Questions and Replies

Reply:

The Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee (ACIMC) was established in June 2014. The Committee met in August and September 2014, September and November 2015, March 2016, and approved five programmes which are implemented as follows:

• Communication and Awareness

The key focus of this programme is to communicate government’s efforts and successes in combatting corruption in a consistent manner and to educate South Africans about what constitute corruption and encourage citizens to contribute to a Societal Approach towards preventing and countering corruption.

• Intelligence Coordination, Policy and Strategy Development

To give effect to the government anti-corruption agenda by focusing on intelligence coordination, policy and strategy development.

• Public Sector Policy and Capacity Development

To develop policies and strategy in the public sector to support Government’s anti-corruption agenda and to manage and monitor domestic implementation of and reporting on identified international obligations on anti-corruption.

• Vulnerable Sector Management

To enforce accountability by, inter alia, ensuring enforcement of statutory and regulatory in government business, systems improvements; litigation where appropriate in order recover government losses and also assist in preparation of criminal cases.

- Crime Operations and Resolutions.

To deal with Criminal Investigations and Resolutions (prosecutions) in terms of identified National Priorities and Criminal Asset Recoveries. To ensure coordination of activities of all law enforcement agencies involved in the process of Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigation.

A total of 203 corruption priority cases involving 1065 persons were investigated. The total number of persons convicted since 2009 to date is 116. Thus between 2009 and 2014, a total number of 63 persons were convicted. During the financial year 2014/2015; a total number of 23 persons were convicted. During the financial year 2015/2016; a total number of 30 persons were convicted. Investigations in 11 cases are currently underway in relation to possible contraventions of the OECD Foreign Bribery Convention.

Freezing orders to the value of R 601 million were obtained by the end of the 3rd Quarter of the 2015/16 financial year, which has contributed to a cumulative total of R4.21 Billion since 2009.

Proceeds of crime and government losses to the value of close to R 71 million were recovered by the end of the 3rd Quarter of the 2015/16 financial year, which contributed to a cumulative total of R1.96 billion since 2009.

Over and above the successes referred to in the preceding paragraphs, government has through the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU), made significant advances in securing convictions in cases other than the priority cases stipulated in the MTSF. Since 2012 the SCCU has obtained the conviction of about three thousand, three hundred and forty individuals for serious corruption and or serious financial and economic crimes.

A total of 234 government officials were convicted for corruption related offences from 2014/15 financial year to date. However note should be taken that the monitoring of conviction was negatively affected by the disbandment of the JCPS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) and the under-reporting of disciplinary cases instituted by departments.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1) No.

(a), (b), (c) and (d) Fall away.

(2) (a), (b) and (c) No.

(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) Not applicable.

Reply:

(1)(a) The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs AM Motshekga, MP, received reports in terms of Section 58B of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 from the following provinces:

1. Free State;

2. Gauteng;

3. KwaZulu-Natal;

4. Mpumalanga;

5. Northern Cape;

6. North West; and

7. Western Cape.

 

(1)(b) The table below indicates the dates reports were received from Members of the Executive Council:

Nr	Province	Date submitted
	Free State	22/04/15
	Gauteng	23/03/15
	KwaZulu Natal	16/06/15
	Mpumalanga	23/03/15
	Northern Cape	24/02/15
	North West	22/03/15
	Western Cape	24/02/15

(2)(a) The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs AM Motshekga, MP, after consultation with Council of Education Ministers (CEM) and Heads of Education Departments Committee (HEDCOM), issued a circular, Circular D1 of 2014, on 5 November 2014 to guide provinces on how to identify and manage underperforming schools.

A School is deemed to be underperforming if:

1. At Secondary level, its percentage pass in the National Senior Certificate examinations falls below 60%; and
2. At Primary level, using Literacy as a proxy, it has more than 50% of learners performing at level 3 and below in the Annual National Assessments in Grades 3 and 6;

(2)(b) Provinces do not uniformly submit names of schools they have identified. Some provinces submitted the names of the underperforming schools while others just indicated the number of schools identified using the criteria above.

Attached at Annexures A1, A2, A3 and A4 are the lists of schools identified as underperforming in the 2014 academic year from the provinces that submitted the information.

(2)(c) Provinces complied with the guidance as provided in Section 58B of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, as well as the guidance provided by the Minister. The following are collective actions taken by the provinces when managing underperforming schools in the 2014 academic year:

1. All identified schools were issued with letters indicating that they have underperformed in the 2014 academic year and were also asked to prepare Academic Performance Improvement Plans detailing how they will improve their performance;
2. All identified schools submitted their Academic Performance Improvement Plans and these were reviewed and approved by the Superintendents-General in respective provinces; and
3. Meetings with underperforming schools were organised and District Support Teams were set up by Provinces to assist identified schools to improve their performance.

Reply:

1. Yes, school improvement initiatives have been identified. The National Education Collaboration Trust NECT has been working with over 317 officials in eight focus districts to design and implement interventions in over 4 362 schools that make up the 8 focus districts. The interventions in these district jurisdictions are provided in higher dosages in 415 schools (across the 8 districts) which have been identified as test sites for the interventions.

2.  Yes, the school improvement initiatives has been implemented. The NECT has registered many successes in the target districts and schools, and more and more of the successful interventions are being replicated in other schools and districts. These successes registered are in respect to the six themes of the Education Collaboration Framework:

• Professionalisation of teaching:

Year-long learning programmes in seven languages have been designed and introduced in every classroom in the target districts. A total of 958 151 resource packs have been provided to 19 398 teachers who teach mathematics, science and languages in the target schools. The learning programmes include a pack of basic learning materials such as lesson plans, management trackers, posters and flashcards. Additional African language readers are also being secured through a partnership with Zenex Foundation. These learning programmes have been designed and packaged to assist the teachers to implement the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) at the required levels and to ensure curriculum completion. There was quarterly training of 40 023 teachers in 2015 and in-school support of teachers in a sample of schools.

Several national dialogues on teacher professionalisation were held. These have resulted in seminal dialogue with the South Africa Council of Educators (SACE). SACE is currently reviewing its policies and measure for teacher certification. As a collaboration vehicle, the NECT continues to drive dialogue among key stakeholders to promote the intents of the National Development Plan. In addition to a focus on professionalisation, the NECT organised dialogues on reading, learner safety and security in schools and on the role of the Non-Government Organisations in implementing the National Development Plan. While the dialogues involve up to 200 people in each event, the NECT has used electronic and print media to reach and engage millions of South Africans on pertinent educational matters.

• Promotion of Courageous and Effective Leadership

Curriculum management training and in-school mentoring and coaching are provided for principals and Heads of Departments. The training and support is reinforced by instruments that help the School Management Teams (SMTs) to monitor curriculum coverage. A total of 12 998 tools have been provided to SMTs of the target schools. Furthermore, SMTs are also trained and coached in two important leadership and management areas with an intention of building sound internal locus of control in schools. These are in-school self-assessment and feedback instruments and courageous leadership. The self-assessment training and support is designed on the basis of policy and programmatic requirements for school effectiveness. These instruments cover key processes and functions that each and every school should have in order to function effectively as required by policy and identified by education research. The second area, courageous leadership intervention, aims to initiate conversations about, and bolstering courageous management actions among, school management teams.

• Parent and community involvement

The NECT worked with the DBE to develop a parent involvement guide which was recently approved by the Council of Education Ministers for nation-wide distribution. The Multi-stakeholder District Steering Committees (DSCs) comprising key stakeholders such as religious and traditional leaders, business, teacher unions and academics, continue to drive social mobilisation and advocacy in the eight target districts. This model is being reviewed by the Government Technical Advisory Agency for efficacy and possible replication.

• Learner Welfare

The psycho-social referral and treatment trial that was carried out last year in over 110 schools has yield responses of over 15 000 learners on their welfare and security in schools. This data is being analysed to establish the efficacy of the model and to make recommendations on how to improve learner welfare in schools.

• Contribution to building capacity of the State to improve the quality of education

The NECT has been working with over 400 officials from districts, provinces and at national level to design and implement specific education improvement programmes. Experts drawn from the private sector by the NECT assist to strengthen critical skills of the education officials at the various levels. The NECT brought in experts to support Information and Communications Technology (ICT) planning in the Department. The same experts also supported the education ICT Operation Phakisa. The NECT is working with the DBE to undertake research into the modernisation of the school administration system (SA-SAMS). Towards the end of 2015, the NECT collaborated with the DBE, some local and international organisations, to research how other countries promote innovation in education. The research recommends an establishment of a South African education innovation hub, whose primary focus will be to improve the co-ordination of innovation initiatives nationally, with the aim of support systemic education improvement in the country.

3. (a) The NECT has chosen the following districts as priority districts:

• North West Province: Bojanala District
• Mpumalanga Province: Bohlabela District
• Limpopo Province: Waterberg District
• Limpopo Province: Vhembe District
• Eastern Cape Province: Mt Frere District
• Eastern Cape Province: Libode District
• KwaZulu-Natal Province: Pinetown District
• KwaZulu-Natal Province: UThungulu District

(b) The NECT has chosen the priority districts because of the following reasons:

• consistently underperforming;
• poor infrastructure;
• enrolment dwindling;
• poor leadership; and
• serious societal problems (drugs/ conflict/ teenage pregnancy).

