Questions and Replies

Reply:

According to the Provincial Departments of Health concerned, the following table reflects the details in this regard:

Table 1.

Municipality	No. of ambulances allocated to the Municipality	Operational Ambulances	Operational Ambulance that are staffed in accordance with the correct Health Professionals Council requirements
Nelson Mandela Bay	37	16	16
City of Tshwane	102	75	Yes
City of Johannesburg	143	65	Yes
City of Cape Town Municipality	110	68	68
Tlokwe Local Municipality	5	4	4

END.

Reply:

The amount stated above as Central Energy Fund’s (CEF) projection that its expenditure would increase to R117 billion in the 2014-15 financial year with a revenue of R118 billion due to Irene and other projects coming online on page 688 of her department’s 2014-15 Budget Vote, is not correct and the correct amount is stipulated below as follows:

 (a) The turnover for CEF in 2014/15 was R18.5billion, cash from operations was R4.4billion and cash balance was R10billion.

 (b) Project Irene did not come to fruition because it could not secure funding.

 (c) Project Ikhwezi was approved by the PetroSA Board 2011 as a five-well drilling program. As at the end of the 2014/15 financial year, only 25 BcF of commercial gas reserves was expected, 10% of the initial expected gas. This then shortened the commercial life of the GTL refinery to 2017.

Reply:

(1) (a). The Department has appointed Mr. Eugene Nhlanhla Nqaba Ngcobo as Senior Nuclear Specialist;

(b). Mr. Ngcobo was appointed on 24 November 2015;

(c). his professional qualification is a Masters of Science (Engineering); and

(d). the total remuneration is R1 267 806 per annum (all-inclusive package).

(2) (a). Mr. Ndabenhle Goodwill Ngwane was appointed as a Senior Procurement Specialist;

(b). on 24 November 2015;

(c) his professional qualification is a Bachelor of Commerce; and

(d). the total remuneration is R 1 267 806 per annum (all-inclusive package)

Reply:

1. Yes

2. Note that these numbers vary on a daily basis depending on contract mobilization or demobilization:

• Medupi: 6 995 employees
• Kusile: 12 951 employees

3. Medupi: 31 January 2017

Kusile: 30 September 2018

4. Medupi R221 046 709.94 excluding VAT (Contract concluded value)

R109 569 792.75 excluding VAT (Contract value spent to date)

Kusile R639 193 482.00 excluding VAT (Contract concluded value) R354 822 598.00 excluding VAT (Contract value spent to date)

 

Ms. Lynne Brown, MP

Minister of Public Enterprises

Date:

Reply:

(a) No

(b) No

(c) No

Reply:

We are still sourcing information from SAFA (South African Football Association) in this regard

Reply:

(a) 12,097 businesses have received funding through the Jobs Fund projects.

(b) i. 11,930 are black-owned (98.6%).

     ii. R973,350,117 is the total value of funding to these black-owned businesses.

Reply:

(1)(a)(i)(ii) To promote mining and address company issues relating to investment climate in the country in general, and to mitigate imminent of retrenchments.

(b) The Department is not at liberty to disclose the identity of persons involved outside of its employment.

(c) No person in particular. I identify challenges and act upon them in a manner I deem appropriate.

(2) As previously indicated, the Minister was accompanied by a senior official of the Department.  It is not normal practice for the Department to disclose the identity of officials who travel and accompany the Minister in their official capacity, as it may potentially compromise the performance of their official duties.

NA QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: 287 : CO582E

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER:

287. Mr J S Malema (EFF) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(a) What was the purpose of his recent trip to Switzerland, (b) who was part of the delegation and (c) how much did the trip cost the department? NW294E

Reply

1. To promote mining and investment opportunities in South Africa
2. Minister was accompanied by an official from the department.
3. R347 000, 00.

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2016

Reply:

1. All Members of Parliament do declare as required through Members Interests Office and such declarations are made public.

2. The forms used for declarations in the Members Interest Office specify who else should reflect.

Reply:

The lease will expire on 30 September 2016. CCMA intending to extend the existing lease to allow for sufficient time to go for tender.

Reply:

We are still sourcing information from SAFA (South African Football Association) in this regard

Reply:

(1) (a) and (b) The following table reflects the details in this regard

No	Year	Applications Received	Successfully Registered	Percentage Registered
aa	2010	369	324	87.80%
bb	2011	238	237	99.58%
cc	2012	349	216	61.89%
dd	2013	527	275	52.18%
ee	2014	541	412	76.16%
ff	2015	383	336	87.73%
	2016	142	135	95.07%

 

(c) The reasons for unsuccessful applications are due to the following:

• Curriculum not equivalent to the South African Education system
• Failure to submit verified credentials
• Failure to comply with DOH Foreign Workforce requirements, and,
• Incomplete documents

(2) (a) and (b) Yes, there is a target processing time of six weeks. The specified period entail assessment of applications for regulatory compliance, administrative compliance and submission to the relevant committee for consideration. Upon approval of the application, it takes 21 days to finalise applications for registration.

(c) The delays are influenced by the following:

• Curriculum not equivalent to the South African Education system
• Failure to submit verified credentials
• Failure to comply with DOH Foreign Workforce requirements, and,
• Incomplete documents

(d) The process of reviewing and considering applications from foreign qualified practitioners is being reviewed with the aim of eliminating the delays.

END.

Reply:

(1)(a)(i-ii) The following media channels formed part of the Electoral Commission’s registration communication initiatives in all nine provinces: Outdoor media (billboards), print media (newspapers, magazines, community newspapers and other publications), radio (including community, regional and national stations), television (including SABC, eTV, a variety of DSTV stations and community channels), digital media, social media and internet advertising). It must be noted that the media planning and implementation to promote registration during both the March 2016 and April 2016 registration weekends were identified and selected based on a variety of factors including target audience (especially aimed at eligible voters under 30 years old), available budget and cost efficiency, as well as the distribution of eligible voters around South Africa as informed by the Electoral Commission’s own databases and those of the media.

