Reply:

(a) What formal qualifications does each of her department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers possess?

(i) Chief Financial Officer - Ms N Molalekoa

Bachelor of Commerce

University of Bophuthatswana

Obtained 1990

Advanced Financial Management

University of Pretoria

Obtained 2010

(ii) Acting Chief Financial Officer

Not applicable

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, WRITTEN REPLY, QUESTION 2013

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23/09/2016

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29/2016

2013. Mrs Z B N Balindlela (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(b) What formal qualifications does each of her department’s (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?

 (i) Director-General – Mr HM Mweli

Bachelor of Arts in Education

University of Bophuthatswana

Obtained 1992

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History

University of North-West

Obtained 1996

Bachelor of Administration (Honours) (Industrial Relations)

University of North-West

Obtained 2001

Master of Development and Management

North-West University

Obtained 2007

(ii) Acting Director-General

Not applicable

Reply:

I have been informed by USAASA that:

In March 2016 the parties agreed that the matter be settled and the court action was accordingly withdrawn with all the parties paying their own legal costs. The settlements was motivated by the fact that the employment contract of the former CEO, Mr Zami Nkosi expired on 31 March 2016.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department and Entities reporting to me as follows:

(a)(i)(ii) No money was spent on advertising on the Africa News Network 7 channel or the SA Broadcasting Corporation by the Department for the financial year 2015-16.

(b)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(iii)(iv)(aaa)(bb)(aaa):-

SENTECH , BBI, NEMISA, USAASA and .Zadna spent nil on during the 2015-16 financial year.

The following Entities spent the following on advertising on the (i) Africa News Network 7 channel and (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation during the 2015-16 financial year as follows:-

ENTITY	ANN7	SABC TV	SABC RADIO	NATIONAL COMMERCIAL RADIO STATION	COMMUNITY TV	COMMUNITY RADIO
SITA	R0. 00	R0. 00	R333 337	R217 060	R0. 00	R0. 00
SAPO	R0.00	R2 726 955	R4 076 651	R0. 00	R0. 00	R0. 00

(bbb) No money was spent on advertising by the Department and entities since 1 April 2016.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

1(a) Yes,

(b) Yes

(b) (i)10.

(b) (ii) Approving the issuing of a tender for a project based on flawed terms of reference, and failure to evaluate bids against the minimum qualifying score for the functionality in order to assess bids.

(iii) As yet incompleted .

(iv) One case was concluded and the employee was found guilty and a two (2) months suspension without pay was imposed.

2. The Media Corner matter is at the exchange of pleadings .

Reply:

Yes.

 (a) – (b) The recruitment process for the appointment of a permanent employee is on course and will be communicated once finalised.

Reply:

(1)- (2) The SIU has not yet reported to the President on this matter and it would be inappropriate to comment on any findings or recommendations which they may make.

Reply:

No advertisements were placed by the National Department of Health and all its entities reporting to the Ministry of Health, in all the communication platforms referred to above, during the period in question.

END.

Reply:

Not applicable.

________________________

Approved by the Minister on

Date………………………..

Reply:

What amount did (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him spend on advertising on the (i) Africa News Network 7 channel (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation (iii) national commercial radio stations (iv) community (aa) television (bb) radio stations (aaa) in the 2015-16 financial year (bbb) since 1 April 2016
i)Dept	DMR	(aaa) (i) African News Network 7 channel – R0.0 (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation – R0.0 (iii) National commercial radio stations – R0.0 (iv)Community television and radio stations - R 68 883.75 Total: R 68 883.75	(bbb) (i) African News Network 7 channel – R0.0 (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation – R0.0 (iii) National commercial radio stations – R0.0 (iv)Community television and radio stations - R 285 923.00 Total: R 285 923.00
i)Entities	CGS	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00	((aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00
	MINTEK	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00
	SDT	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R186.960.00
	SADPMR	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00
	MHSC	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00	(aa)Television (i)R0 00 (ii)R0.00 (bb)Radio Stations (iii)R0.00 (iv)R0.00

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016

Reply:

(a) (i) Higher Certificate in Accountancy (IAC), B.Compt.Hons (CTA), AGA (SA)

(ii) Falls away

(b) (i) vacant

(ii) BSC Mining Engineering Degree, Mine Managers Certificate and Executive Management Programme.

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016

Reply:

(1) Yes indeed Honourable member, my Director-General did sign a performance agreement with me in accordance with the applicable prescripts.

(2) Falls away.

(3) Falls away.

 

Reply:

1.Whether each Head of Department (HOD) of his department signed a performance agreement since their appointment; if not,

   (a) What is the total number of HODs who have not signed performance agreements?

The Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was appointed with effect from 1 July 2016. In terms of the chapter four (4) of the Senior Management Service (SMS) members handbook a newly appointed SMS member has got three months to finalise and sign the performance agreement.

    (b) What is the reason in each case?

     The HOD had three months to finalise the performance agreement.

   (c) What action has he taken to rectify the situation?

      None.

  (d) What consequences will the specified HOD face for failing to sign the performance agreements; if so,

(i) When was the last performance assessment of each HOD conducted?

The performance assessment on the former HOD was finalised in December 2015.

(ii) What were the results in each case?

The performance scores of the former HOD were as follows:

• 2013/14 performance cycle score of 132%.
• 2014/15 performance cycle score of 135%.

2. Whether any of the HODs who failed to sign a performance agreement received a performance bonus since their appointment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

   (a) At what rate and

       The HOD did not receive a performance bonus.

   (b) What criteria were used to determine the specified rate;

       Not applicable.

3. Whether any of the HODs who signed a performance agreement received a performance bonus since their appointment; if so,

   (a) At what rate and

   The HOD did not receive a performance bonus.

   (b) What criteria were used to determine the rate?

     Not applicable.

 

Reply:

I am not certain what the Honourable member is trying to achieve with this question. I am on record on this matter disapproving of any plans to continue with rectification, it is undesirable. 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 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”.

Honourable member, I want to unequivocally state that it is now policy that my Department will no longer rectify any houses using its funds. A directive in this regard was issued in 2015 to all Provincial Human Settlements Departments that no funding from the Human Settlements Development Grant may be utilised for rectification.

Otherwise, where and when rectification took place, it would have been reported on in previous annual reports and I would suggest that the Honourable member consult these reports for information dating back to 2012.