(c) The National Senior Certificate pass rate in each specified district was as follows:

Priority districts	2013	2014	2015
North West Province: Bojanala District	87.2%	84.6%	81.5%
Mpumalanga Province: Bohlabela District	72.0%	76.8%	76.7%
Limpopo Province: Waterberg District	70.6%	70.5%	58.1%
Limpopo Province: Vhembe District	80.6%	81.1%	74.7%
Eastern Cape Province: Mt Frere District	58.8%	55.1%	55.1%
Eastern Cape Province: Libode District	60.1%	62.4%	48.6%
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Pinetown District	81.5%	75.8%	64.6%
KwaZulu-Natal Province: uThungulu District	72.7%	64.0%	54.6%

(d) The amount the NECT spent in the eight priority districts was as follows:

Priority districts	*2013/14	2015
	R’000	R’000
North West Province: Bojanala District	4 103 994	11 378 312
Mpumalanga Province: Bohlabela District	4 483 993	12 431 859
Limpopo Province: Waterberg District	15 027 884	31 100 088
Limpopo Province: Vhembe District	16 064 289	33 244 922
Eastern Cape Province: Mt Frere District	13 009 705	11 423 206
Eastern Cape Province: Libode District	13 877 019	12 184 753
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Pinetown District	14 727 994	25 827 008
KwaZulu-Natal Province: UThungulu District	18 348 283	32 175 546

 

Reply:

1. (a) Budget is centrally controlled. There is allocation for LTSM for schools and compensation to pay stipends to practitioners

(b) 1075

(c) None

(2) (a) Gert Sibande- 33, Bushbuckridge- 0, Ehlanzeni- 4- Nkangala-20

(b) Gert Sibande- Community based centres have ECD facilities available. School has no learner space to accommodate Grade R

Ehlanzeni –Community based centres have ECD facilities available. School has no learner space to accommodate Grade R

Bohlabela- No community based centre is linked to school.

Nkangala- School has no learner space to accommodate Grade R and community based centres have ECD facilities available

3. Ehlanzeni District: Ehlanzeni TVET College- Early Childhood Education Development National Qualification Framework- Level 4 and 5

Gert Sibande District- Gert Sibande TVET College- Early Childhood Education Development National Qualification Framework- Level 4 and 5

Nkangala District- Nkangala TVET College- Early Childhood Education Development National Qualification Framework- Level 4 and 5

 

Reply:

(a)(i)(aa)-(cc) No, the Minister has never met with any member, employee or close associate of the Gupta family.

(a)(ii)(aa)-(bb) No, the Minister has never attended any meeting with the specified persons at the Gupta’s Saxonwold Estate in Johannesburg or anywhere else since taking office and has no position on the matter.

(b)(i)(aa)-(cc) No, the Deputy Minister has never met with any member, employee or close associate of the Gupta family.

(b)(ii)(aa)-(bb) No, the Deputy Minister has never attended any meeting with the specified persons at the Gupta’s Saxonwold Estate in Johannesburg or anywhere else since taking office and has no position on the matter.

Reply:

MDE response (HRP inputs)

1 (a) Bohlabela:

District	Grade R Practitioner	Grade R Teacher	Total
Bohlabela	454	48	502
Ehlanzeni	443	70	513
Gert Sibande	497	27	524
Nkangala	487	25	512
Total	1881	170	2051

1 (b) Grade R Practitioners are paid a stipend of R5500.00 per month and Grade R Teachers are paid the same salary as a mainstream teacher in line with their REQV. REQV 13 a minimum of R160902 per annum and REQV 14 a minimum of R212811 per annum.

2. Minimum qualification: Early Childhood Education Development National Qualification Framework- Level 4

Bushbuckridge:0

Nkangala: 0

Ehlanzeni: 0

Gert Sibande: 0

3 SACE REGISTRATION

District	Grade R Practitioner	Grade R Teacher	Total
Bohlabela	274	48	322
Ehlanzeni	65	70	135
Gert Sibande	178	27	205
Nkangala	146	25	171
Total	663	170	833

Base on employment contracts submitted in April 2015

Reply:

(a) Provincial per-learner norms and standards allocations for 2014-15
PROVINCE	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5
EC	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 530	R 183
FS	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 530	R 240
GT	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 530	R 530
KZN	R 932	R 932	R 932	R 509	R 175
LP	R 788	R 788	R 788	R 395	R 136
MPU	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 530	R 183
NC	R 1,059	R 1,000	R 1,000	R 631	*R 294
NW	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 605	R 183
WC	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 567	*R 244
* Average allocations
(b) Provincial per-learner norms and standards allocations for 2015-16
PROVINCE	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5
EC	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 530	R 183
FS	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 559	R 240
GT	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 559	R 559
KZN	R 955	R 955	R 955	R 522	R 179
LP	R 646	R 646	R 646	R 320	R 130
MPU	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 559	R 193
NC	R 1,070	R 1,070	R 1,070	R 663	*R 309
NW	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 605	R 193
WC	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 1,116	R 595	*R 269
* Average allocations
(c) Provincial per-learner norms and standards allocations for 2016-17
PROVINCE	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5
EC	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 1,059	R 530	R 183
FS	R 1,177	R 1,177	R 1,177	R 590	R 240
GT	R 1,177	R 1,177	R 1,177	R 590	R 590
KZN	R 955	R 955	R 955	R 522	R 179
LP	R 965	R 965	R 965	R 484	R 165
MPU	R 953	R 953	R 953	R 503	R 173
NC	R 1,125	R 1,125	R 1,125	R 698	*R 326
NW	R 1,177	R 1,177	R 1,177	R 605	R 204
WC	R 1,144	R 1,144	R 1,144	R 573	*R 198
* Average allocations

 

Reply:

(1) Number of learners that qualified for fee exemption
Province	2012	2013	2014
EC*
FS	12,913	11,742	11,723
GP	53,789	63,130	65,259
KZN	43,464	50,222	82,959
LP	124	0	0
MP	0	0	1,883
NC	8,385	12,211	15,377
NW	3,613	2,628	3,760
WC	90,506	103,988	73,342

Source: Provincial Education Departments

MP implemented policy starting in 2014

*No information was provided by EC

(2) Amounts allocated towards compensation for fee exemption by provinces
Province	2012	2013	2014
EC*
FS	R5,150,462	R4,480,611	R6,042,000
GP	R11,000,000	R11,806,000	R12,349,000
KZN	R16,679,583	R19,256,204	R17,100,000
LP	R0	R0	R0
MP	R0	R0	R2,000,000
NC	R3,130,120	R4,740,696	R7,457,761
NW	R1,094,770	R805,009	R1,444,855
WC	R45,331,000	R44,363,997	R39,322,000

Source: Provincial Education Departments

LP reported that no allocation was made since no school applied for fee exemption

MP implemented policy starting in 2014

*No information was provided by EC

(3) Number of schools which benefitted from compensation for fee exemption
Province	2012	2013	2014
EC
FS	140	125	131
GP	393	491	479
KZN	340	349	338
LP	0	0	0
MP	0	0	18
NC	65	89	93
NW	50	29	46
WC	700	714	550

Source: Provincial Education Departments

LP reported that no school applied for fee exemption for all the 3 years

MP implemented policy starting in 2014

*No information was provided by EC

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(a), (b) and (c) One official was arrested and charged with corruption (solicitation of a bribe to release payment). A sting operation was carried out by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations  (The Hawks) in terms of Section 252 (a) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977).

(i)-(iv) The above-mentioned incident took place at the Department of Public Works’ Pretoria Regional Office during the 2014-2015 financial year.

Reply:

Upon receipt of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) Final Report, the Minister received legal advice to allow teacher unions and individuals implicated in the report to rebut and/or make formal representations to the MTT before the Minister can release the report.

The reason for this is not to compromise the importance of the work of the MTT because of perceived and/or inadequate consultations and/or interactions on the MTT final report.

Based on the legal advice, the Minister issued the following timeframes which must be followed by all concerned:

DATE	ACTION
01/04/16	Teacher Unions were favoured with the MTT Final Report and requested to respond to it on or before 15 April 2016.
15/04/2016	Chairperson of the MTT to receive inputs/rebuttals from Teacher Unions with the details of any of their members who might be implicated in the MTT report but may inadvertently been deprived of the benefits of the audi alterem partem rule.
15-29/04/2016	Any teacher union, and/or School Governing Body Association and or individuals wishing to make presentations to the MTT, must have done so by midday, 29 April 2016.
29/04-4/05/ 2016	The MTT to consider the inputs and representations
04/05/2016	MTT submits the final report after taking into account all the inputs from teacher unions and other concerned stakeholders.
	Minister may convene a consultative meeting with Teacher Unions and National School Governing Body Associations to reflect on the MTT processes and the re-submitted report.
06/05/2016	Minister will officially release the MTT report to the public.

(a) What are the main highlights of the specified report?

The report will be made available once the process outlined above is completed.

(b) Who are the main culprits referred to in the specified report and

This information will also be disclosed when the Minister releases the report.

(c) What steps does he intend to take to deal with the specified culprits? The recommendations will be implemented after the report is released.

Reply:

(a) in-kind contributions made to the sources of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) funding are as follows:

		*2013 and 2014	2015
		R’000	R’000
(b) (i)	Government and Skills Education Training Authorities	-	725 610
(b) (ii)	Business	-	1 248 000
(b) (iii)	Foundations and Trusts	-	-
(b) (iv)	Labour	-	-
(b) (v)	Interest income	1 008 073	1 046 777
(b) (vi)	Other sources of funding	-	-

*The NECT’s initial financial year was for 18 months (1 July 2013 to 31 December 2014). Due to this, the figures for 2013 and 2014 is combined.

 

Reply:

(a) The sources of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) funding are as follows:

		*2013 and 2014	2015
		R’000	R’000
(b) (i)	Government and Skills Education Training Authorities	77 982 985	122 445 768
(b) (ii)	Business	36 249 867	56 955 037
(b) (iii)	Foundations and Trusts	2 300 000	7 409 519
(b) (iv)	Labour	293 317	-
(b) (v)	Interest income	-	-
(b) (vi)	Other sources of funding	-	-

*The NECT’s initial financial year was for 18 months (1 July 2013 to 31 December 2014. Due to this, the figures for 2013 and 2014 is combined.