(1)(b) Electoral Commission does not segment its media purchases, planning or expenditure according to provincial boundaries. Most media transcend provincial boundaries (especially television, radio and digital/social media). It is therefore not possible to provide accurate data regarding the provincial split of media usage or expenditure per province as provincial expenditure is not tracked.

.However, the total spend on all media in all provinces to promote the two registration weekends in March and April 2016 was as follows: (Inclusive of VAT)

• Television: R28 552 505
• Radio: R21 581 577
• Print: R6 195 149
• Digital media: R17 964 903
• Outdoor media: R4 312 827

(2) Community print was used extensively to promote the first registration weekend in March 2016. A four-page guide to the 2016 Elections was published in six languages and 8.306 million copies were inserted into 325 community newspapers based in all provinces.

(2)(a) See attached list marked Annexure A of community newspapers used.

(2)(b) R4 683 622 (Inclusive of VAT)

1. Community radio stations (which included student radio stations) were included in the media plan for both registration weekends.

(3)(a) See attached list marked Annexure B of community radio stations used

(3)(b) R2 231 002 (Inclusive of VAT)

ANNEXURE A: PQ 1217 on IEC

(2)(a) List of community newspapers used:

African Reporter	Midweek Review
Alberton Record	Midweek Potch Herald
Alex News	Mmega District News
Aliwal Weekly	Mogol Post
Al-Qalam	Mopani Herald
Amanzimtoti Fever	Mossel Bay Advertiser
Athlone News	Mpumalanga Mirror
Atlantic Sun	Mpumalanga News
Barberton Times	Mpumalnga Commuter
Bedfordview & Edenvale News	Mthatha Express
Benoni City Times	Nelspruit Post
Berea Mail	Newcastle & District Advertiser
Bloemfontein Courant	Newcastle Express
BloemNuus/News	Newcastle Sun
Blouberg Today	Ngoho News
Boksburg Advertiser	Noordelike Nuus
Bolander	Noordkaap
Bonus	Noordwester Die
Bosveld Review	Noordwester/Oewernuus
Brakpan Herald	North Coast Courier
Breederivier Gazette	North Coast Times
Brits Pos	North Eastern Tribune
Bua Sedibeng News	North Eyethu
Bugle The	North West Independent
Bullein	North West Journal
Bulletin	Northcliff & Mellville Times
Cape Flat News	Northern Bulletin
Capricorn Voice	Northern News (Bellville/ Durbanville)
Carletonville Herald	Northern News (Goodwood/Parow)
Centurion Sun	Northern News (Kuilsriver/ Brackenfell/ Kraaifontein)
Chatsworth Rising Sun	Northern Star
Chatsworth Tabloid	Northglen News
Chiawelo Urban News	Ons Kontrei
City Vision Link	Onze Nuus
Coastal Weekly	Orange Farm News
Comaro Chronicle	Orange Farm Poortjie Indaba
Community Focus	Orlando Urban News
Constantiaberg Bulletin	Oudtshoorn Courant
Corridor Gazette	Our Times
Cosmo City Chronicle	Overport Rising Sun
Cosmos News	Overvaal
Courier	Paarl Post
CXPress	Parys Gazette
De Aar Echo	PE Express
Die Courant Swartland & Weskus	PE Express Indaba
Die Daller	People's Post Link
Die Ghaap	Phalaborwa Herald
Die Hoorn	Phoenix Tabloid
Die Pos	Pimville Urban News
Diepkloof Urban News	Pinetown & Hammarsdale Izindaba
Dikelethu News	Plainsman
District Mail	Platinum Weekly
Dobsonville Urban News	Polokwane Express
Drakenstein Gazette	Polokwane Observer
Dumelang News	Pondo News
Durban North News	Potchefstroom Herald
Eagle Eye News	Pretoria Record Central
East Griqualand Fever	Pretoria Record Centurion
Eastern Cape Mirror	Pretoria Record East
Eastern Cape Today	Pretoria Record Mamelodi
Eastern Free State Issue	Pretoria Record Moot
Echo Maritzburg Central	Pretoria Record North
Edendale Echo	Pretoria Record Noweto
Edendale Eyethu	Pretoria Record West
Eikestad Nuus	Protea Urban News
Ekasi News	Public Eye
Ekurhuleni News	Public Eye PMB
Eldorado Park Urban News	Queensburgh News
Eldorado Times	Randburg Sun
Estcourt & Midlands News	Randfontein Herald
eThekwini Times	Recorder
Excelsior News	Rekord – Nigel & Heidelberg
Express Eastern Free State	Reporter, The
Express Free State (Mangaung)	Richmond Times Group
Express Northern Cape	Ridge Times
Eyethu Amajuba	Roodepoort Northsider
Eyethu Bay Watch	Roodepoort Record
Eyethu Edendale	Rosebank Killarney Gazette
Eyethu Ilembe	Rustenburg Herald
Eyethu Intshonalanga	Sandton Chronicle
Eyethu Ugu	Sasolburg Ster
Eyethu Umlazi	Sedibeng Ster
Eyethu Umngeni	Seipone
Eyethu Uthukela	Sentinel News
Eyethu Zululand	Somerset Budget & Pearston Adv.
False Bay Echo	Sosh Times
Fordsburg & Mayfair Rising Sun	South Cape Forum
Fourways Review	South Coast Fever
Frankfort Herald	South Coast Herald
Free State Sun	South Coast News
Gemsbok	South Coast Sun
George Herald	Southern Courier
Germiston City News	Southern Mail
Glenwood Weekly Gazette	Southern Star
Go! & Express East London	Southern Suburbs Tatler
Graaff Reinet Advertiser/Karoo Nuus	Southlands Sun
Greater Alex Today	Soweto Express
Greenstone Guide	Soweto Times
Greytown Gazette	Springs Advertiser
Grocotts Mail	Standerton Advertiser
Harrismith Chronicle	Standerton Ibis
Hazyview Herald	Stanger Weekly
Heidelberg Nigel Heraut	Steelburger Inc. Lydenburg News
Heilbron Herald	Stellalander
Helderberg Gazette	Stellenbosch Gazette
Herald The, (Middelburg)	Streeknuus
Hermanus Times	Swartland Gazette
Highlands Panorama	Tabea News (Vaal Times)
Highveld Gazette	Tabletalk
Highveld Tribune	Talk of the Town
Highvelder/Hoevelder	Tame Times - Leseding News Bojanala
Highway Mail	Tame Times
Highway News (Pinetwon and Hammersdale Izindaba)	Tame Times Limpopo
Hillcrest Fever	Tame Times: Alberton, Bedfordview, Edenvale,Germiston, Johannesburg South and Boksburg
Hoedspruit Herald	Tembisan
Horizon	Thaba Chweu News
Ilembe Eyethu	The Beat Community Newspaper
Impact 24/7 News	The Cape Towner
Intshonalanga Eyethu	The Echo
Isolomzi Express	The Representative
Jabavu Urban News	The Soweto Bulletin
Jeffreys Bay Courant	Theewaterskloof Gazette
Joburg Eastern Express	Times of Ladysmith
Kalahari Bulletin	Tongaat/Verulam & Phoenix Sun
Kathu Gazette	Township Times
Kempton Express	Triangle Courier
Klerksdorp Midweek	Tshwane Sun Attridgeville
Klerksdorp Record	Tshwane Sun Central
Knysna Plett Herald	Tshwane Sun Hammanskraal
Kokstad Advertiser	Tshwane Sun Mamelodi
Kormorant	Tshwane Sun Soshanguve
Kouga Express	Tshwane Sun West
Kroonnuus	Tygerburger
Krugersdorp News	UD News
Kwêvoël	Umlazi Eyethu
Ladysmith Gazette	Umlazi Times
Ladysmith Herald	Umvoti Light
Laudium Sun	uPhongola News
Lenasia Rising Sun	Uvo Lwethu Express
Lenasia Times	Vaal Weekblad
Lentswe	Vanderbijlpark Ster
Leseding News - Bojinala	Vereeniging Ster
Letaba Herald	Victoria West Messenger
Life & Style	Village Talk
Limpopo Mirror	Vista
Lowvelder/Laeveder	Vryheid Herald
Mabopane Sun	Vrystaat
Mafikeng Mail	Vukani
Makhulu News	Weekend Review
Maluti	Weekly Gazette
Mangaung Issue	Weslander
Maritzburg Sun	West Side Urban News
Meadowlands Urban News	Westville Weekly Gazette
Meander Chronicle	White River Post
Merebank Rising Sun	Winelands Echo
Messenger	Witbank News
Mid South Coast Mail	Witzenberg Herald
Mid South Coast Rising Sun	Worcester Standard
Middelburg Observer	Your Money
Midlands News	Zeerust News
Midrand Reporter	Zola Urban News
Midvaal Ster	Zoutpansberger
	Zululand Observer