Reply:

Honourable Member, the appointment of Directors-General and the minimum requirements thereof are found in the EXECUTIVE PROTOCOL (the Protocol): PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENT (HODs) AND DEPUTY DIRECTORS- GENERAL (DDGs). The purpose of the Protocol is to encourage good practice in the recruitment of Heads of Department (HoDs) and Deputy Directors-General (DDGs) nationally, thereby assisting Executive Authorities (EAs) in appointing high quality candidates.

I can assure the Honourable Member that when Cabinet appointed the Director-General of Human Settlements, it adhered to this Protocol, which I was responsible for tabling before Cabinet when I served in the Public Service and Administration portfolio. The Director-General is more than qualified for his post.

In summary, the protocol stipulates that:

“An advertisement should not favour or prejudice any prospective candidate who has the necessary training, skills, competence and/or knowledge relevant to the requirements of the post. Advertisements should therefore be supportive of and in compliance with the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act, the Public Service Act and the PSR. Qualifications should not be defined primarily or solely in terms of educational attainment, but should include skills, relevant experience and other criteria. Educational qualification requirements, including qualifications obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning process and linked to the National Qualification Framework, should as per the post advertisement reflect the minimum qualification requirements determined during job evaluation. Such qualification requirements should be specific to the post. An applicant with a lower qualification cannot be shortlisted for the post”.

In respect of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the National Treasury continues to ensure that CFO’s possess formal qualifications comprising relevant subjects such as Financial Accounting (for the timely production of accurate and complete financial information), Management Accounting (for sound budgeting and expenditure monitoring practices), Internal Audit (for the operation of sound internal controls) and Supply Chain Management (for the efficient procurement of goods, works and/or services)”. Again, I wish to indicate that my Chief Financial Officer possess formal qualifications that include all these subjects.

Honourable Member, this goes to show that although we are cognisant that the black communities of this country were deliberately denied the same education as their white counterparts had, we are committed to ensure that we employ competent civil servants in the public service. I wish to confirm that Director-General and the Chief Financial officer of my Department have Master’s Degree in fields relevant to their work.

Reply:

(a)(i) Mr JB Hlatshwayo: Grade 12, Bachelor of Accounting Science (Hons).

    (ii) Not applicable

(b) (i) Mr MM Mlengana: Grade 12, Bachelor of Arts , Higher Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Master of Arts (Economics/ Political studies).

(ii) Not applicable

 

Reply:

The Housing Act, 1997, prohibits the sale of government subsidised houses within eight years and budgeting for such expenditure would therefore be illegal in terms of both the Housing Act and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Therefore, the answer to the Honourable member’s question is a resounding no.

Specifically, Section 10A of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act No. 107 of 1997) on Restriction on voluntary sale of state-subsidised housing states that, “Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any other law, it shall be a condition of every housing subsidy, as defined in the Code, granted to a natural person in terms of any national housing programme for the construction or purchase of a dwelling or serviced site, that such person shall not sell or otherwise alienate his or her dwelling or site within a period of eight years from the date on which the property was acquired by that person unless the dwelling or site has first been offered to the relevant provincial housing department”.

The provision of houses is intended to provide beneficiaries with self-respect, dignity and it is viewed as a life opportunity for the less privileged South Africans to own an asset in the form of a house, hence the selling of state subsidised houses is not encouraged at all unless their economic situation has improved for the better.

In addition, the Department is engaged in consumer education programme to further inform and educate the consumers on the policy and legislative provisions applicable to the housing subsidy programme.

Reply:

(1) The process to finalise the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) was delayed by the consideration of change management and transition within and between the department and Seda. The department was of the view that the transition processes needed to be finalised before a new CEO was appointed. Moreover, the sudden departure of the Acting CEO back to the Department of Trade and Industry necessitated that the environment be stabilised within Seda before appointing a new CEO.

(2) Yes, Ms Mandisa Tshikwatamba was the best candidate for the position as per the recommendation of the selection panel which I fully supported and subsequently endorsed her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Seda.

Reply:

1. Mr V Madonsela was appointed as Director-General [DG]/Head of Department [HoD] in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development [DoJ&CD] in May 2016. The HoD has signed a performance agreement for the 2016/2017 performance cycle.

    (a) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development does not have an HoD who did not sign a performance agreement.

    (b) Not applicable

    (c) Not applicable

     (d) Not applicable

      (i) The current HoD was only appointed in May 2016 and no performance assessment has been required to be conducted thus far.

      (ii) Not applicable.

2. The HoD of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has a signed performance agreement since his appointment.

     (a) N/A

      (b) N/A

3. The HoD of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was appointed in May 2016, and will only be assessed for performance during the 2016/2017 performance cycle after the end of the cycle.

    (a) N/A

     (b) N/A

Regarding the Performance Agreement of Ms M Sejosengwe, the Secretary-General of the Department of the Office of the Chief Justice, I wish to inform you as follows:

1) (a) The Secretary-General last signed the Performance Agreement in 2013/14 financial year with the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Radebe, after consultation with the Chief Justice. From 2014/15 financial year, the Secretary-General has not signed a Performance Agreement to date.

(b) The reason is that the Secretary-General is in a unique position, as she reports to both the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa as Head of his Office as well as the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, as the Executive Authority of the Department of the Office of the Chief Justice and Judicial Administration. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and the Chief Justice is at present, deliberating on a Framework of Engagement for purposes of conferral on joint decision-making/consultation regarding amongst other matters, the Performance Agreement of the Secretary-General. As soon as this Framework of Engagement has been agreed upon and finalized, the Secretary-General’s Performance Agreement, will be signed.

2) No, the Secretary-General has not received any performance bonus since her appointment.

3) In respect of 2013/14, no performance assessment was conducted and no bonuses were received by the Secretary-General.

(1) Yes. National Commissioner: Mr Z. Modise, A Performance agreement for financial year 2015/16 was signed.

(1)(a) Not applicable

(1)(b) Not applicable

(1)(c) Not applicable as a performance agreement was signed.

(1)(d) Not applicable as a performance agreement was signed.

(1)(d)(i) No performance assessment was conducted as at the time of responding to this question.

(1)(d)(ii) Not applicable

(2) No HOD in the Department received a performance bonus in the 2015/2016 Financial Year.

(3) No HOD received a performance bonus in the department for the past three financial years.

Reply:

(a) The amendment to the Immigration Regulations has required the Department to undertake review of regulation 6 of the Regulations, with substitution in subregulation (12)(a) and (b). The establishment of the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) is fundamental to this process. The IAB convened its first sitting on 3 June 2016 and was officially inaugurated on 20 July 2016. As its first order of business, the IAB reviewed the requirement for the issuance of the Strong Advisory and recommended that the proposed amendment and intent to publish a Strong Advisory be opened to public consultation through a published Gazette. The consultation period of 30 days commenced with the publication of Gazette No 40287 on 16 September 2016 and concluding on 14 October 2016. The IAB will convene a special sitting on 26 October 2016 to hear and consider comments made on the proposed amendment to the Immigration Regulations. It is expected that the amendments will be submitted for publication during November 2016.

