Questions and Replies
17 October 2016 - NW1986
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Did he institute any internal disciplinary actions against each (a) employee and (b) former employee, excluding the deputy directors-general, of his department who were involved with the Media Corner contract; if not, why not; if so, (i) how many of the specified persons were subjected to disciplinary actions, (ii) what was the nature of the charges against each such person, (iii) what is the status of each disciplinary process still underway and (iv) what was the outcome of each disciplinary action completed to date; 2. What is the current status of the civil proceedings instituted by his department against Media Corner?
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 .
17 October 2016 - NW1987
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) Whether the National Broadband Advisory Council, appointed by Cabinet in line with the SA Connect policy, has formally been disbanded; if so, (a) when and (b) why was the specified council disbanded; if not, (2) Have new councillors been appointed to the council in the past three financial years; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the councillors and (b) on what date were the specified appointments approved by Cabinet; (3) Whether the Cabinet’s approval was required for the disbanding of the specified council; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the full relevant details; (4) What (a) is the current role of the council and (b) are the full details of all interactions that have taken place between him and the council in the past three financial years?
Reply:
DATE OF REPLY:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
1. The National Broadband Advisory Council (NBAC) was not appointed by Cabinet. As outlined in the SA Connect Policy, Digital Readiness Policy decision taken states that “the Minister of Communications (now DTPS) appoints broadband Council to advise on the implementation of policy and emerging policy issues”. The NBAC has not been disbanded, the Minister has tasked the Department to review and recommend ways to reconfigure the functioning of the Council in an optimal manner to ensure that its role is efficiently realised in advising the Minister on the implementation of SA Connect.
2. No new Council members have been appointed.
3. Cabinet’s approval is not required.
4. (a) As mentioned in (1), currently, the Council does not have a specific role that it is involved in pending the Council review exercise by the Minister. (b) In August 2015, the Minister met with the Council Chairperson to discuss the role and functions of the Council. As a result, the Minister took a decision to review the Council’s functions and roles with the objective of appropriately reconfiguring the Council in order to derive maximum value.
17 October 2016 - NW1779
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)Whether, in line with recommendation 1 of the report of the Ministerial Task Team to Investigate Allegations into the Selling of Posts of Educators by Members of Teacher Unions and Departmental Officials in Provincial Education Departments, the alleged illegal actions by educators identified by the specified report has been reported to the SA Police Service for further investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each case in terms of the (a) names of (i) those alleged to be involved in the specified illegal actions and (ii) the schools involved and (b) the case numbers of each of the specified cases; (2) has she engaged the Minister of Police to dedicate resources to the specified cases to ensure fair and expeditious resolution; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2087E
Reply:
1. (a) (i) (ii) and (b) The findings and recommendations of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT), including cases that require the attention of the South African Police Service (SAPS), have been sent to the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to take action against the alleged illegal actions. In terms of Section 3 of the Employment of Educators Act, read with the Disciplinary Code and Procedures for Educators (Schedule 2 of the Employment of Educators Act), the employer of these educators that allegedly sold the posts, is the Head of Department of each implicated Provincial Education Department, hence all cases have been referred to the relevant PED. The relevant details such as (a) names and schools of those involved as well as (b) case numbers will be considered for disclosure after the PEDs have submitted their progress reports at the end of September 2016.
2. No, the Minister has not engaged the Minister of Police as it is expected that each case must be dealt with closer to where the alleged criminal act has occurred.
17 October 2016 - NW1788
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, in line with recommendation 7 of the report of the Ministerial Task Team to Investigate Allegations into the Selling of Posts of Educators by Members of Teacher Unions and Departmental Officials in Provincial education departments, she is taking steps to ensure that (a) principals are selected by means of panels which have the resources to evaluate the competence and suitability of the candidates for their leadership, management, academic, experiential and professional abilities, (b) panels include educators of suitable rank and experience, (c) pre-interviewing testing of candidates occurs and the results are available to the panel members, (d) the interviewing panels are convened by the district managers and (e) a departmental representative is available as a suitably prepared resources person, having, for example, full details of the schools for which the interviews are being held; if not, in each case, (i) why not and (ii) what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) Yes, the Department is in the process of reviewing the provisions stipulated on B5 of the Performance Administrative Measures (PAM) gazetted on 12 February 2016 that outlines the process of advertising and filling of educator posts, draft Guideline Procedure for the Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Promotion of Educators in order to enhance the professional image and Competencies of School Principals has been developed.
