni |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
8. |
Chris Hani |
Engcobo |
Manzana |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
9. |
Chris Hani |
Enoch Mgijima |
Mceula |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
10. |
Sarah Baartman |
Makana |
Grahamstown |
Under renovations |
Practical completion was done in December. The library is being prepared for opening. Expected date of opening is April 2017 |
11. |
O.R Tambo |
Nyandeni |
Libode |
Under construction |
Expected completion date is Feb 2018 |
12. |
O.R Tambo |
Nyandeni |
Ngqeleni |
Under construction |
Expected completion date is 31st May 2017 |
13. |
O.R Tambo |
Nyandeni |
Marubeni |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
14. |
O.R Tambo |
Nyandeni |
Nqeketho |
Newly established modular |
Library material collection development and preparations for internet connectivity are in process and the library is expected to be ready for operations in the 2017/18 financial year |
STEPS TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION |
PROVINCE |
NO. OF DYSFUNCTIONAL LIBRARIES |
REASONS |
STEPS TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION |
Free State |
None |
|||
Gauteng (9) |
Olievenhoutbosch (City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipalities) |
These are newly built libraries, construction has been completed, but occupancy certificates have not been issues yet |
All libraries will be operational before June 2017. |
|
Leondale (City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipalities) |
||||
Kingsway (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality) |
||||
Drieziek (Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality ) |
||||
Naturena (Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality) |
||||
Evaton North (Emfuleni Local Municipality) |
||||
Kagiso X6 (Mogale City Local Municipality) |
||||
Rietvallei X2 & 3 (Mogale City Local Municipality) |
||||
Tembisa (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality) |
Closed for renovations |
|||
KwaZulu-Natal |
None |
|||
Limpopo (13) |
Lithovhu(school premises) |
No security |
Librarians will sort old books taken from district libraries and distribute to modular libraries. New books to be purchased this financial year will be distributed to modular libraries to ensure they are functional. Budget will be sourced to ensure that security guards are appointed where necessary and electricity will be connected. This will be done in the 2017/18 financial year as there were budget constraints during the 2016/17 financial year. |
|
Manendzhe( Niani School premises) |
No electricity |
|||
Masisi( School premises) |
No security |
|||
Tshikonelo (Tribal office) |
Not enough security |
|||
Vuwani( Regional office) |
Additional security required |
|||
Olifantshoek( School premises) |
No security |
|||
Makahlule( school premises) |
No water and electricity connection and security |
|||
Kubvi ( school premises) |
No electricity |
|||
Tshitale( open area at Moila) |
No water and electricity connections |
|||
Ntsako(School premises) |
No water and electricity connections |
|||
Timamogolo modular |
No electricity |
|||
Phagameng modular |
No electricity connections |
|||
Mookgopong modular |
No electricity connections |
|||
Mpumalanga (2) |
Thusiville |
Newly built libraries |
Libraries to be opened in 2017 |
|
Archonhoek |
||||
Northern Cape (10) |
Inasee Moshoeu (Frances Baard District) |
Collapsing ceiling and roof due to rain leakages |
Department of Public Works requested to appoint a Structural Engineer to assess the roof design and recommend interventions |
|
Windsorton Library (Frances Baard District) |
Burned down during protest actions |
Department and Municipality looking at implementing a dual-purpose library. Consultations with the school to commence during March 2017 |
||
Platfontein Container (Frances Baard District) |
Vandalized |
Sol Plaatje Municipality considering alternatives |
||
Oasis (John Taolo Gaetsewe District) |
Burned down during protest actions |
Municipality has insured the building and busy with assessment of Assets. |
||
Perth Container (John Taolo Gaetsewe District) |
Staff resignation and one deceased. |
Staff recruitment planned for 2017/ 2018 |
||
Padstow Container (John Taolo Gaetsewe District) |
||||
Klipfontein (Namakwa District) |
||||
Tweerivier (Namakwa District) |
||||
Schmidsdrift Batlaping Container (Namakwa District ) |
No staff |
Siyancuma Municipality has appointed Library Assistant as from March 2017 |
||
Lennertsville Container (ZF Mcgawu District) |
Building upgrade but services are taking place at the school |
Municipality busy with upgrading the container |
||
North West (4) |
Reagile (Kgetlengrivier) |
Library closed due to the deterioration of the building. |
Funds are available in 2017/18-2018/19 to upgrade the library. Library users have been advised to use the library in Koster, which is about 5km from Reagile. |
|
Piet Plessies (Kagisano Molopo) |
Library was burn down in June 2016. |
The local municipality committed to repair the structure as it was insured. |
||
Bray (Kagisano Molopo) |
The school where the library was housed closed down. |
The municipality will provide alternative accommodation in an unused municipality building. The Department has provided funding through transfer payment. |
||
Utlwanang (Lekwa-Teemane) |
A new project that was not completed. |
Department of Public Works and Roads assisted the municipality by appointing a professional team to assess the building. The Department and the Municipality will make funds available to complete the structure. |
||
Western Cape (3) |
Imizamo Yethu Satellite Library, Hout Bay (City of Cape town) |
Structural damage caused by flooding. |
This is a very small satellite library providing limited services. The main library is in Hout Bay and is within a 3 – 5 km radius. The service is current under policy review |
|
Asla Park Mini Library, Mossel bay (Mossel Bay) |
The building in which the Asla Library was housed, was burned during community protests in August 2014. |
The Municipality is trying to obtain a suitable venue for the library. |
||
Goodwood Correctional Service Library |
The policy regarding staff taking personal responsibility for lost library material at the library. Losses are high at this library as it serves as a transition facility. |
The Western Cape Library Service is engaging with Correctional Services management to review policy issues regarding correctional service libraries across the province. |
||
Total 55 |
The Honourable Member will notice that most of libraries that are contained in the list are located in deep rural areas of our country where infrastructure is at a minimum. However, as indicated efforts are at the high speed to make sure that in the coming financial year all of them are functional.