(b) At its meeting on 20 August 2013, the BRICS Business Council requested BRICS governments to consider granting BRICS Business Executives long-term, multiple entry visas for the purpose of enhancing business activities. On 23 December 2014 the Minister granted approval for the issuance of visas for a period not exceeding 10 years, with each visit restricted to 30 days. A communication in this regard was transmitted to all South African Missions abroad with a request that visa applications be processed and finalised within five working days. In addition to this, it can be confirmed that all diplomatic and official or service passport holders of BRICS Member States are exempt from the requirement to apply for a visa before proceeding to the Republic of South Africa.

Reply:

1. FeverTree Consulting has not been appointed to facilitate, adjudicate and make recommendation to Armscor for the intended lease of the BBJ VVIP aircraft.

 (a) (i) if not, why was the specified consulting firm appointed

Reply:

FeverTree Consulting is a Management Consulting company specialising in organisational turnarounds. The company was appointed to assist Armscor in the co-management of its turnaround.

(ii) what distinguished them from other companies

Reply:

The company was appointed through an open tender process conducted in accordance with applicable legislation and was the only company that complied with all of the criteria as specified in the tender documents.

(b) why was it necessary to appoint the specified consulting firm and not rely on Armscor’s expertise solely

Reply:

Armscor does not have the expertise in turnaround strategies.

(c) was any additional costs incurred above the R65 million fee already paid to the specified consulting firm;

Reply:

Armscor has not signed a contract worth R65 million with FeverTree Consulting and has not paid the said amount. Any amount that would be paid will be paid against the invoices received and verified deliverables

2. Whether she is aware that the Deputy President of the Republic, Mr. M Cyril Ramaphosa, is a former Board Member of the specified consulting firm; if not, why not; if so, what is the position in this regard;

Reply:

I am aware that he is a former Board Member.

3. Whether she has put any measures in place to ensure that any undue influences (a) have not been present to date in and (b) will not be present in future process to procure new VVIP aircraft; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Any procurement process must take place within the prescripts of the PFMA and National Treasury Regulations and such has been communicated to all role players at all times.

Reply:

(1)(a) In 2009, the Giyani area was officially declared a disaster zone as a result of terrible water and waste water situation. It was consequently adopted into the Presidential Siyahlola Programme. To redress the situation in Mopani, I issued an emergency directive in August 2014 to my Department’s Implementation Agent, i.e. Lepelle Northern Water to regularise water and sanitation provision in the Mopani District area.

In implementing the Directive, various projects were identified, categorised and prioritised in the Short - term/ critical emergency projects and the Medium - Long term projects as follows:

• Below are the short-term/ critical emergency projects that were completed.
• 16 Priority Villages Groundwater Augmentation;
• Nkhensani Hospital Groundwater Augmentation;
• Giyani WWTW 1.5Ml/day (package plant);
• Giyani WWTW (refurb-existing plant);
• Morogholo Transfer Pumpstation;
• Kremetart Transfer Pumpstation;
• Khanyisa Booster Pumpstation;
• Nsami Water Treatment Plant (Refurb of old plant);
• Nsami Water Treatment Plant (New) and;
• Kremetart High & Low Reservoirs.

In addressing the medium to long term and the sustainability of the Mopani area and its surroundings, a number of projects were identified. The identified projects are in different stages of planning and designs and implementation, such as:

• Nandoni – Nsami bulk pipeline project to augument water supply to Giyani Town and the project currently under implementation;
• Giyani bulk water pipelines (Pipeline A, B, C, D, F1 & F2) currently under implementation covering approximately 345km distance;
• Revitalization of existing 154 boreholes with package plants to augment the water scheme while the bulk pipelines in progress and project expected to be completed by December 2016;
• The designs of Giyani Reservoir 35ML, Giyani 14ML Waste Treatment plant, Giyani Village reticulation, Nandoni Water Treatment upgrade, Bambanana/ Nkambako bulk pipeline projects. The planning and designs have been completed and the projects are ready for implementation; and
• The design of the Namakgale Waste Water Treatment Plant is progressing well and expected to be finalised by end December 2016.

(1)(b) Over and above the designs and the implementation of the short-term/ critical emergency projects, Lepelle Northern Water is currently undertaking the Operation and Maintenance on existing and new infrastructure in Giyani Town which include material and/or equipment purchasing to refurbish dilapidated infrastructure.

The specified operation and maintenance is on-going as and when required on site to maintain the existing and new infrastructure until handed over to the Water Service Authority.

(2)(a) The contractor appointed by Lepelle Northern Water is LTE Consulting on a Turnkey basis for the project.

(2)(b) The approved budget for the Mopani Intervention project is R2.2 billion. Out of the approved budget an amount of R1 391 838.00 has been spent to date which include the amount of R57 million of the specified project i.e. operation and maintenance for the planning, designs and implementation of the Mopani Intervention project.

(2)(c) As indicated above, the short–term/ critical emergency projects have since been completed. The medium-long term projects are various planning, designs and implementation stages. The specified operation and maintenance is on-going as when required on site to maintain the existing and new infrastructure before is handed over to the Water Service Authority.

(3) Due to the emergency situation and the urgency to redress the water and sanitation in Mopani area the project did not go through the open tender process. However, the appointment of the Service Provider was completed through the close tender process using Department Panel. The specified project of operation and maintenance is part of the Mopani Intervention programme. As indicated in (2) above, LTE Consulting was appointed on a Turnkey basis for the project. We are convinced that the method used to appoint LTE Consulting is in line with SCM policy and National Treasury guidelines applicable to emergency/disaster situations.

---00O00---

Reply:

(a) (i) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) did not spend anything on African News Network 7 channel during the (aaa) 2015/16 financial year nor (bbb) since 1 April to 31 August 2016.

    (ii) (aa) The DOJ&CD did not spend on SABC television channels during the (aaa) 2015/16 financial year nor (bbb) since 1 April to 31 August    2016.

   (bb) (aaa) In the 2015/16 financial year, the Department undertook a campaign to invite children and deserving relatives of Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Campaign identified victims to apply for educational assistance. In support of this campaign, the DOJ&CD spent a total of R798 817.95.