(b) The new appointment procedures, when finalised, will determine which officials constitute part of the panels for interviews.
(c) The National Development Plan calls for a change in the appointment process to ensure that competent individuals are attracted to become school principals. As in other senior management positions, candidates should undergo a competency assessment to determine their suitability and identify the areas in which they would need development and support. No determination has been made yet as to whether the competency assessment will be performed in-house or outsourced. These measures will be designed to give effect to the provisions of the National Development Plan and to improve the recruitment of competent school managers. School deputy principals and principals will be selected from candidates who possess appropriate managerial competences. These procedures are drawn from the basis that strong and competent School Management Teams are essential in improving the public schooling system.
(d) It is imperative that public school managers be selected from those candidates who have been evaluated and certified as possessing the competencies and proficiencies deemed necessary for success in the field. For effective appointment to take place, the Department will play a more central and influential role.
(e)(i) The roles and responsibilities of resource persons are provided for in the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) Collective Agreement on the Advertising and Filling of Educator Posts (ELRC Resolution 5 of 1998. Issues related to composition of the panels, pre-interviewing testing of candidates, district resource person, etc. will be addressed in the new draft procedures which have to undergo processes of negotiations with an aim of amending the existing Collective Agreement.
(ii) In each interview the Provincial Education Department makes available resource a person, who ought to be competent in performing their duties.
17 October 2016 - NW1994
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) Who signed the ICT Plan of Action between South Africa and China in Cape Town in June 2015 and (b) why were he and the Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Miao Wei, not the signatories of the specified agreement; (2) what (a) actions have been implemented in terms of the agreement and (b) is each of the specified action’s current status? NW2305E
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(1) (a) The ICT Plan of Action (POA) between South Africa and China was signed in Cape on 08 June 2015 by the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services from South Africa, Dr Siyabonga Cwele and the Minister of Industry and Information Technology from China, Mr Miao Wei.
(b) See 1(a) above.
(2)(a)(b) The POA involves nine (9) areas of collaboration and some progress has been made in the following areas:
RSA-China PoA Implementation Plan since signing in 2015 (Q1994)
Status |
|
Broadband Infraco (BBI), a state owned entity, has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Telecom to boost investment in telecommunications. In April 2016, Mustek Limited Group (South African Company) signed a multimillion Rand investment Agreement with the Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable (Chinese Company). |
|
In light of the fact that South Africa recently launched a Cyber Security hub, South Africa and China are sharing information and experiences in the area of Cyber Security. As part of ongoing implementation of the POA, the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Prof. Mkhize hosted the Vice Minister of Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ms Wang Xiujun. The two Principals hosted an Internet Roundtable from 13-14 May 2016 in Durban. The Internet Roundtable was attended by ICT Industry and SMME’s from both countries. The meeting was used as a platform to discuss and share expertise in different areas such as Internet Information Infrastructure, e-commerce, electronic manufacturing, Cyber security, e-government & smart cities. Discussions on securing the online activities to ensure that technology provides secure platforms for e-identity are ongoing. China is also advanced in the area of e-identity and has developed legislation in this regard. |
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The Digital Object Architecture (DOA) – recently approved by Cabinet for domestic implementation. Department currently engaged in bilateral discussions with the government of China since they are one of BRICS member countries that have implemented the DOA successfully. |
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The South African Government is collaborating with China Telecommunications and Huawei in capacity building and e-skills development programmes. Currently:
|
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See above in relation to technology transfer (Joint Innovation Hub). |
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An Official Working Visit focusing on e-government was undertaken to China in April 2016. Furthermore, e-government was discussed during the Bilateral Meeting between the Vice Minister of Cyberspace Administration of China and the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services in April 2016. |
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Well developed and small MME’s participated during RSA-China Internet Roundtable held from 13-14 April 2016. Big cooperates have been requested to incubate the small SMMEs for developmental purposes. |
17 October 2016 - NW1782
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, with reference to the report of the ministerial task team to investigate allegations into the selling of posts of educators by members of teacher unions and departmental officials in provincial education departments, implicated educators (a) Mr NW-6, (b) Mr MPU-6, (c) Mr MPU-7, (d) Mr EC-3, (e) Mr EC-4, (f) Mr EC-25 and/or (g) Mr EC-37 have been suspended pending the outcome of forensic and/or police investigations; if not, why not; if so, on which date was each of the specified educators suspended?