24 February 2017 - NW238
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) What categories of tax are levied against the price of flight tickets only and (b) in each case, what is the (i) total annual income generated for (aa) her department and (bb) the Airports Company SA and (ii) tax income split between (aa) domestic and (bb) international air travel in South Africa; (2) how much will (a) domestic and (b) international air ticket prices be increased as a result of the proposed carbon dioxide tax?
Reply:
1. (a) Airports Company South Africa levies airport charges in the form of Passenger Service Charges (PSC) that are collected by airlines through air tickets. The PSC is levied for the provision of passenger facilitation and infrastructure services at Airports Company South Africa’s airports.
(b) The PSC differ based on the route destination and can be split between the International PSC (R346 currently, to be reduced to R223 from 1 April 2017), the Regional PSC (R263 currently, to be reduced to R169 from 1 April 2017) and the Domestic PSC (R127 currently, to be reduced to R82 from 1 April 2017).
(i) Total annual income:
(aa) Department of Transport – None;
(bb) Airports Company South Africa – R3.1 billion (2016 financial year).
(i) PSC Split (annual for 2016 financial year):
(aa) Domestic: R1.5 billion;
(bb) International: R1.6 billion.
2. (a) The amount of the proposed carbon tax will be determined by the National Treasury. Domestic airlines will determine how to filter the amount to the passengers. It is not possible to determine at this point how much a domestic air ticket price will be increased as a result of the proposed carbon tax.
(b) The proposed carbon tax will not apply to international aviationand therefore will not have a bearing on international air ticket prices.
24 February 2017 - NW126
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
With regard to the housing project in Khudutlou near Manthe in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, (a) when did the project commence, (b) what is the progress of the project, (c) how many houses have been built to date, (d) what are the (i) current and (ii) projected costs of the project?
Reply:
The information provided by the North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements is as follows:
(a) The project commenced in June 2008.
(b) &(c) The progress made in respect of the project in Khudutlou Village is as follows:
- 3 Houses were completed
- 9 Units were at the roof level
- 11 Units were completed up to wall plate level
- 2 Slabs were completed
Due to poor workmanship, construction on the project has been put on hold and the North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements indicated that they are awaiting an engineering report with a view to considering cancellation of the contract.
(d) (i) The cost of the project is R1 282 025 for 25 units.
(ii) The total projected cost is R 2 569 200.
Furthermore, and for the benefit of the Honourable member who has recently joined the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, I wish to reiterate what I said during the Policy Debate on the budget of my Department on 12 May 2015 in the NCOP. I indicated,
“We are no longer rectifying houses using our budget. Any house that has defaults is the responsibility of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), which is responsible to identify the contractor and ensure that they rectify the shoddy work at their own cost. The money currently used on rectification can and will be used in building more houses”.
Accordingly, I have requested the MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements in North West to provide me with a full report on this matter with a view to ensure that contractor responsible returns on site to undertake remedial work or is blacklisted if found to be in breach of the contractual agreement.
24 February 2017 - NW154
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) What is the total amount of his department’s budget allocation for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2017; (2) whether his department disbursed any other resources for SONA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works
1. The Department of Public Works (DPW) budgeted an amount of R3.5 million in terms of Prestige logistical services for the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and opening of Parliament event. The DPW spent only R2.7 million from the budgeted amount, thus making the savings of about R800 000.
2. The Department did not disburse any other financial resources for the SONA apart from what was budgeted. Instead, the Department realised savings through the insourcing of staff from its workshops and horticulture services, as well as the Expanded Public Works Programme. The savings were made against the backdrop of austerity measures that were introduced by Government in recent years.
24 February 2017 - NW207
Ross, Mr DC to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)(a) When last did Rand Water upgrade its water pipes in the (i) Buurendaal, (ii) Highway Gardens, (iii) Harmelia, (iv) Tunney, (v) Elandsfontein and (vi) Klopper Park suburbs in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng and (b) how old are the current water pipes in these specified suburbs; (2) (a) how many burst pipes has Rand Water experienced in the specified suburbs since 1 January 2016, (b) how many liters of water were lost and (c) what is the value of the loss of this water?