• END -

ANNEXURE B of PQ 1217

(3)(a) List of community radio stations used:

Aganang	Radio Alpha
Alfred Nzo	Radio Atlantis
Alx FM	Radio Botlokwa
BayFM	Radio Bushbuckridge
Bok Radio	Radio Eden
Bush Radio	Radio Islam
East Rand Stereo	Radio Kangala
EK Fm	Radio Kanyamazane
Ekhephini FM	Radio Khanya
eMalahleni Community	Radio Khwezi
Energy Fm	Radio Mafikeng
Forte FM	Radio Mafisa
Gamkaland	Radio Mohodi
Giyani FM	Radio Moletsi
Greater Lebowakgomo	Radio Moretele
Greater Middelburg	Radio Mosupatsela
Greater Tzaneen FM	Radio Moutse
Highway	Radio Naledi
Hlanganani	Radio Newcastle
Inanda FM	Radio Riverside
Inkonjane	Radio Rosestad
Izwi Lomzansi	Radio Sekgosese
Jozi FM	Radio Soshanguve
Karabo	Radio Sunny South
Kasie FM	Radio Takalani
KC	Radio Teemaneng
Koepel Fm	Radio TUKS
Kopanong	Radio Turf
KovsieFM	Radio Tygerberg
Lekoa	Radio Unitra
Lentswe Stereo	Radio Univen
Lephalale FM	Radio Vukani
Lethlabile	Radio Zibonele
Lukhanji	Sedibeng FM
Makhado FM	Setsoto FM
Malamulele FM	SKFM
MAMS FM	Star FM
Maputaland Radio	Thetha FM
Mdantsane FM	TshwaneFM
MFM	Tubatse
Mix FM	TUT Radio
Mmabatho	UCT Radio
Modiri FM	Umgungundlovu
Mogale FM	Valley FM
Motheo FM	Vibe FM
Mozolo	Village FM
Musina	Voice of the Cape
NFM	VOW
Nkomazi FM	VUT
Nkqubela Radio	Zebediela
Overvaal Stereo	Zululand
PE FM
Phalaborwa
PukFM
Qwa Qwa Radio

• END -

Reply:

(a) No

(b)

(i) The Department of Environmental Affairs received editorial, advertising and media coverage services from The New Age Media (TNA) Media related to the implementation of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) Rio+20 Summit Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy.

South African National Parks utilised the services of Comair Flight Services on 11 April 2014.

South African Biodiversity Institute, iSimangaliso, and South African Weather Service have not awarded any contracts to Sahara Holdings, Comair, Oakbay Investments, Islandsite Investments, Afripalm Horizons Stakes, The New Age Media, JIC Mining Services and Vusizwe Media in the specified period.

(ii) The payment amounts to TNA Media (The New Age Media) and Comair Flight Services are reflected in the relevant financial reports of the Department.

---ooOoo---

Reply:

(1) Advertising: 2013/14 – April 2016

Department of Energy: R38 709 229

Entities: R65 897 944

(2) Consulting: 2013/14 – April 2016

Department of Energy: R101 454 801

Entities: R416 699 483

(3) Transport: 2013/14 – April 2016

Department of Energy: R99 735 984

Entities: R191 009 784

Reply:

1. (a) The Rules of the Transport Pension Fund and the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund provide that the majority of the Trustees be present to form a quorum.

(1) (b) There is no further requirement for the constitution of a quorum other than the majority of Trustees be present.