SERVICE PROVIDER	TOTAL COST	RADIO STATIONS	COST PER STATION	CAMPAIGN
SABC Radio	R 798 817.95	Ukhozi FM	R 221 692.95	TRC Education Assistance Regulations
		Umhlobo Wenene FM	R 129 352.95	TRC Education Assistance Regulations
		Lesedi FM	R 145 666.35	TRC Education Assistance Regulations
		Motsweding FM	R 106 652.70	TRC Education Assistance Regulations
		Limpopo Combo	R 131 738.40	TRC Education Assistance Regulations
		Mpumalanga Combo	R 63 714.60	TRC Education Assistance Regulations

(bbb) The Department did not spend anything on SABC radio stations since 1 April to 31 August 2016.

1. The DOJ&CD did not spend on national commercial radio stations during (aaa) the 2015/16 financial year nor (bbb) since 1 April to 31 August 2016.
2. (aa) The DOJ&CD did not spend any money on community television stations during the (aaa) 2015/16 financial year nor (bbb) since 1 April to 31 August 2016.

(bb) Background to spending: In the 2015/2016 financial year, the DOJ&CD, in partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), initiated an educational campaign on community radio called Let’s Talk Justice: Live Your Rights.

The programme, which is currently in its second season, is facilitated through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and broadcast every Thursday between 18h05 to 19h05. The programme is linked to 65 community radio stations and covers a range of justice related topics such as domestic violence, maintenance, sexual offences, expungement of criminal records, Constitutional rights, and etcetera.

The programme is one of the DOJ&CD’s efforts to educate the public on how to access justice services. It promotes a free flow of information, open dialogue, transparency, and accountability, all of which are fundamental tenets of a thriving democracy.

It also sought to encourage the public to unite in the protection of human rights and urge them to exercise their responsibilities as reflected in the Constitution.

Financial implications:

(aaa) In the first season of the Let’s Talk Justice programme, the DOJ&CD invested a total of R7 572 000.00 which covered a total of 29 episodes that were linked to 63 participating community radio stations across the country.

(bbb) In the second season (2016/17), the DOJ&CD has budgeted a total of R10 072 000.00 for 26 episodes that are linked to 65 participating community radio stations across the country. This means that one episode is broadcasted in 65 community radio station. Each radio station is charging R6000 per episode and there is a satellite cost amounting to R27 360. The satellite is important as it enables GCIS to link an episode into all 65 community radio stations. The programme enables us to reach an estimated listenership of 1 400 000. This translates to just over R3 per listener. This financial year’s programme commenced on 9 June 2016, and by end of August 2016, 11 episodes had already been coordinated.

1. (A)(aaa) Regarding the National Prosecuting Authority, the NPA contributed R4, 8 million to the community radio awareness campaign Let’s Talk Justice. The Department’s Public Education and Communication’s Unit overall response in this regard will therefore cover the NPA in respect of the 2015/16 financial year. No other expenditure was incurred outside the above-mentioned campaign in 2015/16, and (bbb) there has been no expenditure on advertising since 1 April 2016 to date, due to budget constraints.

(B) (aaa) During the financial year 2015/16, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has not incurred cost on radio or TV advertising. All the interviews done were a free service.

(C) LEGAL AID SOUTH AFRICA

I wish to inform the Honorable Member that Legal Aid SA spent the following total amounts in relation to advertising:

Financial Year	Medium	Advertisement Spent
	Television
(aaa) 2015/2016	(i) ANN7	R0
	(ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation
	(aa) Television channels	R660 750
	SABC 1	R146 250
	SABC 2	R364 500
	SABC 3	R150 000
	(bb) Radio stations	R465 899
	Lotus FM
	RSG
	SAFM
	Ukhozi FM
	Umhlobo Wenene FM
	Lesedi FM
	Thobela FM
	Ikwekwezi FM
	Ligwalagwala FM
	Munghana Lonene FM
	Phalaphala FM
	(iii) National Commercial Radio stations	R0
	(iv) Community	R0
	(aa) Television	R0
	(bb) Radio stations	R0
Total for 2015/16		R1 126 649
(bbb) Since 1 April 2016	SABC Radio	R933 840
	SABC TV	R1 215 000
	Committed expenditure in 2016/17
	E-TV	R600 000
	SABC Radio	R935 404
	SABC TV	R684 000
Total for 2016/17		R4 368 244

1. The Office of the Chief Justice did not spend on advertising on the (i) Africa News Network 7 channel, (ii) SA Broadcasting Corporation (aa) television channels and (bb) radio stations, (iii) national commercial radio stations and (iv) community (aa) television and (bb) radio stations (aaa) for the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) as well for the current financial year.

Reply:

1. The Director-General of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has entered and signed a Performance Agreement for 2016/17 financial year with the Minister.

   (a) There is no HOD of the Department of Public Enterprises who has not signed or entered into a Performance Agreement;

   (b) Not applicable based on question 1 above

    (c) Not applicable based on question 1 above

    (d) This is not applicable to DPE case however Chapter 4, of SMS Handbook stipulate that SMS members including HOD must enter into a Performance Agreement within the first three months of appointment.

2.None

3. DPE HOD has been appointed on 01 December 2015.

    (a) Not applicable based on 3 above

    (b)Not applicable based on 3 above

Reply:

(a) The Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is in possession of the following formal qualifications:

     (i) Senior Certificate;

     (ii) Baccalaurreus Computationis (B.Compt);

     (iii) Honneursbaccalaureus Computationis (Hons. B.Compt); and

    (iv) Magister Commercii (M.Com).

(b) The Director-General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is in possession of the following formal qualifications:

     (i) Senior Certificate; and

     (ii) Baccallaureus Procurationis (Law).

(a) The Chief Financial Officer for the Office of the Chief Justice is Mr Casper Nicolaas Coetzer. Mr Coetzer has the following qualifications:

• Matric from Bergsig Hoerskool, Rustenburg
• Bachelor Degree in Commerce obtained from the University of South Africa;
• Certificate in Senior Management from the University of Pretoria;
• Certificate in Organization and Work Study from the former Pretoria Technikon;
• Certificate in Contract Compliance and Performance Monitoring from the Institute for Public Private Partnerships, Washington, DC.

(b) The Secretary-General for the Office of the Chief Justice, Ms Memme Sejosengwe has the following qualifications:

• Matric from Barolong High School in Mafikeng
• Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of North West;
• Certificate in Organization and Work Study from the Pretoria Technikon;
• Advanced Diploma in Labour Law from Rand Afrikaans University;
• Executive Development Programme from the University of South Africa (UNISA) Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL)
• Case Flow Management Training from National Centre for States Courts (NSCC), Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

 

Reply:

(a) (i) The Chief Financial Officer post is currently vacant.