Reply:
(1) The above mentioned six suburbs situated in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) in Gauteng are supplied with potable water from the Rand Water’s H5 and H11 bulk water supply pipelines (details in the table below). The pipelines are supplied through gravity (not pumped) from the Rand Water’s Klipriviersberg Reservoirs situated some 20 kilometers away.
Pipeline Description |
Date Laid (Year) |
Age (Years) |
Operating Pressure (Bar) |
Estimated Flow (Mℓ/d) |
750mm H5 Steel Pipeline |
1955 |
62 |
11 |
65 |
1110mm H11 Steel Pipeline |
1963 |
54 |
`7 |
150 |
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality draws water from these bulk pipelines at strategic bulk supply points and water is further distributed to areas through the network of municipal distribution pipelines. The Rand Water’s H5 and H11 pipelines currently have adequate capacity to supply the water demands for the EMM suburbs. However, the following projects are already underway to augment the future anticipated water requirements:
-
-
- Pipeline O6 augmentation Phase 1 Palmiet to Germiston – 2100mm pipeline
- Pipeline Shamrock Road - Airfield pipeline (G37/H37) – 1200mm pipeline
-
The above projects are scheduled for commission before the end of 2017. These projects will add extra capacity in the bigger Germiston area. Our asset management philosophy identifies and prioritizes pipelines aged at 60 for conditional assessment. The H5 and H11 pipelines are aged between 54 and 62 years and still within their condition and operating lifecycle. H11 is marginally over 60 and is prioritised for conditional assessment.
(2) A total of four (4) leaks on H5 and five (5) leaks on H11 pipeline were experienced since the said date with the loss with a total of 275kl water loss to the value of R1 858.88.
---00O00---
24 February 2017 - NW208
Ross, Mr DC to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)(a) What are the reasons that Rand Water blocked the storm water pipes in Oak Avenue, Primrose, Germiston, when laying new pipes and (b) when will the situation be rectified; (2) (a) what procedures can residents follow to claim damages due to flooding of their properties caused by Rand Waters blocking the storm water pipes and (b) to whom can claims be submitted; (3) whether copies of all the relevant claim forms can be provided to Mr D C Ross?
Reply:
(1) Following the heavy rains during December 2016, it became evident that the storm water system in the Primrose area could not handle the quantity of storm water. An assessment was jointly initiated by both Ekurhuleni and Rand Water to identify if Rand Water had disturbed the storm water infrastructure whilst laying the new pipeline. The process is still in progress.
(2) The claims can be sent to Rand Water (contact person, Mr Bafana Gamede – (011) 682 0362 or Ekurhuleni pending the outcome of the investigation.
(3) Claim forms will be provided by the respective entity pending the outcome of the investigation.
---00O00---
24 February 2017 - NW71
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) (a) Under which office of his department does the historic property situated at 18 Mark Street, Stellenbosch, fall, (b) who is the head of the specified office, (c) when was the specified property vacated and (d) why was the specified property (i) abandoned and (ii) severely vandalised; (2) whether any plans have been put in place to perform any maintenance tasks on the specified property; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details and (b) envisaged timelines in this regard; (3) whether any disciplinary processes have been instituted against any of his department’s employees for allowing the specified property to be abandoned and vandalised; if not, (a) why not and (b) by when will disciplinary processes be instituted; if so, what are the relevant details of the outcomes of each disciplinary process?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works
(1) (a) The property situated at 18 Mark Street in Stellenbosch falls under the Property
Management Trading Entity (PMTE) of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and within the ambit of our Cape Town region.
(b) Mr Frederick Johnson is the Cape Town Office Regional Manager.
(c) This property was allocated to the South African Police Service (SAPS), who in turn allocated the property to an SAPS official. I am informed that the property was vacated in November 2013.
(d) (i) and (ii) The official to whom the residence was allocated reportedly vacated the property following a burglary in 2013. The DPW was, however, not notified of this. As the custodian of all State-owned properties at national level, the DPW allocates accommodation to User Departments based on their specified requirements. The allocation of residential accommodation to be occupied by officials, however, remains the prerogative of the User Department. No agreement therefore exists between the Department and the actual individual occupying the property. The User Department only informed the Department that the occupant had vacated the property in June 2014. During the handback, an inspection of property was conducted by the Department, and it revealed that the property had been abandoned and as a result had been severely vandalised and structurally damaged.
2. Yes.
(a) The decision on whether to refurbish, let, dispose of, or demolish property will be based on the outcome of a condition assessment and a feasibility study.
However, in the interim, all openings to the property in question are in the process of being secured with shutter boards and the removal of rubble from the premises has commenced.
(b) The process of cleaning and securing the site expected is set to be completed in March 2017.
(3) (a) (b) The PMTE is confronted with many cases of damaged property as part of the legacy of a Department of Public Works, which lacked the requisite skills and capacity to manage a huge property portfolio. As part of the DPW’s Turnaround Strategy initiated in 2012, the Department began the process of giving effect to a Government decision to operationalise the PMTE. This process would ultimately lead to the PMTE being established as a Government component, empowered to make decisions commensurate with the professional approach to the management of the massive DPW property portfolio.