 

Reply:

1. The overall budget of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) and the sources the amount was spent on are as follows:

		*2013 and 2014	2015	2016
		R’000	R’000	R’000
(a)	Budget	111 608 742	196 264 895	225 377 018
(b) (i)	Remuneration of staff	5 504 075	6 175 199	6 989 530
(b) (ii)	Administration costs	4 000 776	3 076 448	2 544 791
(b) (iii)	Projects	102 103 891	187 013 248	215 842 697

*The NECT’s initial financial year was for 18 months (1 July 2013 to 31 December 2014) due to this the figures for 2013 and 2014 is combined.

2. (a) The NECT Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee members convened 31 times since July 2013 and the detail are as follows:

Reply:

1. I wish to refer the Honourable Member to the Office of the Registrar of Member’s Interest to which I have made submissions to since being appointed as Minister.
2. I wish to refer the Honourable Member to the Office of the Registrar of Member’s Interest to which I have made submissions to since being appointed as Minister

Reply:

Department

From the DOT side we did not print any newspapers in the said period.

Cross-Border Road Transport Agency

1. The (b) C-BRTA does not print or distribute newspapers however, we do print and distribute newsletters. (i) in 2014-15 and (bb) 2015-16 financial years: The Voice, and Transcending Borders. No newsletters have been printed since 1 April 2016.
2. (a) The total number of copies per publication are as follows:

Publication	Number of copies	Frequency	Total in 2014/15
The Voice	350	One edition per quarter	1400
Transcending Borders	2000	One edition per quarter	8000

Publication	Number of copies	Frequency	Total in 2015/16
The Voice	350	Only one edition printed	350
Transcending Borders	None	None	None

(b) In the 2014-15 financial year, the C-BRTA spent R165 988. 26 on creative design and printing for both publications The Voice and Transcending Borders;

In the 2015-16 financial year, the C-BRTA spent R9 017.40 one edition of The Voice and nothing was spent on Transcending Borders; and

No newsletters have been printed in the current financial year.

(c) (i) Objectives of each newsletter:

• The Voice – is the C-BRTA’s staff newsletters the objective of which is to inform, educate and inspire C-BRTA; and
• Transcending Borders – is an external newsletter which seeks to inform, update and educate the C-BRTA clients (cross-border operators) on matters relevant to the industry.

 (ii) For The Voice – the objective is measured in two ways: 1) on the back page readers are requested to give feedback or make contributions to the publication, and 2) crossword competitions / puzzles for staff to resolve, are published; and

For Transcending Borders – there is no system of measuring the success of the objective.

(d) For The Voice – the results have been positive in most cases; and

For Transcending Borders – no formal feedback has been received or solicited.

Road Accident Fund (RAF)

(1) (b) RAF has not printed and distributed any newspapers (i) in the (aa) 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since April 2016;

(2) (a) No copies were printed, (b) no costs involved, (c) (i) no objective (ii) no objective to measure (d) no results to measure in each case

Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA)

(1) (b) RTIA has not printed and distributed any newspapers (i) in the (aa) 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since April 2016;

(2) (a) No copies were printed, (b) no costs involved, (c) (i) no objective (ii) no objective to measure (d) no results to measure in each case

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

(1) (b) RTMC has not printed and distributed any newspapers (i) in the (aa) 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since April 2016;

(2) (a) No copies were printed, (b) no costs involved, (c) (i) no objective (ii) no objective to measure (d) no results to measure in each case

South African National Roads Agency Limited

1. (a) Please refer to Annexure 1

(b) Please refer to Annexure 1.

(i)(aa) Please refer to Annexure 1.

(bb) Please refer to Annexure 1.

(ii) SANRAL did not print and/or distribute newspapers since 1 April 2016

2. (a) refer to Annexure 1

(b) refer to Annexure 1

(c) (i) In 2014 we commissioned extensive research – both qualitative and quantitative – on SANRAL as a brand. The results showed that in general there is little awareness of road authorities and the roads they manage. According to the research results show that there is low awareness and limited understanding of the importance of road infrastructure and the role of SANRAL in the delivery of this backbone of the economy of South Africa. Research respondents preferred the following media channels in order of preference: television; newspaper; radio; mobile phone; e-mail and website. Our use of own media addresses these preferred forms as our newsletters are inserted in newspapers, is used on our digital platforms, and used to inform our other forms of communication on the broadcast medium. Our general objective through our publications was to inform and to famliiarise the public with SANRAL’s mandate and the extensive work it delivers. Specifically in regards this time period, refer to Annexure 1

(ii) SANRAL Publications are part of its “owned media” strategy. The latter is one element in the ESOP media mix – Earned media, shared media, Owned media and Paid media. Though we still invest in earned media (through public relations), shared media (though social media networks) and paid media (through advertising), we are putting more efforts in developing owned media because of the advantages it offers, namely, cost efficiency, longevity, versatility/mobility of content and editorial control.

This approach is informed by the National Communication Strategy Framework (2014-2019), which encourages the production of high volume communication platforms – such as Vuk’uzenzele – to achieve greater reach and impact.

The SANRAL publications are inserted in national, regional, local and community publications specific to audiences being targeted. In 2014/15, we produced publications with a total print run of 10 204 449 which were inserted in 233 publications which have a combined readership of 83 796 000.

In 2015/16, we produced publications with a total print run of 17 500 000 which were inserted in 252 publications which have a combined readership of 114 500 000

(d) SANRAL publishes its own media so that the members of the public are better informed of SANRAL’s mandate. This then aids the public to understand that SANRAL as an entity is more than just GFIP or tolls. The newsletters speak to all aspects of SANRAL’s activities including road safety, community development, environment, job creation, education, and the myriad aspects of road infrastructure maintenance, improvement and development. Perceptions about SANRAL as a brand and an understanding of what we do on a daily basis have improved from our interaction with member of the public who have commented positively on our newsletters. This we have gauged through the interactions we have on social media with those who have been exposed to or content.

Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)

1. The were no newspapers printed and distributed by (a) N/A (b) the Air Company South Africa SOC Limited, in the (aa) 2014-15, and (bb) 2015-16 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2016;

1. In respect of each specified case, (a) N/A, (b) N/A, (c) (i)N/A and (ii) N/A and (d) N/A.

Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS)

1. The were no newspapers printed and distributed by (a) N/A (b) the Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited, in the (aa) 2014-15, and (bb) 2015-16 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2016;
2. In respect of each specified case, (a) N/A, (b) N/A, (c) (i) N/A and (ii) N/A and (d) N/A.

South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

1. The were no newspapers printed and distributed by (a) N/A (b) the South African Civil Aviation Authority, in the (aa) 2014-15, and (bb) 2015-16 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2016;
2. In respect of each specified case, (a) N/A, (b) N/A, (c) (i)N/A and (ii) N/A and (d) N/A.

Ports Regulator (PRSA)

1. The Ports Regulator has never printed any newspapers for the (aa) 2014-15, (bb) 2015-16 and for the period since 01 April 2016.
2. Not applicable.

South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)

1. SAMSA has not printed nor distributed any newspapers.
2. There is nothing applicable in this case

Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)

The Railway Safety Regulator did not print or distribute any newspapers during 2014-15 and 2015-2016. RSR was complying with the Treasury note issued in 2014-2015 instructing organisations not to purchase newspapers.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)

1. PRASA does not print and/or distribute newspapers. However, in respect of the above financial years, (i)(aa)(bb) and (ii) PRASA engaged the services of a company called KGP Media Investments (Pty) Limited (“KGP Media”) to publish on its behalf a commuter newspaper called Hambanathi and Kwela Express.

1. In terms of the agreement between PRASA and KGP Media, KGP Media was obliged to produce “5 pages worth of exposure every month” produced biweekly and “12 insertions compatible for web and mobile broadcast”. Therefore KGP Media was obliged to produce

       (a) 24 publications in respect of the 2014/2015 financial year and 24 publications in respect of the 2015/2016 financial year

        (b) 2014/2015 – R6,370,362.12 and 2015/2016 – R6,370,772.58

        (c) (i) The objective was to disseminate updates on rail and public transport and to cover news that are informative and educational to empower the commuting public.

(ii) When the Public Protector found that the agreement between PRASA and KGP Media was concluded without following procurement procedures of PRASA, this agreement was terminated with effect from 10 March 2016

      (d) See response in (c).

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(a) and (b) (i) (aa), (bb) and (cc) and (ii) (aa) and (bb)

No.

(aaa), (bbb) (aaaa), (bbbb) and (ccc) Fall away

Reply:

(i)(aa) (a)(b)(c)(d)(e) 2015/16 information

Prov	(a) No. of Learners in learner transport scheme	(b) Budget for 2015/16 FY	© No. of routes	(e)No of service providers	(d)no of routes in operation
EC	62627	R 432 000 000.00	248	290	248
FS	6293	R 40 000 000.00	315	172	315
GP	82917	R 461 000 000.00	2 007	166	2007
KZN	37223	R 168 430 000.00	339	43	339
LP	20751	R 141 103 000.00	422	203	422
MP	59691	R 441 622 000.00	524	111	524
NC	23237	R 118 280 000.00	355	190	355
NW	35813	R 264 466 000.00	238	121	238
WC	57596	R 319 830 000.00	531	137	531
TOTAL	386448	R 2 386 731 000	4 979	1433	4979

(iI)(bb) (a)(b)(c)(d)(e)

2014/15 learner transport
Prov	No. of Learners in learner transport scheme	Budget for 2014/15 FY	No. of routes	No of service providers	no of routes in operation
EC	55537	R 330 088 925	1350	1	1350
FS	8177	R 32 759 559.49	363	180	320
GP	79420	R 338 349 000.00	2755	126	2755
KZN	23359	R 168 430 000.00	222	38	222
LP	19162	R 152 995 000.00	215	215	215
MP	66598	R 455 000 000.00	525	111	525
NC	15060	R 107 573 000	364	190	364
NW	31 228	R 240 444 000.00	246	136	183
WC	52 565	R 242 593 000.00	516	136	517
TOTAL	351106	R 2 068 232 484	6 556	1133	6451

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1) The Department of Public Works (DPW) did not spend any money on maintenance of the homestead of Mr JG Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, during the (a) 2012-2013, (b) 2013-14, and (c) 2014-15 financial years;

(2) There are four general workers (employed on a contract for three years) at the President’s homestead at Nkandla. Their main duties are to maintain the gardens at the State Domestic Facilities adjacent to the President’s homestead. These are facilities that are used mainly the South African Police Services (SAPS).