2. (a) No decision was taken not to pay a bonus in April. A proposal was prepared for approval by the Boards of Trustees, however, the pensioner trustees did not approve the resolution and queried the proposed bonus. This required additional calculations and reports to be prepared by the actuary, as well as a further resolution for approval, which delayed the submission of a proposed bonus for approval to the Transnet Board of Directors.

(b) As no such decision was taken, the question is not applicable.

(3) (a) As no such decision was taken, the question is not applicable.

(b) The ad hoc bonuses proposed by the Board of Trustees of the Transport Pension Fund: Transnet Sub Fund and the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund may be paid after the necessary governance process has concluded, with the final approval by the Transnet Board of Directors.

(4) (a) As no such decision was taken, the question is not applicable.

(b) As no such decision was taken, the question is not applicable.

(5) The Transport Pension Fund surplus per the latest actuarial valuation report as at 31 March 2015 was R3 644 million. The Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund surplus per the latest actuarial valuation report as at 31 March 2015 was R3 145 million.

 

Reply:

According to the information provided by the Eastern Cape Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs:

a) (i) The total cost to the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape for the services of Ms Pam Yako, who was the Administrator in the municipality for a total period of nine months, was R3 089 928 .96.

(ii) Her replacement, a Senior Manager in the employ of the same department, was (and still is) remunerated at the normal level applicable to public servants at senior managerial level (Salary Level 13), because he is currently performing his functions in the municipality on secondment by the department.

b) According to the information we received from the abovementioned department, Ms Yako was paid an amount of R2 014 133. 76 for the first six months of her contract in the municipality. The payment was for work performed for four days per week for the first three months, each day calculated at eight hours at the DPSA rate of R2 568 per hour. It was also for work performed for three days per week for the second three months, each day still calculated at eight hours at the same DPSA rate of R2 568 per hour. Her contract was later extended for a period of three months. For this period (the last three months), she was remunerated at the DPSA rate of R 1 966 per hour for work performed for five days per week, each day constituting eight hours of work as usual, which amounts to R1 075 795. 20. When both amounts are combined, she was paid a total amount of R3 089 928 .96, as already reflected above.

As already stated, Ms Yako’s successor is remunerated at his current salary level (Salary Level 13) applicable to him as an employee of the provincial department occupying a senior managerial post.

c) In respect of the current legal status of the intervention, this intervention is still legal because it was approved by both my predecessor (Minister Pravin Gordhan) and the NCOP, in terms of the provisions of section 139(2) of the Constitution. The approval by Minister Gordhan and the NCOP came after the intervention was reinstated by the Provincial Executive a few weeks after it had been withdrawn following its disapproval by the NCOP.

Reply:

(1)(a) Medupi power station units 1-5 are not yet in operation, therefore there is no cost of accumulated maintenance backlog. Unit 6 is in operation and there is no maintenance backlog.

(1)(b) Kusile power station is not yet in operation, therefore there is no cost of accumulated maintenance backlog.

(2)(a)(i) & (ii) Medupi Power Station Project cost make up is R 134.20 billion including capitalised interest. The key cost components are: Total Value of Packages, Owner’s Development Cost, Escalation, Cost of Cover, Contingencies and Rate of Exchange Adjustment as indicated below:

Cost to completion component	R’billion
Total value of construction packages	74.15
Owners Development Cost (ODC)	11.19
Escalation	12.69
Cost of Cover	3.97
Contingencies	3.00
Total project cost (excluding interest during construction)	105.00
Interest during construction	29.20
Total project cost (including interest during construction)	134.20

(2)(a)(iii) Medupi Construction cost escalations are currently going through the Eskom governance process.

(2)(b)(i) & (ii) Kusile Power Station Project cost make up is R 167.20 billion including capitalised interest. The key cost components are: Total Value of Packages, Owner’s Development Cost, Escalation, Cost of Cover, Contingencies and Rate of Exchange Adjustment as indicated below:

Cost to completion component	R’billion
Total value of construction packages	66.9
Owners Development Cost (ODC)	12.9
Escalation	22.7
Cost of Cover	5.6
Contingencies	10.4
Total project cost (excluding interest during construction)	118.5
Interest during construction	48.7
Total project cost (including interest during construction)	167.2

(2)(b)(iii) Kusile construction cost escalations are currently going through the Eskom governance process.

Reply:

(a) The matter is still in progress and engagements in respect of the proposed rule amendments are currently underway. The process will be finalised as soon as consultation between the relevant parties have been completed.

(b) Once the issues surrounding the proposed amendments have been resolved and the rule amendments are approved by me, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, they can be immediately implemented by the Transport Pension Fund: Transnet Sub Fund and the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund in line with their governance processes.

(c) In terms of the proposed amendment to the Special Rules of the Transport Pension Fund: Transnet Sub Fund and the Rules of the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund provision will be made for the granting of additional pension increases (over and above the statutory 2%) from time to time, subject to affordability, certification by the relevant Fund’s actuary and approval by the Employer.

 

Reply:

The Department made an assessment on a number of factors that were contributing to delays in processing of recommendations to the Department of Home Affairs on corporate and individual work visa applications. The Department is not responsible for recommending approval of general visas to the Department of Home Affairs.

To improve the processing of corporate and individual work visas applications we have put the following measures in place:

• We have advised and secured approval from Department of Home Affairs that Sports, Arts, Culture and Religious applications will no longer be processed by the Department of Labour as from 01st April 2015.

• We have publicized guidelines on our website for corporate and individual work visa applicants to check requirements before they submit applications to the department.

• We trained staff in our Labour Centres not to accept any applications that are incomplete or are not corporate or individual work visa related.

• Applications submitted by employers found to be non-compliant with our labour laws will be negatively recommended immediately on receipt of inspector’s report.

• We set a target of 30 working days within which we are going to process applications.

• As from 06th June 2016 we intend testing and piloting a new on-line system for the submission of applications.

• At Head Office, the adjudication committee meets every Friday of the week to review and finalize documentation received from Provincial Offices and to make a final recommendation to the Department of Home Affairs.