The recent completion of a reliable and credible Immovable Asset Register (IAR) has enabled the PMTE to be more effective in managing the national Government property portfolio. This includes, inter-alia, verification, location, high-level condition assessments and identification of significant components and users of the properties. Taking into consideration the extensive nature of the DPW portfolio (92 593 properties), this was an almost impossible task in the past. The PMTE is now, for the first time, able to make informed and calculated investment decisions in line with our goal of optimizing our property portfolio.
_____________________________________________________________________
23 February 2017 - NW181
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION
With reference to the Presidential Golf Challenge held on 10 February 2017, what are the reasons for the invitation to the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mr Athol Trollip (details furnished), being withdrawn two days before the specified event?
Reply:
The Presidential Golf Challenge (PGC) is hosted by the Ministry of Public Service and Administration every year after the State of the Nation Address to raise funds for a charitable course of a sitting President.
As the event is sponsored by private companies, the majority of participants at the PGC are business executives. Therefore, the number of guests who could be accommodated for the event is limited and this year, only six Cabinet Ministers and sitting Members of Parliament who belong to the Parliamentary Golf Club were invited.
Mr A. Trollip is no longer a sitting Member of Parliament even though he belongs to the Parliamentary Golf Club.
23 February 2017 - NW66
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Economic Development
(1)With reference to his reply to question 1781 on 9 June 2015, what are the details of the costs to the (a) Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and/or (b) State of maintaining the mothballed Sustainable Fibre Solutions kenaf fibre processing plant (i) for the 2015-16 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2016 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) whether any staff are currently employed at the specified plant; if not, what are the details of (a) measures implemented and (b) costs incurred each month from 1 April 2015 to date in order to secure the specified plant’s assets from theft and vandalism; if so, what are the (i) details of each person employed, (ii) costs to the (aa) plant, (bb) IDC and/or (cc) State of employing the specified staff and (iii) details of the job descriptions of each of the specified persons?
Reply:
The CEO of the IDC has advised as follows and attention is also drawn to the reply to parliamentary question 65:
“The net cost of maintaining the mothballed operations for the 2015/2016 financial year was approximately R2.5m.
As previously communicated, there are two full time employees looking after the maintenance of the mothballed operations. The total cost of these employees is circa R70 000 a month for the two employees combined. Furthermore, there is a security company looking after the physical security.
It is important to note that, prior to the IDC’s investment, the land on which SFS is situated was valued at R1.7m. As a consequence of the IDC’s investment the land and buildings are now valued at R40.2m whilst the plant and equipment are valued at R36.1m. The values referred to above are in terms of a valuation conducted into the assets in January 2017. In the circumstances and in the light of the high security value attached to the buildings, plant and equipment it is crucial that they are properly maintained and secured so as to preserve value.”
-END-
23 February 2017 - NW65
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Economic Development
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1781 on 9 June 2015, an appropriate solution has been found for the reopening of the Sustainable Fibre Solutions kenaf fibre processing plant; if not, (a) why not and (b) are any appropriate solutions being considered; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) have there been any approaches from any person or entity to purchase the whole or part of the specified plant; if so, what are the details of each (a) approach and (b) outcome; (3) has the Industrial Development Corporation made any attempt to sell the whole or part of the specified plant; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of all attempts (a) made and/or (b) currently underway to sell the specified plant; (4) what are the relevant details of the (a) origins and (b) business plan of this project?
Reply:
The CEO of the IDC has advised as follows:
An appropriate solution has not as yet been found for the re-opening of the Sustainable Fibre Solutions kenaf fibre processing plant. The IDC has, however, commissioned a study whose objective is to explore alternative uses for the kenaf fibre processing plant, the largest and most technologically advanced kenaf processing plant in the world.
Admittedly the study and the exercise to find alternative use for the kenaf processing plant is taking longer than anticipated but the preliminary study has been completed and results indicate that it could be used to process hemp. Hemp is used to make numerous consumer products, from hemp apparel and accessories to house-wares and hempseed oil cosmetics. Some of the products made from hemp are: clothing, shoes, diapers, rope, canvas, cellophane, paints, fuels, chain lubricants, biodegradable plastics, paper, fibreboard, cement blocks, food, cosmetics, and soap.
In terms of existing South African legislation, hemp is classified under the cannabis sativa plant species. Consequently a permit is required before one can plant hemp. Upon final confirmation that the plant can indeed be used to process hemp, the process of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from, inter alia, the Medicines Control Council, to plant hemp in South Africa on a commercial basis, will commence.
The IDC has been approached by an entity known as Industrial Hemp (Pty) Ltd who expressed a desire to acquire the kenaf processing plant. The IDC advised Industrial Hemp (Pty) Ltd that the kenaf processing plant is not for sale. This decision was informed by the fact that the IDC is still exploring alternative uses for the plant through the study it has commissioned. As a result, the IDC has not made an attempt to sell the whole or part of the specified kenaf processing plant to date. Industrial Hemp (Pty) Ltd was also advised that in the event of the kenaf processing plant being sold, a fair and transparent process that is in line with the provisions of the PFMA would be followed.