_______________________________________________________________________

Reply:

1. (a) PRASA CRES has four (4) Regional offices which are responsible for the management of their respective property portfolios including residential stock. Each region has dedicated Leasing Consultants that sign up tenants in line with the organisation Leasing Policy.

(b) Leasing procedure requires compliance with the following;

• Applicant completes an application form and provides the following documents:
  • Copy of identity document of an applicant
  • Copy of identity document of spouse (if married)
  • Foreign Nationals should have valid permits to reside in the RSA
  • Copy of Ante-Nuptial Contract if married by ANC
  • Copy of Divorce order & Settlement order - if divorced
  • Copy of current Utility or telephone bill
  • Copy of salary advice
  • Copies of 3 Month’s bank accounts
• Credit assessment is performed
• Affordability Test (income and expenditure analyses) performed
• Family size assessment (Right house for number of occupants)
• PRASA CRES Management final approval of application.

(c) Leasing Consultants conduct on a periodic basis a reconciliation exercise to ensure that house occupants are the tenants that have agreements with PRASA.

2. (a) A total of 193 residential occupants have no lease agreements across all four (4) regional

offices.

(b) Various reasons have been provided in table 1 below for each case per region.

(c)(d) Outstanding Lease Agreements will be concluded at different phases as provided in the

Table 1 below;

Table 1

REGION NAME	NUMBER OF TENANTS WITH NO LEASE AGREEMENTS	NAME OF THE PROPERTY	REASONS FOR A LEASE AGREEMENT ABSENCE	DATE FOR LEASE AGREEMENT CONCLUSION
Western Cape	5	43 De Maas Road Vasco	Illegal occupation. The tenant with the lease agreement is not the current occupant.	New lease agreement will be signed with the occupant by the 30th June 2016.
		75 Mcgregor Street Maitland	Illegal occupation. The tenant with the lease agreement is not the current occupant.	New lease agreement will be signed with the occupant by the 30th June 2016.
		81 Nyasa Road Retreat:	Illegal occupation. Illegal occupant, The tenant with the lease agreement is not the current occupant.	New lease agreement will be signed with the occupant by the 30th June 2016.
		11 Nyasa Road Retreat:	Illegal occupation. The tenant with the lease agreement is not the current occupant.	New lease agreement will be signed with the occupant by the 30th June 2016.
		12 Vlottenburg Station	Illegal occupation. When this house became vacant due to the previous tenant absconding, the house was illegally occupied by the current occupants.	New lease agreement will be signed with the occupant by the 30th June 2016.
Gauteng South	173	New Canada ( 5)	Illegal occupation. Occupants refused to signed new leases with then Intersite when the assets where transferred from Transnet and they continue not to cooperate with the officials of PRASA, the cases were then taken to housing tribunal and the case is seating with PRASA legal team currently.	Legal team to conclude the process. Evictions cannot take place without a court order to those tenants with files that have been handed over to legal. The slow process of securing court orders to evict non-paying tenants’ results in premises being occupied without renewed leases especially in the case of paying tenants. Most of the leases have a provision that in case there is no renewal of the lease, it is assumed to have been renewed on month-to-month basis.
		Bekezela (110)	Illegal occupation. An eviction order has been obtained and will be enforced soon.
		Tshepo House (58)	Illegal occupation. All cases are with lawyers
KwaZulu Natal	14	Legal Matters (5) House no 10 Patterson Street House no 09 Moodie Str House no 05, Brad Street House no 02 Station Road House No 10 Station Road Kelso	Legal Matters (5) Tenants that are handed over to the attorneys are mainly due to them being in arrears.	The legal matters are being addressed by attorneys. The region has engaged with the other tenants with the intention to resolve all outstanding issues and get the leases signed accordingly. It is the intention to finalize the process and have the lease agreements signed by no later than 30th September 2016.
		Arrears (4) House 6 Station Road, Umbongwithini House no 03 Patterson Street House No 01. Station Road House no. 02 Station Road	Areas (4) Tenants have not been handed over due to the fact that we try to negotiate and reach an acceptable settlement plan with the tenant prior to handing the matter over to the attorney.
		Query ( 5) House no. 6 Old Main Rd, Park Rynie House no. 122 Vausedale Road House 126 Vausedale Road House no 08 Patterson Street Scottburgh Station	Query ( 5) Tenants there is a dispute with regards to the amendments he made to the lease. The matter has been referred to Legal in order to reach a compromise and finalize the lease. The other 2 tenants have disputes in terms of the structural repairs required on their properties. It is our intention to effect the repairs in the 2016/2017 financial year
Gauteng North	1	House No 39, Station House, Bloemhoff Station	The occupant of this property is an ex Transnet employee who is in occupation of the property for a very long time, the residential properties at Bloemhof Station falls within the properties which were taken over by PRASA from Transnet as part of the Legal Succession Act, when the property was taken over we found this tenant in occupation, we have signed leases with all occupants of the other houses at this station, however the occupant of House no. 39 is not co-operating to sign the lease. Occupant has engaged with this tenant to get the agreement signed and has indicated to the tenant that should the lease not be signed in due course, we will have to give her notice. Lease Agreement is currently being negotiated with the tenant.	30th June 2016.

Reply:

(a) The Department appointed Nexus Forensic Services (NFS) on 23 September 2015 to conduct an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption in the allocation of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at ten identified public universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

(b) (i) To conduct a comprehensive audit for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 academic years to determine the extent of misrepresentation and fraud committed by students who qualified and have received financial aid, including parents and guardians, employees of public universities and TVET colleges, NSFAS and individuals who have manipulated financial aid processes to defraud NSFAS. The audit must include:

• Applicants and family members/guardians who have knowingly provided false information on their applications for financial aid;
• Applicants who have intentionally misrepresented their family income by purposefully providing false information on the certification of affidavits in terms of Section 9 of the Justice of Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963 and Regulations under the Act;
• The validity of affidavits submitted and signed in terms of Section 5, 6 and 7 of the Justice of Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963 and applicable Regulations;
• The allegations of persons who impersonate Commissioners of Oath in order to certify falsified documentation to defraud NSFAS for personal gain;
• Applicants who have purposefully altered documentation used in the validation of the financial aid application and approval process that resulted in the receipt of financial aid;
• Service providers who collude with students to defraud the NSFAS;
• Staff at financial aid offices at universities, TVET colleges and NSFAS who deliberately do not comply with NSFAS and donor guidelines on eligibility and academic criteria to defraud the NSFAS;
• Nepotism and conflict of interests in the allocation of NSFAS financial aid at financial aid offices at public universities and TVET colleges;
• The identification of the shortcomings and weaknesses in the NSFAS loan and bursary system, including the current NSFAS guidelines and rules applicable to public universities and TVET colleges, with clear recommendations to address fraud risks identified;
• The investigation must be concluded within 12 months. The Department may decide to extend the investigation based on the extent of the allegations of fraud and corruption at a particular institution; and
• The service provider will be required to attend monthly meetings and present progress reports to the Director-General or his delegate. At the conclusion of the 12 month period, the service provider will provide a comprehensive report covering all the allegations, findings and recommendations to the Director-General in an accessible format.

(b) (ii) This is a forensic investigation and therefore a reference group is not required.

(c) The investigation must be concluded within 12 months from the date of appointment. At the conclusion of the 12 month period, the service provider will provide a comprehensive report covering all the allegations, findings and recommendations to the Director-General.

(d) The Department identified 10 institutions covering a range of provinces and institutional types for the initial investigation, and may decide to extend the investigation based on the extent of the allegations of fraud and corruption at a particular institution. The initial identified institutions are:

• Tshwane University of Technology;
• Durban University of Technology;
• University of Limpopo;
• North-West University;
• University of the Witwatersrand;
• University of Zululand;
• Majuba TVET College;
• King Hintsa TVET College;
• Ehlanzeni TVET College; and
• Buffalo City TVET College.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 1164 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

After the finalisation of the first draft of the Bill, and before the publication thereof for public comment, I deemed it necessary to present the Bill to some stakeholders, which included School Governing Body (SGB) associations and education sector unions.

Some of these stakeholders commented on the Bill during the presentations, and some subsequently provided the Department with written comments on the Bill. After all the options had been weighed up, it was decided that the comments submitted by these stakeholders should be considered and, where there was merit, incorporated into the draft Bill before the Bill was published for public comment. It is believed that this will eliminate double work in the later part of the process of finalising the Bill.

If the Department is able to finalise the above-mentioned processes, as well as the processes required for the introduction of the Bill, I still intend to introduce the Bill during the 2016 parliamentary session. However, if I do not achieve this, I intend to introduce the Bill during the early part of the 2017 Parliamentary session.

Reply:

I have not responded to question 855 on 13 April 2015 as no such question was not posed to me as it does not fall within the scope of the Department of Public Enterprises.

Reply:

(1) (a) Transnet has formed a working group represented by Transnet National Ports Authority (“TNPA”), Transnet Port Terminals (“TPT”) and Transnet Freight Rail (“TFR”) in ensuring that any challenges that may ensue are addressed by all affected operating divisions to ensure an efficient, effective and consistent safe operation. The import programme is coordinated by Grain South Africa’s Logistics and Planning Committee (SACOTA) and comprises of representatives from all the ports, railways, traders, silo owners and millers.