(ii) Acting Chief Financial Officer’s Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics.

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Economics (Monetary, International and Developmental).

• Diploma in Financial Marketing.

(b) (i) Director-General’s Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics Management.

• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics Management.

• Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics Management.

(ii) Acting Director-General’s Qualifications: No acting appointment.

 

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

(a) Chief Financial Officer qualifications:

• B Com
• MBA

b) Director-General qualifications:

• Doctor of Medicine,
• Post Graduate Training in General Surgery and Diploma in Management Advancement Programme.

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY VETERANS

a) Chief Financial Officer qualifications:

• National Diploma: Accountancy
• Bachelor of Technology-CMA
• Masters in Business Administration

b) The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans appointed the Secretary of Defence as the Acting DG for the Department of Military Veterans.

Reply:

(a)(i) The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Department of Small Business
evelopment has a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree obtained at the University of South Africa. The CFO has also attended an African Leadership Programme at the University of the Witwatersrand.

a)(ii)Not Applicable.

b)(i)The Director General of the Department of Small Business Development obtained the following qualifications:

▪ BA. Social Science,
▪ BA Social Science (Hons),
▪ M. Social Science,
▪ M.ED (Bristol, UK),
▪ Senior Executive Programme (Harvard-Wits)
▪ International Organisational Systems Development (Gestalt) Programme.

b)(ii)Not Applicable.
 

Reply:

The Acting Head of Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has signed a performance agreement the Acting DG has not received a performance bonus.

Reply:

The tables below show the number of valid invoices not paid within the prescribed 30 days by both the national and provincial departments. The information is presented in terms of (i) invoices paid after 30 days (i.e. although paid, it was not paid within the prescribed 30 days period) and (ii) invoices older than 30 days not yet paid as at the indicated dates.

Table 1: National Departments:

Invoices paid after 30 days	Invoices older than 30 days not paid
June 2014	116	June 2014	58
June 2015	13803	June 2015	4544
June 2016	17668	June 2016	12870

Table 2: Provincial Departments

Invoices paid after 30 days	Invoices older than 30 days not paid
June 2014	0	June 2014	0
June 2015	30466	June 2015	32339
June 2016	29306	June 2016	39833

Reply:

The DPME does not have data in relation to the number of legal invoices owed to municipalities by national and provincial departments. The Department of Public Works is currently undertaking a project on debt owed by national and provincial departments.

Reply:

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has not spent any money on advertising on any television or radio station in the financial year 2015-16, and in the current financial year from 1 April 2016 to date. Statistics South Africa spent R1 991 927. 60 on SA Broadcasting Corporation television and radio.

Reply:

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

1. “Yes, SARS can confirm that it did receive a report concerning alleged suspicious and unusual payments relating to Mr Jonas Makwakwa.

          (a) The organ of state which produced the said report is the Financial Intelligence Centre (“FIC”).

         (b) The report was received on 18 May 2016.

 2. The report was not referred for further investigation at that stage. SARS had adopted a two-pronged approach towards handling this matter. The first part entailed affording Mr Jonas Mashudu Makwakwa and Ms Kelly-Ann Elskie an opportunity to respond in writing to the allegations against them. This was part of the internal investigative process that SARS undertook. The second part involved engaging the (“FIC”) for purposes of seeking technical guidance, co-operation and assistance in relation to this matter, as per Section 4 of the FICA.

   (a) SARS has appointed the law firm; Hogan Lovells to investigate this matter, and to conduct disciplinary proceedings against the two employees on behalf of SARS. The matter was referred to Hogan Lovells on 15 September 2016.

   (b) SARS is aware, based on correspondence received from Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (“DPCI”) dated 15 September 2016, that the matter has been reported to the (“DPCI”).

3. Mr Makwakwa has been suspended.

    (a) Mr Makwakwa was suspended on 15 September 2016. Ms Elskie is currently on maternity leave. SARS is currently in the process of seeking a legal opinion on whether an employer has lawful authority to suspend and/or institute disciplinary proceedings against an employee who is on maternity leave.

      (b) Mr Makwakwa was suspended pending the investigation into the allegations contained in the report referred to above.”

4. Yes, I would like to make a statement on this matter.

I only became aware of the issue through the article in the Sunday Times on the 11th September 2016. I immediately contacted Mr Moyane telephonically to report to me the veracity of the report and met with him on the morning of the 12th September 2016 to be briefed on the issue. This was approximately four months after Mr Moyane was first alerted to the matter through a letter dated 17th May 2016 from the Financial Intelligence Centre (“FIC”). This matter is exceptionally serious as the allegations were against one of the most senior managers in the organisation and the official was appointed by Mr Moyane. The report from the FIC stated that there was a total of 75 transactions done between 01st March 2010 and the 31st January 2016 which amounted to R785 130.00 (R726 400.00 of this money was deposited during 2014 and 2015). Furthermore, Mr Makwakwa’s partner deposited a total amount of R450 200.00 directly into her personal bank accounts. It is perturbing that considering that the origins of these funds were not confirmed that Mr Moyane allowed Mr Makwakwa to remain in his position dealing with individual and corporate taxpayers. It is my opinion that Mr Moyane failed to inform me of the matter possibly in an attempt to resolve the issue without the matter becoming public. Since the report in the newspapers, Mr Moyane has publically criticised the FIC rather than take the responsibility an accounting officer is expected to assume in dealing with such vital matters. I would like to confirm that to date I have not been informed whether Ms Elskie has been suspended.

These and other maters raise serious concerns about the stewardship of a vital fiscal institution.

Reply:

The following in the information provided by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC):

(1) In terms of Section 40(1) and 41 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act the FIC is not permitted to make public any report.

(2) Without reference to a specific report, the normal process followed by the FIC is to submit any report to

(i) Investigating authorities inside and outside of the Republic;

(ii) SARS;

(iii) Intelligence services;

(iv) Entities outside of the republic performing a similar function to those of the FIC;

(v) Accountable institutions or reporting institutions;

(vi) Supervisory bodies.

(3): A referral of a report from the FIC contains descriptions of transactions or activities relating to the financial conduct of reported person(s) and how those transactions or activities are linked with the person(s) mentioned in the referral. This information is gleaned from reports which persons make to the FIC pursuant to their legal obligations under the FIC Act (sections 28, 28A and 29 of the FIC Act). In addition to these factual descriptions, a referral from the FIC also contains the FIC’s analysis of the events mentioned in the referral and their potential links to unlawful activity, as well as the FIC’s advice on the potential unlawful activity which the recipient of the referral may wish to pursue in an investigation.