The project was started by the Industrial Development Corporation to initiate large-scale production of kenaf, a fibre crop used to make paper pulp, thermal and sound insulation, automotive parts and bio-composite, non-woven materials. The previous business plan proved not viable and as such we are in the process of scoping for a new proposal following the study recently completed into hemp.
-END-
22 February 2017 - NW106
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Kempton Park Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Kempton Park Police Station |
240 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
1 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
1 |
22 February 2017 - NW110
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Elsburg Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Elsburg Police Station |
123 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
3 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
1 |
22 February 2017 - NW204
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)(a) What remedial action was decided in case NCT/26396/2015/140(1), between the National Credit Regulator and ABSA Bank Ltd, which was heard by the National Consumer Tribunal on 21 November 2016 and (b) what fines were imposed; (2) whether the consumers affected by the specified case will benefit in any way from the outcome; if not, why not; if so, (a) in what way and (b) why was this not communicated to the affected consumers; (3) whether any (a) fines, (b) settlements and/or (c) criminal charges were pursued against any person found guilty in the case; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?NW216E
Reply:
(1)(a) The matter was settled between the NCR and ABSA Bank Ltd on the basis that ABSA pay an administrative fine.
(1)(b) A fine of R10 000 000.00 (Ten million Rands) was imposed.
(2)(a) The consumers will benefit as follows – ABSA to:
(i) Write-off the cost of credit on credit agreements.
(ii) Restructure repayments for consumers who are currently in arrears.
(iii) Rescind any civil court judgments against consumers at own cost.
(iv) Instruct the credit bureaus to remove adverse listings from the credit records of consumers.
(2)(b) ABSA is required to submit to the NCR an audit report confirming compliance with the terms of the agreement and once the audit report is submitted, the NCR will inform the affected consumers.
(3) The alleged contravention is not a criminal offence; therefore no criminal charges were pursued.
22 February 2017 - NW115
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Brakpan Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Brakpan Police Station |
173 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
5 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
3 |
22 February 2017 - NW107
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Tembisa South Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Tembisa South Police Station |
117 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
4 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
4 |
22 February 2017 - NW153
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What is the total amount of his department’s budget allocation for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2017; (2) whether his department disbursed any other resources for SONA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. There is no specific budget for the State of the National Address (SONA). Each Division, Component and/or Province manages the SONA from its respective line function budget.
The provisional overall expenditure for SONA 2017 is R4 085 035,00. The actual expenditure is not yet determined, pending the finalisation of all claims.
2. The South African Police Service (SAPS) made use of safety and blockading equipment. As a member of the National Joint Operational & Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), SAPS utilised members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in a supporting role.
22 February 2017 - NW156
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Police
(1) (a) Which buildings currently constitute a National Key Point in terms of the National Key Points Act, Act 102 of 1980, (i) within the Parliamentary precinct or (ii) any area controlled and/or financed by Parliament and (b) on which date was each building and/or area declared a National Key Point; (2) does he intend to declare (a) any other parliamentary buildings or (b) the Parliamentary precinct as a whole as a National Key Point as per section 2(1) of the National Key Points Act, Act 102 of 1980; if so, (i) which parliamentary buildings that are currently not designated as a National Key Point does he intend to declare as a National Key Point, (ii) on what date does he intend to issue written notice to this effect, in accordance with section 2(2) of the Act, and (iii) for what reason does he intend to declare the specified buildings as a National Key Point; (3) has he received any application from the Secretary to Parliament or any other authority at Parliament to have (a) any or (b) all parliamentary structures declared a National Key Point; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a)(i) and (ii) Parliament House - National Assembly;
120 Plein Street Building, Cape Town - Offices of Ministers and Deputy Ministers when Parliament is in session in Cape Town; and
The Office of the President of South Africa (Tuynhuys).
(1)(b) Parliament House - National Assembly was declared a National Key Point in February1982;
120 Plein Street Building, Cape Town was declared a National Key Point in February 1982; and
The office of the President of South Africa (Tuynhuys) was declared a National Key Point in April 2010.
(2)(a) No.
(2)(b)(i) Not applicable.
(2)(b)(ii) Not applicable.
(2)(b)(iii) Not applicable.
(3)(a)(b) No.
22 February 2017 - NW205
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
When will the matters before the National Consumer Tribunal relating to certain banks, Nedbank Limited and Standard Bank South Africa be finalised?
Reply:
The matter between NCR v Nedbank was referred to the National Consumer Tribunal on September 2015. Pleadings were due to close on 19 October 2015. The Respondent however, filed for a Condonation application on 22 January 2016 to extend the time period for the filling of its answering affidavit. The NCT is still considering the Application for Condonation which was rendered complete on 02 December 2016. The matter still needs to be set down for pre-hearing after the Condonation ruling is issued. The Tribunal anticipates the Condonation ruling being issued to the parties before the end of February 2017. The pre-hearing will be set down in April 2017 with the hearing set down for June 2017 subject to the availability of both parties.
The matter between NCR v Standard Bank was referred to the National Consumer Tribunal in July 2015. The matter has been set down for a hearing on 26, 27 and 28 July 2017. The judgment may be issued during August 2017.