(b) The total number will be driven by the commercial agreements between the shippping lines and the cargo owners. In terms of berth availability, vessels will be allocated berths according to vessels length, parcel size, draft, method of handling and safety considerations.

(c) The ports that have the capacity to handle grain are listed as follows :

• Port of Durban,
• Port of Cape Town,
• Port of East London, and
• Port of Port Elizabeth

(d) (i) Ships

PORTS	AVAILABLE BERTHS
East London	2 Berths (T & S berth)
Port Elizabeth	4 Berths (Berth 8,9,10,11)
Cape Town	3 Berths (Multi-Purpose Terminal)
	3 Berths (Fruit Purpose Terminal
Durban	3 Berths (Island View, Maydon Wharf, Maydon Wharf)

(ii) Grain

PORTS	CAPACITY (tons)
East London	1,344,000
Port Elizabeth	1,344,000
Cape Town	2,016,000
Durban (Agriport, SABT)	2,016,000
	3,360,000
	2,016,000

 

Reply:

The Benoni Hostel (Wattville Hostel) is situated in the Gauteng Province and falls within the jurisdiction of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM), which owns and administers the hostel complex. The Municipality has indicated that the hostel residents are currently being provided with clean water, electricity connections as well as sanitation services.

The Provincial Department has initiated a project to redevelop the hostel. The projected output and outcome is intended to yield seven hundred and twenty six (726) redeveloped family units, which will encompass six (6) different typologies. The Province has appointed a service provider to finalise all planning work and the project is envisaged to go out on tender during July 2016 for the installation of services for the 1st phase of the project.

Reply:

(1) According to the latest the 2011 census 2011 conducted by Statistics South Africa, 4.9 million Black people owned fully paid homes as compared to just over 500,000 Whites, 415, 940 Coloured, 119,457 Indians/Asians. During the time when the census was undertaken, South African population consisted of 79% Africans, 8.9% Whites, 8.9% Coloured and 2.5% Asians and 0.5% other. These findings serve to prove that the majority population (Africans) in the country were the highest home owners, followed by Whites, Coloured then Indians/Asians. Therefore the pace of transformation already commensurate with demographic representation of the South Africa's diverse population.

According to the General Household Survey of 2014 of Statistics South Africa, the Population Group of Households Heads at that time was 53,686,358. Of this, Black/African household constituted 80%, followed by 8.9% of Coloureds, 8.5% Whites, and 2.5% Indians/Asians. In terms of the private property ownership, South Africans owned 35,929,172 properties. These properties constituted those owned but not yet paid off to the banks/ financial institutions, owned but not yet paid off to the private lender, and owned and fully paid off. From these properties, Blacks/ Africans owned 85% followed by Coloureds with 7.3%, Whites with 5.6% and Indians/ Asians with 2.1%. These are indications that property ownership in overall is taking place at a rate that is proportionate to the demographics of the population.

However, when considering different market values of properties, Blacks/ Africans, owned 92% of properties with the value up to R500, 000 and 66.2% of properties with the value above R500, 000. Coloureds owned 6.2% of properties with the value up to R500, 000 and 12% of properties with the value above R500, 000. Whites owned 1.1% of properties with the value up to R500, 000 and 17.3% of properties with the value above R500, 000. Indians/ Asians owned 0.7% of properties with the value up to R500, 000 and 4.6% of properties with the value above R500, 000.

Moreover, government's effort contributed immensely in ensuring that the poor South Africans are also registered in the property register of the country. According to the General Household Survey of 2014 of Statistics South Africa, state subsidised dwelling constituted 9,265,544 properties of which 8,357,475 belonged to Blacks/Africans, followed by 863,529 owned by Coloureds, 30,865 owed by Whites, and 13,675 properties owned by Indians/ Asians.

(2) The above information does indicate that the effort of government ranging from the normalisation of the lending environment together with increasing access to housing finance, the transfer of government old stock to the needy South Africans and the provision of the fully subsidised housing units to the poorest of South Africans, immensely improved access to housing assets. In an attempt to strengthen housing finance for the gap market, Finance Linked Individual Subsidy has been adjusted to accommodate the newly introduced Government Employee Housing Scheme, which gives an opportunity for public servants who have enrolled for housing needs to make application for subsidies, and expand the application of the programme beyond mortgage finance.

The Business Day Article dated 24 April 2016 titled “The truth about blacks and home ownership” addresses the question that the Honourable member is asking. Written independently of government, the article argues that providing housing and land ownership to black South Africans within the new democracy has been a huge success story. Indeed, we are on the right track and we will continue to make the lives of previously disadvantaged better. I am proud of the 4.3 million houses and opportunities delivered since 1994, benefiting over 20 million households.

Reply:

The Competition authorities are mandated, in terms of the Competition Act, to investigate and prosecute allegations of cartel conduct, including price fixing. The authorities currently do not have in their possession information or evidence giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that the retail prices of motor vehicles in South Africa are as a result of price fixing or collusive conduct of car manufacturers or any other participants in the market for finished motor vehicles. Should the Competition Commission receive any such material, information or evidence, it may commence an investigation in terms of section 49B(2) of the Competition Act. The Competition Commission is currently investigating collusive conduct in relation to car parts. The prices of car parts contribute to the ultimate price of the finished product.

-END-

Reply:

(1) Since 1994, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has made substantial progress to better the lives of the residents of Sharpeville and surrounding areas. It has provided 4 582 BNG houses to the beneficiaries and the details of the housing projects completed are provided below:

• Tshepiso : 1 144 houses
• Tshepiso North Extension 1: 278 houses
• Tshepiso South Extension 1: 254 houses
• Tshepiso North Extension 3: 1 432 houses
• Tshepiso North Extension 4: 976 houses
• Boipatong : 498 houses

In addition, the Provincial Department is planning for the following projects in the surrounding areas of Sharpeville that will deliver in total 10 629 BNG and Social Housing units:

• Tshepiso North Extension 4: 1 149 houses
• Leeuwkuil : 2 980 houses
• Vereeniging Old Hospital : 1 500 Social Housing units
• Vaal River City : 5 000 houses

(2) It is not necessary given the projects that have been completed and those that are still being planned for in Sharpeville and surrounding areas. Save to say, this government is committed to ensure that the lives of our people are improved and their dignity restored through the provision of sustainable human settlements.

 

 

Reply:

(1) (a) The project in uMncube zone in Umthambeka Section Ward 11, Tembisa, Gauteng entails the construction of 118 houses.

(b) The identified beneficiaries of the project are the residents of Umncube Section in Tembisa.

(c) The Provincial Department of Human Settlements appointed the contractor in November 2013, however construction could not commence due to a delay occasioned by the contractor not furnishing the required performance guarantee and agreement on the subsidy quantum of R63 366.00, which the contractor requested to be increased. The subsidy increase was only approved in the 2015/16 financial year. The contract for construction was signed in August 2015 with a date of completion being the 28th February 2016. The site was handed over the 13th August 2015 to the contractor.

(d) The Honourable member would be aware of Parliament’s convention which prohibits any public representatives, be it Members of the Executive or Honourable Members, from publishing names of people/contractors or companies when asking or responding to parliamentary questions. Accordingly, I will not able to provide names of people on the housing list as requested. But, I can confirm that the project manager is an employee of the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements.

(2) (a) The Honourable member would be aware of Parliament’s convention which prohibits any public representatives, be it Members of the Executive or Honourable Members, from publishing names of people/contractors or companies when asking or responding to parliamentary questions. Accordingly, I will not able to provide the names of people/contractors or companies as requested.

(b) A total of 24 employees were employed from local residents.

 

(c) The names of the beneficiaries will be made available subject to the relevant rules of privacy and confidentiality being adhered as is required in such disclosure, which requires approval from the households concerned and reasons for such request.

(3) (a) (i) The appointed contractor was deemed not to, by the Provincial Department in terms of its evaluation, have the functional and financial capacity to complete the project. The contractor committed to a construction programme which was not adhered to. In January 2016, progress on site was 19 Foundations and 9 wall-plates. The contract expired on the 28th February 2016. The contract was not extended to continue into the new financial year.

(ii) The Contractor was paid on the 07th March 2016 for 19 foundations and 4 wall-plates. The Province still has an outstanding claim, which is in the process of being evaluated for payment for 5 wall-plates.

(b) The balance of the project will be funded for completion in the 2016/17 financial year.

(c) The projected completion date for the project 31 March 2017.

Reply:

(1) The National Department of Human Settlements has over a period of three (3) years ending 2014/15 spent approximately 96% of the grant allocation of R50,288 billion with 79% spent in 2015/16 financial year and as at 29 February 2016 (unaudited figure), the latter has to date yielded 114 536 housing opportunities.

The information requested by the Honourable member is contained in the table below:

Financial Periods	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16
Serviced Sites	45 698	48 193	49 345	36 956
Units	115 079	105 936	94 566	77 580
Total	160 777	154 129	143 911	114 536
Total Available funds	15 886 226	17 028 326	17 374 021	18 581 067
Expenditure	15 142 431	16 500 648	16 972 848	14 703 012
% Exp.	95.32%	96.90%	97.69%	79.13% As at 29 February 2016 (unaudited figure)

The National Department of Human Settlements has over a period of three (3) years ending 2014/15 spent approximately 96% of the grant allocation of R50,288 billion with 79% spent in 2015/16 financial year and as at 28 February 2016, the latter has to date yielded 114 536 housing opportunities.

(2) It is important to note that the National Department of Human Settlements transfers the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) to provinces who in turn use the grant to develop sites and houses. The National Department uses Division of Revenue Act (DORA) provisions to redirect funding from underperforming to performing provinces. In addition, the department assist underperforming provinces by putting remedial actions on challenges that hamper or affect the meeting of goals and objectives of provinces. Therefore, the national Department does not have authority in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994 to discipline official in another sphere of government.