Reply:
No one has been suspended pending any investigation. Provincial Education Departments have indicated that there was no need to take such steps. “Precautionary suspension” is an interim measure imposed, not as a disciplinary sanction, but for reasons of orderly administration. The employer must have valid and fair reason for imposing a precautionary suspension or transfer against an educator.
In the case of serious misconduct in terms of Section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act, the employer may suspend the educator on full pay for a maximum period of three (3) months. In the case of misconduct in terms of Section 18 of the same Act, the employer may also suspend an educator in accordance with the procedure contemplated in item 6 (1) of Schedule 2 of the Act, or transfer the educator to another post if the employer believes that the presence of the educator may jeopardise any investigation into the alleged misconduct, or endanger the well-being or safety of any person at the work-place.
17 October 2016 - NW1989
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether the (a) board and/or (b) members of the executive management of the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa have undertaken any overseas trips since 1 April 2015; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what was the (aa) purpose, (bb) destination, (cc) duration, (dd) programme and (ee) outcome of each overseas trip that was undertaken, (ii) who went on each of the specified trips and (iii) what is the detailed breakdown of the costs of each of the trips?
Reply:
I have been informed by USAASA as follows:
(a) Nine (9) overseas trips were undertaken by the Board members
(b) Seventeen (17) overseas trips were undertaken by members of the Executive Management since 01 April 2015.
(i)(aa-ee) and (ii-iii) See attached Annexure A which reflects the purposes, duration, destination, outcomes and detailed cost breakdowns of the overseas trips undertaken by members of the USAASA Board and Executive Management during the period 01 April to September 2016.
17 October 2016 - NW1984
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) On what date was the employment contract of a certain person (name and details furnished) terminated and (b) why was it terminated; (2) Did the Special Investigating Unit’s investigation into (a) the contract of a certain company (name furnished) and/or (b) any other contract recommend that any civil and/or criminal action be taken against the specified person; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether his (a) Ministry and/or (b) department has instituted any criminal and/or civil action against the person for being involved in the contract of the specified company and/or any other contract; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details
Reply:
1 (a) Ms. Rosey Sekese’s employment as Director-General of my department was terminated on 31 May 2016.
(b) Ms Rosey Sekese was found guilty of multiple counts of misconduct and the sanction imposed by the chairperson was that of dismissal , which was given effect to.
2. The Special Investigating Unit has not yet reported to the President regarding the issue in question.
3. No.
17 October 2016 - NW1757
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What arrangements has her department made to repair or rebuild the various schools that were torched during violent service delivery protests in the Malamulele and Vuwani area, (b) what is the cost of the specified repairs or rebuilds to date and (c) by what date will the repairs or rebuilds be completed?
Reply:
(a) The schools that were damaged during the Vuwani uprisings have been assessed and the extent of the damaged has been determined and costed.
(b) It is estimated that an amount of R462 million will be required to rebuild, renovate, repair and provide all the requisite spaces at these schools.
(c) A request for funding has been submitted to the National Treasury and the timelines for the projects can only be provided as soon as availability of funding is confirmed.
17 October 2016 - NW1993
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) How many meetings have been held by each of the four chambers reporting to the National ICT Forum, (b) when was each of the specified meetings held, (c) did each meeting quorate and (d) what decisions and/or plans of action were made at each of the meetings?
Reply:
I have been informed by Department :
(a) The number of meetings held by the four (4) chambers reporting to the National ICT Forum are as follows:
Social Chamber – five (5)
Economic Chamber – three (3)
Governance and Security Chamber – three (3)
ICTs and Disability Chamber – four (4)
b) Each of the specified meetings were held on the following dates:
Social Chamber – 21 August 2015, 27 November 2015, 19 February 2016, 13 June 2016, and 9 September 2016.
Economic Chamber – 25 August 2015, 03 March 2016, and 27 September 2016.
Governance and Security Chamber – 17 August 2015, 07 December 2015, and 20 May 2016.
