Questions and Replies

Reply:

 

(1)

(a)(i) Research on environmental impacts of plastic shopping bags:

The department undertook a study to determine the impact of the Plastic Regulations in 2007. The impact of plastics on the environment is well documented through various institutions and as such the department does not have to undertake additional research but will rather use the already existing information.

(a)(ii) Research on potentially banning shopping bags:

The department is currently undertaking a study to determine possible management options for plastic waste in the country as part of the finalisation of the plastics and packaging industry waste management plan which will include alternative ways of managing plastics bags. With new and emerging technologies there are other innovative ways of managing plastic with the potential to create jobs. Only when all other options have been explored would we then consider the option of banning plastic bags.

(b)(i) Investigation into environmental impacts of shopping bags:

See (a)(i) above

(b)(ii) Investigation into potentially banning the use of plastic bags:

See (a)(ii) above.

(2) The department may consider banning plastics bags as an option within the comprehensive assessment of the management of plastic waste in South Africa. It will include this option in the finalisation of the Industry Waste Management Plan (IndWMP) for Plastics, Paper and Packaging. This IndWMP will facilitate and promote the recycling sector for this waste stream including plastic bags which will also determine the most appropriate management option for this waste stream.

 

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Reply:

Edenvale CAS 32/05/2015, the matter is still under investigation. Positive fingerprints were lifted on the scene, but he owner of the fingerprints is still not identified; meaning that the suspect is still unknown. Once identified, he/she will be traced.

Reply:

(1) The relevant details of outstanding water use licence applications (WULAs) in respect of each Province appear on Table 1 below.

Table 1: WULAs in process at the Department

Provincial Operation	Initial Assessment	Outstanding Information	Finalizing Assessment	Awaiting decision	Total
Eastern Cape	17	50	25	0	92
Free State	39	35	20	1	95
Gauteng	43	38	12	4	97
KwaZulu-Natal	6	33	10	0	49
Limpopo	52	24	125	0	201
Mpumalanga	266	30	31	1	328
Northern Cape	29	17	27	2	75
North West	123	38	40	0	201
Western Cape	121	10	57	0	188
Head Office	24	74	11	95	204
Total	720	349	358	103	1530

(2)(a) The year on which the application was made as depicted in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Year of application of water use licences in the Department

Provincial Operation	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	Total
Eastern Cape	0	11	8	26	30	17	92
Free State	0	16	16	22	41	0	95
Gauteng	3	12	23	15	43	1	97
KwaZulu-Natal	0	16	9	9	15	0	49
Limpopo	1	16	42	67	75	0	201
Mpumalanga	0	74	102	47	77	28	328
Northern Cape	0	2	13	23	28	9	75
North West	20	38	45	49	43	6	201
Western Cape	8	4	25	49	80	22	188
Head Office	96	67	27	13	1	0	204
Total	128	256	310	320	433	83	1530

(2)(b) Reasons for delays in water use licence applications are:

• Outstanding information from applicants, mainly in a form of technical on site studies.
• Complexity of applications and volumes of supporting documents.
• Internal specialist inputs are intensive and hence the turnaround time is protracted.

(2)(c) The expected dates of completion of the water use licence application.

Table 3: Expected dates of completion of the water use licence applications per category

Category	Number of WULAs	Expected date of completion
Initial Assessment	720	30-Mar-16
Outstanding Information	349	30-Dec-15
Finalizing Assessment	358	31-Oct-15
Await decision	103	30-Sep-15
Total	1530

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Reply:

(a) In terms of the PFMA, Act of 1999, with specific reference to section 38(j), The Department annual secures written assurance from SANTACO that it implements effective, efficient and transparent financial management and internal control systems. The aforesaid is in the form a Memorandum of Agreement signed annually between the Department and SANTACO. SANTACO receives the funding through quarterly payments, and they are also required to submit quarterly reports on expenditure.

(b) (i) The management and performance of SANTACO is overseen by its National Executive Committee. The Department in its Memorandum of Agreement oversees only the financial performance of SANTACO to ensure that there is transparency and accountability of the funds transferred.

(b)(aa) Please refer to response in (b) (i) above

(b) (cc) Please refer to response in (b) (i) above

 

Reply:

No generators were installed at any of my Department’s and Entities offices for load shedding purposes.

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Reply:

1. (i) (ii) The project consists of two phases: Rehabilitation of the N11 from Nkunzi River Bridge to One tree Hill which includes the sections between Sunset Rest and Fort Mistake. This phase of the project is 14,3 km long and was completed in April 2015. The total cost of the works were R255,5 million (rounded) including VAT and CPA.

The second phase between Ladysmith and Nkuzi River Bridge is in the design phase. The honourable member has unfortunately confused the locations of the project limits.

(aa) The first phase of the project that includes Sunset Rest and Fort Mistake consisted of, inter alia, the rehabilitation of the pavement and widening the cross section to 13,4 m. Your question NW2712E also makes reference to this portion of the road.

(bb)  As stated above, the first phase is complete. Construction of phase 2 will commence subsequent to the completion of the design and all relevant legislative permissions have been obtained; It is intended that this Contract commence around November 2015.

(cc) It is envisaged that the construction period will be between 18 and 24 months.

(dd)  The cost of construction is estimated at R850m.