In terms of the National Department meeting its targets and objectives, the Department uses the performance appraisal system as a tool to monitor the performance of officials.

(3) Honourable member, it not possible to indicate what the details of any policy revisions and/or proposals for amendments will be at this stage. My Department is currently in the consultation phase of the development of the new Human Settlements White Paper process. In this process, we are revisiting all the core fundamental principles of the current policy including the sustainability of the Housing Subsidy Scheme in its current form. Once approved by MINMEC, the draft document will be submitted to Cabinet for approval to publish the Paper for broader public comments.

Reply:

(1) (a) Eskom purchased software from Microsoft through a contract which followed Eskom’s commercial process.

(b) Yes, all purchased software is licensed.

(b) (i) The purpose of purchasing Microsoft software was based on the following factors:

• To meet Eskom business requirements
• Mitigate desktop risk on Office and Operating Systems.
• To implement a best of suite strategy to lower the operational cost in terms of license expense
• Support resource cost across Desktop, Messaging, Security
• Ensure the Management and Windows Server Towers.

(b) (ii) Yes, the software is being used by the entire Organisation.

(b) (iii) A contract was entered into between Eskom and Microsoft in July 2010 prior to this Eskom purchased products including Microsoft software from third party suppliers.

(b) (iv) Yes, Eskom only maintains Microsoft Software that is in current use.

(b) (v) Eskom’s current contract with Microsoft is due to expire on 29 May 2016. A commercial process is currently underway for the renewal of the support and maintenance of the current contract. It must be noted that the bulk of this renewal is to maintain the current investment and ensure adequate maintenance and support.

(2) (a) Eskom’s commercial process which forms part of Eskom’s Procurement and Supply Chain Management Policy and Procedure was followed. The commercial process that was followed is in alignment with Eskom’s Procurement and Supply Chain Management Policy and Procedure and Public Finance Management Act.

(b) Yes, Eskom’s process followed regarding the Microsoft transaction satisfied all prescribed legal requirements. The details are that the commercial process which is provided for in Eskom’s supply chain policies is aligned to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA).

Reply:

I am particularly concerned about this matter. I would encourage the Honourable member to provide me with any information that will assist in resolving this matter. As public representatives, our first instinct should be the eagerness to assist in situations such as these. In essence, we need to find a way to assist the complainant to register for a BNG house.

Be that as it may, I have been advised that the case referred to by the Honourable member relates to the Etete Area, in Ward 7 in KwaDukuza. The Municipality has confirmed that the only structure it demolished in 2006 was an abandoned house on the land that the municipality acquired from the Palm Lakes Estate. The house was built with mud and was unoccupied for years. The house was a den of criminal activity and the community demanded both the municipality and SAPS to act against people who were using the dilapidated house for various criminal acts.  The property was on land owned by the municipality.

Further, eighteen (18) months after the demolition had been completed, the complainant claimed that the land the house was built on belonged to the complainant’s father. The complainant was informed that the land in question was never owned by the complainant’s late father but was owned by the owners/developers of Palm Lakes Estates, which the municipality acquired for housing and social facilities.

The complainant has not, according to the records of the Municipality, applied for the subsidised housing in the area called Etete, in which the municipality over the years has been working to eradicate informal settlements with funding from the Department of Human Settlements.  The municipality is currently working on the implementation of the last phase of the project, which is known as Phase 4. It appears that the same complainant is not part of the beneficiaries registered for this project.

Reply:

(1) (a) The size of the project is 118 Breaking New Ground houses.

(b) The beneficiaries are the residents of Umncube Section in Umthambeka.

(c) The project commenced on 13 August 2015 when the site was handed over to the Contractor. (d) The expected date for the completion of the project is 31 March 2017.

(2) (a) (i) & (ii) The Honourable member would be aware of Parliament’s convention which prohibits any public representatives, be it Members of the Executive or Honourable Members, from publishing names of people/contractors or companies when asking or responding to parliamentary questions. Accordingly, I will not able to provide names of people on the housing list as requested.

(b) There are 24 employees employed from the local residents.

(3) (a) The Contractor did not have the functional and financial capacity to complete the project and subsequently did not adhere to the agreed construction programme. By January 2016, only 19 foundations and 9 wall plates were constructed. The original contract provided for the completion of the project by 28 February 2016. However, due the Contractor’s inability to complete the project, the contract was not renewed and a new Contractor will be appointed to finalise the construction of the houses.

(b) It is anticipated that a new contractor will be appointed early in the financial year after which the project will commence.

(4) The Contractor has been paid on 7 March 2016 for the completion of 19 foundations and 4 wall plates. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements received an additional claim from the Contractor for the payment of the outstanding 5 wall plates. The Department confirmed that the payment is in progress and will be finalised in due course.

 

Reply:

(1) and (2) The GGB is an independent entity which does not account to the dti as the national department. Therefore it is recommended that the Honourable Member source information directly from the Gauteng Gambling Board.

(3) (a) According to the response received from the CIPC, these two company names are not registered on the CIPC’s database.

(b) Information regarding incorporation of companies is best sourced from the CIPC.

(4) According to the response received from the NLC:

(a)(i) The Section 21 Company Registration Number is given as 2001/019108/08.

(ii) The bank account named in the application was SA Apartheid Museum.

(b) In light of the above naturally, any allocated funding will be paid into the account of the applicant/beneficiary as per the application form.

(5) According to the information received from the NLC:

(a) Three Payments were made to the SA Apartheid Museum as follows –

Tranche Amount

1. R600,000.00

2. R585,000.00

3. R400,000.00

All payments are disclosed in the NLC Annual Reports which can be located on our website: www.nlcsa.org.za

(b)(i) SA Apartheid Museum applied for grant funding during 2004 and tranches were paid as indicated above. In 2008 the NLC migrated information from Grant Management System (GMS) 1 to GMS 2. When the migration was done, certain information was corrupted in that applications adjudicated in 2004, 2005, and 2006 gave an impression that they were adjudicated in 2008 whereas there was no such adjudication of SA Apartheid Museum in 2008.

(ii) The Annual Financial Statements of the SA Apartheid Museum for financial years 2001, 2002 and 2003 were submitted with the original application on 24 November 2004.

(c) The project number for the application received by the NLC of the SA Apartheid Museum on 24 November 2004 is 18052.

Reply:

(1) According to the response received from the CIPC:

(a)(i) CIPRO did not have a procedure to transmit information to SARS but CIPC have done that since 2014.

(ii) The Special Power of Attorney and the certification of incorporation are attached for your further perusal.

(b) The CIPC does not have the CM 5 form in its records.

(c) The CM3 and Special Power of Attorney and Certification of Incorporation are attached hereto and marked as “Annex A, B and C” respectively.

(2) According to the response received from the NLC:

The NLC can confirm that applications received, processed and adjudicated by the NLC all are from the SA Apartheid Museum.

(a) There has been no investigation by the Compliance Division on the SA Apartheid Museum or on the fraudulent diversion of funds.

(b) Yes, the application received was from the SA Apartheid Museum. All supporting information bears such name.

(3) (a) According to the response received from the NLC, yes.

(b)(i), (ii), (iii) and (c) The GGB is an independent entity which does not account to the dti as the national department. Therefore it is recommended that the Honourable Member source information directly from the Gauteng Gambling Board.

(4) (a) and (b) The GGB is an independent entity which does not account to the dti as the national department. Therefore it is recommended that the Honourable Member source information directly from the Gauteng Gambling Board.

(5) According to the information received from the CIPC, the CIPC indicated that the CM5 was included in its attachments in the previous response. When responding to the follow-up question and upon request of the CM5, it indicated that it does not have it in its records.

According to the information received from the NLC, there was no correction and/or an indication to expunge the original information provided. However, after receipt of its response and the telephonic conversation requesting further information with regard to question 1153(5)(b)(i), it confirmed that there was no adjudication which took place in 2008 for SA Apartheid Museum.

According to the information received from the NGB, the GGB is an independent entity and it is not in a position to respond on its behalf. It recommends that the Honourable Member source information directly from the Gauteng Gambling Board.

(5) According to the information received from the CIPC, the CIPC indicated that the CM5 was included in its attachments in the previous response. When responding to the follow-up question and upon request of the CM5, it indicated that it does not have it in its records.

According to the information received from the NLC, there was no correction and/or an indication to expunge the original information provided. However, after receipt of its response and the telephonic conversation requesting further information with regard to question 1153(5)(b)(i), it confirmed that there was no adjudication which took place in 2008 for SA Apartheid Museum.

According to the information received from the NGB, the GGB is an independent entity and it is not in a position to respond on its behalf. It recommends that the Honourable Member source information directly from the Gauteng Gambling Board.

Reply:

1. (a), Currently in terms of section 58 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) more in particular subsection (3) it provides amongst others that a traffic officer or a person appointed in terms of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995), who drives a vehicle in the carrying out of his or her duties or any person issued with the necessary authorisation and driving a vehicle may disregard the directions of a road traffic sign which is displayed in the prescribed manner. Section 60 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 provides further that, notwithstanding the provisions of section 59, such may exceed the applicable general speed limit.

(b) (i) and (ii) No, they are not stopped whilst travelling with their lights on and therefore no fines are issued.

(2) (a) If a fine has been issued the relevant department pays the fines involved.

(b) No, a directive has been issued to disregard any offences committed by the Unit or any motor vehicle belonging to the state.

(3) The information requested is not available.