Reply:

1. (a) The capital cost for the Mthatha One Stop Centre was approximately R5 million and the recurrent costs amounted to approximately R9.2 million until the end of March 2016. The capital cost for the Carletonville One Stop Centre was R5.2 million and the recurrent costs were approximately R9.4 million until the end of March 2016. The costs are approximate as they cover the costs of personnel and diagnostic services such as chest X-rays, lung function tests and TB tests.

(b) The sources of funding for the Mthatha One Stop Centre were the National Department of Health for the capital costs, the Eastern Cape Department of Health for the recurrent costs and the World Bank for the project manager. The sources of funding for the Carletonville One Stop Centre were the Chamber of Mines and the National Department of Health for the capital costs, the Gauteng Department of Health and the Chamber of Mines for the recurrent costs and the World Bank for the project manager.

(c) The National Department of Health has contributed R5.5 million, the Chamber of Mines R8.7 million, the Eastern Cape Department of Health R7.8 million, the Gauteng Department of Health R4 million and the World Bank R2.8 million.

2. (a) The total number of workers and ex-workers seen at Mthatha from April 2014 to March 2016 was 4 306 and at Carletonville was 4 674.

(b) The workers and ex-workers who have had Benefit Medical Examinations (medical assessments) are (i) 2 660 at Mthatha and 3 303 at Carletonville, and (ii) 1 564 medical assessment reports were submitted to the MBOD from Mthatha and 1 660 submitted from Carletonville to the MBOD.

3. The workers and ex-workers who attend the One Stop Centres were also assessed for non-occupational health-related problems and referred to the hospital for care. The reasons for non-submission of the medical assessment reports to the MBOD include lack of record of service of the claimant and missing documents such as bank account forms. Many of the workers and ex-workers also visit the One Stop Centres to seek information on the status of their claim.

END.

Reply:

1. The companies that participated in the tender process were Regiments, Old Mutual and Colourfields.
2. The Board of Trustees appointed Regiments based on the outcome of the technical evaluation process during the tender process.
3. The company’s background and achievements were evaluated and scored during the tender process conducted by a technical task team consisting of the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Principal Officer, Trustee, Actuary, Investment Consultant and a Transnet Representative.
4. The appointment of the specified company was based, inter alia, on the fact that they are well established as a financial company managing this specific type of liability-driven mandate and the team executing the mandate are all experts in their field. In addition, during the due diligence process carried out by the technical team, their risk management structure and practices were found to be compliant with industry standards.

 

Reply:

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) monitors payment of suppliers through (i) progress reports on the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and reports to the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD) Plan of Action. The DPME’s Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) is also used to assess payment of suppliers. In addition, the DPME has established a unit dealing with the 30 days payment of suppliers which receives and investigates complaints of non-payment from suppliers to facilitate payment. To date, a total of R61 million has been paid to various suppliers as a direct result of DPME’s interventions.

The findings of Monitoring for National and Provincial departments are as follows:

National Departments	Provincial Departments
January-December 2014 149 926 invoices to the value of R3,7 billion were paid after 30 days   62 382 invoices to the value of R2,3 billion older than 30 days and were not paid	January-December 2014 256 399 invoices to the value of R14 billion were paid after 30 days   374 564 invoices to the value of R22.9 billion, older than 30 days and were not paid
January-December 2015 163 056 invoices to the value of R3.7 billion were paid after 30 days 64 232 invoices to the value of R4,7 billion, older than 30 days and were not paid	January-December 2015 337 277 invoices to the value of R27 billion were paid after 30 days 454 903 invoices to the value of R36.8 billion, older than 30 days and were not paid
January-February 2016 32 694 invoices to the value of the value of R856 million were paid after 30 days 16 629 invoices to the value of R1 billion, older than 30 days and were not paid	January- February 2016 47 067 invoices to the value of the value of R3.7 billion were paid after 30 days 98 520 invoices to the value of R8.5 billion, older than 30 days and were not paid

The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) provides for consequences in the case where Accounting Officers are found to have been guilty of financial misconduct. The misconduct as defined in the PFMA includes failure by the Accounting Officers to carry out their responsibilities in terms of the Act. It is the responsibility of relevant departments to implement consequences for erring officials as provided for in the PFMA and other relevant legislations.

Reply:

1. (a) Based on the records maintained by this Department, Mr. MA Lenaghan is not a registered military veteran.

(b) The national military veterans’ database is a listing of military veterans who have applied for listing, by completing the prescribed application forms and complied with the prescripts of the Military Veterans Act (Act no. 18 of 2011). Mr Lenaghan has not done so.

Reply:

The Board of Inquiry 12/15 conducted by SA Army Support Base Bloemfontein was completed on 13 October 2015.

FINDINGS OF THE BOARD

Circumstances that caused the loss of 2x weapons (R4’s) and equipment (radio, 2x magazines, 2x weapon belts, 2x lanyards and 60 rounds)

The guards were on official duty when the incident occurred but they were asleep on guard duty. The loss of the weapons and equipment can be contributed to negligence, a lack of discipline and neglect to obey orders and instructions. Security fence, cameras and security lights around the warehouse were not up to standard. The guards did not adhere to the orders of the Adjutant. The guard commander did not post the two guards (Private’s Sam and Mdayi) on 232400B Aug 15 but they were posted by the driver. The training of Protection Services Guards were not up to standard.

Who was responsible for the loss?

02047744 MC Private S. Sam and 08415176 MC Private L.B. Mdayi.

The consequences that it may have for the SANDF

The upgrading of security measures. The development of a specific training program for Protection Services members. The loss of weapons and equipment of R18,483.20.

(2) No suspects have been identified thus far.

(3) No

Reply:

The legality, lawfulness or otherwise of the activity in question is currently the subject of legal proceedings before the Northern Cape High Court. The Department's further conduct in this matter will be guided by the outcome of these legal proceedings

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted: 08/08/2016

Reply:

(a) The Department instructed the State Attorney to oppose the matter. A legal counsel was appointed for the matter and consultation took place between him and the Department. Counsel requested certain information from the Department and such information was provided. There was no feedback from the State Attorney on the matter until judgment was granted. The Department has requested the Chief Litigation Officer in the State Attorney's office to investigate the circumstances that caused the non-filing of the answering affidavits.