(ee) The advertisement date will be determined once the design and legislative requirements have been finalised.

(2) SANRAL is committed to community development and allows for use of local labour on all its projects. The general labour will be recruited from the local communities.

Reply:

There are municipalities with outstanding invoices. However, since it is an outstanding invoice, it may still be in process to be paid by the particular municipality and payment thereof is awaited.

(1)	(2) municipality vehicles are registered with an e-tag in respect of each municipality in Gauteng
(a) List of Municipalities	(b) Amount Owed
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality	R351644	740
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality	R1796445 & R41938.38 (two accounts)	no information found on System using search criteria as described
Sedibeng District Municipality	R4026.45	47
Emfuleni Local Municipality	R127685	No cars registered with an e-tag
Lesedi Local Municipality	R111294	26
Midvaal Local Municipality	R3395	110

As the honourable member is aware the new etoll dispensation makes provision for all debtors to qualify for a 60% discount. Thus all the above amounts will be reduced by 60%.

Reply:

Requesting that the Honorable Member to refer to the response to NA 1305.

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Reply:

1. The Department does not currently monitor Barberspan or Chrissiesmeer for cyanobacteria, as they do not form part of the National Eutrophication Monitoring Programme (focused on dams). Both Barberspan and Chrissiesmeer are viewed as wetlands and will form part of the National Wetlands Monitoring Programme, which is currently being designed and will be implemented in 2016. For the other dams, the most recently available cyanobacterial counts are listed in the table below:

Dam	Cyanobacterial count (cells/ml) (including Anabeana, Arthrospira, Cylindrospermopsis, Lyngbya, Merismopedia, Microcystis and Oscillatoria
Hartbeespoort	22 342
Vaal	33 524
Spitskop	7 851
Koppies	Not available

2. Results can be provided for all the dams since 2011 as requested, except Barberspan and Chrissiesmeer. The data information can be viewed on the Directorate’s website - https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs.

3. Addressing cyanobacteria in dams requires a multidisciplinary approach with its foundation in catchment management.  Nutrient loading resulting from run-off in catchment where the dam is located, is the main reason for cyanobacterial blooms.

This loading takes place as a result of, inter alia, overloaded and / or dysfunctional waste water treatment works and agricultural run-off. DWS addresses this through collaboration with and guidance to local authorities, whom is responsible for operating these waste water treatment works.  The Green Drop project is an example of this, where the efficient operation of wastewater treatment works by municipalities is audited and scored.  Based on the outcome of this evaluation, guidance is provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to municipalities to assist them with adhering to the license conditions of the waste water treatment works. 

The DWS has also recently acquired the services of Cuban engineers to assist local municipalities with the improved operation of their waste water treatment works.

The Department developed a set of guidelines for eutrophication management, including best agricultural practices which, if implemented by farmers, will reduce the nutrient loading resulting from agricultural run-off.

A specific project on the Hartbeespoort Dam to address the water quality remediation, which includes the treatment of cyanobacterial blooms, is the Metsi a Me project.  This is a multidisciplinary project which addresses the remediation of dam specific water quality.

There is currently no similar scale projects on the other dams mentioned in the question, as these dams’ issues are addressed on a catchment base.

(4)    Cyanobacteria, when present in high numbers in the water column, and under conducive environmental conditions, can release a toxin, microcystin, which could pose a health risk if untreated water is consumed by humans and animals.  In addition, when the algal blooms die off and decompose, it can result in unpleasant smells, impacting on recreational users.                                        

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Reply:

(a)  Okholweni: Ward 1

 

• There is no place called Okholweni, the area is called Ukwalwini/ Ntabasibahle. Ward 1 is served by two stations namely Nquthu, and SAPS Ekombe. The biggest parts of Ward 1 are policed by SAPS Ekombe.

• There are no plans to establish a satellite police station within the area.

• The reasons are as follows:

• During an Accessibility Study, consultation with the community was conducted by this office and there was no need/ request identified for the establishment of a Satellite police station in this area.

• The area in question is within an 18km radius from the main police station. The province is currently focussing on areas with longer distances for prioritization of establishment of satellite police stations.

• Melmoth Stock Theft Unit investigates all Stock Theft Related cases within the Ekombe policing precinct.

(b)Mfongosi: Ward 9:

• There is already an established satellite station, Mfongosi under SAPS Ekombe.

(c)Emabhuqwini: Ward 2:

• There are no plans to establish a satellite police station within the area.
• The reasons are as follows:

• During an Accessibility Study, consultation with the community was conducted by this office and there was no need/ request identified for the establishment of Satellite police stations in this area.

• The area in question is within an 18km radius from the main police station. The province is currently focussing on areas with longer distances for prioritization of establishment of satellite police stations.

• Melmoth Stock Theft Unit is investigates all Stock Theft Related cases within the Ekombe policing precinct.

Reply:

Yes. Cabinet has recently approved the Socio Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) which is effective from 1 June 2015. The SEIAS requires that government departments must, before developing any policy, regulations and legislation, ensure that they take steps to minimize the unintended consequences of such policy, regulations and legislation, including unnecessary costs of implementation and compliance. The SEIAS further requires government departments to anticipate implementation risks and develop measures to mitigate such risks.

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Reply:

Requesting the Honourable Member to refer to the response in NA 1128 published on 26 March 2015.

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Reply:

1. Neither the Minister of Police (b) nor any officer from his Department authorized the use of Presidential Protection Service for the transportation of Head of State/Government and former Heads of States/Government during the African Union Summit in Johannesburg between 10 and 15 June 2015.

2. Presidential Protection Service was utilized for the purpose of transporting Heads of State/Government and Former Heads of State/Government (a) from the 10th to the 16th of June 2015 (b) from airports namely WAFB, ORTIA and Lanseria to Head Quarter Hotels and taken to Sandton ICC for the African Union Conference and back to the airports for departure.

3. Presidential Protection Service was authorized by NATJOINTS with a request from DIRCO to carry out the protection of VIP’s during the African Union Summit.

Reply:

 

Yes

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

The environment sector is mandated to ensure environmental sustainability in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996); the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), as amended; as well as other Specific Environmental Management Acts (SEMAs). The right to a safe and healthy environment which is not dangerous to human life, which is enshrined in the Constitution, makes it imperative that there should be a balance between addressing the current development needs and protecting the natural environment. The principles set out in Chapter 1 of the Constitution lay a solid foundation on how environmental justice could be realised and participation in environmental governance ensured. The NEMA and all its SEMAs are all premised on these principles, and embedded in them are specific provisions, tools, systems and structures to ensure that the environmental right is realised and the above principles are adhered to.

In response to these legislative imperatives, the environmental sector (National and Provincial Departments of Environmental Affairs) in consultation with other stakeholders (South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and municipalities developed a five year Local Government Support Strategy for the Environment Sector, 2014-2019. In drafting the strategy, a survey was conducted to determine the level of capacity of municipalities to deal with environmental management and governance. The questionnaire specifically sought to determine the level of compliance by all 278 municipalities with NEMA and SEMAs. Questionnaires were differentiated in terms of municipal geographic location (inland/coastal) and environmental functions each municipality is expected to perform. The scores (converted into percentages) were then used to divide municipalities into three categories as follows: 0-29% = Establishment Phase, 30-59% = Consolidation Phase,
60% upwards = Sustainability Phase. The results of the survey were as follows:

• Local Municipalities (LMs): 51% establishment phase, 41% consolidation phase, 8% sustainability phase
• District Municipalities (DMs): 32% establishment phase, 48% consolidation phase, 20% sustainability phase
• Metropolitan Municipalities (Metros): 0% establishment phase, 11% consolidation phase, 89% sustainability phase

Based on these findings, the implementation plan was developed to address challenges identified. In 2014/15, specific focus was given to the establishment and formalisation of environmental governance structures within municipalities to provide a platform of engagement with all citizens on environmental governance structures. These structures were successfully established and they are now operational. The performance of these structures is monitored through the 2015/16 Implementation Plan, and reports are provided to the relevant Intergovernmental Structures. Below is an outline of specific interventions for key thematic areas i.e. Air Quality and Climate Change; Waste Management.

1. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Prior to the advent of democracy, little was known about the quality of ambient air that the majority of the citizens of South Africa were breathing, as well as the potential health impact of that quality of air. However, since the dawn of democracy a number of measures have been put into motion to address this challenge. The use of coal and other energy sources that result in air pollution poses a major threat to citizens enjoying their full rights as set out in section 24(a) and (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Since the promulgation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004) and the subsequent development of its National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa, the Department has facilitated, in partnership with the different spheres of government; the initiation of ambient air quality monitoring programmes.

The main objectives for monitoring are to provide information fundamental to decision-making; identifying air pollution that is non-compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); and defining intervention strategies to evaluate the efficacy of air quality management strategies. Ambient air quality monitoring is also being used to identify areas in need of restoration and their prioritisation, such as in the national air quality priority areas of Vaal Triangle, Highveld and Waterberg-Bojanala. Currently, there are close to 85 government owned ambient air quality monitoring stations across the country. The stations monitor a range of criteria pollutants, including ozone (O3), particulate matter (both PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (nitrogen dioxide NO2, and nitric acid NO), lead (Pb), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and the relevant meteorological parameters.

The observations from the ambient air quality monitoring networks have informed the development of air quality management plans (AQMPs) by all spheres of government, in accordance with the air quality management challenges faced. Municipalities, for example, are required to have these AQMPs incorporated in their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). This requirement elevates air quality issues in the planning processes of each of the municipalities.

The Department has developed priority area AQMPs, and has allocated specific funding for the implementation of these plans. In addition, and as part of the implementation of these plans, the Department has established Implementation Task Teams (ITTs) and Multi-Stakeholder Reference Group (MSRGs). These structures, amongst other things, facilitate the participation of communities in tackling air quality challenges facing them. There has been an increase in the participation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in these areas, and the Department acknowledges that awareness is key in addressing air quality issues in these areas.

The Department is also in the final stages of developing the Strategy to Address Pollution in Dense, Low Income Communities. The objectives of this strategy are:

• to establish a forum that will ensure that the interventions that address air pollution in dense low-income communities are carried out in a coordinated manner, with integration of policies and interventions from various departments/institutions;
• to facilitate, through the forum, the implementation of interventions within air pollution priority areas in order to ensure the air that is not harmful to health and wellbeing;
• to plan and co-ordinate the implementation of future interventions to address the problem; and
• to monitor and report progress annually to the Minister of Environmental Affairs.

The strategy offers a great opportunity for all the identified role players to work together and improve on the gains made thus far in tackling air quality challenges that are faced by the citizens of the Republic.

2.  WASTE MANAGEMENT

Government through Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) undertakes surveys at different intervals to establish trends in many different aspects, including provision of services. The Department works closely with Stats SA in relation to monitoring waste service in the country.

Waste services seem to be low in rural areas. However, we have discovered that this could be due to lack of understanding of the different service levels for waste services. The National Waste Collection Standards prescribe different service levels for different geographic areas. The Department is therefore currently capacitating municipalities on these collection standards. Municipalities are in turn required to educate their communities to ensure accurate reporting.

The Department also developed a number of waste management tools/measures to protect the environment and human health of all South African citizens by making sure that impact is managed appropriately.

These include:

• Waste Management and Classification Regulations; Norms and Standards for Assessment of Waste for Disposal; and Norms and Standards for Assessment of Landfill for waste disposal – which regulates the management classification of wastes in a manner that supports and implements the provisions of the Waste Act and prescribes the requirements and timeframes for management of certain wastes, among others.
• Draft Healthcare Risk Waste Management Regulations – which sets minimum requirements for management of waste from healthcare facilities, from cradle to grave.
• Licenses to ensure that facilities are operated in compliance with environmental legislation, ensuring that impacts are managed to protect the environment and human health.

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Reply:

The Government (GCIS) hereby confirms that the figures for advertising are as follows:

2013-2014 Daily Sun R196 286.35

Sowetan R271 732.44

 

2014-2015 Daily Sun R567 824.25

Sowetan R810 499.40

Reply:

(a) I am informed that the overall economic impact was positive. As a result of the additional road capacity, delays on the road network were substantially decreased, and traffic growth of more than 20% in many instances could be accommodated. Improvements in travel speeds/reduced congestion was also confirmed by independent studies (refer to reports from Congestion survey by Tom Tom). Furthermore, the development that took place in the immediate vicinity of upgraded interchanges such as Lynnwood, Atterbury, Garsfontein, John Vorster, Allandale, etc reflects the positive impact the road improvement project had on Gauteng. As was demonstrated in various economic studies, the project renders a high return on investment and a B:C ratio of 8 to 1. The Panel to investigate the social and economic impact of the GFIP made amongst others the following conclusions (the full report is available from the Gauteng Province):

The impact of the GFIP in the GCR economy;

Reduced Travel time benefits:

• 45 000 hours at morning peak
• Average speed increase of 64 km/hr (without GFIP) to 100 km/hr (with GFIP)
• Average speed increase on secondary routes from 40km/hr to 48 km/hr

Reduced vehicle operating costs (5% to 20% depending on route and distance)

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Reduced maintenance costs

Improved logistics efficiencies

Improved travel conditions

• Enhanced safety
• Rapid response emergency services and prevention of secondary accidents (1 400 / month)

(b)Sees (a) above

(c) SANRAL has various counting stations on the freeway network as well as parallel routes to the freeway network that counts traffic on an ongoing basis. The graphs below provides an indication, based on the situation in 2014, what the impact of the GFIP on traffic speeds on both the freeways and supporting road network was with and without the toll roads as well as before and after the tolling of the freeways commenced.

As can be seen from the graphs below, the conditions on the freeways and alternative roads are substantially better than what it would have been if the GFIP was not implemented, even after toll collection commenced.

Freeways & Alternatives Routes. See Annexure A

Reply:

1. The Policy was approved by Cabinet on the 27 May 2015
2. The policy provides a framework in support of other public transport legislation through which learner transport must be provided
3. (i) (ii) (iii) Detailed implementation plans with timelines, milestones are developed by the provinces.(iv) budgets for implementation are allocated by provinces

Reply:

(1) (a)(b) 10 087 public servants have successfully completed Module of the Compulsory Induction Programme and 3 685 public servants have completed all further Modules of the Compulsory Induction Programme.

Reply:

 

(a) Yes

(aa)

(i) R580 597,82

(ii) Ms MP Mbengashe, Chief Director

(iii) The parties agreed to terminate the contract.

iSimangaliso

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

South African Weather Service

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

South African National Parks

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

South African National Biodiversity Institute

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

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Reply:

Yes, my Department is currently involved in a work employment agreement, deriving from a bilateral agreement that was reached between the Cuban and the South African Government. This agreement is part of the portfolio of cooperative agreements between the two countries. The agreement was signed on 9 September 2013 and its objective is to foster a technical development on water issues between the two countries.

(a) A total of 35 Cuban Engineers are (i) currently contracted with my Department for a period of two years, with a possibility of an extension to three years. (ii) Only one agreement has been concluded

(b) The Cuban secondment programme is meant to assist the Department of Water and Sanitation in the following mutually agreed areas:

• Hydraulic, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in the functional areas of the National Water Resources Infrastructure (NWRI) Operations Unit of the Department,
• The Geohydrological and Engineering Services in rural and other disadvantaged areas where such services are inadequate in areas of Regional Functions,
• The operations and maintenance of bulk raw water supply infrastructure,
• The capacity building through training and support of local staff,
• Augmenting project management capacity.

 

(c) The majority of the current employed 35 Cuban Specialists are qualified in Hydraulic Engineering, a field which is not offered in South Africa, and it emerged that this qualification is a specialty branch of Civil Engineering which focuses only on water engineering. Their field of specialization is therefore of great value to the Department in the field of Operations and maintenance. The rest of the Specialists are qualified in the fields of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and hydro geological Engineering, and they are also adding value to the different functions within my Department.

(d) My Department proceeds to recruit local specialist to fill permanent positions as it was the case with the 13 Electrical and Mechanical engineering posts recently advertised. The Learning Academy also proceeds with the facilitation of developing local engineering skills at entry level. The table below indicates the number of posts in the Engineering field that were advertised but not filled during the 2013/2014 financial year:

 

Region/Branch	No of posts advertised per Region/ Branch	Reasons for not filling the posts
NWRI - Northern Operations	29	A very small number of applications were received per post, in some instances no applications were received per post. The applicants did not meet the minimum criteria of the posts. Applicants are only registered as Candidates and not Technicians or Professionals Head-hunting for suitable candidates also did not yield any results, as individuals are requesting higher remuneration packages that cannot be offered by the Public Service.
NWRI - Southern Operations	10
Branch: NWRI - Head Office	18
Branch: Policy and Regulation	17
KZN Region	18
Free State Region	10
Eastern Cape Region	9
Gauteng Region	3
Limpopo Region	12
Mpumalanga Region	12
Northern Cape Region	9
Western Cape Region	1
Total	148

(e)(i) The total cost of contracting is an all-inclusive package of R532 278 per Cuban Specialist per annum.

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Reply:

(a)  The Department has not as yet appointed any service provider to co-ordinate the implementation of the 365- days Road Safety Programs. Tender evaluations were conducted and the successful bidder’s pricing was above the allocated budget for the project, therefore no appointment was made. The co-ordination of all the 365- days Road Safety Programs is currently being done internally by the Department , Provincial Departments of Transport, Transport Entities and some of its major role-players.

(b)   (b),(c) and (d), falls away.

Reply:

Edenvale CAS 89/05/2015. The fingerprints that were lifted are linked to the manager of the company because the vehicle that was hijacked is also the company car. The car was recovered and is at the pound. The vehicle circulation is cancelled. The suspects are unknown. Recovery statement is outstanding. The docket will be closed as undetected.

Reply:

As part of the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry and the Special Presidential Package (SPP) initiative, the communities at municipalities and provincial levels are being consulted during the implementation phase.

 

 

 

 

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A. Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2015

Reply:

SAPO RESPONSE:

	Number Current	Number + 30	Number + 60	Number + 90	Number + 120
Total Unpaid Suppliers	1969	1 804.00	879.00	664.00	1 742.00
Amongst outstanding R000.				-166782511.47	-54466162.78

(b) In each case, what is the (i) name of the company/supplier concerned, (ii) amount outstanding per company/supplier and (iii) reason for non-payment?   

SAPO RESPONSE:   Reason the company is having turnaround challenges (cash flow) it is trying to overcome with its turnaround strategy implementation.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and Entities as follows:-

(a)   DEPARTMENT

The Department has not installed generators in its offices; it is currently renting offices that have generators installed by the landlord.

1. Not applicable
2. No costs

(b)

.ZADNA

Zadna has not installed generators in its offices; it is currently renting offices that have generators installed by the landlord.

1. Not applicable
2. No costs

NEMISA

No, the building had an already existing generator from occupation of the building.

(ii) January 2015

• Petrol: R 2 000
• Service: R0

February 2015

• Petrol: R2 000
• Service: R 3 311.70

 

March 2015:

• Petrol: R0
• Service:R0

April 2015:

• Petrol: R 2 000
• Service: R0

May 2015:

• Petrol: R0
• Service: R0

June 2015:  

• Petrol: R2000
• Service: R0

Total cost to date: R 11 311.70

THE SOUTH AFRICAN POST OFFICE (SAPO)

SAPO has not installed any generators as of January 1, 2015.

Broadband Infraco (BBI)

Broadband Infraco has not had to installed any generators or expand on its existing fleet of mobile generators as a result of load shedding since 1 January 2015.

SENTECH

SENTECH has not installed any generator at any of its offices since January 2015 due to load shedding.

SENTECH already has generators installed as part of its normal operations of ensuring that its offices have standby power.

SENTECH has standby generator capability at most of its infrastructure sites to protect services against normal power disruptions to ensure services continuity. The Eskom load shedding situation does impact sites without back-up power and increase operating costs due to increased standby plant running hours and associated maintenance and fuel costs.

Most of SENTECH sites have Stand by Generators (STG’s) already installed. From January 2015, a new STG was installed at Kroonstad as a replacement due to the failure of the existing one. SENTECH is also installing STG’s at its three Greenfield stations at Harrismith, Holy Cross and Ngqeleni. The installations at these three sites form part of SENTECH’s normal installation on all new transmitter sites to ensure continuous service during power outages.

The installation cost per site is as follows:

Harrismith STG: R535 244. 25

Holy Cross STG: R445 553. 00

Ngeleni STG: R437 759. 50

Kroonstad STG: R267 133. 75

Total R1 685 690. 50

Towards the end of the previous financial year and during severe load shedding periods, SENTECH reviewed energy expenditure and determined that SENTECH plants were running 30% more than normal, meaning that operating costs will increase accordingly. The following amount has been spent on fuel for generating standby energy.

Monthly Cost

Jan-2015 668 917

Feb-2015 1 085 850

Mar-2015 535 739

Apr-2015 1 120 166

May-2015 759 142

Jun-2015 300 651

Total 4 470 465

USAASA

USAASA has a generator provided by the landlord in 2010.  No other generator has been purchased since January 2015. The running of this generator is R31, 661.10 annually.

SITA

SITA has installed a rented generator for the SITA Centurion Data Centre, commissioned in January 2015.

The table below reflects the costs associated with preparing the site prior to installation of the generator as well as monthly costs for the rental of the generator installed at SITA’s National Key point (NKP) Centurion Data Centre:

No	Activity	(ii) Running Cost from January 2015 to June 2015	(i) Cost of installation
1.	2200 kVA Diesel Generator rental for per month	R 1 624 500 (R 270 750 x 6 months)
2.	Cable Laying which was done as the first step		R 4 224 156
3.	Electrical control panels for generators which was installed to connect the new generator to the SITA existing grid		R 1 026 000
4.	Alarm systems to enable early warning via SMS messaging		R 273 600
5.	Project Management Fee to manage the above		R 927 070
6.	Diesel fuel (One fill at deliver)		R 95 760
	TOTAL COST	R 1 624 500	R 6 546 586

Reply:

(a) Yes, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has resigned.

(b) No, the Chief Financial Officer has not resigned.

(i) The Chief Executive Officer indicated that the time had come for him to move on to other interests.

(ii) An Acting CEO, Mr Simon Sikhosana has been appointed until a new CEO is appointed and assumes office.

 

 

 

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A. Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2015

Reply:

Yes. The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 (Act No 16 of 2013) and its regulations have taken due consideration of the Constitutional Court Judgment, CCT 117/13, and confirms the municipality as a decision making authority of first instance.    

The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, through its various deeds registries, assists in the process of registering title in respect of RDP housing by expediting the registration of RDP Housing related deeds. This is done upon request to the  Registrar of Deeds by the relevant sphere of government which is the registered owner of the land in respect of which a township register has been opened.

Reply:

1. The State Security Agency (SSA) has spent the following amounts on advertising in the Sowetan and The Daily Sun:

 

Financial Year	Sowetan	The Daily Sun
2012-13	R 5 315.71	0
2013-14	0	0
2014-15	0	0

Reply:

(a) Transnet SOC Ltd (“Transnet”) strictly adheres to the set procurement procedures for good governance. The delay was due to the first RFP (“Request for a Proposal”) being declared a non-award as a result the bidders not achieving the minimum threshold as per the request. The second RFP closed on 5 February 2015 and Corporate Governance processes had to be adhered to and the preferred bidder was only approved on 28 May 2015.

(b) Transnet informed the preferred bidder of its appointment on 4 June 2015. The process of negotiating a suitable Terminal Operator Agreement with the preferred bidder and Transnet is currently underway. As announced on 1 July 2015, V&A Waterfront (Pty) Ltd was awarded the preferred bidder status.

 

Reply:

TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

A (i) Financial investigations = 1 case

(ii) Forensic investigations = 0

(iii) Other investigations =18 cases

B NATURE OF INVESTIGATION 2013

DATE	NATURE OF MISCONDUCT	DETAILS OF INVESTIGATION	RESPONSIBLE PERSON	COST INCURRED BY DMR LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICER IN CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION (S&T/Accommodation/Transport)	STEPS TAKEN
27.09.2013	Unauthorized use of GG vehicle	Employee subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	Employment Relations Management (ERM)	N/A	Employee was charged with misconduct and was suspended for one month without pay and recovery of 132 Kilometres travelled (R425.00)
18.06.2013	Perform remunerative work outside Public Service without permission from Director General as required by Public Service Act	Employee subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	R1710	The employee was found guilty and dismissed. The employee lodge an appeal against the sanction. The appeal Authority Committee reduced the sanction of dismissal to three month suspension without pay.
05.03 2013	Absenteeism and reporting to work under the influence of liquor.	Employee was referred to rehabilitation centre. 2. Employee relapsed and continue to absent himself from work. The employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	N/A	The employee was found guilty and dismissed. Employee lodged an appeal and it was upheld
31.10.2013	Issuing of fraudulent blasting certificate	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	R3760.00	The employee was dismissed and the matter was referred to the HAWKS
11.07.2013	Absenteeism	Employee referred to rehabilitation centre	ERM	R6 456.44	Rehabilitation
02.04.2013	Poor performance	Employee was subjected to disciplinary	ERM	N/A	Employee found not guilty. Case closed

B NATURE OF INVESTIGATION 2014

DATE	NATURE OF MISCONDUCET	DETAILS OF INVESTIGATION	RESPONSIBLE PERSON	COST OF INVESTICATION	STEPS TAKEN
27.03.2014	Misuse of state property	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	N/A	Employee was dismissed. Employee appealed against the sanction. Sanction was reduced to one month suspension without pay.
01.07.2014	Failure to honour an appointment with a client	Employee was found guilty of misconduct and informal process disciplinary instituted.	ERM	3978.14	Verbal warning
17.07.2014	Dereliction of duties	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	N/A	Employee was found not guilty
07.10.2014	Non-compliance with Risk and Safety standard procedures	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	N/A	One month suspension without pay and written warning. Employee appealed and the sanction was upheld.
07.10.2014	Non-compliance with Risk and Safety standard procedures	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	N/A	Employee was found not guilty
07.10.2014	Non-compliance with Risk and Safety standard procedures	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	N/A	Employee was found not guilty
07.10.2014	Dereliction of duties and absenteeism	Insufficient evidence to charge the employee. Case closed	ERM	N/A	Case closed due to insufficient evidence to charge the employee
25.02.2014	Disclosure of confidential information	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	Audit	N/A	Employees was suspended for one month without pay
B NATURE OF INVESTIGATION 2015
DATE	NATURE OF MISCONDUCT	DETAILS OF INVESTIGATION	RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL	COST OF THE INVESTIGATION	STEPS TAKEN
21.01.2015	Negligence: appointment of employee on a wrong level	Informal disciplinary hearing instituted against the employee	ERM	R2280.00	Written Warning
21.01.2015	Negligence: appointment of employee on a wrong level	Informal disciplinary hearing instituted against the employee	ERM	R2280.00	Written Warning
30.01.2015	Unauthorised use of GG vehicle	Employee subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	R17536.00	One month suspension without pay and a written warning
13.03.2015	Failure to disclose private business	Insufficient evidence to charge employees with misconduct. Case closed	ERM	N/A	Case closed
25.03.2015	Employee forged signatures of her supervisors when claiming S&T claims	Employee was subjected to a formal disciplinary hearing	ERM	R1140.00	Employee dismissed from work. The case has been referred to Legal Service and Security Risk to process legal claims to recover R475 120.79 and institute criminal case process against Ms Snyer.
TOTAL				R39 140. 58

 

 

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A. Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2015

Reply:

(a),(b)(i),(ii),(aa),(bb),(cc) Please refer to the table below.

 

(a)(i),(ii),(aa),(bb),(cc) Department of Rural Development and Land Reform	(b)(i),(ii)(aa),(bb),(cc) Ingonyama Trust Board
Sowetan	Daily Sun	Sowetan	Daily Sun
(aa)	123 747.66	(aa)	239 947.12	Nil
(bb)	1 544 549.69	(bb)	164 625.57
(cc)	200 950.30	(cc)	253 528.70
Total R1 869 247. 65		Total R658 101.39	Falls away

Reply:

1. Yes, The Department has set up a Task Team under the auspices of the Mining Industry Growth Development and Employment Task Team (MIGDETT) that is tasked with saving of jobs in the mining industry.

(a) The department has been constantly engaging mining companies that have announced shedding of jobs to report on intended mine closure and to ensure companies follow the MPRDA processes (in terms of section 52) and implement the Social and Labour Plan (on downscaling) and engage proactively the department of Labour.

(b)  The stakeholders has met and developed terms of reference which were approved by MIGDETT principals. These are currently implemented.

 

 

 

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A. Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2015

Reply:

DMR	(aa) 2012-2013	(bb) 2013-2014	(cc) 2014-2015
Sowetan
	R0.00	R0.00	R27 453,60
(ii) Daily Sun
	R0.00	R32 491.37	R31 824.00
(b) Entities	(aa) 2012 - 2013	(bb) 2013 - 2014	(cc) 2014 - 2015
Sowetan
Council for Geoscience	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
Mine Health and Safety Council	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
Mintek	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
State Diamond Trader	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
South African Diamond and Precious Metal Regulator	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
Daily Sun
Council for Geoscience	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
Mine Health and Safety Council	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
Mintek	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
State Diamond Trader	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00
South African Diamond and Precious Metal Regulator	R 0.00	R 0.00	R 0.00

All the entities reporting to the Minister never advertised in either the Sowetan or Daily Sun.

Adv N.A Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2015

Reply:

(1) The mining sector report will be included in the report published annually by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

(2) (a) 71

(b) 106

(3) (a) 71

(b) 115

 

 

 

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2015

Reply:

(a) 7069 sick leave days taken in 2013 / 2014 financial year; and

(b) R9 619 213 was the total cost

 

 

 

Adv N.A Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2015

Reply:

(a) (b) The department and Entities has not spent any money to

(i) Tickets –The New Age Breakfast Briefings for the last three financial years by all the entities reporting to the Minister of Mineral Resources.

(ii) Sponsorships – There were no sponsorships made available for The New Age Breakfast Briefings in the last three years by all the department and entities reporting to the Minister of Mineral Resources.

 

 

 

 

Approved/Not Approved

Adv N.A Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2015

Reply:

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

(a) (i) Sowetan

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) None

(bb) R 298 771.20

(cc) None

 

STATE-OWNED COMPANIES

TRANSNET

(b)(i) Sowetan

(aa) R 1 597 103.52

(bb) R 3 288 342.91

(cc) R 678 508.12

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

ALEXKOR

(b)(i) Sowetan

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

DENEL

(b)(i) Sowetan

(aa) None

(bb) R 114 000.00

(cc) R 758 456.48

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

SAFCOL

(b)(i) Sowetan

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

SAX

(b)(i) Sowetan

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) None

(bb) None

(cc) None

ESKOM

(b)(i) Sowetan

(aa) R 1 470 000.00

(bb) R 1 180 000.00

(cc) R 1 050 000.00

(ii) Daily Sun

(aa) R 540 000.00

(bb) R 100 000.00

(cc) R 150 000.00

 

Reply:

1. With reference to his reply to question 463 on 13 April 2015, have the workers on (a) Magwa and (b) Majola tea plantations in the Eastern Cape been paid as at the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, are all payments up to date;

• Yes the monies for the worker payments for 2015/16 have been paid to the respective estates.

2. has any further funding been provided to (a) Magwa and (b) Majola tea plantations; if so, (i) how much funding has been provided to each specified plantation and (ii) by whom;

• No further funding additional to that paid over for wages is available, However, a request for additional funding to value of R 66 mil for the revitalisation of the two estates has been prepared and submitted to treasury. A response is awaited.

3.(a) what is his department’s long-term plan in relation to the two specified tea plantations and (b) what steps does he intend taking to get them functioning again?             

• Yes, long term plans have been developed and includes, amongst others, institutional reforms, market oriented production and support from private stakeholders and labour. Diversification to alternative enterprises is part of the proposed steps.            
• A submission for the funding of the long term development plan has been submitted to Treasury for potential funding

Reply:

(a) (b) No.

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

 

 

 

 

Approved/not approved

Adv N.A. Ramatlhodi

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2015

Reply:

No

Reply:

1. Yes, all South African National Defence Force (SANDF) forces deployed internally and externally are mission ready in terms of both training and equipment.
2. 2.Yes, the SANDF has Memoranda of Understanding (MOU’s) with other armed forces in the African continent and beyond in line with the policies of our government and our continental and international obligations. Military training opportunities are exchanged between these friendly forces on continuous basis.

Reply:

 

(a) See attached spread sheet

(b) See attached spread sheet

(c) See attached spread sheet

(d) See attached spread sheet

(e) Schools build of prefabricated modular structures are constructed when schools are urgently required to avoid/ reduce overcrowding of existing schools or to avoid a situation where the Department will not be able to accommodate learners at all, especially at the beginning of an academic year.

(f) Many of these schools are in excellent to fair conditions and there is no reason to replace these particular schools at this stage. There is no fixed date by when these schools will be replaced as the replacement is determined by the condition of the structures. The planned dates for the replacement of those specific schools that require replacement are indicated on the attached spread sheet.

The responses from three provinces are still outstanding and these will be provided as soon as they are received.

Reply:

(1)(a) All nine provinces have developed District-Based Support Teams (DBSTs) to support the implementation of Education White Paper 6 of July 2001 as has been reported in the Progress Report on the Implementation of Education White Paper 6 of May 2015.

(b) A survey conducted on the functionality of District-Based Support Teams has shown that all 81 Districts in the country have functional District-Based Support Teams. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is currently in the process of collecting detailed information on the constitution of each District-Based Support Teams so as to ensure that there is transversal representation.

(c) In the absence of norms for representation of (i) teachers and (i) principals of special schools on the DBSTs, no statistics can be provided. However. District offices involve expert teachers and lead principals of special schools in capacity building programmes of the DBST on an ad hoc basis.

(2) All nine provinces submit comprehensive data on special schools to the DBE on an annual basis through the Annual Special School Survey which is completed in September of each year.

(3) The Directorate: Education Management and Governance monitors that:

(a) all schools submit progression and promotion schedules to the district offices; and

(b) The Inclusive Education Units ensure, with the support of the Curriculum Units, that learners, who are repeating and have been progressed without meeting the grade requirements, are supported through the School-Based Support Teams. The DBE is currently in the process of finalising guidelines to support schools and teachers to provide effective support to these learners who have additional support needs, in line with the Policy on Screening, Identification. Assessment and Support (SIAS) of 2014.

(4) All District-Based Support Teams liaise with:

(a) the Department of Health through the Integrated School Health Programme as well as with;

(b) the regional offices of the Department of Social Development. The DBE is currently collaborating with the Department of Health to align the services of health professionals appointed respectively by the Departments of Basic Education and Health so as to make optimal use of these scarce services.

The Policy on Screening. Identification. Assessment and Support (SIAS) outlines the roles and responsibilities of these three government departments in this regard.

Reply:

(1) (a) See annexure A
(b) The 845 schools are the schools which will be provided with furniture in the 2015 /16 financial year. Deliveries to these schools will commence in July 2015.

(c) As indicated above, deliveries to these schools will commence when the schools reopen in July 2015.

(d) 138 201 desks are to be delivered (i) 75 330 are primary school desks, (ii) 62 871 are secondary schools desks.

(2) The deliveries to the Eastern Cape by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) are a special intervention by the Department and future interventions will only be considered as and when the need arises and based on the funding resources available to the Department of Basic Education for such an intervention.

Reply:

ATTACHED FIND HERE: RESPONSE

Reply:

Attached find here: Reply

Reply:

Not applicable.

Reply:

According to the Department of Military Veterans

None

According to the Castle Control Board:

None