22 February 2017 - NW104
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Boksburg North Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Boksburg North Police Station |
139 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
53 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
15 |
22 February 2017 - NW109
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Olifantsfontein Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Olifantsfontein Police Station |
72 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
19 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
7 |
22 February 2017 - NW112
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Brackendowns Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Brackendowns Police Station |
95 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
40 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
2 |
22 February 2017 - NW101
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Primrose Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Primrose Police Station |
126 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
25 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
25 |
22 February 2017 - NW206
Ross, Mr DC to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)Has the investigation by the National Credit Regulator into a Satinsky (Pty) Ltd been finalised; if not, by what date will it be finalised; if so, what are the findings of the investigation; (2) Will any criminal charges be pursued against any of the perpetrators; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Have any (a) fines and/or (b) settlements been agreed to; if so, what are the relevant details? NW218E
Reply:
1. The investigation into Satinsky 128 (Pty) Ltd (Satinsky) was finalised by the NCR. The NCR referred the case to the National Consumer Tribunal in October 2014. The matter has not been finally set down for a hearing, due to incomplete filing initially. In terms of the NCT current records the matter has lapsed and the process to reopen the matter is being initiated.
2. No criminal charges will be pursued. The contravention is not a criminal offense.
3. The matter is still pending at the NCT.
22 February 2017 - NW102
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Bedfordview Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Bedfordview Police Station |
107 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
2 (due to disability) |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
0 |
22 February 2017 - NW117
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Tsakane Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Tsakane Police Station |
176 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
8 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
8 |
22 February 2017 - NW103
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Sebenza Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Sebenza Police Station |
71 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
2 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
2 |
22 February 2017 - NW113
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Thokoza Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Thokoza Police Station |
126 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
10 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
3 |
Original signed LIEUTENANT GENERAL
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER: GAUTENG
DS DE LANGE
Date: 15 February 2017
Reply to question 113 recommended/not recommended
Original signed LIEUTENANT GENERAL
ACTING NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
JK PHAHLANE
Date:
Reply to question 113 approved/not approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
NPT NHLEKO, MP
Date:
22 February 2017 - NW111
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Alberton Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Alberton Police Station |
143 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
74 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
3 |
22 February 2017 - NW105
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Norkem Park Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Norkem Park Police Station |
113 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
42 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
0 |
22 February 2017 - NW155
Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of State Security
What is the total amount of his department’s budget allocation for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2017; (2) Whether his department disbursed any other resources for SONA; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The State Security Agency (SSA) participated in the security arrangements of the hosting the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in accordance with the constitution and other relevant legislation and its mandate as prescribed in the National Strategic Intelligence Act, 1994, amended by the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Act, 2015.
The SSA furthermore rendered its services in the context of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) as guided by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS). The purpose of such services is to ensure a safe and secure environment, and to mitigate risks associated with instability.
There was no specific allocation as the costs associated with this work came from the normal operational budget of the Agency.
22 February 2017 - NW116
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Katlehong Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Brakpan Police Station |
227 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
9 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
5 |
22 February 2017 - NW80
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 3439 on 13 October 2015, what further steps have been taken by each Anti-corruption Task Team in each of the cases that was listed?
Reply:
All the KwaZulu-Natal enquiry cases listed in the reply to question 3439 are related to the Ethekwini Municipality. No criminal conduct could be detected. The cases were related to misconduct and referred to the Ethekwini Municipality with recommendations for internal investigation.
22 February 2017 - NW114
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Boksburg Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Boksburg Police Station |
126 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
7 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
Six members are not fit to carry firearms, due to medical conditions. One member must undergo Basic Police Training. |
22 February 2017 - NW149
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(a) Which service provider was contracted to provide catering for the (i) 2017 National Police Day event and (ii) 2017 National Excellence Awards held on 27 January 2017 and (b) what total amount was (i) budgeted in each contract for catering and (ii) actually spent on catering for each specified event?
Reply:
The following service providers were contracted to provide catering:
(a)(i) 2017 National Police Day Event:
Lesedi Ko Pele;
Tshipidi Caterers;
Advro Vita;
Kgotatso;
Rubetshe Trading;
Cannula Inv;
BDM Cataring;
Oratilwe Catering; and
Macadesh Trading.
(a)(ii) 2017 National Excellence Awards:
Sun City International
(b)(i) The following amounts were budgeted for catering:
2017 National Police Day: R279 765,00
2017 National Excellence Awards: An all-inclusive amount of R2 000 000,00 was budgeted for the 2017 National Excellence Awards, inclusive of accommodation, venue hire, décor, catering, etc.
(b)(ii) The following amounts were spent on catering:
2017 National Police Day: R279 765,00
2017 National Excellence Awards: A total amount of R1 817 782,00 was spent in respect of the 2017 National Excellence Awards, inclusive of accommodation, venue hire, décor, catering, etc.