ICTs and Disability Chamber – 10 September 2015, 02 December 2015, 17 March 2016, and 20 July 2016.
c) Yes, each of the meetings did quorate.
d) Decisions/ plans of action made at each of the meetings are as follows:
Social Chamber
21 August 2015
- The draft terms of reference for the National ICT Forum was endorsed
- Agreement was reached on the issues to be tackled by the chamber
27 November 2015
- Working group conveners were nominated and appointed
- Portal for the National ICT Forum was proposed
- The chamber’s terms of reference was adopted
19 February 2016
- Working group terms of reference was agreed upon
- Scoping for the working groups was developed
13 June 2016
- Development and adoption of template for working group activities
- Key stakeholders for the work of the chamber were identified
9 September 2016
- Draft work programme of the chamber aligned with the DTPS Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets
- Working group reports were consolidated in preparation for meeting with the Minister
- The focus of the e-Agriculture Working Group was clarified
Economic Chamber
25 August 2015
- Draft terms of reference for the National ICT Forum was endorsed
- Agreement was reached on issues to be tackled by the chamber
03 March 2016
- Chairpersons of working groups were nominated and appointed
- Chamber’s draft work programme was endorsed
- Presentation for the National ICT Forum Workshop prepared
27 September 2016
- Presentation for National ICT Forum follow-up workshop was developed
- The chamber’s draft programme of action was endorsed
Governance and Security Chamber
17 August 2015
- Draft terms of reference for the National ICT Forum was endorsed
- Scoping for the chamber work was proposed
- Key stakeholders were identified
07 December 2015
- Draft terms of reference of the chamber was endorsed
- Working group conveners were nominated and appointed
- Draft terms of reference for the chamber was endorsed
20 May 2016
- Working group reports and draft programmes of action were consolidated
- The chamber’s draft programme of action was endorsed
- Presentation for National ICT Forum Workshop developed
ICTs and Disability Chamber
10 September 2015
- Confirmation of the Chairperson of the chamber
- Establishment of the Accessibility and Affordability Working Group
02 December 2015
- Scoping for the chamber developed and agreed
- Task Teams and confirmation of their chairpersons
17 March 2016
- The chamber’s draft programme of action was developed
- Presentation for the National ICT Forum Workshop was developed
20 July 2016
- The chamber’s draft programme of action was endorsed
- Presentation for the National ICT Forum Follow-up Workshop was developed
17 October 2016 - NW2096
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
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 (aa) television channels and (bb) radio stations, (iii) national commercial radio stations and (iv) community (aa) television and (bb) radio stations (aaa) in the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) since 1 April 2016?
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.
(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.
(iii) 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.
(iv) (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.
(b) (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 |
(a) 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.
17 October 2016 - NW2091
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Health
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 (aa) television channels and (bb) radio stations, (iii) national commercial radio stations and (iv) community (aa) television and (bb) radio stations (aaa) in the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) since 1 April 2016?
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.
14 October 2016 - NW1871
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether any funds have been put aside by (a) her department and/or (b) the Government to subsidise the selling of state-subsidised houses by recipients who wish to sell their respective properties within the period of 8 years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
14 October 2016 - NW1870
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a) What is the total number of state-subsidised houses that required rectification in each metropolitan municipality in the (i) (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14, (cc) 2014-15 and (dd) 2015-16 financial years and (ii) since 1 June 2016 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the total amount that each of the specified metropolitan municipalities spent on the rectification of the specified state-subsidised houses?
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.
14 October 2016 - NW1872
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(1)Whether there were any delays in the process of appointing the new Chief Executive Officer of the Small Enterprise Development Agency in August 2016; if not, why did it take nearly 12 months to appoint a certain person (name and details furnished); if so, why was the specified process delayed; (2) Whether the specified person was the best candidate for the specified position; if not, (a) why not; (b) who was the best candidate and (c) why was the specified person appointed to the specified position?”
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.
14 October 2016 - NW2114
McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister in The Presidency: Women
What amount did (a) her Office and (b) each entity reporting to her 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) in the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) since 1 April 2016?
Reply:
Not applicable.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date………………………..
14 October 2016 - NW2059
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)Whether each Head of Department (HOD) of her department signed a performance agreement since their appointment; if not, (a) what is the total number of HODs who have not signed performance agreements, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has she taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate?
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.
14 October 2016 - NW2046
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
(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, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has he taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate?
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.
14 October 2016 - NW2028
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
What formal qualifications does each of his department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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
14 October 2016 - NW2098
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
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 (aa) television channels and (bb) radio stations, (iii) national commercial radio stations and (iv) community (aa) television and (bb) radio stations (aaa) in the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) since 1 April 2016?