(b) The MHSI will, as soon it receives outcomes of the above-mentioned investigation, assess if there is any need to change its operating processes. However, as it stands the current operating processes followed by the MHSI in this regard are adequate and do not require any changes.

(c) The Department has paid to Glencore an amount of R696, 828.77. This amount is inclusive of R500, 000.00 administrative fine repayment and interests at 15, 5% per annum from 02nd August 2013, as per the court judgment.

 

 

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted: 08/08/2016

Reply:

(1) Disclosure of financial interests by members of the senior management is regulated through the Financial Disclosure Framework (which is chapter 3 of the Public Service Regulations, 2001).

(a) Kindly see Tag A which outlines categories of financial disclosures and particulars which members of the senior management service should disclose (Regulations D and E).

(b) (i) The disclosure of financial interests could be done using a manual form (paper-based form) or electronically using the eDisclosure system.

(ii) The disclosure process is as follows:

• (Disclosure of financial interests is made to the Executive Authority (Regulation C.1). The Executive Authority is the Minister of the National Department or MEC of a provincial department. Premiers are Executive Authorities for their respective departments.

• The Executive Authority submits the copy of the financial disclosure form to the Public Service Commission (Regulation 0.4).

• According to Regulation B(a) the Director-General: Office of the Public Service Commission keeps the register of designated employees' Interests.

• Subject to regulation F.3 of the Financial Disclosure Framework, only the following persons have access to a submitted form or the register:

 (a) The executing authority to whom the form is submitted and the staff designated by the executing authority for purposes of record-keeping of the original form and submission of a copy of the form to the Commission;

(b) commissioners of the Commission;

(c) the Director-General: Office of the Public Service Commission; and

 (d) such other persons designated by an executing authority or the chairperson of the Commission for purposes of the effective implementation of the Financial Disclosure Framework.

2. The measures are found to be effective. The information is verified against Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) data base and Deeds Register to verify completeness of the information and determine if there is potential or actual conflict of interest. The information is further assessed in relation to the functions to be performed by the senior manager.

3. Submitted information is verified against the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) data base and Deeds Register to verify completeness of the information and determine if there is potential or actual conflict of interest. The verification of this information is done by the Public Service Commission which is an independent body. In future the information will also be verified against eNatis data base. If there is potential or actual conflict of interest, the information is discussed with the relevant SMS member and the report is given to the Executive Authority. The Executive Authority has to inform the Public Service Commission of the steps taken to remove conflict of interest.

4. This is the responsibility of Office of the Public Service Commission of which the Report thereof are submitted to Parliament.

TAG A: FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE FORM

ANNEXURE A

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE FORM

Personal details

Financial Year
Surname
First Names
ID Number
Persal Number
Current Position
Salary Level
Specialization/brief job description
Postal Address
Residential Address
Name of Department
Telephone Numbers (W)
Cell Numbers
E-mail address

1. Shares and other financial interests

Number of shares/Extent of financial interests	Nature	Nominal Value	Name of Company/Entity

1. Directorships and partnerships

Name of Corporate Entity or Partnership	Company Registration Number	Type of Business (e.g. Construction, Consultancy, etc)	Amount of Remuneration

1. Remunerated work outside the public service

Must have been sanctioned by your Executive Authority and approval uploaded to the system or attached to the form.

Name of Employer	Type of Work	Remuneration

1. Consultation and retainerships

Name of client	Nature	Type of business activity	Value of any benefits received

1. Sponsorships

Source of assistance/ sponsorship	Description of assistance/ sponsorship	Value of assistance/ sponsorship

1. Gifts and hospitality from a source other than a family member

Description	Value	Source

1. Immovable property

Description (e.g.flat/ land/ house	Name of the Flats/ Townhouse/Estate	Suburb/Area (e.g. Arcadia-Pretoria)	ERF number	Unit number	Value

1. Vehicles

Description Vehicle (e.g. car/motorbike/boat/aircraft)	Registration number	Year Model	Purchase price

_____________________________________

SIGNATURE OF DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE

DATE: ________________________

PLACE: ________________________

Reply:

The Minister did not seek or obtain legal advice during the compilation of his report into the security upgrades at the private home of the President.

Reply:

I file a declaration of interests every year with Parliament and the public part of this declaration can be viewed in Parliament

Reply:

(a) To promote mining and investment opportunities in South Africa
(b) Minister was accompanied by an official from the department.
(c) R347 000, 00.

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane
Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted: 05/05/2016

Reply:

Steps have been taken to employ social work graduates benefitting from the scholarship programme:

(a) Since the inception of the programme a total of 7 393 graduates have been absorbed into employment by Provincial Departments of Social Development; additional 94 graduates have been employed and placed at Departmental local service offices through the support of PACT (as part of the Government Capacity Building and Support Programme). A further 165 graduates are employed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to support the administration and management of foster care grants.

A request has been submitted to National Treasury to utilise part of the 2016/17 allocation (R100m) for the absorption of 450 social work graduates.

(b) The Department is not aware of numbers of graduates employed by the private sector. However, the department is engaging with Non-Governmental Organisations to facilitate absorption of graduates in that sector.

Reply:

Yes, my Department conducted an audit to assess the storage capacity of its dams (referred to as capacity determination survey).

(a) The surveys are taken at the different times as each dam has its own return period for such survey to be conducted. This is largely due to the fact that these dams were commissioned at different times and also that severity of sediment accumulation will differ from dam site to dam site.

The attached Appendix A gives the storage audit of departmental dams. Column E of the spreadsheet gives a date when the capacity survey was done and Column N gives the return period.

(b) For results of storage audits please refer to Appendix A, Column K and L.

---00O00---

Reply:

(a). The following process is used during the recruitment and selection of the Artists in the Artists in Schools Programme;

      (i) Adverts are placed in the local newspapers, community radio stations, social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter requesting interested artists to submit the CVs to the Beneficiaries

      (ii) Auditions and interviews are conducted for the short-listed artists

      (iii) Successful candidates are appointed and then placed in the schools.