22 February 2017 - NW151
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to paragraphs 14.8 and 14.9 of the recommendations contained in the report compiled by CPN Forensic and Accounting Services on 23 April 2014 into alleged irregularities at SA Police Service (SAPS), did the SAPS initiate an investigation in terms of the Public Financial Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 and the Treasury Regulations into possible fruitless, wasteful and irregular expenditure with the awarding of a scarce skills allowance to certain persons (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, in each case what was (a) the outcome of each investigation and (b) what further action was taken?
Reply:
(a) No investigation was initiated in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 and the Treasury Regulations, as there was no (a) fruitless, wasteful or irregular expenditure with regard to the awarding of the scarce skills allowance.
14.8 Mr Nkgodi
At the time of him being awarded the scarce skills allowance, Mr Nkgodi was already performing the respective duties classified as scarce skills. He had completed three years of service performing those duties, although he did not possess any formal relevant qualifications. Prior and during his deployment in the Questioned Documents Unit, Mr Nkgodi received extensive training and development, as well as mentorship and guidance, upon completion of such training.
SAPS Directive with reference 4/2/1 dated 13 November 2006, paragraph 8, reads as follows:
“where internal training is provided to an employee in order for him to perform the required duties in a scarce skills occupation category, such training/qualification will be recognised for the payment of the allowance to the employee”
Taking the above into consideration, internal training combined with his three years of experience in the field, qualified Mr Nkgodi for the allowance.
14.9 Major General Shezi
At the time of receipt of the scarce skills allowance, Major General Shezi was responsible for Quality Management within the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), as a Control Forensic Analyst. She was in possession of a BSC degree from the University of Durban Westville, which is the required qualification, as well as relevant experience in the field, dating back from 1996. She was also a trained DNA expert, responsible for the Quality Management System of the Biology Section of the FSL.
Major General Shezi qualified for the scarce skills allowance in terms of the Scarce Skills Policy, read with SAPS directive 4/2/1, dated 13 November 2006, paragraph 4.1 which reads as follows:
“4.1 The Minister, in terms of the powers vested upon him, approved the payment of a monthly scarce skills allowance to the following occupational categories:”
R6,333-00 |
R1,500-00 |
R1,000-00 |
R400-00 |
Task Force Members – this is in line with allowances paid for Task Force Members in the SANDF |
Scientific Analyst Unit |
Questioned Documents Unit |
Armoury |
Mechanical and metallurgical Engineers |
Ballistics |
Hostage Negotiator |
|
Chemistry Unit |
Facial Identification Experts |
Diver |
|
Biology Unit |
Criminalistics Experts |
||
Facial Reconstruction |
Radio Technical Services |
||
Technical Personnel (LAME) |
Serious Economic Offences |
||
AFIS Project Manager |
Commercial Branch |
||
Architects and Engineers |
Organised Crime |
||
Explosives Unit |
- As a result of the above explanation, no further action was taken.
22 February 2017 - NW118
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Germiston Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Germiston Police Station |
235 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
143 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
Members who were not competent were not sent for retraining yet. |
22 February 2017 - NW147
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(a) What total amount was budgeted and spent by his department (i) nationally and (ii) in each province in respect of the (aa) 2017 National Police Day event held at Ikageng village in Boitekong and (bb) 2017 National Excellence Awards, hosted at Sun City Superbowl, Sun City Resorts, including amounts spent on (aaa) transport, (bbb) accommodation, (ccc) entertainment and related items and (ddd) any and all costs that would not have been incurred had the events not been held and (b) which section of the budget will these amounts be sourced from in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i)(aa) Budgeted: R1,200 000,00
Spent: R694 233,00
(a)(ii)(aa) Budgeted: Nil
Spent: Nil
The 2017 National Police Day event was only celebrated in Ikageng Village, Boitekong, North West.
(a)(i)(ii)(bb) Budgeted: R2 000 000,00
Spent: R1 817 782,00
This amount is inclusive of accommodation, venue hire, décor, catering, etc.
(aaa), (bbb), (ccc) and (ddd)
The cost is all-inclusive and as reflected in paragraphs (aa) and (bb) supra.
(b) These amounts were sourced from the National Police Service budget.
22 February 2017 - NW148
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(a) How many police officers in each province (i) were asked to attend and (ii) actually attended the (aa) 2017 National Police Day event held at Ikageng village in Boitekong and (bb) 2017 National Excellence Awards, hosted at Sun City Superbowl, Sun City Resorts, (b)(i) how many police officers from each police station (aa) were asked to attend the events and (bb) actually attended the events and (ii) how many police officers are currently deployed at each specified police station and (c) what amount was budgeted by his department for overtime pay for police officers who covered the shifts of the specified police officers who attended the events?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii)(aa) The number of police officers who were asked to attend and who actually attended were 10 per province and in respect of the hosting province, 15 members per police cluster.
(a)(i)(ii)(bb) The number of police officers who were asked to attend and who actually attended were 10 per province and in respect of the hosting province, an additional 100 members attended.
(b)(i)(ii)(aa) and (bb) An attendance register was not kept, due to the size and nature of the event.
(c) Nil rand.
22 February 2017 - NW108
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Police
How many (a) police officers are currently stationed at the Tembisa Police Station in Gauteng and (b) of the specified police officers (i) are not yet competent to carry firearms and (ii) failed firearm competency retraining tests?