Reply:

1. The NAMC monitors food prices at retail level and releases regular authoritative reports. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries established the Food Price Monitoring Committee (FPMC) at the NAMC to track and report on food price trends in South Africa and also to provide explanations on the observed trends and advise the department on any possible action that could be taken when national and household food security is threatened. The FPMC was established after the high food price episode of 2000/01 season. The functions of the FPMC were assumed by the NAMC after the FPMC completed its work in August 2004. The NAMC issues four quarterly Food Price Monitoring Reports annually and, since 2005, also publishes an annual Food Cost Review, which documents the margins between farm prices and retail prices of the major food products, among other topics. In 2015, the NAMC began releasing a quarterly Farm-to-Retail Price Spread (FTRPS) publication, which seeks to provide more insight into the factors driving commodity and food price margins. This publication, the Food Basket Price Monthly Report, is a result of recent discussions with industry, and the need to keep watch on the movements of food prices on a more regular basis than the current quarterly Food Price Monitor.

Part 2 of question 1; basic foodstuffs are Zero Rated food items in relation to VAT and thus is the mechanism used to protect the poor.

2. The Minister will make statements on food security in the country at various formal occasions such as the 20-16/2017 budget vote speech and at the yearly commemoration of World Food Day on the 16th October of each year as declared by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation to heighten awareness on food insecurity.

DAFF has established the Interdepartmental Food Insecurity Drought Task Team to address challenges that are posed by the current drought situation in the country.

Reply:

Response

1. and (2) The GGB is an independent entity which does not account to the dti as the national department. Therefore it is recommended that the Honourable Member source information directly from the Gauteng Gambling Board.

 

Reply:

Yes, citizenship was granted to 4 members of the Gupta family residing in South Africa as follows:

Gupta V, Date of birth (d.o.b) 14 July 1986

1. application approved 24 November 2015
2. section 5(1) of the SA Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No 88 of 1995)

Gupta K, d.o.b 19 August 2015

1. application approved on 03 March 2016
2. section 5(4)(minors) of the SA Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No. 88 of 1995)

Gupta A, d.o.b 30 December 1945

1. application approved on 27 July 2015
2. section 5(9) (exceptional circumstances) of the SA Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No. 88 of 1995)

Gupta S, d.o.b 10 May 1970

1. application approved on 27 July 2015
2. section 5(9) (exceptional circumstances) of the SA Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No. 88 of 1995)

Reply:

(1)(a)(i-ii) The new asylum applicants relate to family joining. In the main there are two categories of those joining the files of existing asylum seekers, namely: new-born babies and also dependents who were declared by the principal applicant when applying before the closure of the office and they have now made the move to South Africa to join their principal applicants under section 3(c) of the Refugees Act.

(1)(b) The number of backlog cases as reported to the UNHCR in 2015 is 144 233. At the time 80 315 cases were active on the system. Since the July 2015 report shared with UNHCR, the Department is undergoing a process to properly audit and undertake a project to deal with this backlog. The outcome of the audit, on completion, will confirm the appeal backlog.

(1)(c) The Department, working with the UNHCR, has put together a planning team that is developing a project plan for the appeal backlog. Such planning is being conducted in parallel with the file auditing process mentioned above to inform the plan.

(2) Most unfounded claims relate to the political climate in Zimbabwe. Most applicants with this type of decision cite persecution on the grounds of political affiliation and perceived failure by the government to deal with such persecution and harassment of political opponents.

(3)(a) The overall number of applications for refugee identification documents has been consistent throughout the indicated period. However, during the 2012/2013 and 2013/14 financial years, a backlog began to build up because of limited capacity and was eventually cleared in late 2014/15.

(3)(b) As indicated above, capacity challenges affected the percentage of applications being processed within the stipulated time frames. However, such challenges do not mean that the other 50% of applicants do not receive their identity documents. Instead, it means that they receive their documents but outside the stipulated turnaround time.

(3)(c) Currently there is no backlog in the processing of both refugee identity documents and travel documents.

Reply:

DAFF

(a) The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has effected payments to the following suppliers according to available BAS reports:

Supplier	Service description	Payment date	Amount
Vusizwe Media PTY LYD	Advert of Minister’s response to questions published in Thinker Magazine	29/06/2011	R 69 365.80
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Coverage of the Minister’s Budget Vote Speech	11/06/2012	R309 277.44
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Attendance of business briefing by 5 Delegates	22/10/2012	R    3 961.50
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Hosting of The New Age SABC2 Business Briefing where the Minister and Deputy Minister were the keynote speakers:250 delegates	20/12/2012	R 178 267.50
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Awareness campaign for World Food Day	20/12/2012	R647 054.88
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Awareness campaign for World Food Day	20/12/2012	R647 054.88
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Awareness campaign for World Food Day	20/12/2012	R647 054.88
Vusizwe Media	Advert in The Thinker Magazine	14/11/2013	R39 888.60
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Minister’s Media Briefing on Morning Live (SABC 2) ON Female Farmer Entrepreneur Awards and Abor Week via the New Age	31/10/2013	R 842 886.36
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Booking for Business Briefing	11/02/2015	R 9 950.00
TNA MEDIA PTY LTD	Booking for Business Briefing	15/02/2016	R 26 315.79

OBP

1. No senior official of Onderstepoort Biological Products has met with the Atul, Ajay or Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma between 2009 and 2015
2. Onderstepoort Biological Product has never 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

PPECB

1. No senior official of the PPECB ever met with Atul, Ajay or Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma between 2009 and 2015
2. PPECB has not awarded any contracts to 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

ARC

1. No senior official of the ARC ever met with Atul, Ajay or Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma between 2009 and 2015
2. The ARC has never 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

NCERA

1. No one at Ncera Farms met with the said persons
2. Ncera Farms did not award any contracts to Sahara Holdings, Comair, Oakbay Investments, Islandsite Investments, Afripalm Horizons Stakes, The New Age Media, JIC Mining Services and Vusizwe Media

NAMC

1. No senior official of the NAMC ever met with Atul, Ajay or Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma between 2009 and 2015
2. The NAMC has never 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

MLRF

1. No senior official of the MLRF ever met with Atul, Ajay or Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma between 2009 and 2015
2. The MLRF has never 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

Reply:

I have made an announcement of the roll-out of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Test and Treat during my Budget Speech.

END.

Reply:

(1) (a) What amount did her department provide to each teachers’ union in South Africa in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13, (v) 2013-14, (vi) 2014-15 and (vii) 2015-16 financial years and (b) for what purpose were the specified amounts provided to each union in each of the specified financial years;

1. (a) (i) 2009/10 no amounts were allocated by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

1. (a) (ii) 2010/11 no amounts were allocated as the Teacher Collaboration only started in 2011/12

1. (a) (iii) 2011/12 a total of R36 800 000.00 was allocated to teacher unions for Curriculum Assessments Policy Statements (CAPS) orientation in Kwa Zulu-Natal (KZN) and Mpumalanga and was utilised as follows:

Teacher Union	1. (a) (iii)2011/12	1. (b) For what purpose?
NAPTOSA	R 6 700 000	CAPS orientation in KZN and Mpumalanga
NATU	R 6 200 000	CAPS orientation in KZN and Mpumalanga
SADTU	R 20 300 000	CAPS orientation in KZN and Mpumalanga
SAOU	R 2 500 000	CAPS orientation in KZN and Mpumalanga
PEU	R 1 100 000	CAPS orientation in KZN and Mpumalanga

1 (a) (iv) 2012/13 a total of R70 000 000.00 was allocated to Teacher Union Collaboration (TUC) implementation in various teacher development activities and was utilised as follows:

Teacher Union	1. (a) (iv)2012/13	1. (b) For what purpose?
NAPTOSA	R 10 000 000	Teacher Development (CAPS)
		Improving Reading and Writing in Foundation Phase (FP)
NATU	R 12 000 000	Under qualified Teacher Training (Content Knowledge, Assessments and Lesson preparation)
		Teacher Development (CAPS)
		School Management Team (SMT) Training (School Management)
		Improving Reading and Writing in Foundation Phase
SADTU	R 33 343 330	SMT Curriculum Management Programme
		District Based Professional Development Programme
SAOU	R 11 897 500	Teacher Development (CAPS)
PEU	R 2 759 170	Financial Management
		Teacher Development (CAPS)
		Design and Development of Outcomes Based Learning
		Project Management
		Teaching English Second Language

1. (a) (v) There was no funding allocation in 2013/14.

1. (a) (vi) 2014/15 R19 500 000.00 was allocated for TUC implementation in various teacher development activities and was utilised as follows:

Teacher Union	1. (a) (vi)2014/15	1. (b) For what purpose?
NAPTOSA	R 2 329 000	Further Education and Training (FET) Mathematics and Science
		Curriculum Differentiation in Special Schools
		Hand writing for Foundation Phase
		CAPS for FET Phase
		Promoting thinking skills in intermediate and Senior Phase Learners
		Foundation Phase Mathematics Assessment
NATU	R 3 415 000	Assessment for Learning
SADTU	R 8 580 000	Foundation Phase Resource Development
		Teacher Development through Communities of Practice and instructional leadership
SAOU	R 3 552 000	Curriculum Management for Principals
PEU	R 1 623 500	Screening Identification Assessment System (SIAS) and curriculum Differentiation

1. (a) (vii) 2015/16 R38 000 000.00 was allocated for TUC implementation in various teacher development activities and was utilised as follows:

Teacher Union	1. (a) (vii)2015/16	1. (b) For what purpose?
NAPTOSA	R 5 000 000	Capacitating teachers at schools for the Deaf
		Barriers to Handwriting FP
		Inclusion in Assessment Strategies
		Barriers to Reading
		Developing a Maths Rich Classroom
		Inclusion in FET Maths and Science
		Barriers – Identifying Types
		Inclusion in Fist Additional Language (FAL)
		Second language teacher to second language learners
NATU	R 6 000 000	Assessment for Learning
		Using learner’s responses to inform the teaching of Mathematics in Grades 1,3 and 6
SADTU	R 18 000 000	Foundation Phase Resource Development
		Intermediate Phase Resource Development
SAOU	R 6 000 000	Financial management for Principals
PEU	R 2 950 000	SIAS orientation

(2) Did each union account fully to her department for the annual expenditure of the specified amounts; if not, why not; if so (a) what are the relevant details, and (b) where can this information be obtained?