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
14 October 2016 - NW2011
Balindlela, Ms ZB to ask the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
What formal qualifications does each of his department’s (a) (i) Chief Financial Officers and /or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b) (i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess
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
14 October 2016 - NW2024
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What formal qualifications does each of her department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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.
13 October 2016 - NW1815
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)(a) What is the extent of the water infrastructure maintenance being undertaken in the Mopani District in Limpopo and (b) why did the cost of the specified project increase from R 94,4 million to R 502,6 million in three months; (2) (a) Who has been appointed as contractor(s) on the specified project, (b) what amount has been paid to the specified contractor(s) to date and (c) what is the current status of the specified project; (3) Did the specified project go out on tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that made submissions for the specified tender and (b) what is the name of the company that was awarded the specified tender?
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---
13 October 2016 - NW2096
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
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 (aa) television channels and (bb) radio stations, (iii) national commercial radio stations and (iv) community (aa) television and (bb) radio stations (aaa) in the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) since 1 April 2016?
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.
- 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.
- (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.
- (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 |
- 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.
13 October 2016 - NW2035
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What formal qualifications does each of her department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess? NW2346E
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.
13 October 2016 - NW1687
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to her reply to question 1280 on 24 May 2016, (a) what was the total cost of appointing a certain consulting firm (name furnished) to facilitate, adjudicate and make recommendations to the Armaments Corporation of SA (Armscor) and her department for the intended lease of a BBJ VVIP aircraft, (b)(i) why was the specified consulting firm appointed and (ii) what distinguished it from other companies, (c) why was it necessary to appoint the specified consulting firm and not rely on Armscor’s expertise solely and (d) were any additional costs incurred above the R65 million fee already paid to the specified consulting firm; (2) whether she is aware that a certain person (name and details furnished) is a former board member of the specified consulting firm; if not, why not; if so, what is the position in this regard; (3) whether she has put any measures in place to ensure that any undue influences (a) have not been present to date and (b) will not be present in the future process to procure new VVIP aircraft; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
13 October 2016 - NW1980
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
By what date will the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Immigration regarding the amendment of the immigration regulations relating to (a) the requirement of unabridged certificates when travelling with minors and (b) visa exemptions for Brics countries be implemented?
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.
13 October 2016 - NW2065
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)Whether each Head of Department (HOD) of her department signed a performance agreement since their appointment; if not, (a) what is the total number of HODs who have not signed performance agreements, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has she taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate?
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
13 October 2016 - NW2026
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What formal qualifications does each of his department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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
13 October 2016 - NW2030
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What formal qualifications does each of her department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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.
13 October 2016 - NW2061
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
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, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has he taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; 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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; 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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate?
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.
13 October 2016 - NW2016
Atkinson, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What formal qualifications does each of her department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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.
12 October 2016 - NW1973
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(a) What number of legal municipal invoices did each (i) national and (ii) provincial department not pay within the prescribed 30 days of receipt of the specified invoices as at (aa) 30 June 2014, (bb) 30 June 2015 and (cc) 30 June 2016 and (b) which municipalities were affected in each case?
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.
12 October 2016 - NW1975
Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) produced a report on suspicious and unusual payments allegedly relating to a senior official employed by the SA Revenue Service (Sars) (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, when was the specified report produced; (2) whether the FIC referred the specified report to (a) Sars, (b) the SA Police Service and/or (c) any other organ of state; if not, in each case, why not; if so, in each case, (i) when and (ii) why was the report referred; (3) whether the FIC co-operated in assisting, advising and guiding Sars in dealing with the matters raised in the report; if not, why not; if so, (a) what has he found to be the basis for a certain person (name and details furnished) to claim there was a lack of co-operation from the FIC and (b) what are the details of the co-operation provided by the FIC to Sars?
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.
12 October 2016 - NW2045
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What formal qualifications does each of his department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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).
12 October 2016 - NW1972
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What number of legal invoices did each (a) national and (b) provincial department not pay within the prescribed 30 days of receipt of the specified invoices as at (i) 30 June 2014, (ii) 30 June 2015 and (iii) 30 June 2016?
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 |
12 October 2016 - NW2080
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(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, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has he taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate?
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.