Reply:
(a) Functional members at the Tembisa Police Station |
319 |
(b)(i) Members not yet competent to carry firearms |
21 |
(b)(ii) Members who failed the competency retraining test |
Members who were not competent were not sent for retraining yet. |
21 February 2017 - NW07
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Transport
What is the current status of the proposed Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill?
Reply:
The proposed Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) Bill is scheduled to be presented to the Economic sectors. Employment and infrastructure development Cluster of the Forum of South African Directors General (FOSAD) in February 2017. The RABS will also be tabled at the Technical Working Group substructure of the Social Protection, community and Human Development FOSAD Cluster. It will be presented before end of the financial year 2016/2017.
21 February 2017 - NW67
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether the new N3 route between Van Reenen Pass in KwaZulu-Natal and Warden in the Free State has been (a) decided upon and (b) duly authorised yet; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the (a) details of the route that has been authorised, (b) budgeted costs for construction, (c) proposed funding sources for the construction, (d) details of any proposed (i) additional and/or (ii) increased tolls payable by motorists using the route and (e) details of the construction timelines, including all preparation work such as the supply-chain processes; (2) has a cost-benefit analysis been conducted for the proposed new route; if not (a) why not and (b) by what date will such an analysis be conducted; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a) At its meeting of 5 October 2016, the Political Heads of the PICC’s SIP 2 Committee endorsed the recommendation tabled for the selection of a preferred alternative for the improvement of the N3 Van Reenen Pass. It was also at this meeting where the Minister of Transport confirmed her decision to return to the drawing board the De Beers Pass project, in view of the serious concerns raised by various stakeholders in the Free State province. As such going forward the new project will be called the N3 Van Reenen Development.
(b) (a) (b) The Department is finalising an official instruction to SANRAL in this regard. SANRAL will be required to conduct a detailed investigation and costing of this preferred option along with its variations. The output of this process will be submitted to the Minister of Transport and the PICC for consideration.
(c) The existing concession contract was structured to make provision for the development of the De Beers Pass. This financial provision will now be made available to fund the new preferred option. In the event that the costing in (b)above exceeds this financial provision within the Concession contract, the Minister of Transport working in conjunction with the PICC, National Treasury and the Free State Province will determine the best funding model to cover the funding shortfall. This is imperative as neither the concession contract nor SANRAL will be able to carry the additional costs.
(d) (i)(ii) This process will be informed by the process stipulated in (b) above, and will be communicated in due course. It must be noted that the De Beers Pass was modelled not to result in additional toll tariffs.
(e) This is dependent on (b) above, which is envisaged to take a minimum of 12 months. It also depends on the environmental requirements of the preferred option, the resolution of any funding shortfall that may arise, securing the necessary licenses for water use and quarrying and the bidding process. Nonetheless, actual construction is not expected to start before 2020.
2. This will be covered in above. The timelines are as stipulated in (e) above.
21 February 2017 - NW60
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) How many examiners of vehicles have been convicted of issuing fraudulent certificates of roadworthiness in the (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16 financial years and (b) in each case, (i) which of the specified examiners continue to practice and (ii) what are the reasons for this?
Reply:
(a) It is cumbersome to report on the statistics relating to convictions of Examiners due to the prolonged period it takes to finalise a case due to the fact that once a case has been opened with the SAPS, they must conduct investigations and ultimately prepare the docket for the Department of Justice to prosecute. Therefore a case may take up to two years to be finalised. Below is the numbers that have been convicted:
Province |
(i) 2013-14 |
(ii) 2014-15 |
(iii) 2015-16 |
Eastern Cape |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Free State |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Gauteng |
0 |
7 |
2 |
Kwazulu-Natal |
The KZN Department of Transport is not aware of any examiners of vehicles in this province whom have been criminally convicted for the periods stated above. |
||
Limpopo |
0 |
2 |
0 |
Mpumalanga |
0 |
0 |
0 |
North West |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Northern Cape |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Western Cape |
2 (Internal disciplinary hearing) |
3 (Internal disciplinary hearing suspensions) |
2 |
(b) (i) Examiners continuing to practice after conviction.
Province |
(i) 2013-14 |
(ii) 2014-15 |
(iii) 2015-16 |
Eastern Cape |
None |
||
Free State |
None |
None |
None |
Gauteng |
None |
None |
None |
Kwazulu-Natal |
None |
||
Limpopo |
None |
None |
None |
Mpumalanga |
None |
None |
None |
North West |
None |
None |
None |
Northern Cape |
None |
None |
None |
Western Cape |
None |
None |
1 |
(ii) Reasons for continuation:
Eastern Cape: Not applicable.
Free State: Not applicable.
Gauteng:Not applicable.
Kwazulu-Natal: Not applicable.
Limpopo:Not applicable.
Mpumalanga:Not applicable.
North West:Not applicable.
Northern Cape:Not applicable.
Western Cape: One of the examiners convicted in 2015/16 financial year is still practicing. The province is awaiting formal feedback from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case is on the court roll for March 2017.