(b). (i)(ii) and (iii). This programme is implemented jointly with the provinces the kind of information will reside in the provinces and the Department of Basic Education.

Reply:

(a) The members of the VTC are:

• National Department of Transport;
• All nine Provincial Departments of Transport;
• South African Police Sevice;
• South African Bureau of Standards;
• National Regulator of Compulsory specification;
• Road Traffic Infringement Agency;
• Road Traffic Management Corporation; and
• Business Against Crime South Africa.

(b) As outlined in my previous response, the determining factors are those related to institutions that perform a regulatory function. This must be institutions that do not have financial interest in the development of a regulatory process geared at regulating the Vehicle Testing Stations.

(c) Those members that have any financial interest in the regulation of the sector, such members will be requested to be part of the Working Group that would input on the regulatory framework.

Reply:

The Department has submitted annual reports for all financial years reflected in Question No 246, Ref No NW250E.

The Department Spent on advertising in the New Age newspaper as follows:

Department of Labour- 2012-2013	Campaign Name	Amount Spent
	Iron and Steel	R22,418.10
	KZN Job Fair	R85,910.40
	Labour Law Amendments	R111,110.80
	Minister visits farms in Gauteng Province	R40,807.44
	National Day Against Child Labour	R122,422.32
TOTAL		R 382,669.06

Department of Labour- 2013-2014	Campaign Name	Amount Spent
	Domestic worker 2013	R67,254.30
	Domestic workers 2013 (Addendum)	R67,254.30
	Public hearing in funeral undertaking sector	R29,890.80
TOTAL		R 164,399.40

Department of Labour- 2014-2015	Campaign Name	Amount Spent
	Child Labour feature articles	R 71,348.04
	Domestic Workers Kimberly Imbizo	R35,479.08
	Domestic Workers Wage Increase 2014	R 71,348.04
	International Labour Conference 2014	R 63,420.48
	Labour Law Amendments	R144,243.14
	PES Subsidy Scheme	R67,925.76
TOTAL		R 453,764.54

• TOTAL AMOUNT SPENT FOR ALL THE PERIODS: R1,833, 000.00

Reply:

In this context, stolen refers to premature phasing-out of systems type aircraft by donating to the museums or selling thus limiting the SAAF to build capacity.

Reply:

The certain official’s contract was coming to an end in March 2016. She did not make herself available.

Reply:

1.The number of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary beneficiaries for both the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] and Report 191 from 2013 to 2015 are as follows:

• 2013 – 478 students;
• 2014 – 802 students; and
• 2015 – 340 students.

2. The NC(V) programme is a three year qualification and in terms of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines, NC(V) students can be awarded bursaries up to a maximum of four years. The fourth year bursary is awarded only in the fourth year of study (after Level 4) to allow students to complete any outstanding subjects. This provision is only applicable to continuous study and on a pro-rata basis.

The Report 191 programme students, i.e. levels N1 – N6, can apply for all semester or trimester courses in the calendar year of study. A bursary at levels N2 – N6 may only be awarded to students if they passed a minimum of 3 subjects on the previous N-level. Students who have passed exit levels, i.e. N3 and N6, but still have one outstanding subject can be awarded a bursary to allow them to complete the outstanding subject. This provision is only applicable to continuous study and on a pro-rata basis, i.e. proportional for one trimester or semester to complete one subject.

(3) Students with criminal records are not prohibited from applying for NSFAS funding. In terms of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines for applications to be considered, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• be South African citizens;
• registered or intending to register on an NC(V) or Report 191 programme;
• in need of financial assistance; and
• have an ability to demonstrate potential for academic success.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1218 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

1. The Public Service has a framework of minimum qualifications in place for the recruitment of staff to each position in the Senior Management Service. The Directive on compulsory capacity development, mandatory training days and minimum entry requirements for senior management service issued for implementation on 1 April 2015, is a subordinate legislation to the Public Service Act, 1994, which stipulates the minimum entry requirements for Senior Management Service (SMS) posts.

The Directive, which is currently being implemented by departments, indicates the entry requirements in terms of educational qualifications and years of experience for the different levels of SMS posts.

2. The Directive mentioned in paragraph 1 supra, also provides for the management of development priorities for existing SMS members in-so-far as providing specific training and development opportunities in order to ensure that the incumbent members who do not meet the minimum requirements are capacitated, as well as mandating the expected minimum qualification requirements for progression to higher posts.

(3) (a) A uniform salary dispensation applies to Directors-General across all national departments who are appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994. A different salary dispensation applies to Directors-General in the so-called "services departments" who are appointed in terms of the Police Act, the Correctional Services Act and the Defence Act.

(b) The reason for the differentiation is the difference in employer contribution towards the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) between Public Service Act appointees on the one hand and those appointed in terms of the Acts for the services departments on the other.

   (i) Directors-General appointed in terms of the Public Service Act are paid at the same level irrespective of the size of budget of the department because of the core responsibilities performed as accounting officers.

   (ii) The full-time salary scales (Total Cost-to-Employer packages) for Directors-General appointed in terms of the Public Service Act and the Acts for the services departments are contained in the Table below as follows:

PUBLIC SERVICE ACT (Rpa)	POLICE ACT, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT AND DEFENCE ACT (Rpa)
1	656	618	1	686	438
1	681	464	1	711	737
1	706	694	1	737	414
1	732	299	1	763	475
1	758	285	1	789	929
1	784	661	1	816	782
1	811	427	1	844	037
1	838	601	1	871	700
1	866	183	1	899	771

(4) No additional incentives are payable to employees possessing identified critical or scarce skills. Special salary dispensations, called Occupation Specific Dispensations (OSDs), have been implemented for identified occupations to stimulate recruitment and retention of personnel in these occupations. The following OSDs have been implemented in the Public Service:

• Legally qualified personnel;
• Engineers, Technicians, Technologists and Artisans and related occupations;
• Nursing personnel;
• Medical Officers, Medical Specialists, Dentists, Dental Specialists, Pharmacologists, Pharmacists and Emergency Care Practitioners, Therapeutic, Diagnostic and related Allied Health Professionals;
• Correctional Services Officers;
• Educators; and
• Educators in the Department of Correctional services.