2. (a) All Teacher Unions accounted to the DBE by submitting all relevant documents to substantiate their invoices and (b) all supporting documents are with the DBE.

Reply:

1. No.
2. No, because the training element is earmarked on the installation phase of the solar water heating programme and those have not yet been put under procurement processes.
3. No, because the training element on solar water heating programme is part of the installation process, which has not yet commenced.
4. The Solar Water Heating programme is one of the key programmes of the Department of Energy in the context of Energy Mix and therefore the Minister, from time to time, will make pronouncements as part of the implementation process.

Reply:

a) (i) (ii) There is no shortage of food and stationery in the Leeuwkop Medium C Correctional Facility in Gauteng.

b) The Service Provider was not quality assured and therefore cannot provide training.

Reply:

1 c) and d) the dti is not providing any incentives specific for the Industrial Parks.

(2) The Industrial Parks are owned and operated by Agencies that fall under the provincial government. These Agencies manage the industrial parks including the collection of revenue, the provision of services and maintenance of the parks. Each Industrial Park has its own management structure. The table below provides details of the respective agencies and the human resources for the management of the Industrial Park. (See Annexure “A”)

Annexure “A”

INDUSTRIAL PARKS MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

INDUSTRIAL PARK	PROVINCE	Managed By:	Organisational structure
Vulindlela Industrial Heights King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality	Eastern Cape	Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC)	Head Properties Administrator Personal assistant Senior Manager Facilities Senior Manager Property Investment and Development Senior Manager Property Management. Manger rentals and collections
Queendustria Chris Hani Development Agency	Eastern Cape	Chris Hani Development Agency	Executive Manager Operations Project administrator Chief Investment Officer Business Development manager Project Manager Social Facilitator Finance and Admin Manger
Isithebe Ithala Bank	KwaZulu-Natal	Ithala Bank	Ithala CEO Properties Executive Divisional Manager -Property Management Divisional Manager -Facilities Management Divisional Manager - Asset Management.
Botshabelo Free State Development Corporation (FDC)	Free State	Free State Development Corporation (FDC)	FDC CEO Executive Director – Core Operations Properties and Facilities Manager District Property Manager
Babelegi North West Development Agency (NWDA)	North West	North West Development Corporation (NWDC)	Area Manager Admin Officer 3 X Tenant Coordinators 1x Maintenance Supervisor 2x Handymen 2x Assistant Handymen 2x Gardeners 1x Refreshment officer
Seshego Limpopo Development maintenance Agency (LEDA)	Limpopo	Limpopo Economic Development Agency	Executive Manager Industrialization Head: Land &Property Development Regional Manager Facilities Manager Electrician Leasing Officer Rental Controller Office Admin

Reply:

No, the Department of Rural Development is not involved in the Canola oil production project in Alexandria in the Eastern Cape.

(a) and (b) falls away.

Reply:

Deputy Minister recently undertook official international travel as follows:

a) From the 14th to the 20th of February 2016.

b) To the United States of America (New York).

c) Deputy Minister was invited to participate as a Speaker/ Panellist at the 19th Wallstreet Project Economic Summit, and to attend special B2B networking sessions co-hosted by the African Economic Expansion Network and its affiliates. The Wall Street Project was established to secure equal opportunity for minority employees, consumers, and entrepreneurs. The project’s mission is to promote inclusion, opportunity and economic growth by encouraging public and private industries to:

• Provide more business opportunities for minority and women-owned companies on Wall Street and throughout the financial services industry
• Encourage more minorities to participate in corporate boards
• Allocate more capital to minority companies
• Promote intra-trade relationships among diverse businesses

The areas of focus of this summit were found to be relevant to the Department of Small Business Development’s objective of facilitating radical economic transformation through increased participation of small businesses and cooperatives in the mainstream economy.

Deputy Minister also met with the US Small Business Administration, which is responsible for providing support to SMME’s in the US for purposes of benchmarking. Further meetings were attended with various American corporates to explore opportunities of them investing in South African previously disadvantaged communities and enterprises.

d) The department has not received final invoices yet but the budgeted amount was R479 769.46 for all officials who travelled.

Reply:

(1) As at 31 December 2015, an amount of R47.864 million was spent on the adjusted allocation of R132.717 million for capital assets in the normal voted funds (operational budget) of the Department. The details of each item cost, and the location thereof are outlined in Annexure A.

• Machinery and Equipment: These assets which can be used continuously or repeatedly in production for at least one year. Examples of Machinery and Equipment are water laboratory equipment, construction and maintenance equipment, auto visual equipment, photographic equipment, office furniture, computer hardware, printing equipment, etc

• Software and Intangible Assets are the identifiable non-monetary asset without any physical substance. Examples of intangible fixed assets are computer software and miscellaneous other intangible fixed assets. To qualify as a fixed asset, the item must be intended for use in production for more than one year and its use must be restricted to the units that have established ownership rights over it or to units licensed by the owner. (The units that have established ownership rights refer to the entity that created the software for example “Microsoft” and units licensed by the owner refers to the unit buying a license to use or the right to use the software, but will not be able to change the software).

(2) Refer below for full details of the plans that have been put in place to ensure that the department achieves its targets by the end of the 2015-16 financial year without resorting to fiscal dumping. This will assist to expedite service delivery and improve expenditure. Over and above this, the following actions were to be taken;

• Reallocation of budget within projects for improved level of expenditure between the slow and fast moving projects;
• Dedicated efforts to collect outstanding invoices from all suppliers (Including municipalities) for work completed;
• Drive and expedite the recruitment and selection processes for the recently advertised positions;
• Improve working relations between line functions, finance and municipalities to improve supply chain management processes;
• Perform an internal expenditure review and provide more realistic cash flow projections and practical measures (recovery plans) to put in place to ensure adherence to the cash flow projections (At project level, for all programmes).

(3) As at 31 December 2015, an amount of R1.021 billion was spent on the adjusted allocation of R1.428 billion for Compensation of Employees, refer to Annexure B.

(4) The Water Trading Entity spent the allocated funds in line with Treasury Regulations and Departmental Policy regarding the Budget.

(5) The Department’s operation and maintenance expenditure is reflected under operational clusters in the third quarter report. According to the report, there is no overspending reflected therein. The Audited financial statement for the 2014/15 financial year as reflected on the comprehensive income does not show any over expenditure on operation and maintenance.

---00O00---

Annexure A

The details of each item cost, and the location thereof are outlined in the table below:

OFFICE	MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT	SOFTWARE & INTANGIBLE ASSETS	Adjusted Budget	Spent 31 Dec 15	% Spent
	Adjusted Budget	Spent 31 Dec 15	% Spent	Adjusted Budget	Spent 31 Dec 15	% Spent
EASTERN CAPE	8,019	2,082	26%	-	-	0%	8,019	2,082	26%
FREE STATE	5,684	1,089	19%		-	0%	5,684	1,089	19%
GAUTENG	2,742	1,372	50%		-	0%	2,742	1,372	50%
KWAZULU-NATAL	1,865	985	53%		-	0%	1,905	985	52%
LIMPOPO	18,216	3,644	20%		-	0%	18,216	3,644	20%
MPUMALANGA	3,874	1,164	30%		-	0%	3,874	1,164	30%
HEAD OFFICE	40,838	24,354	60%	40, 370	10,306	33%	81,168	34,661	43%
NORTH WEST	1,229	327	27%		-	0%	1,229	327	27%
NORTHERN CAPE	2,758	829	30%		-	0%	2,758	829	30%
WESTERN CAPE	7,122	1,706	24%		-	0%	7,122	1,706	24%
Grand Total	2,347	37,557	41%	40,370	10,306	33%	132,717	47,864	36%

Annexure B

The details for Compensation of Employees are outlined in the table below:

Classification Item	Programme	Adjusted Budget	Spent 31 Dec 15	% Spent
COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES	ADMINISTRATION	645,589	481,719	75%
	WATER PLANNING & INFORMATION MAN	350,644	244,837	70%
	WATER INFRASTRUCTURE DEV	114,679	60,237	53%
	WATER & SANITATION SERVICES	148,102	96,939	65%
	WATER SECTOR REGULATION	169,383	137,694	81%
Grand Total		1,428,397	1,021,427	72%

The funds allocated to the department for each salary scale and) level of employment are as follows:

Salary Level	Number of officials	Original Budget per Salary Level
1	1	98
2	305	22,750
3	381	56,326
4	165	23,912
5	744	169,567
6	423	126,911
7	524	143,440
8	450	146,085
9	299	109,661
10	371	149,050
11	290	145,574
12	287	216,925
13	116	115,818
14	35	45,546
15	9	14,582
16	3	5,888
Total	4,404	1,492,133

Reply:

Chinese nationals that have been granted:

(a) Permanent residence:

(i)(aa) 2012 = 19

(i)(bb) 2013 = 538

(i)(cc) 2014 = 1341

(i)(dd) 2015 = 542

(ii) Since 1 January 2016 = 127

(b) Work Visas:

(i)(aa) 2012 = 592

(i)(bb) 2013 = 1016

(i)(cc) 2014 = 909

(i)(dd) 2015 = 485

(ii) Since 1 January 2016 = 9

(c) Business Visas:

(i)(aa) 2012 = 109

(i)(bb) 2013 = 321

(i)(cc) 2014 = 328

(i)(dd) 2015 = 18

(ii) Since 1 January 2016 = 127

(d) South African citizenship:

(i)(aa) 2012 = 4

(i)(bb) 2013 = 16

(i)(cc) 2014 = 6

(i)(dd) 2015 = 5

(ii) Since 1 January 2016 = 1