It is incumbent on the recipient of the information and advice of the FIC to determine whether he/she can formulate allegations of unlawful activity which warrant the launch of an investigation into the conduct of the person(s) mentioned in the referral and to then collect the evidence that can corroborate those allegations by means of the recipient’s own original investigative powers.

The FIC’s guidance and support for an investigation consists therefore of the information and advice contained in the referral which it makes to a recipient and the supply of further information in response to requests for information that are made in terms of the FIC Act (section 40(1)(a)(i) of the FIC Act).

The FIC does not undertake investigations nor does it have any investigative powers. Moreover, the FIC does not have any legal mandate to undertake investigations of its own or to direct how investigations should be undertaken by another organ of state. As consequence the FIC does not have the practical expertise to provide general guidance as to how another organ of state should conduct an investigation in terms of the mandate and powers of that organ of state.

The relevant head of the organ of the state has the obligation to act on the report or the information provided.

Reply:

The CFO of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation holds a BA (political Science) and BA Honours (International Relations) degrees from the University of Pretoria (UP); B. Com (Business Management and Economics) from University of South Africa (UNISA); Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE); Currently studying MPhil Development Policy and Practice at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

The Acting Director General holds: a Bachelor & Honours Degrees in Economics and Politics from the University of Cape Town (UCT); Masters in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia (UK); Various certificates, including an Executive Management certificate, as well as a certificate in Infrastructure Development from Harvard University’s J F Kennedy School of Government in the US.

The Statistician General holds: a Bachelor of Arts: Double Major in Statistics and Economics from the University of Lesotho; Post-graduate Diploma in Demography - United Nations Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS); University of Ghana. The University of Stellenbosch conferred on Pali Lehohla an Honorary Doctorate for his extensive contribution in global affairs. v

Chief Financial Officer holds a Baccalaureus Technologiae: Business Administration; Tshwane University of Technology; National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting; Witwatersrand Technikon (University of Johannesburg).

Reply:

1 (a) (i) The Chief Executive Officer spends an average of 20 hours per week in the office.

(ii) The Chief Operations Officer spends an average of 30 hours per week in the office.

(iii) The Corporate Services Manager spends an average of 30 hours per week in the office.

(b) The nature of the work performed by officials and executives of the Sector Education and Training Authorities is not only confined to an office environment. The Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) has offices in Durban and Cape Town, in addition to the Head Office in Johannesburg.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) attends to strategic matters of the organisation such as stakeholder engagements, meetings and roadshows of different constituencies within the transport sector both in the public and private sectors, locally and internationally, should the need arise. The CEO is the face of the organisation on strategic matters and honours invitations from strategic stakeholders of the organisation such as the Ministry of Higher Education and Training, Ministry of Transport, Transnet, South African Maritime Safety Authority, Parliament, Auditor-General, Department of Transport, Provincial Human Resource Development Councils as member, etc.

The Chief Operations Officer attends to operational matters of the organisation pertaining to stakeholders within the transport sector both in the public and private sectors.

The Corporate Services Manager, amongst others, is responsible for all labour relations matters within the organisation. When not in the office, the Corporate Services Manager will either be at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, Labour Court or attending to consultations with labour lawyers on labour relations matters. Furthermore, as the manager responsible for marketing and communications, the Corporate Services Manager attends some of the exhibitions and expos. The incumbent is also responsible for the management of all TETA offices, be it in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or at a Provincial level.

(c) The performance management system of the organisation works as a monitoring tool in respect of all employees within the organisation. In terms of the delegations of authority, the Corporate Services Manager and Chief Operations Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer on the performance of their duties. The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board via the Chairperson of the Board and through the monthly Board Executive Committee and quarterly Board meetings.

(d) The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are the only signatories to the TETA bank account. This is done digitally and is not dependant on the location of the signatory at the time of the transaction.

(2) No.

(3) Yes. TETA has a biometric and manual security register system, which is applicable to all employees within the organisation. These registers are submitted to Human Resources on a monthly basis.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1765 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

The formal qualifications for incumbents at the Department of Home Affairs are as follows:

(a)(i) Bachelor of Laws (Baccalareus Legum Civilium); B Com Business Economics and B Com Honours in Cost Management; Master of Business Administration.

(a)(ii) Not applicable.

(b)(i) Diploma in Management and Administration and B Com (Accounting).

(b)(ii) Not applicable.

Reply:

ARMSCOR

(a) The total amount Armscor has paid to date for the Seriti Commission is R24 633 714.86, vat inclusive. This was paid to Bowman, Gilfillan Incorporated Company, who in turn appointed one senior Counsel and two junior Counsel.

(b) (i) and (ii) not applicable to Armscor

     (iii) breakdown of the expenditure is as follows:see the link

http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW1669Table-161011.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

(a) The total amount the Department has paid to date for the Seriti Commission is R 18 817 547.49. This was paid to appointed attorney’s firm Bowman, Gilfillan Incorporated, who in turn appointed three senior Counsel.

(b) The breakdown of the expenditure is a follows

CDLS/R/504/3/1

Item: 35059017 Serie: 11007443730 Legal Fees

2013/14 Financial Year

	Date	Invoice Number	Amount	Funding Total	Year Total
1	31-Oct-13	S6064206	1 104 643.68
		S6066538	2714429.53	3 819 073.21
2	18- Nov-13	S6067788	427343.66
		S6066474	1202855.80	1 630 199.46
3	04-Dec-14	S6069707	1473258.92	1 473 258.92
4	30-Jan-14	S6071637	213630.65	213 630.65	7136162.24

2014/2015 Financial Year

5	18-Apr-14	S6071637	213630.65
		S6075860	262760.26
		S6073864	100496.59	576 887.50
6	06-May-14	S6077431	929360.18
		S6078844	1241211.95	2 170 572.13
7	05-Jun-14	S6081498	1496880.40	1 496 880.40
8	13-Aug-14	S6086140	602399.95
		S6083245	413560.00
		S6082328	340272.04	1 356 231.99
9	08-Aug-14	S6090579	532932.35
		S6087379	416023.34
		S6088837	260047.16	1 209 002.85
10	28-Jan-15	S6095194	127782.11
		S6092750	408815.02	536 597.13	7 346 172.00
2015/2016 Financial Year
11	29-Apr-15	S6101291	2484828.23	2 484 828.23
12	02-Jun-15	S6098299	143553.72
		S6102711	26760.71	170 314.43
13	14-Aug-15	S6104314	234901.81
		S6105771	434471.69
		S6106678	834371.61	1503745.11
		S6108888	176325.48	176 325.48	4 335 213.25
Total Expenditure		18 817 547.49	18 817 547.49

Reply:

South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

1. (a) Regulation 91.07.16(2) prohibits, as from 1 January 2016, Chapter 2 from operating in the South African airspace. (b) The said regulation was published on Government Gazette No. 39339 of 30 October 2015. The regulations introduced by the said Gazette came into force 30 days after publication. However, regulation 91.07.16(2) prevented the operation of Chapter 2 aircraft as from 1 January 2016. (c) South Africa has an obligation to implement Standards and Recommended Practices issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the form of Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) to which South Africa is a member. ICAO required all its Member States to phase out Chapter 2 aircraft. (d) The prohibition came into effect from 1 January 2016.

2. There are no specified exemptions. In terms of Regulation 11.04.1, the Director of Civil Aviation may exempt an applicant from any requirement prescribed in the regulations. The procedure for applying for an exemption is prescribed by Regulation 11.04.2. To date, there has not been an application made to the Director of Civil Aviation for an exemption from the requirements prescribed in Regulation 91.07.16(2).

Reply:

(1) (i) 2014-15

Amount Funding	Funding used for:
R250 000.00	Interpretive Signage Interpretative Signage on the island and Nelson Mandela Gateway

(ii) 2015-2016

Amount Funding	Funding used for:
R10 000 000.00	Destination Development As part of Destination Development, a three year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Department and Robben Island Museum (RIM) made provision for the transfer of funds for implementation of various initiatives that seeks to strengthen the product offering, promote job creation, increase revenue and ultimately enhance the overall visitor experience. These initiatives include: Capacity development of tourist guides, Digitisation of the Mayibuye (Tapes) Archives, Conversion of existing buildings into a visitor information centre, Introducing additional food and beverage facilities (restaurant), Developing a crafts centre to produce memorabilia for sale on the island, Introducing an open day with free tours for South Africans, Developing and enriching the narratives of the RIM App. Project implementation commenced in the 2016/17 financial year.
R125 827.00	Capacity Building Programme Capacity building programme for front line staff at three World Heritage Sites, Robben Island Museum; uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site and Richtersveld World Heritage Site aimed at enhancing the visitor experience

(iii) 2016-2017

(a)Amount Funding	(b) Funding used for:
R25 000 000 .00	Energy Efficient Project As part of a broader pilot initiative to retro-fit a number of identified iconic and strategic state-owned attractions with renewable energy generation solutions, the Department has appointed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor to design, construct and commission a solar photovoltaic installation at Robben Island.
R 76 827.00	Service Excellence Programme The department is currently implementing the Service Excellence Programme at Robben Island. The aim of the programme is to ensure that service levels are improved at all service points.

Section 1. c, d and e

Not applicable.

Section 2

Not applicable.

The management and daily operations of the Robben Island Museum resides within the mandate of the Department of Arts and Culture.

Reply:

1. Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College has 6 campuses, namelyBarberton, Kanyamazane, Mapulaneng (Acornhoek), Mlumati, Mthimba and the Nelspruit campuses. The Matsulu Centre came into being as a result of the community of Matsulu approaching the College for a campus. The College agreed to take over a dilapidated infrastructure used formally as a youth centre with the intention of revitalising it as a skills centre. Processes are underway to have the infrastructure officially handed over to the College by the Department of Public Works. Whilst the negotiations ensued regarding the transfer of the infrastructure, the National Rural Youth Service Corps(NARYSEC) requested the College to assist in providing infrastructure for the offering of some of their programmes. The College heeded the call with a view for it to use part of the facilities whilst building renovations are underway.

Campus	Category	BUDGET PER YEAR
		(aa) 2013-14	(bb) 2014-15	(cc) 2015-16	(dd)2016-17
Mapulaneng (Acornhoek)	Maintenance	R900 000	R1 545 000	R2 520 000	R1 635 000
	Upgrading	R3 350 000	R5 850 000	R3 350 000	R3 350 000
Matsulu	Maintenance	The College did not have the Satellite in this financial year.	The College did not have the Satellite in this financial year.	0	R200 000
	Upgrading	The College did not have the Satellite in this financial year.	The College did not have the Satellite in this financial year.	0	R5 000 000

2. TheMatsulu Skills Centre is not being utilised by the College as a Campus, as it is being prepared to be a Skills and Artisan Development Centre in 2017.The College is only providing classrooms for rental at Matsuluto the Department of Rural Development for the roll out of the NARYSEC Programme.

The Mapulaneng Campus offers no NARYSEC programmes.

NARYSEC Programme	Delivery Site	Service Provider	Programme Cost	Course duration
Community Water Health and Sanitation Facilitation (L4)	Matsulu	Lekopani	R780 000 26 learners	1 year March 2016-February 2017
Electrical Engineering Renewable Energy (L2)	Matsulu	Lekopani	R480 000 24 learners	1 year March 2016-February 2017
End-User Computing (L3)	Matsulu	Lekopani	R540 000 24 learners	1 year March 2016-February 2017
Automotive Repairs and Maintenance (L2)	Matsulu	Lekopani	R432 000 24 learners	1 year March 2016-February 2017

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1983 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DATE:

Reply:

Informed by the policy trajectory of the White Paper for post-school education and training, the Department has projected a cumulative student enrolment target of 990 000 students by 2019. The cumulative target can be broken down into annual targets of 320 000, 330 000 and 340 000 for 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. The achievement of the target is subject to the availability of an appropriate budget allocation for Programme 6. In the absence of any additional funding for the Programme, these targets may need to be adjusted downwards to align them with the current budget allocation for the Programme.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 2119 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

1. An assessment of the 2015 Annual Financial Statements submitted by universities to the Department of Higher Education and Training on 30 June 2016 shows that, by 31 December 2015:

(a) North-West University and the University of Venda had incurred deficits on their Council controlled unrestricted funds, whilst the University of South Africa had incurred deficits on both its operations and Council controlled unrestricted funds; and

(b) five Universities of Technology, namely: Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and Vaal University of Technology, incurred deficits on both their operations and Council controlled unrestricted funds.

Table 1: 2015 Annual Financial Statements: Deficits incurred

No	Name of institution	Operating surplus	Council controlled unrestricted surplus
		(Deficit)	(Deficit)
		R'000	R'000
Universities
1	North-West University	80 965	(5 828)
2	University of Venda	34 439	(17 830)
3	University of South Africa	(358 577)	(365 938)
Universities of Technology
4	Cape Peninsula University of Technology	(25 972)	(72 191)
5	Central University of Technology	(18 950)	(16 717)
6	Mangosuthu University of Technology	(20 268)	(16 544)
7	Tshwane University of Technology	(64 116)	(72 701)
8	Vaal University of Technology	(32 160)	(13 545)

2. The Department provides financial assistance to each institution through the funding framework for universities. This is made up of a block grant subsidy and a range of earmarked grants, including National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. Block grant funds are Council controlled unrestricted funds mainly used to fund teaching and learning, and operational activities. Earmarked funds are utilised to steer developments in the system, for example, access to higher education to previously excluded groups through NSFAS, and infrastructure renewal and development. It is the fiduciary responsibility of each university to ensure that they manage their finances effectively and efficiently. Institutions receive funding from different sources, including the Department and must work within their budgets to ensure their long-term sustainability.

3. No, the Minister does not intend to close any university within the next five years. The 2015 audited financial statements of all eight institutions have been prepared as a going concern based on the principle that the institutions will remain in operation for the foreseeable future.

National Treasury has undertaken a recent study to model the cost implications of expanding public higher education, within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, to meet the National Development Plan targets by 2030. This has been done on the assumption that a cost-sharing model, as is currently implemented across the system, will continue. The Department will work with National Treasury to provide input for high-level policy decisions to adequately fund the PSET sector, including universities, in order to ensure the sustainability of a quality PSET system and ensure affordable higher education for all.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1768 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

1. Yes.

     (a) – (d) Not Applicable.

      (i) The last performance assessment was for the 2014/15 performance cycle.

      (ii) The HOD’s performance was significantly higher than the standard expected in the job.

2. The HOD signed a performance agreement.

     (a) – (b) Not Applicable.

3. The HOD received a performance bonus.

    (a) The HOD received an above performance satisfactory rating.

    (b) The assessment was done in line with the criteria found in Chapter 4 of the Senior Management Services Public Service Handbook.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 2057 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

South Africa’s main coking coal resources occur in the Greater Soutpansberg Coalfield with a total Coal Resource of approximately 8.7 billion tonnes. Of this resource, only 2.4 billion tonnes are mineable and of this mineable resource 400 million tonnes (20%) is hard coking coal. The challenge is the relatively low yield of the hard coking coal.

Blast Furnace technology uses coke to produce steel, mainly used by AMSA locally and to a limited extent by other smaller steel producers. There is a new coking coal project being developed in Makhado in Limpopo. Other significant reserves of coking coal is in the Moatize Basin (Tete, Mozambique). Southern Africa has limited metallurgical coking coal available. All the local options are characterised by high Sulphur content that, I am advised, affects the “hot strength” of the coke in the blast furnace.

In light of the above, the Department has not, to date, developed a detailed plan on leveraging existing coking coal deposits.

-END-

Reply:

1. This was a planned visit to Cuba to his counterpart to strengthen military relations between the two defence forces and to further pay a visit to the SANDF members studying in Cuba to check on their progress.

The Chief of the SANDF did not stop over in France as was previously envisaged to deal with matters pertaining to the Centenary Commemoration of the Battle of Arque la Bataille and Deville Wood – where South African soldiers who died during the World War 1 were laid to rest in France.

2. Travelling expenses are budgeted for by each Service or Division as per their requirements and according to plans.

Reply:

(1) Yes.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) No


Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-.... .. ..... ..... .. / ....... ... .. .. ... ./2016

Reply:

1)   Foskor’s acid plant discards approximately 2.0 Million tons of gypsum annually at the current acid production level of 500 000 tons per annum. In general the acid plant produces approximately four tons of gypsum for each ton of acid production. FOSKOR believes that there are no negative environmental consequences of dumping gypsum into the sea and FOSKOR advanced the following reasons:

a.   The chemical formula of the gypsum is “5CaSO4•2H2O” which is Calcium Sulphate in its di-hydrate form. It dissolves in the sea water and formulate Calcium and Sulphate ions which are natural elements constituent of soil and not harmful to any marine life at the level of concentration it is dumped.

b.  The volume and concentration of the gypsum discarded into the sea, is managed by Mhlathuze Water Board through the Nsezi Water Treatment Plant which removes sludge and add sea water before disposing industrial waste from six industrial uses including Foskor into the sea. This disposal is undertaken under a license issued by the Department of Water Services in November 2002 to Mhlathuze Water Board which is responsible to ensure that disposal is undertaken within the required quality and quantity specified in the license condition.

I have taken note of FOSKOR’s assurance on the matter. I am in addition requesting an independent opinion on the environmental aspects of the current discharge of gypsum.

2)   I am advised that, to date, no feasibility studies have been conducted to determine how much sulphur could economically be extracted from the discarded gypsum because the technology required to extract does not exist at commercial level. 

Based on the state of the sulphur market, the likely capital cost of the investment, and the limitations in terms of technology, the IDC believes that it remains questionable whether the extraction of sulphur will be commercially feasible. However, Foskor will continue to monitor developments in technologies and will conduct a feasibility study when warranted.

-END-

Reply:

The Department has had a technical discussion with the Meraka Institute’s team, which is driving the national rollout of the South African National Research Education Network (SANReN) network. The main purpose of SANReN is to connect all research and higher education institutions to the internet through an ultra-high-speed (20Mbps) and high capacity 10 GigaByte network. SANReN currently has sufficient infrastructure including high-speed fibre rings and spurs, backhaul from SEACOM landing, rented access circuits and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) access circuits from Telkom. The Department has a plan to extend the SANReN services in the most cost-effective way to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

To enable equity and equality of services to all colleges, the Department is in the process of implementing the SANReN network at TVET colleges with the Department being responsible for capital expenses, viz. Access Network Circuits from the POP to the campus, networking equipment and campus Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi).

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 2120 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

(a) (i) The Chief Financial Officer has the following qualifications:

• Hons BCom: Commerce
• Masters in Business Leadership

     (ii) Not applicable.

(b) (i) The Director-General has the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Higher Diploma in Education
• Bachelor of Education
• Masters in Education
• Diploma in Labour Law

    (ii) Not applicable.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 2022 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

DATE:

Reply:

(a)(i) Chief Financial Officer – Bachelor of Commerce

(a)(ii) Not applicable

(b)(i) Director-General – Baccalareus Juris and Magister in Governance and Political Transformation

(b)(ii) Not applicable