Reply:

A total of 4780 learners were registered on the Programme. 30 sites offer all 5 subjects (Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, Accounting and English First Additional Language (FAL)). Only 1 site (Taung) does not offer Accounting and English. This is because none of the learners registered for Accounting or English (FAL). The total subject registration is 9700.

Sites and learners are allocated based on the Department of Basic Education previous year/2015 National Senior Certificate Examination Reports (School Performance, Subject and Technical Reports) which outlines Grade 12 Provincial, districts and Schools performances. Based on the report, the NYDA allocates more sites/learners to Provinces (KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga) that perform poorly on matric results. Whereas for the Provinces (Western Cape, Gauteng and Free State) that performed well, were allocated one or fewer sites. In short, the programme prioritises poor performing areas/districts/provinces on Grade 12 results.

Reply:

The Honourable Member is duly advised to refer to the attached Parliamentary Question 2714.

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

The Department does not have any frozen positions.

 

Reply:

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GCIS)

(1) Social media is an increasingly important platform to convey government messages. Government Communication and Information System, (GCIS) has developed and published Social Media Policy Guidelines in 2011 and they are available on the GCIS website.

(a) The Socal Media Policy Guidelines apply to government employees; (b) it states in Section 3 that the policy guidelines prescribe acceptable behaviour for government employees using social media for official government purposes as well as personal use of social media by government employees.

(2) The Social Media Policy Guidelines applies to government employees.

(3) The Social Media Policy Guidelines are on the government website:
- http://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/www.gcis.gov.za/files/docs/resourcecentre/guidelines/social_media_guidelines_final_20_april2011.pdf 

(4) The Social Media Policy Guidelines are designed to provide a guide on the acceptable use of Social Media by government employees and are not meant to be punitive. They should be read in conjuction with the Code of Conduct for Public Sector Employees.

 

MR D LIPHOKO

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

Reply:

The Department of Arts and Culture awarded bursaries to a total of 2102 students in a period of five years who studied language practice and heritage studies.The number of beneficiaries is broken down according to financial years:

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE BURSARIES
Number	Year	Language Bursary	Heritage Bursary	Total
a.	2011-12	94	31	125
b.	2012-13	555	75	630
c.	2013-14	336	83	419
d.	2014-15	284	73	357
e.	2015-16	463	107	570
TOTAL NUMBER OF BURSARIES AWARDED IN 5 YEARS	2101

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable member is contained in the Annual Report of the Department tabled since 2011/12 to the Annual Report of 2014/15. The Annual Report of the Department provides Quarterly and Annual information in accordance with the National Treasury guidelines.

Reply:

1. (a)(b)(c)(d) The Member is referred to the Parliamentary process where Members annually declare their interests.
2. (a)(b)(c) (i)(ii)(iii)(iv) The lives of family members of the Executive are not regulated by the Ministerial Handbook or any act of Parliament.

Reply:

A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Department.

The budgetary provision for this line item of expenditure is costed on an annual basis on a specific methodology that considers historical spending trends, forecasts for the new financial year and any specific information that might influence the methodology applied. Should an adjustment to the budgeted amount be required, that is to increase or decrease the level of funding at a particular point in time in the financial year, a process of reprioritisation will be undertaken and additional funding shifted towards this item, or in certain instances moved from this item to other spending priorities where the level of funding of that item, requires adjustment.

Reply:

(a)(b) (i)(aa)(bb)(cc)(ii)aa)(bb)(aaa)(bbb)(ccc) The duties of Ministers and Deputy Ministers are outlined in the Ministerial Handbook.

Reply:

1 (a) (i–iii) Mr Sizwe Nxasana is the Chairperson of the Ministerial Task Team.

(b) The terms of reference of the task team is as follows:

The Ministerial Task Team shall determine and advise on alternative financing and operating models for funding poor and “missing middle” students, having regard to:

• the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa;
• all relevant higher and basic education legislation;
• all relevant public policy, legislation and regulations;
• all findings and recommendations of the various Presidential and Ministerial Task Teams; and
• all relevant educational policies, reports and guidelines.

In developing the proposals, the Ministerial Task Team must address the following issues:

• Whether or not the existing NSFAS Act, structure and mandate is still suitable to address the funding and other forms of support to poor and “missing middle” students;
• Raise sufficient funding from the public sector, private sector and other sources to offer a complete solution to fund poor and “missing middle” students at universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges;
• The feasibility of granting fully subsidised loans to poor students and loans with progressive reducing subsidies as household income increases for the “missing middle” students;
• The funding of occupations in high demand;
• Develop proposals which contribute towards the improvement of the success and graduation rates for poor and “missing middle” students and reduce drop-out rates; and
• Create an efficient and robust model with appropriate internal controls to minimise leakage, fraud and risk in the granting and disbursement of bursaries and loans to deserving students whilst improving collection of the loan portion granted to students.

(c) The reference group will include but is not limited to high level membership from:

• Department of Higher Education and Training;
• Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation;
• National Treasury;
• Department of Trade and Industry;
• Universities South Africa;
• Universities Council Chairs Forum-South Africa;
• Council on Higher Education;
• National Credit Regulator;
• South African Union of Students and other student formations;
• A representative from the Sector Education and Training Authorities; and
• National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

(d) (i) The Ministerial Task Team must present its final recommendations and blueprint to the Minister of Higher Education by 30 September 2016.

(ii) It is envisaged that the model will be piloted at universities which will be agreed upon with Universities South Africa and the Department by January 2017, and to be fully implemented in 2018.

(e) Mr Nxasana is being assisted by the Banking Association of South Africa.

2. The Terms of Reference as indicated above stipulates that the Ministerial Task Team must advise on any possible changes to the NSFAS Act and rules, and present its final recommendations and blueprint to the Minister of Higher Education and Training by 30 September 2016 for consideration.

The Department as part of its mandate has included the review of the NSFAS Act in the 2017/18 financial year.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1163 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE: