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15 September 2023 - NW2640

Profile picture: Shikwambana, Mr M

Shikwambana, Mr M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Whether she has been informed that 120 young persons in Limpopo are left in limbo with no prospects of employment after being trained as field workers and/or rangers at South African Wildlife and that persons who are allegedly connected to the then Member of the Executive Council in Limpopo, with no formal training whatsoever, were placed for jobs over the young persons who had acquired training; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2658

Profile picture: Weber, Ms AMM

Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether any rare game species were donated to provincial parks and/or nature reserves in the past five financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the (a) name of the park and/or nature reserve, (b) name of the species and (c) quantity of the donated species; (2) what (a) donated species and (b) quantity thereof exported to each specified (i) province and (ii) country in each case?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2590

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Whether, with regards to the Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo, she will furnish Ms T Breedt with (a) a copy of the most recent Management Plan for the park, including relevant details of the most recent mammal counts, (b) relevant details of any plans to expand the boundaries of the specified park including plans to acquire the remaining private farms within and/or on the boundaries of the park and (c) relevant details of initiatives to manage the elephant population of the park in conjunction with Botswana and Zimbabwe, including estimates of the elephant population within the park; if not, what not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2592

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Whether she will furnish Mr N Singh with the number of (a) repeat-offenders, (b) suspects and/or (c) arrest persons who have been re-arrested on any know rhino poaching and/or related charges since 2006, including charges of conspiracy to poach rhinos, being in possession of poaching-related weapons and/or other charges; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

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15 September 2023 - NW2669

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether, with reference to her replies to question 2798 on 23 December 2021 and 2114 on 9 June 2022, CA 19/09/2020 that was opened in Alexander Bay regarding the illegal cofferdam mining by Alexkor has been finalised; if not, on what date can the outcome of the case be expected; if so, what are the relevant details of the outcome; (2) whether she intends to collaborate with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to stop illegal cofferdam mining activities in the Republic, particularly in the Northern Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

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15 September 2023 - NW2650

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) On what date did a certain person (name and details furnished) resign as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism (SAT), (b) what (i) was the exit package including any remunerations, perks and other payments, (ii) was the notice period and (iii) were the conditions thereof, (c) on what date did the notice period (i) start and (ii) end and (d) in what capacity did the specified person act during the notice period?

Reply:

a) I am informed by SAT that the Acting Chief Executive Officer, who also occupied another position at South African Tourism, tendered his resignation from the organisation on 5 May 2023. The resignation stated that he would like to leave with immediate effect and for the board to waive the contractual 3-month notice period, if possible.

On 6 May 2023, the Chairperson of the Board responded that the board had accepted the resignation with immediate effect and that he would not be expected to serve out the notice period.

(b) (i) He was paid for the days worked in the month of resignation. The date of the resignation was the last date of service with the organisation as the resignation was with immediate effect.

No other payments were made except for the leave pay-out, which is to be paid as per the statutory requirements of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

(ii) Not applicable as the resignation was with immediate effect.

(iii) Not applicable as the resignation was with immediate effect

(c) (i) and (ii) Not applicable as the resignation was with immediate effect and there was no enforcement of notice period.

(d) Delegation falls away during notice period and in this instance as the resignation was with immediate effect.

15 September 2023 - NW2589

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) (a) On what date was the last abalone population density estimates and projections done and (b) what are the details of the specified process; (2) what was the (a) result of the counting and projection and (b) effect of the finds on the issuance of permits and quotas in the various industry sectors and the recreational sector?

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15 September 2023 - NW2656

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1) In light of the fact that a full e-visa system is a prerequisite for the revival and growth of the Republic’s tourism, what are the details of the roadmap outlining the targeted milestones and timelines for the comprehensive implementation of e-visas in the Republic; (2) whether there are any interim measures in place to alleviate the burden on travellers whilst technological improvements are being implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The Department of Home Affairs is best placed to respond on the details of the roadmap outlining the targeted milestones and timelines for the comprehensive implementation of e-visas as this is not the mandate of the Department of Tourism.

15 September 2023 - NW2611

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Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With reference to her reply to question 1753 on 5 June 2023 and engagements with communities on oversight visits it has become apparent that most Local Reference Committees within the municipalities do not support the community works programme, what is the yardstick that her department will use to show that the programme is implementable and implement it as it has not worked especially in Gauteng and North West to date?

Reply:

a) Local Reference Committees (LRCs) are a deliberate design feature of the Community Work Program (CWP). They are primarily intended to provide an Oversight Role in the implementation of CWP at Site level. In this regard, this implies signing off on the development of Site Business Plans and monitoring the implementation thereof. Site Business Plans detail the Useful Work Projects that will be undertaken by the different work groups each led by a Supervisor.

b) LRCs meet once a quarter to receive reports on the implementation of the Site Business Plans from Site Managers. It is these reports that enable the oversight and monitoring of the implementation of the program. Where there are challenges, the LRC is enjoined to provide support to ensure remedies are expeditiously implemented. These reports, together with all relevant Portfolio of Evidence (POE) are submitted through the province to national department as attestation that the program is being implemented.

c) Additionally, the Monitoring and Reporting protocols of CWP enable regular Site Visits as a mechanism of ensuring validation and verification of what has been reported. This is the yardstick my department employs to illustrate that the program is implementable.

d) Indeed, there has been challenges regarding LRC functionality in the Gauteng and North West provinces. This is the function of a persistent instability that emanates from an attempt at unionisation of CWP participants in those specific provinces. In this regard, there seems to be a drive at recruiting Participants in this poverty alleviation program into Unions with a promise for access to employee benefits that are determined through the collective bargaining process. The department is dealing with this phenomenon.

End.

15 September 2023 - NW2593

Profile picture: Singh, Mr N

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Whether her department shares a joint corresponding database with the SA Police Service and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services of all rhino poachers who have been arrested referencing their trail and custody status, convictions and prison status and also their associates in order to understand the linkages and networks since rhino poaching has been declared a national priority crime; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2649

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1) With reference to the various training and empowerment programmes undertaken by her department and SA Tourism (SAT), what programmes have (a) started and (b) concluded (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023; (2) what total number of persons (a) enrolled in each programme and (b)(i) did not complete each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023 and (ii) what are the reasons for the dropouts in each instance; (3) what total (a) budget was allocated to each programme and (b) amount was spent on each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that the details are tabulated below:

 

2020-21

2021-22

2022-2023

1 April 2023

(1) (a) What training and empowerment programmes have started

Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 4

  • Three Tourism Hub-based incubators: - Manyeleti: (Mpumalanga); Mier (Northern Cape); Phalaborwa: Limpopo.
  • Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator (TTGIIP) Programme

______________

_

Women in Tourism Programme: 1

  • Various webinars offered during COVID-19 Pandemic: Marketing and Market Access; Cash Flow Management; Pivoting your business in times of crisis; Mental Health care in times of crisis.

Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 2

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme:
  • Food Service Incubation Programme

_____________

Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 3

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme.
  • Food Service Incubation Programme.
  • Community Based Tourism (CBT) Pilot Incubator: 8 CBT projects

_____________

Women in Tourism Programme: 1

a) Women In Tourism (WiT) Business Management and Mentorship Programme: June 2022 – March 2023: Target 225

Incubator and Business Support Programmes: 3

  • Food Service Incubation Programme.
  • Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator (TTGIIP) Programme
  • Homestay Pilot Incubation Programme ___________

Women in Tourism Programme: 1

a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted

(1) (b) What training and empowerment programme have concluded

Incubators

  • Three Tourism Hub-based incubators:
  • Manyeleti: October 2019 officially closed in October 2021.
  • Phalaborwa: Limpopo: October 2019 officially closed in October 2021.
  • Mier (Northern Cape): December 2019 officially closed in December 2021.

________________

________________

Incubators:

a) National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme.

__________

Women in Tourism Programme: a) Women In Tourism (WiT) Business Management And Mentorship Programme.

Incubators:

  • Incubators will close in 2023/24

____________

(2) (a) What total number of persons enrolled in each programme

Incubators:

  • Three Tourism Hub-based incubators: 50 SMMEs per incubator.
  • Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator (TTGIIP) Programme: 20 Youth.

______________

Women in Tourism Programme:

  • Webinars: ranged from 40 – 250 persons.

Incubators:

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: 44 Tour operators.
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: 100 youth

_____________

Incubators:

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: 44 Tour operators.
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: 100 youth

Women In Tourism:

a) Women In Tourism (WiT) Business Management And Mentorship Programme: 199

Incubators:

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: 44 Tour operators.
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: 100 youth

_____________

Women In Tourism:

a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted.

(2) (b) (i) What total number of persons did not complete each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023

Incubators

  • Manyeleti: (Mpumalanga); Mier (Northern Cape); Phalaborwa: Limpopo:

We had 1 drop-out in Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga); 0 in the NC and 2 in Limpopo.

  • Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator (TTGIIP) Programme: n/a

_______________

Women in Tourism Programme:

  • Webinars: n/a

Incubators

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: 0
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: n/a

________________

Incubators:

Food Service Incubation Programme: n/a

Women in Tourism Programme: n/a

Incubators: Food Service Incubation Programme: n/a

_____________

Women in Tourism Programme: n/a

(2) (b) (ii) What are the reasons for the dropouts in each instance

Incubators:

  • We had 1 drop-out in Manyeleti: (Mpumalanga) due to lack of business as a result of pandemic; no drop-outs in the NC and 2 in Limpopo: due to death from COVID-19.
  • Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator (TTGIIP) Programme: n/a

________________

Women in Tourism Programme:

- Webinars: n/a

Incubators

  • National Tour Operator Incubator Programme: n/a.
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: Left to take up full time employment offers; poor attendance of trainings in particular during the period of loadshedding; fourth wave of COVID-19 and increased infection cases and contributed to drop-outs.

_______________

Women in Tourism Programme:

- n/a

Incubators:

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: n/a.
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: n/a
  • Community Based Tourism (CBT) Pilot Incubator: 8 CBT projects: 01 June 2023 – 30 June 2025: n/a

______________

Women in Tourism Programme: n/a

Incubators: n/a

_____________

Women in Tourism Programme: n/a

(3) (a) What total budget was allocated to each programme

Incubators:

4 x R 3 million = R 12 million

_______________

Women in Tourism Programme:

  • All Incubators are allocated a budget of R3 million per annum and run for 24 months.

________________

Webinars:

  • Virtual Platform and all experts used volunteered their time.

Incubators:

  • National Tour Operator Incubator Programme: R 3 million
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: R 3 million

_______________

Incubators:

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: R 3 million
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: R 3 million

______________

Women in Tourism Programme:

Women in Tourism (WiT) Business Management and Mentorship Programme: Budget: R1 883 million

  • SMME Compliance and Resilience Support Programme: R 3 million

Incubators:

  • Community Based Tourism (CBT) Pilot Incubator: R 3 million

_____________

Women in Tourism Programme:

a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted:

R3 876 million

(3) (b) What total amount was spent on each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023

Incubators:

  • 3 incubators at R 3 m each: Total: R 6 million over two years per incubator.

________________

Women in Tourism Programme:

a) Webinars:

  • n/a

Incubators:

  • National Tour Operator Incubator Programme: R 3 million
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: R 3 million

____________

Incubators:

  • National Emerging Tour Operator Incubator Programme: R 3 million
  • Food Service Incubation Programme: R 3 million

______________

Women in Tourism Programme:

  • Women in Tourism (WiT) Business Management and Mentorship Programme: R3 million
  • SMME Compliance and Resilience Support Programme: R 3 million

Incubators:

  • Community Based Tourism (CBT) Pilot Incubator: R 3 million

_____________

Women in Tourism Programme:

a) Limpopo Women In Tourism Business Support Programme: 7 projects to be assisted: R 3 million

I have been informed of the below, tabulated, inputs by SA Tourism

 

2020-21

2021-22

2022-2023

1 April 2023

(1) (a) What training and empowerment programmes have started

Grade an Establishment training for tourism SMMES in uMkhanyakude District Municipality - 15 attendees

TGCSA Online Workshop Assessor (3) - +- 40 attendees

Quality Assurance Workshop

Quality Assurance Workshop

  • Nederburg – 49 attendees
  • Ruth Mompati DM – 42 attendees
  • Dr Kenneth Kaunda DM - 31
  • Platinum DM – 44 attendees
  • Frances Baard DM -43
  • John Taolo Gaetsewe DM – 34 attendees
  • ZF Mgcawu DM – 34 attendees
  • Matjhabeng Local Municipality – 26 attendees

Speed Marketing training for products in preparation for ATI – 35 attendees

Free State Tourism training for officials – 31 attendees

Quality Assurance Workshop

  • KwaDukuza region – 20 attendees
  • Umhlabuyalingana - 56 attendees

5 -day compulsory training of new assessors – 22 attendees

Speed Marketing training for products in preparation for ATI – 33 attendees

(1) (b) What training and empowerment programme have concluded

Basic Quality Verification Training for pilot, training aimed at unemployed graduates that assisted with the pilot. – 15 attendees

Quality Assurance Workshop

  • uMkhanyakude DM – 44 attendees
  • Zululand DM – 48 attendees
  • Fezile Dabi District Municipality- Grading workshop – 21 attendees
  • uThukela DM 39 attendees
  • Harry Gwala DM – 29 attendees
  • Dihlabeng Local Municipality – 22 attendees
  • Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Workshop – 31 attendees
  • Sedibeng District Municipality - 20 attendees
  • City of Ekurhuleni – 29 attendees
  • Ngakala DM – 30 attendees
  • Ehlanzeni DM - 36
  • City of Tshwane – 41 attendees
  • Weskus – 21 attendees
  • Cape Wineland DM – 35 attendees
  • Parys – 17 attendees
  • Joe Gqabi DM – 27 attendees
  • Chris Hani – 47 attendees
  • Mopani – 21 attendees
  • Westrand DM – 27 attendees

New Grading IT System Training aimed at TGCSA Assessors - +- 30 assessors

uMlalazi Local Municipality Speed-marketing Training – 18 attendees

uMhlathuze Local Municipality Speed-marketing Training – 57 attendees

Basic Quality Verification Training for rollout to KwaZulu-Natal, training aimed at unemployed graduates. – 29 attendees

Quality Assurance Workshops

  • KwaDukuza DM – 20 attendees
  • Umhlabuyalingana DM 56 - attendees
  • Amajuba DM – 37 attendees
  • Gariep DM – 10 attendees

5 -day compulsory training of new assessors – 22 attendees

Speed Marketing training for products in preparation for ATI – 33 attendees

Free State Tourism Career Expo – 43

(2) (a) What total number of persons enrolled in each programme

185 SMME products in VTSD assessed

15 unemployed graduates trained

690 attendees at all workshops

29 unemployed graduates trained

221 attendees at all sessions

(2) (b) (i) What total number of persons did not complete each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023

N/A

N/A

N/A

1 person did not conclude the 5 day assessor training programme.

(2) (b) (ii) What are the reasons for the dropouts in each instance

N/A

N/A

N/A

Deceased

(3) (a) What total budget was allocated to each programme

Total budget for Basic Quality Verifiction Pilot Programme not specific to training:

R2 573 125

There is no budget allocated for the programme other than arrangement of travel logistics

Total budget for Basic Quality Verifiction rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training:

R462 500.00

Total budget set for Assessor Training R288 875.44

Total budget for Basic Quality Verifiction rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training:

R414 000.00

(3) (b) What total amount was spent on each programme in each financial year and since 1 April 2023

Total budget for BQV Pilot Programme not specific to training:

R2 573 125

There is no budget allocated for the programme other than arrangement of travel logistics

Total budget for BQV rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training:

R462 500.00

Total budget set for Assessor Training R288 875.44

Total budget for Basic Quality Verification rollout to KwaZulu-Natal not specific to training:

R414 000.00

15 September 2023 - NW2621

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity

With reference to his reply to question 2043 on 9 June 2023, how does he reconcile the cost of his office to the taxpayer being over R13 million per annum, while the National Assembly was informed that his office does not have a specific budget and will not therefore need direct oversight of its own dedicated Portfolio Committee?

Reply:

a) The staff establishment for the private office of members of the executive is done in accordance with the approved 2019 guide for members of the executive in order to provide administrative support to the member in discharging his/her delegated constitutional duties. The operational cost relating to the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity is drawn from the budget of the Presidency.

 

15 September 2023 - NW2602

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Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Police

How has the SA Police Service made use of the data in the Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS) to target policing efforts at crimes that were unaccounted for in the crime statistics report considering that the GPSJS reflects criminal activity from experiences of the victims related to unreported crimes?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2620

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity

What processes were followed in the appointment of special advisors despite there being a National Energy Crisis Committee to advise on the ESKOM crisis, submissions by various political organisations, ESKOM workers and civil society on how to turn around the situation at ESKOM, (b) at what cost do the specified advisors come and (c) what special skills do they possess?

Reply:

The appointment of special advisors is done in terms of section 12A of the Public Service Act, 1994 as amended and is limited to two full-time equivalent positions for each Minister and Premier, unless Cabinet or the relevant Provincial Executive Council approves a higher number up to two additional full-time equivalent for each Minister and Premier because of work requirements.

The National Energy Committee (NECOM) is led by Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and comprises of more than 100 high-level officials from across government, Eskom, business and social partners. NECOM is overseen at a technical level by the Director-General in the Presidency to advice on the energy crisis, the removal of barriers to new generation capacity and unlocking energy from various sources, including Eskom, Independent power producers, businesses and households.

It is important to distinguish that unlike officials seconded to NECOM for the purpose elucidated above, the special advisors are full-time in the office, advising the Minister in his engagements and discharging his delegated constitutional duties.

(b)

NAME

SURNAME

DESIGNATION

NOTCH

Sarel Jacobs

De La Rouviere

Special Advisor

R 2 158 533.00

Silas Mzingeli

Zimu

Special Advisor

R 2 158 533.00

(c) MR. SILAS ZIMU AND JACOBUS DE LA ROUVIERE

Mr. Silus Zimu

Mr. Zimu started his career in the electricity industry when he joined Eskom in 1992 where he worked as an engineer in the generation group. He then joined City Power as a General Manager - Planning and Technology and was thereafter promoted to Vice President, Customer Services. Because of the knowledge and passion he has for Engineering Operations, Silas was then appointed as a Vice President of Operations in December 2003 and served on Executive Management Committee.

Mr Zimu acted in the CEO position from February 2006, until he was appointed as Managing Director of City Power. Mr. Zimu was CEO of Suzlon Wind Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd between October 2011 and 2015. He also served as a special advisor on Energy to Former President Jacob Zuma between 2015 and 2018.

Mr. Jacobus de la Rouviere

Jacobus de la Rouviere has over two decades experience in the independent power production cosmos and worked closely with the Southern African Power Pool countries like Eswatini and Mozambique. He has been a panellist in numerous energy summits and has published articles related to Eskom debt and possible solutions in resolving its existential challenges.

His key attribute lies in the development of realistic energy security mechanisms and installations that speak to critical evaluation of exit-price which will not burden the South African Economy with premium energy tariffs. Furthermore his strategic interventions have been tailored to resolve base-load underproduction and delivery of projects within the predicted project time.   

15 September 2023 - NW2657

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Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether any rare game species were auctioned by provincial parks and/or nature reserves in the past five financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the (a) name of the park and/or nature reserve, (b) name of the rare species and (c) quantity of the specified species that was auctioned; (2) what (a) auctioned species and (b) quantity thereof was exported to each specified (i) province and (ii) country in each case?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2643

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Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Police

What proactive measures have been taken to ensure that the gender-based violence case number 14/08/23 at Belfast Police Station, which affected a certain person (name furnished) of Siyathuthuka Township in Belfast in Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga, will not be suppressed by the investigating officers?

Reply:

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15 September 2023 - NW2659

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Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether any rare game species were transferred to provincial parks and/or nature reserves in the past five financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the (a) name of the park and/or reserve, (b) name of the rare species and (c) quantity of the specified species; (2) what (a) transferred species and (b) quantity thereof were transferred to each specified (i) province and (ii) country?

Reply:

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14 September 2023 - NW2570

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Tseki, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Whether she intends to ban the sale of Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses by beneficiaries to curb the cycle of homelessness in the Republic; if not, why not; If so, what steps does she intend to take to address the sale of BNG houses in the medium to long term?

Reply:

According to Section 10A of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act No. 107 of 1997) stipulates that the subsidy-financed property may not be disposed of by the beneficiary for a period of eight years from the date on which he or she acquired the property. This provision is to be registered against the title deed of the property and the Registrar of Deeds may not allow the transfer of ownership registration to occur without the approval of the relevant MEC.

Beneficiaries of subsidy-financed houses may therefore not sell or eliminate their properties within a period of eight years from the date on which the property was acquired, unless the property has first been offered to the relevant Provincial Human Settlements/Housing Department. It is worth noting that the sale restriction clause can only be enforced in the context of formal sale transactions between a beneficiary and a willing buyer. Therefore, in instances wherein the subsidy-financed property is sold in an informal process and transfer of ownership is not occurring, it is difficult for the Department to detect the sale transaction, thus making it hard to control or prevent such. The current mechanism of uncovering cases is where the sale transaction is reported to the Provincial Human Settlements Department, often done by a third party.

In addition, the Housing Act specifically 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”.

Due to the illicit nature of the transactions, buyers are unable to register the acquired properties in their names through the Deeds Office. The Department considers the practice of selling properties off-register as a slap in the face to the Government’s collective efforts of housing the nation, and the fight to confront the apartheid legacy of inequality and poverty, as well as reducing the number of people living in informal settlements.

As part of the Department’s concerted efforts aimed at addressing the phenomenon of selling BNG houses, advocacy programmes are undertaken with communities to create awareness amongst citizens. Such programmes include the use of social media platforms and radio announcements. In addition to that, the Department has various training and consumer education interventions, namely;

Train the Trainer- Which is designed to provide training on human settlements policies and programme to officials working in provinces and municipalities.

Housing Consumer Education- Which targets potential human settlements beneficiaries and communities at large and provides them with information on the different programmes of the Department that they can benefit from and how to protect and maintain their properties.

Councillor Training- Is done in conjunction with SALGA and empowers Councillors on their roles and responsibilities in the delivery of housing and human settlements.

Training of Traditional Leaders- Which focusses on unlocking land for human settlements and providing education on housing legislation and policies.

While pursuing the fundamental importance of legislative compliance, the Department is similarly cognisant of the arising challenges ascribed to the restrictive nature of the guidelines contained in sections 10A and 10B of the Housing Act. The policy proposals in the draft White Paper on Human Settlements is to address this area.

13 September 2023 - NW2782

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

With reference to the ongoing investigation by the Public Service Commission into the qualifications of approximately 2 000 senior managers, what action will her department take against senior managers without the requisite qualifications for the positions that they currently occupy?

Reply:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is currently investigating the qualifications of senior managers, the findings and recommendations of which have yet to be officially reported. As such, it would be both early and premature to speculate on potential sanctions against senior managers lacking the requisite qualifications for their current roles. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will dictate the appropriate sanctions. Notably, some senior managers have been serving in their current positions well before the issuance of the 2017 Directive on minimum entry requirements. Their long-term experience could potentially demonstrate the acquisition of sufficient knowledge and skills necessary for their roles.

End

13 September 2023 - NW2632

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Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(a) What (i) total number of witnesses have been enrolled in the witness protection programme in the past two financial years and (ii) is the average duration of stay of witnesses on the programme and (b) at what cost per witness in each month?

Reply:

 

2021/2022

2022/23

(a) (i) total number of witnesses enrolled in the witness protection programme in the past two financial years

367

361

(ii) average duration of stay of witnesses on the programme

20 months

22 months

(b) cost per witness in each month

 

R 16 943.80

R 18 281.27

13 September 2023 - NW1829

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

What (a) is the total number of reported cases of financial misconduct for the 2022-23 financial year, (b) is the (i) breakdown of the implicated departments for each (aa) national and (bb) provincial department and (ii) nature of the financial misconduct involved in each specified case and (c)(i) total amount was lost by the State due to the cases and (ii) amount of the total amount was recovered by the State?

Reply:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) reporting on the overview of Financial Misconduct for the financial year 2022-23 will be made during the 2023/24 financial year, as the data has not yet been audited and consolidated in the Annual Reports of departments. Such would be submitted as soon as the Annual Reports of government departments have been finalized, audited, and tabled to Parliament.

End

13 September 2023 - NW2763

Profile picture: Ngcobo, Mr S

Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?

Reply:

(a) (i) The Department of Basic Education has not printed Annual Reports since 2020 due Parliament requesting electronic copies.

(ii) SACE response: Please see Annexure.

    UMALUSI response: Please see Annexure. 

13 September 2023 - NW2699

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)What total number of public servants in each province were on extended sick leave with full pay in the (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23 financial years; (2) (a) for how long has each of the public servants been on sick leave and (b) on what date is each expected to return to the office; (3) what (a) positions and (b) salary levels do the specified public servants occupy; (4) what total amount did the State spend in paying the public servants in each specified financial year?

Reply:

1. The total number of public servants on extended sick leave was 39 478 in the 2021/2022 financial year and 19 769 in the 2022/2023 financial year. The table below provides for breakdown per Province and financial years:

Extended Sick leave utilised by Public Servants in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years.

Province

2021/2022

2022/2023

 

Number of persons

Median days on extended sick leave

Median days until return

Number of persons

Median days on extended sick leave

Median days until return

Total

39 478

6

44

19 769

15

56

Eastern Cape

2 514

13

0

1 614

26

108

Free State

2 087

5

0

970

15

0

Gauteng

6 656

4

0

2 464

16

40

KwaZulu Natal

5 708

6

0

2 823

16

56

Limpopo

1 562

9

0

743

19

126

Mpumalanga

727

8

0

369

18

0

National

14 055

8

44

7 843

12

25

North West

1 199

7

0

591

14

115

Northern Cape

1 143

8

0

663

20

115

Western Cape

3 827

5

0

1 689

14

56

(2) (a) Given the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act the Department (DPSA) is prohibited from sharing individual details of employees without their consent. The average number of days public servants were on extended sick leave was 16,53 days for the 2021/2022 and 25,23 days for the 2022/2023 financial years.

(b) Only 2 public servants were still on extended sick leave at the end of the 2021/2022 financial year and 115 at the end of the 2022/2023 financial year. The public servants returned within an average of 43,5 days after the end of the 2021/2022 financial year and within an average of 69,97 days after the end of the 2022/2023 financial year.

(3) (a) & (b) The salary levels public servants occupied while on extended sick leave in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years were as follows:

Extended Sick leave utilised by Public Servants in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years

by Salary level and Dispensation

Salary level

2021/2022

2022/2023

 

MMS*

OSD*

Other

SMS*

MMS*

OSD*

Other

SMS*

Total

413

27125

11 729

211

269

13 810

5 568

122

01

0

0

3

0

0

0

4

0

02

0

0

2 231

0

0

0

938

0

03

0

537

1 443

0

0

210

657

0

04

0

696

586

0

0

233

245

0

05

0

4018

3 694

0

0

1626

1 787

0

06

0

3269

1 307

0

0

1673

668

0

07

0

7222

1 152

0

0

4167

579

0

08

0

4895

768

0

0

2888

399

0

09

0

3620

317

0

0

1698

154

0

10

0

1941

228

0

0

872

137

0

11

161

450

0

0

84

225

0

0

12

252

477

0

0

185

218

0

0

13

0

0

0

146

0

0

0

82

14

0

0

0

54

0

0

0

34

15

0

0

0

10

0

0

0

6

16

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

*SMS – Senior Management Service

MMS – Middle Management Service

OSD – Occupation Specific Dispensation

(4) The total amount the Public Service spent on extended sick leave was R2 028 877 538 for the 2021/2022 financial year and R1 853 919 973 for the 2022/2023 financial year.

End

13 September 2023 - NW2556

Profile picture: Myburgh, Mr NG

Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

(1)Given the fact that the residents of three municipal towns in the Blue Crane Route have been battling a deluge of sewage leaks in the past five years, affecting critical service centres such as clinics, and threatening both human and environmental health in KwaNojoli, Cookhouse and Pearston, what steps has his department taken to address the specified situation; (2) whether he intends to lay criminal charges against officials and politicians responsible for the ongoing human rights violations flowing from these sewage leaks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken steps to address the various complaints received in relation to sewage leakages affecting Blue Crane Route Local Municipality (BCRLM) communities. These have been investigated and the DWS in its regulatory role, has taken the following actions:

  • Issued a Directive dated 31 October 2019 for the failing Somerset East sewage pump station.
  • Notice of Pollution dated 19 December 2020 for the Aeroville pump station.
  • Notice of failure to comply with license conditions dated 18 February 2021.
  • Non-compliance letter for poor Green Drop Report Audit Findings dated 08 April 2022.
  • Directive for failure to address pollution of the Somerset East Irrigation canal dated 22 February 2023.
  • Notice of breach of obligation for sewer spillages in Cookhouse and Somerset East dated 25 July 2023.

2. The DWS takes a range of regulatory actions in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities. Criminal charges has not been pursued as yet because the municipality has been responsive to the non-compliance directives and directives as indicated below:

  • The municipality has submitted a suitable action plan to address various non-compliances. The implementation thereof is being monitored by the DWS. To this end, all blockages have been cleared and vandalised cables replaced, however the mechanical and electrical Professional Services Provider is awaiting delivery of spares and refurbished pumps for the high lift pump, the Mayele pump station and the Memese pump station all at Somerset East.
  • The municipality has also appointed a new Water Services Manager who commenced duty on 01 August 2023
  • The Ministry met with MEC of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Mayor and Leadership of BCRLM on 16 August 2023 during the Ministerial visit to the Eastern Cape, where provincial and municipal leadership committed to work towards improving wastewater management.

---00O00---

13 September 2023 - NW2691

Profile picture: Breytenbach, Adv G

Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What (a) total amount was stolen from the Guardians Fund through a series of fraudulent transactions, as was reported to have occurred in April 2023, (b) was the nature of the fraudulent transactions which resulted in the funds from the Guardians Fund being stolen in April 2023 and (c) steps has his department taken to ensure that the fraudulent transactions do not occur again?

Reply:

(a) A total amount of R17 782 132,59

EFT

AMOUNT

109379

R430 424.37

109380

R761 207.41

109381

R4 912 046.36

109382

R572 419.55

109383

R4 983 504.36

109384

R3 140 524.81

109385

R2 982 005.73

Total

R17 782 132.59

(b) Unauthorized payments went through the bank after hours. Upon discovery of this incident, Internal Forensic Investigation was conducted, and the report identified 4 officials suspected of having aided the commission of this fraud incident.

(c) The bank account profile which was linked to all the Guardian’s Fund Offices was suspended, a new profile was created, and in the interim the National Office is making payments on behalf of the Guardian’s Fund Offices until a permanent solution is sought.

END

13 September 2023 - NW2033

Profile picture: Bodlani, Ms T

Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister in the Presidency

Whether she will furnish Ms T Bodlani with a list of the details and outcomes of each case of the Media Development and Diversity Agency that was before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not; if so, on what date?

Reply:

The MDDA had four (4) matters before the CCMA in the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. Three of the matters were resolved by 31 March 2023 and one matter was pending. The three (3) were awarded in favour of the MDDA and one (1) against the Agency. All these matters are available as public records at the CCMA.

Parties

CCMA Case No.

Issue in dispute

Outcomes or status

T Sibeko versus MDDA & Z. Mqolomba

GAJB1019521

The employee referred an unfair labour practice on the basis that the MDDA failed to appoint (promote) T Sibeko into the contested position of Executive Manager: Research, Training, Monitoring and Evaluation.

Date of outcome: 27 July 2022

CCMA found in favour of the MDDA and found that the process followed in appointing Z Mqolomba was not flawless and by the same token was not unfair.

MDDA versus Z Potye

H040-22

The Board of the MDDA raised issued on incompatibility in terms of Sec 188A of the LRA with the Z Potye and issue was referred and determined by the CCMA.

Date of outcome: 22 January 2023

CCMA found in favour of the MDDA.

MDDA versus Z Potye

GAJB2028222

Z Potye referred an unfair labour practice matter to the CCMA to have it determined whether the conduct of the MDDA in relation to the non-payment of an annual bonus constituted an unfair labour practice.

Date of outcome: 10 May

2023

CCMA found in favour of the MDDA and found that it was persuaded that the decision to defer Z Potye’s second term bi-annual assessment pending the finalization of a Sec 188A inquiry by an Arbitrator and lifting her suspension was not unfair labour practice.

D Moreroa versus MDDA

GAJB2560222

D Moreroa referred an unfair labour practice on the basis of an unfair decision to demote him.

Outcome not issued by end of 2022/23 financial year

NAME OF THE DRAFTER: Professor Hlengani Mathebula

DESIGNATION : Chairperson of the Board of Directors

CONTACT DETAILS : 082 448 9219

SIGNATURE : ____________________________


_____________________________

Nomonde Mnukwa (Ms)

Acting Director-General: Government Communication and Information System

(GCIS)

Date:

__________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

13 September 2023 - NW2692

Profile picture: Breytenbach, Adv G

Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

With reference to the reported suspension of all payments from the Guardians Fund following the detection of the fraudulent transactions from the Fund in April 2023, (a) (i) what is the extent of the suspension of payments from the fund in terms ofquantum and (ii) the number of persons affected and (b) on what date will all suspended payments be finalised and paid to recipients?

Reply:

a) 

Region

i) Quantum

ii) The number of persons affected

Bloemfontein

1 095 113

270

Cape town

980 803

81

Grahamstown

      1 722 8912

155

Kimberly

241 659

28

Pietermaritzburg

6 202 007

66

Pretoria

15 393 866

99

Total

23 913 448

699

b) The National Office started processing payments on 13 June 2023 to date.

13 September 2023 - NW2749

Profile picture: Engelbrecht, Mr J

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

(a) What total amount did (i) his department and (ii) each entity reporting to him pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?

Reply:

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development did not incur costs of printing the Annual Report in the past three financial years. However, details regarding the printing of Annual Reports by the public entities are provided in the tables below.

Legal Aid South Africa

FINANCIAL YEAR

No. PRINTED

TOTAL AMOUNT PAID

SERVICE PROVIDER

2020/2021

120

R110,214.85

Creativity Graphic Design & Marketing (PTY) LTD

2021/2022

120

R122,840.70

Shereno Printers CC

2022/2023

120

R189,708.84

(Still to be paid)

Lebone Litho Printers (Pty) Ltd

Table : Legal Aid South Africa

Special investigating Unit

FINANCIAL YEAR

No. PRINTED

TOTAL AMOUNT PAID

SERVICE PROVIDER

2020/2021

300

R195 295,84

Seriti Printing

2021/2022

147

R233 553,50

Msomi Africa

2022/2023

200

R263 837,60. (still to be paid)

Msomi Africa

Table : Special Investigating Unit

The Office of the Chief Justice; (a) (i) (ii); (aa); (bb); (cc) (b) (c) (i) and (ii) provides the following details:

OCJ Annual Report Financial Year

Total amount paid to the service provider/supplier for the proof reading and printing the OCJ annual report.

Number of OCJ annual report Copies Printed

Name of the Supplier responsible for printing the OCJ annual report/s

2020/21 FY

R113 502.98

150

Seriti Printing Digital

2021/22 FY

R129 600.00

200

Seriti Printing Digital

2022/23 FY

R127 581.00

150

Seriti Printing Digital

a) (i) (aa) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) paid R130 422.76 for printed copies of the integrated Annual Reports for 2020/21.

a) (ii) (aa) Not applicable

a) (i) (bb) Department of Correctional Services paid R141 127. 35 for printed copies of the integrated Annual Reports for 2021/22.

a) (ii) (bb) Not applicable

a) (i) (cc) Department of Correctional Services has not paid printed copies of the Integrated Annual Reports for 2022/23.

a) (ii) (cc) Not applicable

b) The Annual Reports were printed by Shereno Printers. Department of Correctional Services has a five- year contract (01 October 2020 to 31 September 2025) with Shereno Printers for the design, layout and printing of the Annual Reports, Annual performance Plan and Strategic Plans.

c) (i) & (ii) Department of Correctional Services printed:

  • 100 copies of the integrated Annual Report for the 2020/21 financial year.
  • 250 copies of the Annual Report for 2021/22 financial year.

END

12 September 2023 - NW2572

Profile picture: Tseki, Mr MA

Tseki, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

In light of the fact that the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA), committed his government to eradicate the backlog of water use licence applications and reduce the turnaround time to only 90 days, what total number of (a) water use licence applications were approved since 10 February 2022 and (b) those approved, were for previously disadvantaged communities?

Reply:

a)  791 water use licence applications were approved since 10 February 2022

b) 198 of the 791 water use licence applications were issued to Historically Disadvantaged Individuals.

---00O00---

12 September 2023 - NW1369

Profile picture: Bodlani, Ms T

Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister in the Presidency

What are the (a) reasons that the Media Development and Diversity Agency funding process does not make direct payment to the beneficiaries instead of making payments via intermediaries and (b) full details of all (i) intermediaries that were utilised and (ii) related transactions (aa) for the 202223 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?

Reply:

a) The MDDA does not fund through intermediaries. Applications are submitted directly to the MDDA, and communication is between the MDDA and applicants. Upon approval of a funding application, contractual arrangements are concluded between the MDDA and successful grantees.

b) (i) and (ii) not applicable

(aa) not applicable

(bb) not applicable

DRAFTER OF THE REPLY

Name: Prof. Hlengani Mathebula

Designation: Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Contacts: 082 448 9219

Signature:


_____________________________

Ms Nomonde Mnukwa

Acting Director General: GCIS

Date:

__________________________

Hon. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

12 September 2023 - NO503

Profile picture: Dlamini, Mr M

Dlamini, Mr M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Given that her department is a large employer and through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) provides work opportunities to persons who are unemployable in the labour market due to a lack of education and/or skills, what are the (a) relevant details of the EPWP in relation to the sectors of her department in which the employment occurs and (b) levels of skills development for women and youth in the specified programme

Reply:

 

Find reply here

12 September 2023 - NO529

Profile picture: Weber, Ms AMM

Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) What is the status of the complaint submitted to her department regarding the cofferdam mining by Alexkor in the Richtersveld; (2) whether she has found that the One Environmental System affects the ability of her department to take action on mining sites; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Find reply here

12 September 2023 - NW2563

Profile picture: Alexander, Ms W

Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether his department has taken any action to assist the Lesedi Local Municipality to deal with the massive sewage leaks and spillages that have been ongoing for the past 18 months; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)has sent a Notice of Intention to issue a Directive in terms of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) to the Lesedi Local Municipality in relation to the operations and maintenance of Devon Waste Water Treatment Works. In addition, a non-compliance letter was issued to the municipality in terms of the 2022 Green Drop audit findings.

The DWS has provided support to the municipality in the 2022/2023 financial year through the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Grant (WSIG). The WSIG transfer went towards Devon Wastewater Treatment Works for:

  • Upgrading of power supply
  • Refurbishment of critical Mechanical and electrical equipment
  • Licensing of the works to ensure compliance with Green Drop Certification programme.

---00O00---

12 September 2023 - NW342

Profile picture: Mthenjane, Mr DF

Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister in the Presidency

What follow-up strategies has he undertaken to assess the impact of the red tape reduction program of the Red Tape Unit?

Reply:

The Red Tape Reduction initiative led by Mr Sipho Nkosi is working on reducing red tape that impacts the climate for investment and business. The initiative has identified ten priority areas for intervention, of which five are underway, namely those related to tourism operator transport permits, the mining and prospecting rights license system, work permit and visa administration, informal trading, and early childhood development (ECD) centres in townships.

The impact of the programme is monitored through the internal management processes of the Presidency, including quarterly management reports. The Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation also conducts evaluations on a quarterly basis. The Presidency’s 2022/23 annual report will report on the extent to which the RTR targets contained in The Presidency’s 2022/23 APP have been achieved.

Moreover, the RTR initiative has since April 2023 been transferred to fall under the Project Management Office in the Presidency which will apply project management disciplines to measure the progress and impact of the programme.

 

NAME OF THE DRAFTER: ____________________________

DESIGNATION : ____________________________

CONTACT DETAILS : ____________________________

SIGNATURE : ____________________________

____________________

Phindile Baleni (Ms.)

Director-General and Secretary of the Cabinet

Date:

APPROVED/NOT APPROVED

______________________________

Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in The Presidency

Date:

12 September 2023 - NO532

Profile picture: Bryant, Mr D W

Bryant, Mr D W to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment

(1) What impact has she found the delays in the implementation of the small-scale fishing process in the Western Cape have had on the sector; (2) whether her department has put plans in place to create additional opportunities for small-scale fishers in the Western Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Find reply here

12 September 2023 - NW2652

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to the land claim on the farm Syferfontein 80 JP and a number of other farms where an amended Government Gazette 37443 Notice 221, dated 20 March 2014 was published, being in contradiction to the Land Claims Commission’s 2020/21 Annual report (details furnished), what (a) are the details of the explanation that she, her department and the National Land Claims Commissioner furnished for the discrepancy and (b) was the (i) amount of financial compensation paid to the community and (ii) basis for the estimation?

Reply:

a) It must be noted that an error was committed at the time of the publication of the amended gazette Notice No. 221 of 2014 in the Government Gazette No.37443 dated 20 March 2014.

The purpose of publishing property in terms of section 11(7) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1992, as amended, is to notify all the interested and affected parties of the land Restitution claim and should not include the Restitution award.

The error on the subject line of the Gazette notice in that the claim will be settled through financial compensation will be corrected through another Government Gazette.

b) (i). No payment has been processed.

(ii). Falls away.

 

END

12 September 2023 - NO508

Profile picture: Gantsho, Ms N

Gantsho, Ms N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment

What are the relevant details of the process that her department has embarked upon to empower small fishers and communities to access the oceans economy?

Reply:

Find reply here

12 September 2023 - NW2540

Profile picture: Buthelezi, Ms SA

Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What (a) factors has his department found to be the main reasons for the deterioration of the water and sanitation systems in the large metros since the award-winning days of the eThekwini Municipality in 2014 (details furnished) and (b) plans has he put in place to turn the declining situation around?

Reply:

a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), has found the main reasons for the deterioration of the water and sanitation systems are:

  • Infrastructure is in a poor condition, caused by a lack of maintenance, which is in turn caused by non-prioritization of budgets for maintenance and operations as well as poor billing and revenue collection, which are in turn caused by poor leadership and management.
  • Non-adherence to standard operating processes for drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment, caused by municipalities failing to hire the necessary staff with the correct skills and qualifications as well as poor management in the municipalities. These factors are as important as infrastructure condition, if not more important, as contributors to poor performance.
  • DWS, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Department of Human Settlements (DHS) allocate approximately R20 billion per annum in water and sanitation infrastructure grants to municipalities, but often this money must be used to repeatedly repair and refurbish infrastructure which has deteriorated rapidly due to a lack of maintenance by municipalities.
  • Vandalism and metal theft are an increasing cause of infrastructure failure, but this is partly a result of inadequate security being provided by the municipalities.

b) The DWS released its Green Drop report in 2022, which indicated that the performance of many municipal wastewater treatment systems has deteriorated. The report identified 334 wastewater systems in a critical state of performance, in 90 municipalities. Blue Drop assessments are also being conducted by the DWS to all Water Services Authorities to measure all aspects contributing to a sustainable Water Services Business, and provision of safe water to the citizens of South Africa. The Blue Drop report is due to be released at the end of September 2023. Beyond producing the Blue and Green monitoring reports, DWS is engaged in several initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of pollution of rivers by municipal wastewater treatment works in the following ways:

  • Firstly, the Minister has agreed on action plans to address infrastructural deficiencies in many of the worst performing municipalities, and DWS is assisting municipalities with funding from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to address these deficiencies.
  • Secondly, DWS is taking regulatory action in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities.
  • Thirdly, DWS is drafting amendments to the Water Services Act to strengthen its role as the regulator of municipal water and sanitation services and to enable the Minister to intervene effectively when there is non-compliance with directives to stop pollution.

---00O00---

12 September 2023 - NW2468

Profile picture: Graham, Ms SJ

Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency

(1)What are the (a) relevant details of the progress that has been made on the (i) establishment of a state-owned holding company to house strategic state-owned entities (SOEs) and (ii) recommendations to retain, consolidate and/or dispose of SOEs and (b) time frames in terms of the establishment and implementation of the recommendations; (2) whether the evidence-based criteria for the restructuring of SOEs have been published; if not, on what date will the criteria be published; if so, (3) whether she will furnish Ms S J Graham with the specified evidence-based criteria; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Parliamentary Question 2468 does not fall within the scope of my competence.

 

 

NAME OF THE DRAFTER :

DESIGNATION :

CONTACT DETAILS :

SIGNATURE : ____________________________

______________________________

Phindile Baleni (Ms)

Director General and Secretary of Cabinet

Date:

__________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

12 September 2023 - NW2647

Profile picture: Matiase, Mr NS

Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1195 on 4 May 2023, she foresees any further factors that may affect the settlement of the specified land claim in the third quarter of the 2023-24 financial year; if not, what further progress has been made to ensure that the long overdue land claim is settled; if so, what are the relevant details of the factors; (2) whether any steps have been taken to ensure that all pertinent issues that are stalling the payment of the claim are resolved, especially those that led to the beneficiaries adopting the verification interdict process because of some disagreement of the payment to be made; if not, (a) why not and (b) what (i) are the detail of the issues that still need to be resolved and (ii) is the timeframe thereof; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps that have been taken?

Reply:

(1) (i) No, The claim is projected for settlement in the 3rd quarter of the current financial year as per the reply to question 1195 submitted on 4 May 2023. The Settlement memorandum has been compiled and is currently undergoing the internal processes for consideration by the delegated authority.

(2) Yes, the offer was accepted by the claimants and the settlement agreement was signed with the addition verification lists.

(a),(b)(i),(ii) Falls away.

END

12 September 2023 - NW2571

Profile picture: Sihlwayi, Ms NN

Sihlwayi, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

In light of the fact that for the past two financial years his department has recorded underspending on the grants and transfers allocated to the local sphere of government for the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure, what strategies and/or steps does he intend to implement to eradicate underspending by the local government in order to enable the provision of water and sanitation services to communities?

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has put measures in place to prevent underspending on the grants and transfers allocated for the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure. Some of the strategies and/or steps includes the following:

  • Collaboration with Implementing Agents to address challenges emanating from Supply Chain Management.
  • Reprioritising the budget towards projects with acceleration plans and effective contract management.
  • DWS is improving project audits and ensuring compliance for both direct and indirect grants funded projects to mitigate against poor performance.
  • The DWS has established and is capacitating its Water Services Branch with engineers and project managers to improve monitoring of all projects across the country.

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12 September 2023 - NW2551

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

Considering that metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng are facing major water supply issues from the Rand Water, with some households not receiving water for weeks, what measures have been put in place to curb the shortage of bulk water supply from the Rand Water, specifically in preparation for the summer months?

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Rand Water, working with all Water Service Authorities (WSA) within the Gauteng Province, have put in place the following measures to curb shortages of bulk water in the province:

  • Rand Water commissioned the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant on 31 August 2023. The Zuikerbosch WTW will provide an additional 150ML/d into the water supply system and WSAs are expected to provide DWS with detailed plans on how the additional water will be used more efficiently.
  • Municipalities are encouraged to fix leakages that result in high non-revenue water losses.
  • Rand Water and Water Service Authorities are implementing Water Conservation/Water Demand management measures.
  • Municipalities are raising awareness to water users to reduce consumption of water.
  • DWS is also engaging all municipalities in Gauteng to build more reservoirs to curb water outages.

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12 September 2023 - NW2372

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Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency

With reference to motor vehicle licenses as reflected in the Budget Vote of The Presidency, what (a) is the reason for the increase in expenditure from R4000 in the 2021-22 financial year to a projected expenditure of R 46000 in the 2022-23 financial year on the line item and (b) are the full relevant details?

Reply:

There is no significant increase on the expenditure for vehicle licence as The Presidency only spent R 6 000 for car licensing at the end of 2022-23 financial year. The projected expenditure of R 46 000 might be the result of misalignment of the budget as transfers and subsidies includes both vehicle and car licenses expenditure.

 

NAME OF THE DRAFTER : Dineo Kau

DESIGNATION : Acting Chief Financial Officer

CONTACT DETAILS : 063 669 1968

SIGNATURE : ____________________________

______________________________

Phindile Baleni (Ms)

Director General and Secretary of Cabinet

Date:

__________________________

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency

Date:

11 September 2023 - NW2558

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Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Given that the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is intended to be a key stakeholder to capacitate and regulate the sector, (a) what total number of NHBRC offices were opened in rural areas since 1 August 2022 and (b) where is each specified office located?

Reply:

a) There were no offices opened in rural areas during the period in question. The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is in the process of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). This MoU aims to secure locations for service points (shared office space in rural municipalities), which will cater for communities that are far from the existing main offices and the rural communities. Furthermore, the NHBRC reaches out to these communities through the utilisation of community halls and outreach programmes as part of its service strategy.

b) Not applicable.

05 September 2023 - NW953

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport

(1)With reference to the internal inquiry that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is instituting into the Chairperson of Prasa following reports that he used the organisation’s rental house in Cape Town for personal use, (a) what are the full relevant details on the matter and (b) on what date will Prasa release the report on the matter; (2) whether the house continues to be rented by Prasa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) (a) The details are part of the report.

(b) The report on the matter was concluded on the 31 March 2023. The report was submitted by the Board of Control of PRASA to the Minister of Transport for consideration. Based on the findings of the report the Chairperson was released of his responsibilities as the Chair of the Board.

(2) Mr. Ramatlakane, vacated the house on 15 March 2023, in line with the short-term lease. The house in question is owned by PRASA and is one of many others in the portfolio, which is leased out to tenants as part of the PRASA’s secondary mandate to generate revenue out of its assets. As already mentioned above, a proposal on the future use (internal or external consumption of the asset) has been prepared and will serve at the various committees within PRASA for approval to ensure the secondary mandate is achieved.

05 September 2023 - NW2344

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

(a) Which court orders regarding Siyangena Tehnologies have (i) been met and (ii) not been met to date, (b) what are the reasons that the specified orders have not yet been met and (c) by what date will the orders be met?

Reply:

a)  (i)The court ruled in favour of PRASA in the High Court (Gauteng Division) case number 14332/18 and declared the Siyangena Technologies contract unlawful and irregular. Siyangena Technologies proceeded to launch an appeal application in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) under case number 487/2021. The SCA confirmed the High Court decision and thereby ruling in favour of PRASA.

(ii) Refer to (i) above.

b) The Superior Courts Act, 2013 provides that an application for leave to appeal, or an appeal, suspends the operation and execution of a decision, pending the outcome of the application or appeal. Consequently, a court order cannot be executed until the appeal proceedings are determined.

c) Siyangena Technologies has launched an application for leave to appeal the SCA judgment in the Constitutional Court. Siyangena Technologies has launched an application for leave to appeal the SCA judgment in the Constitutional Court and PRASA is awaiting judgment in that regard. The judgement from the Constitutional Court dismissed Siyangena’s leave to appeal the SCA judgement which in favour of PRASA. The Con Court further awarded costs in favour of PRASA. The parties (Siyangena and PRASA) must now appoint an engineer within 30 days of the judgement in order to determine the value of the works as per the judgement.

01 September 2023 - NW2675

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Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to the Auditor-General’s 2020/2021 report which stipulates that 84% of municipalities in the Republic failed to pay their creditors within the mandated 30-day period, her department has conducted a detailed quantitative and qualitative assessment of the resultant socio-economic ramifications, specifically the adverse impact on job losses and business viability for small companies, sole proprietors and cooperatives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) assessment and (b) strategic measures under consideration to rectify this systemic issue?

Reply:

Noting that, in accordance with Section 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), municipalities submit Section 71 reports to National Treasury (NT) each month detailing their creditors, and NT assesses those reports. Given the foregoing context, this inquiry must be forwarded to the minister of finance so that National Treasury can react appropriately.

End.

31 August 2023 - NW2507

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Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

In light of how small businesses and/or co-operatives are struggling to access funding from her department, what total number of businesses did she develop in her hometown since the start of her term of office?”

Reply:

My Hometown is Mthatha, in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, since the 1st August 2021 I have been advised that;

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) funded 5901 Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (KSD) to the value of R79.5 million. This financial support helped create and sustain 4963 jobs. In terms of developmental impact, sefa’s disbursements to businesses owned by black entrepreneurs were R79.5 million, women-owned businesses received disbursements to the value of R28.5 million, the youth owned businesses received R19.5 million in disbursements and those based in the rural areas received R49.5 million over the same period. And this covers small business in both Mqanduli and Mthatha my hometown.

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) service delivery is geared on a provincial focus with District Municipalities as it’s networks for reach and access of services. From 2021 when I was appointed as the Minister of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) to date, Seda Eastern Cape (EC) supported 8516 SMMEs and Co-operatives of which 1706 are residents of OR Tambo District Municipality. These numbers pertain to non-financial support provided to SMMEs and Co-operatives by Seda EC and exclude support provided by various other ecosystem stakeholders.

Seda’s impact is not only based in the Minister’s hometown but rather regional. For the 2023 financial year in the Eastern Cape, the Seda Technology Programme currently supports fourteen (14) Incubators in the Eastern Cape. Twenty-seven (27) clients were funded through the Technology Transfer Assistance Programme at a total cost of R14 296 665.00. Furthermore, five (5) clients were supported with quality and standards interventions at a total cost of R237 103.97.

Annexure 1

The attached annexure illustrates Seda’s financial and non-financial support in the Eastern Cape Province:

Seda Eastern Cape clients

Newly Approved Incubators

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Description automatically generated

Quality and Standards Beneficiaries

Technology Transfer Assistance Beneficiaries

31 August 2023 - NW1880

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Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

What other steps has her department taken to ensure that the most remote rural areas and secluded persons are aware of and able to benefit from the services offered by her department, when her department hosts outreach programmes that are aimed at showcasing and giving information regarding the services that it offers available to a wider audience as these outreach programmes are rarely held in the specified areas, and that means that persons who need the services are still unable to access them despite Government trying to do so by reaching out once or twice a year?”

Reply:

The Department of Small Business Development and its agencies, Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), from time to time participate in Municipal LED Forums organised by the Municipalities in various Provinces across the Country. This includes Business Forums, Imbizos, Summits / Conferences, Community Outreach Programmes as well as Road Shows. The DSBD uses these platforms to share information regarding the services that are available to SMMEs and Co-operatives. The Department also utilises Seda and sefa offices across the country to share information regarding the services of the Department and its agencies.

Furthermore, and in line with the District Development Model (DDM), the Department had in the past financial year assigned senior and middle managers, from Acting Deputy Directors-General to Deputy Directors to all districts and provinces to act as both the provincial and district champions wherein they ensure continuous engagement with districts and municipalities to expose and enable SMMEs to access the services and programmes of the Department. The Department has taken this further by bringing in personnel, additional to the establishment, to link with the districts directly to take forward the work of DDM.

30 August 2023 - NW2451

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Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What total amount (a) has been allocated to each agri-park in each financial year since it was established and (b) was spent by each specified agri-park in each specified financial year; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the full list of all agri-parks, indicating (a) the total number of agri-parks, (b) the relevant details of the current status of each agri-park and (c) which agri-parks are currently (i) functional and (ii) dysfunctional; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a), Refer to Annexure A for amount allocated to Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSUs) and AgriHubs.

(b) The Agri-Hubs has three components, i.e. Farmer Production Support Unit, Agri-Hub and Rural Market Centres. The Department has thus far constructed 51 FPSUs and 10 Agri-Hubs

2. (a) 51 FPSUs and 10 Agri-Hubs

(b) Refer to Annexure B

(c) (i) and (ii) refer to Annexure B