12 October 2016 - NW1894
Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the SA Revenue Service received a report concerning alleged suspicious and unusual payments to a certain person (Jonas Makwakwa), if not, why not; if so (a) which organ of state produced the specified report and (b) when was the specified report received; 2) whether the specified report was referred for further investigation; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was the specified report referred for further investigation and (b) to which organ of state was the specified report referred to; 3) whether the specified person was suspended; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was he suspended and (b) why was he suspended; 4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
The following response was submitted by the South African Revenue Service (SARS):
- “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.
12 October 2016 - NW2115
McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What amount did (a) his Office and (b) each entity reporting to him 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) in the 2015-16 financial year and (bbb) since 1 April 2016?
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.
11 October 2016 - NW1981
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)(a) What amount in funding did his department provide for the Robben Island Museum in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years, (b) what was the funding used for, (c) how many visitors visited the specified museum in each of the specified financial years, (d) how much revenue was generated and (e) how many ferry boats were in operation in each of the financial years; (2) whether any problems have been experienced with any of the ferry boats in the financial years; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?NW2292E
Reply:
(1) (i) 2014-15
|
|
R250 000.00 |
Interpretive Signage Interpretative Signage on the island and Nelson Mandela Gateway |
(ii) 2015-2016
|
|
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:
|
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.
11 October 2016 - NW898
Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
(1) has he earned any additional income from businesses, in particular businesses doing work for the Government, since his appointment as Minister; if so, (a) when, (b) how much did he earn, (c) from which businesses and (d) for what work; (2) whether his (a) spouse, (b) children and (c) close family earned income from businesses, in particular businesses doing work for the Government, through his appointment as Minister; if so, in respect of each case, (i) when, (ii) how much did each earn, (iii) from which businesses and (iv) for what work?
Reply:
1) No
a) Not applicable
b) Not applicable
c) Not applicable
d) Not applicable
2) No
(i) Not applicable
(ii) Not applicable
(iii) Not applicable
(iv) Not applicable
11 October 2016 - NW1768
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)What is the current deficit carried by each of the country’s (a) universities and (b) universities of technology; (2) whether he intends to provide financial assistance to each of the specified (a) universities and (b) universities of technology in the (i) long and/or (ii) short term; if not, (aa) why not and (bb) what is the expected route that the specified universities will take; if so, (aaa) by how much and (bbb) by when in each case; (3) whether he intends to close any of the specified universities as a cost-saving measure; if not, what is his plan to render the sector viable over the next five years; if so, what are the relevant details?
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 |
||
|
|||
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) |
|
|||
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:
11 October 2016 - NW2023
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What formal qualifications does each of his department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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.
11 October 2016 - NW2022
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
What formal qualifications does each of his department’s (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess?
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:
11 October 2016 - NW2057
Groenewald, Mr HB to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(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, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has he taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate?
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:
11 October 2016 - NW1922
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether she has issued any regulations to prevent aircraft falling into Chapter 2 regarding aircraft noise classification from entering the South African airspace; if not, why not; if so, (a) which regulations were issued, (b) when did the specified regulations take place, (c) what are the reasons and (d) when did the specified regulations come into effect; (2) Whether there are any exemptions to the specified regulations; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) why are the specified exemptions in place?
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).
11 October 2016 - NW2037
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
What formal qualifications does each of his department's (a)(i) Chief Financial Officers and/or (ii) acting Chief Financial Officers and (b)(i) Directors-General and/or (ii) acting Directors-General possess ?
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
11 October 2016 - NW1983
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)What budgets were allocated for the (a) maintenance and (b) upgrading of the (i) Mapulaneng and (ii) Ehlanzeni technical and vocational education training colleges in Matsulu and Acornhoek in Mpumalanga in the (aa) 2013-14, (bb) 2014-15, (cc) 2015-16 and (dd) 2016-17 financial years; (2) whether service providers have been appointed to lecture National Rural Youth Service Corps students in each of the specified colleges; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who is the service provider and (b) what is the value of each tender awarded in each case?
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 |
|
|
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:
11 October 2016 - NW2063
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(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, (b) what is the reason in each case, (c) what action has he taken to rectify the situation and (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 and (ii) what were the results in each case; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the specified rate; (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 (b) what criteria were used to determine the rate? NW2374E
Reply:
(1) Yes.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) No
Approved/not approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-.... .. ..... ..... .. / ....... ... .. .. ... ./2016
11 October 2016 - NW2119
Mbatha, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
In view of his department’s plan to roll out nine community college centres in the country, what is the anticipated total number of citizens that would be reached by this programme in the next three years?
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: