Questions and Replies

11 April 2016 - NW863

Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

For each national department, what amount was spent on training for (a) Senior Management Service (SMS) members and (b) employees occupying grades lower than those qualifying for the SMS in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) refer to the table herewith below

DEPARTMENT	(a) SMS	(b) NON SMS
	(i) 2012-13	(ii) 2013-14	(iii) 2014-15	(i) 2012-13	(ii) 2013-14	(iii) 2014-15
Department in the Presidency	12 319	-	9 864	416 387	243 905	641 178
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	21 867	112 489	56 874	1 035 018	1 864 952	1 592 482
Department of Arts and Culture	19 918	66 576	32 682	45 526	180 706	130 728
Department of Basic Education	-	5 386	-	395 100	226 197	499 776
Department of Correctional Services	447 405	350 644	-	1 043 945	1 658 816	1 395 545
Department of Defence	-	17 313	-	1 726 295	2 718 120	3 302 708
Department of Economic Development	12 664	-	5 528	4 221	44 325	33 165
Department of Education		-			71 288
Department of Energy	26 798	73 596	25 839	348 375	220 788	723 484
Department of Environmental Affairs	333 777	244 543	79 856	1 260 936	1 316 770	1 789 722
Department of Health	108 908	-	43 933	3 439 678	473 797	129 358
Department of Higher Education and Training	147 422	222 309	35 945	833 500	236 652	854 689
Department of Home Affairs	58 225	11 601	126 393	82 741	1 015 097	2 446 848
Department of Human Settlements	4 921	221 348	152 192	118 109	154 944	488 283
Department of International Relations and Cooperation	199 231	209 306	-	1 535 737	753 501	505 964
Department of Labour	296 264	435 061	192 976	1 915 858	1 489 388	3 315 866
Department of Military Veterans			-			77 430
Department of Mineral Resources	131 485	49 367	253 312	884 538	1 596 215	1 447 496
Department of Planning Monitoring & Evaluation	29 446	-	-	235 569	52 536	105 318
Department of Public Enterprises	64 928	16 124	68 053	64 928	46 760	198 487
Department of Public Service and Administration	124 567	138 871	69 007	1 575 078	1 666 447	2 180 617
Department of Public Works	405 583	46 789	4 197	1 598 299	823 480	591 761
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform	39 339	10 146	15 097	4 442 810	5 969 431	865 588
Department of Science and Technology	325 724	10 113	-	172 442	151 696	184 792
Department of Social Development	62 085	8 467	13 904	418 255	378 179	389 325
Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services		-	85 716		15 375	179 225
Department of Tourism	157 755	44 295	15 060	591 582	673 286	624 988
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)	427 021	387 575	280 234	2 087 656	2 196 260	1 961 640
Department of Transport	194 950	231 783	7 367	27 850	267 054	445 685
Department of Transport	-			8 312
Department of Water Affairs	1 012 651	266 656	204 122	2 716 476	2 377 570	1 820 347
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development	547 013	489 380	353 696	1 566 779	1 125 087	2 992 829
Government Communication and Information System	35 893	-	-	35 893	243 378	725 679
Government Pensions Administration Agency	-	-	5 383	359 534	336 112	231 488
Government Printing Works	-	-	3 804	125 120	94 341	64 662
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)	54 886	40 246	73 253	192 101	234 770	109 879
National Parliament	11 096	25 680	41 915	5 659 163	3 004 607	2 556 824
National Prosecuting Authority of SA	-	26 007	78 065	26 541	173 377	303 076
National School of Government	136 754	23 051	69 698	383 794	748 103	543 064
National Treasury	134 896	89 643	98 457	277 500	386 881	1 045 676
Public Service Commission	10 188	-	38 486	95 088	77 026	113 626
South African Police Service (SAPS)	-	-	5 116	6 541 413	6 473 637	1 959 404
South African Police Service (SAPS)	-	-	-	37 000	132 000	8 991
South African Revenue Service (SARS)		-	-		6 885	11 140
South African Social Security Agency	-	33 484	-	25 225	1 131 756	1 178 350
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)	23 486	28 028	5 989	2 411 228	1 550 906	1 922 371
Grand Total	5 619 464	3 935 878	2 552 014	46 761 599	44 602 403	42 689 554

11 April 2016 - NW535

Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

With reference to his department’s Budget Vote speech on 13 May 2015, what are the full relevant details of the progress made to date with his department’s commitments to (a) address gaps in efficiency and effectiveness of measures through improving performance measurement instruments in the 2015-16 financial year, (b) strengthen both the (i) Head of Department evaluation system and (ii) performance management system for all employees to ensure service quantity outputs and service quality outcomes are met and that the Government gets value for money and (c)(i) justify the number of employees recruited to the senior management level and (ii) review the post provisioning norms in order to ensure optimal utilisation of employees and personnel spend?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) The Department of Public Service and Administration has undertaken a systemic review and revision of the performance management and development systems (PMDS) applicable to all levels of staff. The focus of the exercise was to align organisational performance with employee performance whilst also bringing administrative efficiency to the processes. These revisions have been consulted extensively with national departments and provincial administrations as well as at various Public Service Consultative forums

(b) (i) Heads of Department (HODs) Evaluation system is at an advance stages of finalization for approval, with increased focus on departmental programme performance, performance against the Annual Performance Plan and the audit findings and opinions of the Auditor-General. The policy is in the final stages of consultation for concurrence with the Presidency and the Public Service Commission before being tabled at Cabinet for approval.

(ii) On a similar vein, the department has structured revised performance management and development systems for each of the other levels of the Senior Management Service (SMS), which will be communicated and implemented subject to the approval of the HOD PMDS.

In addition, as per Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2012, the department has crafted revisions to the Employee Performance and Development System (EPMDS) for non-SMS staff. These revisions have been published in the Government Gazette: 3 August 2015, Notice 800 of 2015 as part of the Draft Public Service Regulations, 2015: Invitation for public comment. The department has received comments which are being processed for finalisation and submission for approval.

(c) (i) Since the powers to perform organisational review and redesign process are decentralized to departments. The competency of Executive Authorities regarding the internal organisation of departments is exercised within the Norms and Standards issued by the Minister for Public Service and Administration (MPSA). The MPSA gives effect to the organisational design Norms and Standards through the Public Service Act (PSA), 1994, the Public Service Regulations (PSR) (2001), Guidelines, Directives and Frameworks.

Furthermore, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for example, has recently conducted a study on the Minimum Norms and Standards for the provisioning of SMS posts for provincial administrations, which is calculated on citizen segmentation factors, geographic accessibility and spatial norms, reasonable minimum span of control and the complexity of the job role.

(ii) The Norms and Standards will also assist in determining an ideal split between how many SMS posts as a maximum should be located at a national level and how many SMS posts should be located at a provincial level. Furthermore, the MPSA has issued a Directive on the process to coordinate the grading of an entire occupational category or certain level within an occupation category that is utilised by more than one department. The aim of the Directive is to ensure consistence in the provision and grading of posts.

11 April 2016 - NW585

Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4185 on 21 December 2015, his department has received the outstanding information, if not, why not, if so, when will the specified information be made available?

Source
Link

Reply:

With reference to the question of 21 December 2015 a request was made to all Metropolitan Municipalities to provide the relevant information as per the question. Most Metropolitan Municipalities responded to the request and those outstanding committed to provide the information when it is available.

The original question 4185 was and the following Metropolitan Municipalities replied:

Whether any of the metropolitan municipalities measure the average time it takes to fix (a) potholes, (b) street lights and (c) traffic lights; if not, why not; if so, (i) which metros, (ii) what is the average time in each case, (iii) how is this measured and (iv) what is the specified municipality doing to improve performance in this area?

The information was provided by the respective Metropolitan Municipalties:

NAME OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY	(a) *(potholes)*	(b) *(street lights)*	(c) *(traffic lights)*
Buffalo City	The BCMM attend to pothole fixing within seven 97) working days after receipt of report subject to availability of material, resources and weather permitting.	Response to street light repairs is informed by the assessment of the actual problem. Sometimes normal street light failure takes one (1) or two (2) days to repair whilst rea fault takes seven (7) days to repair	All traffic signal faults are attended to immediately upon receipt (depending on staff being available and weather permitting). The roadway is cleared of debris and installation made electrically safe. Where possible the damage or fault is isolated and the signals can operate while the full repair is being completed. Normal Traffic light faults within two days of being reported (In most instances signals are repaired within one day). The response times above are under normal failure conditions and not vandalism, theft or illegal connections. An SMS service is used to improve repair times
	A job card is opened when the complaint is received and closed after repairs are completed. Records of work done are kept to inform plans to cascade them to lower levels. The Ward based volunteers are used in line with EPWP principles on remuneration and use of private contractors to supplement the internal capacity as and when need arises.

Nelson Mandela Bay	ii. Time taken to repair a single pothole bigger than 1m² on a major road is 55 minutes per m²; Time taken to repair a single pothole smaller than 1m² on a major road is 35 minutes per m²; Time taken to repair a single pothole on a minor road is 35 minutes per pothole; Time taken to repair a road following an open trench service crossing is 35-55 minutes per m² - depending on material in trench; Time taken to repair walkways (concrete) is 105 minutes per m²; Time taken to repair walkways (asphalt) is 35 minutes per m².


City of Tshwane	ii. The target time is 48 hours	ii. The target time is 48 hours	ii. The target time is 48 hours
	iii. The road maintenance tasks are measured through IMIS: TASKER system; The response time is measured in terms of time taken from the time identified or reported;
	iv. Standby teams have been established to deal with after-hours reported complaints;
City of Joburg	The CoJ does measure the average time it takes to fix potholes. The average response time for fixing a pothole is (6.21 days).	The CoJ does measure the response time it takes to fix streetlights. The average time is a day after the defected streetlight has been identified or reported.	i. The CoJ does measure the response time it takes to fix streetlights. ii. The average turnaround time to repair traffic lights is 9 days.
	iii. The response time for potholes is measured through the Hansen, the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) performance management system; The streets get inspected during the day and night to identify those that that are not working, which is then followed with repairs are done to defective lights; The clock starts from recording of the event in the system up until physical repair is performed.
	iv. The JRA focuses on a Road Resurfacing programme that will minimise the number of potholes and increase the value of our roads. In addition, the JRA has set quarterly targets which are aimed at reducing the number of potholes and Agency responds to the calls logged by the customers and attempt to resolve the calls within the 3 days turnaround time; Various resources have been allocated to repair vandalized streetlights in the main arterial routes, secondary routes and in the low-cost cost areas; The CoJ field crews are working daily on the maintenance of traffic lights.
Ekurhuleni	(ii) The average time it takes to respond differs as follows: Repair a single pothole – in major road – 24 hours. Repair a single pothole – in minor road – 5 working days. Repair a road following an open trench service crossing – 5 working days. Repair/replace a kerb inlet – 20 working days. Repair walkways – 10 working days.	(ii) The average time it takes to fix non-functioning street lights is 3 days. Non-functional street lights are logged into the Customer Relations Management (CRM) System. The logged complaints are attended to and as-and-when completed, they are closed on the CRM System with actual date.	(ii) The repair of any traffic light fault in a major road (subject to electrical supply available) is 4 hours; The repair of any traffic light fault in a minor road (subject to electrical supply available) – 24 hours
	iii. EMM uses Engineering Management Information System (EMIS); Non-functional street lights are logged into the Customer Relations Management (CRM) System. The logged complaints are attended to and as-and-when completed, they are closed on the CRM System with actual date; The Metro measures the response by using Engineering Management Information System (EMIS);
	iv. The Roads and Stormwater Department within the EMM has put up measures in place for the following: road rehabilitation, pothole signage and road marking and bitumen tar products to supplement and assist Department Depot; EMM has increased capacity through the appointment of as-and-when required capacity to assist the Metro in reducing the average response time to keep the Metro lit; The Roads and Stormwater Department has put measures in place for the following: road rehabilitation, pothole signage and road marking and bitumen tar products to supplement and assist Department Depot.
Mangaung	ii. The targeted turn-around time for fixing portholes is 5 days;	ii. there is not specific turn-around time to fix streetlights	ii. the targeted time to fix traffic lights is 4 hours
	iii. It is measured by the electronic Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System used by the Municipal Call Centre. The measurement is taken from the time the customer reports a complaint to the Call Centre when the complaint is logged into the CRM System and allocated a reference number until such time that the relevant service delivery unit closes the complaint with the Call Centre on the electronic CRM System. At this stage we are busy rolling out the CRM System to the relevant service delivery units which in effect mean that all the service delivery units are in the process of implementing the system.
	iv. Additional vehicles and SUV’s have been ordered to assist the Traffic Signs Division. Contractors were appointed for some areas and their performance can be measured with the implementation of SMART streetlight systems, performance and repairs can be measured.
City of Cape Town	Potholes are made safe within 24 hours after report received from the Roads Department. Final repair depends on the class of road and this can take between 1 and 5 days subject to departmental priority schedule.	The average time to fix single streetlights is 14 days but normally done within 48 hours.	The average time to fix traffic lights is 6 to 12 hours.
	Potholes are measured by analysing customer complaints and fault reporting systems. The fixing of streetlights are measured in days and by the amount of streetlights out and the fixing of traffic lights are measured by the fault reporting system.
	Ongoing training and internal performance reviews are implemented. Maintenance is becoming pro-active and the department performs block replacement of luminaires to mitigate luminaire end-of-life failures.
eThekweni	ii. 14 days	ii. the average time to fix a simple lamp outage is 2 days and when cables are stolen the average time is 5 days
	(iii)Work requests are received from the public via the City’s customer call centre, via work orders from service providers and from scheduled inspections. The process is measured from request to closure.
	(iv) The system is monitored by management with a view to improve performance.

11 April 2016 - NW757

Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)Whether all training offered to public servants takes place through the National School of Government (NSG); if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the training offered by the NSG that is indeed mandatory; (2) whether specific training has been identified as appropriate for each position or grade within the public service; if not, (a) who decides what training should be carried out, (b) according to what guidelines and (c) who is responsible for quality assurance of training that is selected and offered; if so, what are the relevant details of such training; (3) whether any competency tests or assessments are performed within the public service to measure the effectiveness of training; if not, (a) why not and (b) how is it determined that any particular training is effective or otherwise; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether (a) his department and (b) the Public Service Commission recommend training offered through the NSG as an appropriate mechanism to improve performance where performance weaknesses are identified; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

Yes. Not all training offered to public servants takes place through the National School of Government. There is no regulation that mandates departments to send public servants to the National School of Governement to be trained.

Mandatory training programmes are the Compulsory Induction Programmes (CIP) for newly appointed public servants from salary levels 1 to 16 as per the Directives issued by the Minister for Public Service and Administration namely;

(a) Amendments to the Directive on the Implementation of the Compulsory Induction Programme (CIP) in the public service, April 2015

(b) Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days and Minimum entry requirements for Senior Management Services (SMS).

(i) CIP 1-12 focuses on newly appointed public servants on salary levels 1 to 12. This CIP 1-12 is divided into two programmes, namely CIP 1-5 and CIP 6-12 with dedicated focus on the unique requirements of knowledge, skills, values and competencies that is relevant and responsive at these salary levels respectively.

(ii) CIP 13-14 focuses on newly appointed public servants on salary levels 13 and 14, namely Directors and Chief Directors. These programmes focus on the unique requirements of knowledge, skills, values and competencies that are relevant and responsive at these salary levels.

(iii) CIP 15-16 or the Executive Inductive Induction Programme (EIP) focuses on newly appointed public servants on salary levels 15 and 16, namely Deputy-Director Generals and Director-Generals. This programme focuses on the unique requirements of knowledge, skills, values and competencies that are relevant and responsive at these salary levels.

2. Yes. All the training programmes are focused on a specific target group or salary level of public servants.

(a) The department that identified the training needs decides what training should be carried out.

(b) The guidelines that inform the training programmes are the Learning Provision Cycle and the Learning Programme Design Matrix. The Learning Provision Cycle provides the strategic framework for planning, design, development, approval, delivery and monitoring and evaluation of the training programmes. The Design Matrix provide the specific guidelines with regard to the specific/enabling outcomes, assessment criteria, learning statements, assessment activities, and related critical cross filed outcomes to ensure integration of learning.

(c) The National School of Government is responsible for the quality of training that is selected and offered. It does this using its Quality Management and Monitoring and Evaluation Systems. The Quality Management System involves the Quality Management System Policies with accompanying implementation toolkits. The Monitoring and Evaluation processes include the 100% monitoring of all NSG programmes, regular on-site visits and evaluation reports as well as application or learning studies focusing on selected National School of Government programmes.

3. (a) Every training programme has assessment requirements to ensure the effectiveness of training.

(b) Training is monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. The National School of Government conducts evaluations of the training programmes and the application of learning thereof in the workplace to establish (i) whether training is achieving its intended objectives and (ii) whether training is resulting in expected changes in the workplace; and if so, what these changes mean to the public.

4. (a) The National School of Government is continually analysing the Report on National Skills Development Strategy of South Africa from the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa, and also the Workplace Skills Plans of departments, in order to recommend training offered through the NSG as an appropriate mechanism to improve performance where performance weaknesses are identified;

(b) The Public Service Commission has released reports on the “State of the Public Service” as well as reports such as “ Assessing the effectiveness of training provided by PALAMA in improving skills and competencies of public service leadership with a view to inform curriculum development by the National School of Government, September 2014” . The recommendations provided in these AMPAT reports inform the training offered through the NSG as an appropriate mechanism to improve performance where performance weaknesses are identified.

11 April 2016 - NW659

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

(a) How many supplier invoices currently remain unpaid for more than (i) 30 days, (ii) 60 days and (iii) 90 days at the SA Post Office and (b) in each case, what is the (i) the name of the company and/or supplier, (ii) amounts outstanding, (iii) reason for non-payment and (iv) envisaged date on which the amounts will be paid?

Source
Link

Reply:

SAPO has advised me as follows:

There are numerous outstanding invoices. SAPO is arranging long term funding with the support of DTPS and National Treasury, to enable implementation of the corporate plan for 2016/17 through 2018/19. Once funding has been secured, SAPO’s arrangements with creditors will be finalised and implemented.

Below is the creditors’ age analysis:

11 April 2016 - NW847

Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1) With reference to the deal between Eskom and Optimum Colliery to supply coal to the Hendrina Power Station, (a) what grade of coal (i) was contracted for, (ii) was actually received by Eskom at the specified power station prior to the fine imposed against the specified colliery by the specified entity, and (iii) is currently being received by Eskom at the specified power station and (b) at what (i) price or (ii) prices;(2) why was the coal received from the specified colliery unsuitable for use by the specified power station prior to the imposition of the fine; (3) is the coal currently received from the specified colliery suitable for use by the specified power station; (4)did the use of unsuitable coal supplied by the specified colliery cause any damage to the specified power station; if so, (a) what damage was done, (b) what was the value of the damage caused to the specified power station and (c) has this damage been repaired; (5) is the poor quality coal still causing damage to the specified power station; if not, (a) was the grade of coal changed or (b) was the specified power station adapted to use a different grade of coal; if so, why is the specified power station still using this coal?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1)(a)(i) In terms of the Coal Supply Agreement, Optimum Coal Mine (Proprietary) Limited ("Optimum") was obliged to supply and deliver to the Hendrina power station coal which complies with, amongst others, the following quality specification:

All coal must have an ash content which shall not exceed 28.8% in order to ensure that the calorific value of the coal is not less than 23.0MJ/kg (calculated on a moisture free basis);
a monthly average size distribution of:
not more than 55% of coal supplied will be smaller than 6mm;
not more than 35% of coal supplied will be smaller than 2.38mm; and
not more than 15% of coal supplied will be smaller than 0.81mm.
The Second Addendum amended the quality parameters in respect of the Abrasiveness Index (pursuant to an arbitration with Optimum) to be <423 mgFe on a 7 day weighted rolling average basis.

(ii) The coal that was received by Eskom was within contractual specifications with regard to the Calorific Value but out of specification in respect of Abrasive Index and Sizing.

(iii) The coal currently being received by Eskom meets the contractual specifications with regard to the Calorific Value except for Abrasive Index.

(b) The price of coal paid by Eskom is R174.41/ton as at February 2016.

(2) The coal supplied by Optimum Coal prior to the imposition of the fine was outside the quality specification for Hendrina Power Station in terms of Abrasive Index and Sizing. For the 1 March 2012 to 31 May 2015, Optimum Coal, failed to supply and deliver to Eskom coal which meets the quality parameter as set out in the Coal Supply Agreement. The coal supplied and delivered to Eskom, amongst others, failed to comply with the sizing specification, in that 20% to 45% of the coal supplied and delivered to Eskom by Optimum on a monthly basis, during the period of supply was smaller than 0.81mm. Despite this failure by Optimum, Eskom has, without prejudice to its right in terms of clause 3.6 of the First Addendum, paid Optimum for such coal, without applying any adjustment or reduction to the payment, for Optimum's failure to comply with the quality parameters.

(3) The coal currently received by Hendrina Power Station is within the contractual specifications in respect of Calorific Value except for the Abrasive Index and the Sizing. Since Optimum is currently under business rescue, the parties have in terms of the interim agreement agreed to suspend the application of penalties until the business rescue process is finalised. Of critical importance to note is that Eskom has issued Summons against Optimum for failing to supply coal that meets the quality specification of the station. Optimum has since disputed the penalties. Once the business rescue process has been finalised, the legal proceedings will continue to run its course.

(4) High Abrasive Index causes high wear rate of the plant and sizing affects the material flow frequency causing hang-ups which results in load losses. The wear rate causes accelerated wear of parts. This negatively affects the energy output from the station thus the total energy capacity available for dispatch into the grid. In order to compensate Eskom for the capacity loss occasioned as a result of these quality parameters being out of specification, penalty provisions in terms of the contract apply.

(5) (a) Since Optimum is currently under business rescue, the parties have in terms of the interim agreement agreed to suspend the application of penalties until the business rescue process is finalized.

(b) No. Not applicable.

11 April 2016 - NW858

Mokause, Ms MO to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Why are houses in Obed Nkosi Phase 1 and 2, in Lesedi Local Municipality in the Sedibeng District Municipality, Gauteng, not allocated despite the fact that they were finished three years ago?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements appointed Contractors to construct houses for Phases 1 and 2 at Obed Nkosi. During 2013, a total of 300 houses were completed and allocated to the qualifying beneficiaries. Phase 2 consist of 1 033 houses and the construction of these houses was completed during August 2015. The Lesedi Local Municipality then requested the Provincial Department that none of these houses should be allocated to beneficiaries without electricity. As the electrification of houses is the responsibility of the Municipality, the Provincial Department had to wait for the houses to be provided with electricity before allocation could start. To date, 695 houses in Phase 2 have been electrified and allocated.

The allocation of the houses with electricity is an on-going process and the Provincial Department has indicated that a further 88 houses will be allocated to the beneficiaries by 6 April 2016. The Lesedi Local Municipality is attending to the electrification of the outstanding houses, and once the houses have been electrified, allocations to the qualifying beneficiaries will commence.

11 April 2016 - NW755

Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

(1)Must the compulsory induction programme for public servants only be completed by making use of the services or material of the National School of Government (NSG); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details; (2) (a) what is the full amount payable per employee to the NSG for services related to the successful completion of the induction programme for public servants, (b) what services are included in the fee and (c) what factors are contributing to the delays in the (i) implementation or (ii) roll-out of the compulsory induction programme for public servants; (3) (a) in what respects does the compulsory induction programme accommodate the diverse needs of disabled public service staff members and (b) has he found that disabled staff will not be discriminated against with the introduction of the compulsory induction programme for public servants?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) Yes. The Directive (Circular No: HRD 1 of 2012) mandates the National School of Government (NSG) to develop and roll out the compulsory induction programme (CIP).

(2) (a) Departments are expected to pay a total cost of R1876 (if NSG facilitator, venue and IICs costs are excluded), R8875 (if NSG internal satff is used and venue excluded) or R16275 (if IICs is used and venue is excluded) per employee

(b) the services included in the fee cover Programme management and administration, materials production and delivery, capacity building, professional support, monitoring and evaluation, and

(c) (i) (ii) factors are as follows, readiness of departments to implement the programme, absence of trainer policies to maximise trainer capacities developed by the NSG and use of cost-recovery model;

(3) (a) The NSG has ensured that the compulsory induction programme accommodates the diverse needs of public service staff members living with disabilities by availaing materials in Word to those who are visually impaired and collaborating with departments in securing the Braille services and of sign-language specialists.

(b) No. The NSG striven to ensure that staff living with disability are not be discriminated against with the introduction of the compulsory induction programme for public servants.

11 April 2016 - NW846

Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1)With reference to the deal between Eskom and Exxaro-owned Arnot Colliery to supply coal to the Arnot Power Station, (a) what grade of coal was (i) contracted for and (ii) actually received by Eskom, (b) at what price, and (c) why was the contract cancelled; (2)with reference to the current deal between Eskom and Optimum Colliery to supply coal to the specified power station, (a) what grade of coal (i) was contracted for and (ii) is actually being received by Eskom, (b) at what price and (c) why is it suitable for use by Arnot Power Station?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1)(a)(i)

Calorific value (moisture free): 24,3 Mj/kg (base value) and between 23,3 and 25,4 Mj/kg
Total moisture: 7,0 – 9,0% (range) and between 7,0 and 9,0%
Ash content (moisture free): 23,0% (base value) and between 17,0 and 31,0%
Volatile content (moisture free): 24,0% (base value) and between 21,0 and 29,0%
Abrasiveness index: 375 mg Fe (base value) and between 325 and 425 mg Fe

(ii) The coal received by Eskom was within the contractual specifications range as per (i) above.

(b) The price of coal paid by Eskom at the expiry of the Agreement was R944.61/ton.

(2)(a)(i) The coal contracted for Arnot Power Station is a better quality specification compared to the Arnot expired contract and is as follows:

Quality parameter	Unit	Quality Expected	Quality Specifications	Quality Rejection Limit	Measurement basis
Calorific Value	MJ/kg	24.0	≥22.5	<22.5	Air Dried
Total Moisture	%	8	≤9.0	>9.0	As Received
Inherent Moisture	%	4.1			As Received
Ash	%	20.2	≤24.3	>24.3	Air Dried
Abrasive Index (Eskom Mining House Method)	mgFe/4kg	<450	<450	>450	Air Dried
Sulphur	%	1.19	≤1.19	>1.19	Air Dried
Volatiles	%	21.7	≥19.5	<19.5	Air Dried
AFT (Initial deformation)	ºC	1380	>1380	<1380	N / A
Sizing: (cumulatve) %					N / A
	+60mm	0	0	>0
	+50mm -6.35mm	5 50	5 50	>5 >50
	-3.35mm	30	30	>30
	-1mm	15	15	>15

(ii) The coal received by Eskom is within the contractual specifications as per (i) above.

(b) The contractual price is R470/ton to Arnot Power Station.

11 April 2016 - NW649

Mokause, Ms MO to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

(1)With reference to a certain person (name and details furnished) from Ventersdorp in Ward 6 who applied and was approved for a housing subsidy but had her building material taken away after it was delivered because her ID number was linked to two beneficiaries, what is the process of verification of ID numbers when a subsidy is linked to two beneficiaries; (2) is a certain councillor (name furnished) allowed to sell RDP housing subsidy material?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) A verification search against the Housing Subsidy System (HSS) as at 13 March 2016, indicates that the person referred to by the Honourable Member does not appear as a subsidy applicant or as an approved beneficiary of a state housing subsidy on the HSS. The North West Provincial Department of Human Settlements has since confirmed this finding. This implies that a subsidy application for the ID number provided was not captured on HSS to date or a subsidy application was not completed by the person or household to access a government housing subsidy.

In terms of the verification of ID numbers when processing applications for housing subsidies, there are set Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are followed before an application is captured on the system before being approved to benefit from a housing subsidy. A subsidy is linked to a household (applicant and / or spouse) and a specific site. The ID numbers (applicant/spouse/dependants) indicated on a subsidy application form is captured on HSS against a specific site number as contained in the deed of sale and specific project.

The captured application is then verified to ensure that the details on the application form have been captured correctly on HSS. The verified application is then submitted for searches via an automated process on the ID against other databases including the Population Register in the Dept. of Home Affairs, and the Deeds Register, in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, as well as the Department Audit Database to ensure that the applicant did not previously benefit from a state housing subsidy.

The application is tagged for approval only if it passes all the aforementioned verification and search processes.

(2) In respect of the alleged selling of housing subsidy material by the named councillor, the Department of Human Settlements views such activity in a serious light, and will investigate and take appropriate steps based on the findings when the full and exact details, including documentary or other evidence relating to such activity are provided and obtained by the Department.

11 April 2016 - NW590

Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to the reply to question 4251 on 21 December 2015, he has received the outstanding information from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality; if not, why not; if so, when will this information be made available?

Source
Link

Reply:

The following information was provided by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality:

(a) and (b) The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has indicated that it approached Rand Water regarding the installation of the telemetry system at all of its reservoirs. At present, the final draft of the service level agreement between the Municipality and Rand Water for the installation of the telemetry system at all of the Municipality’s reservoirs is with Rand Water for formalisation.
(a) According to the Municipality, an amount of R8 million is available in the current financial year to commence with the work. The design of the system is complete. The data loggers are expected to take six months to install the system at all of the Municipality’s reservoirs. Further phases in the next financial year would include the completion of the integration of the Municipality and Rand Water control rooms as well as the installation of the telemetry to control the reservoir valves. (b) The Municipality has indicated that the first phase will take six months to complete.

11 April 2016 - NW828

Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Police

(a) What are all the categories of leave applicable in the SA Police Service according to relevant (i) statutes, (ii) national instructions and (iii) any other human resource management policy directives and (b) what is the maximum number of days permissible in each of the specified categories of leave?

Source
Link

Reply:

As per attached table.

11 April 2016 - NW583

Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4187 on 21 December 2015, his department has received the outstanding information from the remaining four metropolitan municipalities; if not, why not; if so, when will the specified information be made available?

Source
Link

Reply:

The requested information from the remaining four Metropolitan Municipalities is yet to be received and the efforts are being made to follow up on them. The Honourable Member will therefore be updated on progress.

11 April 2016 - NW596

Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

(a) What amount has been budgeted by her department for the renovation of the Thokoza Hostel in Durban and (b) what are the relevant details of when the renovation (i) will start and (ii) is envisaged to be completed?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Thokoza Hostel is situated in the Gauteng Province and falls within the jurisdiction of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

(a) The budget allocated for the 2015/16 financial year was R19 730 000.00. This was for the provision of temporary residential units, for accommodation of residents pending the redevelopment. The budget allocated for the 2016/17 financial year is R61 000 000.00, this funding is for the demolition of the existing buildings as well as for the installation of engineering services up to phase one of the development.

(b) The hostel comprises of forty-one (41) hostel blocks in a dormitory formation, which were deemed not suitable for human habitation and will be demolished and replaced by three storeys of Community Residential Units. These three storeys will yield two thousand, six hundred and twenty one (2621) units.

(i) & (ii) Tenders for demolition of the existing buildings and installation of services were advertised during March 2016. This project will consist of seven phases and will be implemented in a phased approach over a period of approximately eight (8) years subject to the availability of the required funding.

11 April 2016 - NW764

Volmink, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Health

With regard to the five key recommendations made in the Ministerial Task Team’s Report on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) presented in October 2015, has the HPCSA Board agreed to any of these recommendations; if not, (a) why not and (b) what further action(s) will he take if the HPCSA rejects any or all of the recommendations; if so, (i) which recommendations did the HPCSA agree to and (ii) what time frames have been given for the implementation of the specified recommendations?

Source
Link

Reply:

The HPCSA is an independent organisation, as such, it has a legal obligation to adhere to all Constitutional and relevant legislative prescripts in the exercise of its mandate. The implementation of the recommendation made in the Ministerial Task Team Report on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is therefore subject to adherence to these prescripts. I am being kept informed by the HPCSA on the progress in this regard.

(a) At this point, I have not been informed by the HPCSA that any of the recommendations of the Ministerial Task Team have been rejected;

(b) Not applicable;

(i) Not applicable;

(ii) A final implementation report is expected by the end of April 2016

END.

11 April 2016 - NW573

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4088 on 8 December 2015, the information has been received from the metropolitan municipalities; if so, when will the specified information be made available as requested?

Source
Link

Reply:

The information below was sourced from the Metros. The information from the other metros is still outstanding:

Name of the Municipality	Operational Budget	Capital Budget
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality	R433,89 million	R210,65 million
Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality	R190,1 million	R252,5 million
City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality	R1,9 billion	R940,5 million
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality	R100 000	R139, 87 million
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality	Informal settlements are a part of a bigger programme, namely formalisation which includes; Informal settlements; Infrastructure services (Roads, Bulk and Electrification) The total Budget for this category which is funded through the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) is R678 000 000.00 (six hundred and seventy eight million for the 2015/16 financial year. Although this is categorised as Capital expenditure, professional fees and related kind of expenses are drawn from this grant (subject to the USDG conditions) as the total cost is capitalised.

11 April 2016 - NW586

Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4236 on 21 December 2015, his department has received the outstanding information from the Tlokwe City Local Municipality; if not, why not; if so, when will the specified information be made available as requested?

Source
Link

Reply:

The following response is based on information received from legal services at Tlokwe Local Municipality:

(a)(i) Total amount spent on legal fees for 2013-14 financial year	(b) Breakdown of the specified amounts (2013-14 financial year)	(a)(ii) Total amount spent on legal fees for 2014-15 financial year	(b) Breakdown of the specified amounts (2014-15 financial year)
	Month	Amount		Month	Amount
R 8 890 840.36	July	R 402 187.14	R 4 237 194.63	July	R 476 318.83
	August	R 591 972.78		August	R 178 640.36
	September	R 637 242.16		September	R 775 808.30
	October	R 874 365.14		October	R 296 796.00
	November	R 390 942.12		November	R 143 550.39
	December	R 1555 722.59		December	R 258 000.00
	January	R 140 226.23		January	R 731 770.23
	February	R 559 686.80		February	R 371 386.63
	March	R 956 695.62		March	R 381 521.70
	April	R 656 578.95		April	R 23 689.34
	May	R 1 157 336.92		May	R 525 803.29
	June	R 967 883.91		June	R 100 909.56

11 April 2016 - NW581

Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4183 on 21 December 2015, his department has received the outstanding information from the specified municipalities; if not, why not; if so, when will the information be made available as requested?

Source
Link

Reply:

The requested information from the remaining five Metropolitan Municipalities is yet to be received and the efforts are being made to follow up on them. The Honourable Member will therefore be updated on progress.

11 April 2016 - NW575

Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4103 on 8 December 2015, the information has been received from the Tlokwe City Local Municipality; if so, when will this information be made available as requested?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to the information provided by Tlokwe City Local Municipality:

1. Amounts of Capital budget spent on refurbishment of infrastructure:

(a) 2013/2014 – R27 722 428.12

(b) 2014/2015 – R63 549 878.94

2. Details of the refurbishment projects as well as the amount spent on each project are as per the table hereafter.

Tlokwe City Local Municipality Capital budget spent on refurbishment of infrastructure
2013 - 2014	PROJECT	BUDGET	SPENT

WATER
	Refurbish sand filters at the water treatment works	1,000,000.00	231,192.00	Multi year project
	Refurbished mechanical equipment at the Water Treatment Works	500,000.00	482,475.92	EMERGENCY MAINTAINANCE
		1,500,000.00	713,667.92
SANITATION
	Refurbished mechanical equipment at the Sewer Treatment Works	1,000,000.00	836,512.94	EMERGENCY MAINTAINANCE
	Upgrade the Chris Hani Pump Station	5,000,000.00	119,118.60
	1260 m main outfall sewer to be upgraded - Ikageng Proper	6,996,396.00	7,722,848.76	Multi year project
		12,996,396.00	8,678,480.30
ELECTRICITY
	Upgrade protection and switchgear in 5 main substations	7,872,000.00	7,070,734.50
	Upgrade Electrical Network in Bailliepark	3,000,000.00	1,739,820.48	Multi year project
		10,872,000.00	8,810,554.98

ROADS
	1 000m² roads to be resealed in the Tlokwe Municipality jurisdiction	14,130,578.00	9,519,724.92	Multi year project
		14,130,578.00	9,519,724.92


	GRAND TOTAL	39,498,974.00	27,722,428.12

2014 - 2015	PROJECT	BUDGET	SPENT

WATER
	Refurbish sand filters at the water treatment works	2,768,808.00	3,088,291.10	Multi year project
	Purchase and refurbish pumps, gearboxes and motors at the treatment plants	1,005,355.00	220,966.70	EMERGENCY MAINTAINANCE
	2.2km of 450 rising main to be upgraded from WTW to Ventersdorp Road Reservoir.	5,000,000.00	4,020,628.16	Multi year project
	Replacement of 90kw motors for pumps	160,964.58	160,964.58
	Replacement of 55kw motors for pumps	111,094.14	111,094.14
	To re-sleeve Water pumping line of 450mm steel with 170m underneath the runway at airport and 950m in Ikageng Road	4,895,687.00	5,581,084.27
	Replacement of water & sewer lines in the following streets: Otto, Cronje , Mael, Mooivalleipark,Water Sisulu, MC Roode & James Morake Ave	5,331,660.00	3,807,836.50	Multi year project
	To reline water pipes to the Promosa Reservoir	2,963,737.00	3,189,379.14
	Replacement of motors and pumps at the Vyfhoek Res Pump station	831,858.00	831,858.00
	To replace telemetry system at all water reservoirs	1,800,000.00	1,800,000.00
		24,869,163.72	22,812,102.59

SANITATION
	Purchase and refurbish pumps, gearboxes and motors at the treatment plants	1,005,355.00	220,966.70	EMERGENCY MAINTAINANCE
	Replacement of water & sewer lines in the following streets: Otto, Cronje , Mael, Mooivalleipark,Water Sisulu, MC Roode & James Morake Ave	5,331,660.00	3,807,836.50	Multi year project
		6,337,015.00	4,028,803.20

ELECTRICITY
	Upgrade 66KV protection and 11Kv switch gear in main substations	28,848,084.00	19,386,695.18	Multi year project
	Upgrade the electricity network in the Bult area	2,000,000.00	1,999,791.14
	Upgrading and maintain SCADA system in electrical substation	5,000,000.00	4,438,293.65
		35,848,084.00	25,824,779.97

ROADS
	1500m² roads resealed	15,000,000.00	9,697,463.11	Multi year project
	Widen Chief Luthili Drive between Govan Mbeki and Walter Sisulu Avenue	4,020,000.00	1,186,730.07	Multi year project
		19,020,000.00	10,884,193.18


	GRANT TOTAL	86,074,262.72	63,549,878.94

3. No part of this amount was used to pay salaries to municipal employees.

11 April 2016 - NW440

Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

QUESTION 1: How many (a) fire and rescue stations are there in each metropolitan municipality and (b) (i) personnel and (ii) working vehicles are at each specified station? QUESTION 2: How many (a) fire and rescue training academies or facilities are situated in each specified municipality and (b) persons were trained by each institution in the last reporting cycle? QUESTION 3: Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is the target and (b) percentage of call outs were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Source
Link

Reply:

In order to respond comprehensively to all questions, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has formally requested the Heads of Provincial Departments to submit this information on or before Monday, 7 March 2016. The NDMC has received data from all provinces and consolidated the information that is covered in the response attached as Annexure A. With regard to question 3, it is important to note that most municipalities in the country utilise the South African National Standard (SANS): Community Protection against fire, 10090: 2003 as a benchmark for delivering fire services and responding to fires. This standard has been utilised by the metros in responding to question 3. The SANS: Community Protection against fire, 10090: 2003 standard is attached as Annexure B.

QUESTION 1: How many (a) fire and rescue stations are there in each metropolitan municipality and (b) (i) personnel and (ii) working vehicles are at each specified station?

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF TSHWANE

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
Central	39	5
Erasmuskloof	20	6
Phillip Nel Park	22	2
Innesdale	18	9
Wonderboom	26	5
Silverton	27	6
Hazelwood	7	1
Rosslyn	40	4
Jabulani	20	2
Atteridgeville	23	2
Centurion	32	5
Temba	29	3
Garankuwa	27	3
Mabopane	27	2
Rayton	16	2
Bronkhorstspruit	30	3
Ekangala	16	2
Hatfield	19	2
Heuweloord	17	1
Mamelodi	6	1
Total:	461	66

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of All fire services operational vehicles	Ambulances
District 1
Midrand	38	3	2
Ivory Park	55	3	10
Lonehill	36	4	2
Diepsloot	45	3	5
District 2
Sandton	33	5	7
Alexandra	49	2	3
Modderfontein	32	5	3
Northview	33	5	2
District 3
Central	38	4	4
Fairview	41	3	3
Berea	43	2	3
Brixton	38	3	2
Malvern	36	1	3
District 4
Turffontein	44	2	5
Kibler Park	33	6	5
Eldorado Park	45	1	6
Lawley	41	2	7
Orange Farm	54	2	9
District 5
Jabulani	65	4	14
Diepkloof	43	3	5
Dobsonville	48	1	6
Hodgoson Street	48	1	3
Rietfontein	39	1	3
District 6
Randburg	36	2	4
Huntershill	39	4	5
Florida	36	4	3
Roosevelt Park	37	2	2
Rosebank	29	1	3
Total:	1154	79	129
Nb: The City of Johannesburg indicated that they are in the process of building additional two fire stations i.e. Cosmo City and Protea. Personnel in this City work in both fire services and Ambulance.

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF EKURHULENI

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
Alberton	27	11
Thokoza	29	5
Palm Ridge	32	4
Zonkesizwe	36	3
Wadeville	28	8
Vosloorus	32	3
Katlehong	32	4
Germiston Central	29	4
Boksburg Central	25	5
Edenvale	28	6
Primrose	36	6
Bedfordview	20	2
Tembisa	40	4
Olifantsfontein	40	4
Commercia	40	3
Kempton park	40	13
Leon Ferreira	36	10
Farrarmere	28	3
Rynfield	32	4
Daveyton	29	3
Total	639	105

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF MANGAUNG

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
Central	59	12
Ehrlich	21	5
La Kamanda Thapedi	Non-operational due to staff shortages
Sellosesha	33	5
Botshabelo	20	3
Bayswater	Non-operational due to staff shortages. Two rescue boats has been placed at this station.
Total:	133	25

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF CAPE TOWN

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
Northern District
Goodwood	37	5
Epping	42	3
Brooklyn	19	1
Milnerton	43	4
Melkbos	23	1
Atlantis	37	4
Bellville	32	3
Durbanville	18	1
Kraaifontein	24	1
Brackenfell	24	1
Western District
Roeland Street	60	4
Sea Point	18	1
Salt River	17	1
Ottery	33	3
Wynberg	18	1
Constantia	18	1
Hout Bay	34	1
Lakeside	37	3
Fish Hoek	23	2
Simonstown	17	1
Eastern District
Belhar	31	3
Mfuleni	24	1
Kuilsriver	23	2
Strand	45	3
Somerset	18	1
Macassar	19	1
Mitchells Plain	33	3
Gugulethu	27	1
Lansdowne	24	1
Khayelitsha	25	1
Total	843	59

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF ETHEKWINI

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
The City has 563 firefighters and this is not divided per station
Central	88	9
Umlazi	24	2
Ntuzuma	20	1
Chatsworth	20	1
Mobeni	16	1
Virginia Airport	-	2
Amanzimtoti	43	6
Prospection	20	1
Pinetown South	20	1
Durban North	20	2
Cato Ridge	28	3
Pinetown	44	6
Westville	16	1
Umhlanga	51	6
Tongaat	20	2
Hammersdale	16	4
Folweni	12	2
Gillits	16	3
Congella	16	1
Queensburgh	20	1
Phoenix	24	1
Jacobs	32	2
Total	566	58

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: NELSON MANDELA

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
South End Fire Station	32	10
Sidwell Fire Station	23	3
Miramar Fire Station	24	3
Govan Mbeki Fire Station	24	2
Motherwell Fire Station	30	3
KwaZakhele Fire Station	23	3
Greenbushes Fire Station	28	2
Uitenhage Fire Station	22	9
KwaNobuhle Fire Station	21	3
Total	227	38

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: BUFFALO CITY

All operational fire stations within the City’s jurisdiction	Number of personnel (Inclusive of all personnel across all shifts based on the station)	Number of operational fire services vehicles
Central Fire Station	29	11
Alpha	20	1
Charlie	16	2
Bravo	20	1
Delta	20	2
Echo	19	2
Foxtrot	8	1
Total	132	20

QUESTION 2: How many (a) fire and rescue training academies or facilities are situated in each specified municipality and (b) persons were trained by each institution in the last reporting cycle?

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF TSHWANE

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Erasmuskloof Training Academy	Hazardous Materials Awareness	45	Southern African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI)
	Hazardous Materials Operations	45
	Firefighter I	45
	Firefighter II	45
	Total	180

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Rietfontein Fire and Rescue Training Academy	Hazardous Materials Awareness	25	SAESI & Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority [LGSETA].
	Hazardous Materials Operations	13
	Firefighter I	19
	Firefighter II	13
	Pump Operator	18
	Aerial device operator	9
	Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus	105
	High Angle I	151
	High Angle II	38
	Confined Space Rescue	25
	Trench Rescue	29
	Structural Collapse	26
	Industrial and Agricultural Rescue	26
	Motor Vehicle Rescue	15
	Instructor	23
Total		535

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF EKURHULENI

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services Training Academy	Hazardous Materials Awareness	39	SAESI
	Hazardous Materials Operations	90
	Firefighter I	34
	Firefighter II	76
	Pump Operator	74
	Aerial device operator	54
	Fire & Life Safety Educator II	6
	Fire Service Instructor	25
Total		398

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF MANGAUNG

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Mangaung Training College	Hazardous Materials Awareness	33	SAESI
	Hazardous Materials Operations	21
	Firefighter I	33
	Firefighter II	21
	Learnership: Fire & Rescue Operations	6	LGSETA
Total		114

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF CAPE TOWN

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
City of Cape Town Training Academy	Hazardous Materials Awareness	20	SAESI
	Hazardous Materials Operations	14
	Firefighter I	37
	Firefighter II	23
	Fire & Life Safety Educator I	31	LGSETA
	Rope Rescue (High Angle I)	18
	Front End Loader Course	25	Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)
	Truck Dozer Operator	25	TETA
	Respiratory protection	59	LGSETA
	Wildland Fire Fighting	24
	4X4 Driver Operator	20
Total		296

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF ETHEKWINI

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Illovo Fire and Rescue Training Academy	Hazardous Materials Awareness	7	SAESI & LGSETA LGSETA
	Hazardous Materials Operations	3
	Firefighter I	3
	Firefighter II	3
	Pump Operator	28
	Rope Rescue (High Angle I)	52
	Aerial appliance operator	8
	Breathing apparatus	3
	Advanced Breathing apparatus	16
	Advanced Fire Investigation	18
	Swift Water Rescue	6
Total		147

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: NELSON MANDELA

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Nelson Mandela Bay Fire and Emergency Services Regional Training Centre	Hazardous Materials Awareness	20	SAESI & LGSETA
	Hazardous Materials Operations	10
	Firefighter I	20
	Firefighter II	0
	Fire Services Instructor	10
	Fire Services Officer I	10
Total		70

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: BUFFALO CITY

Name of Training Academy	Number of persons trained in the last reporting cycle (i.e. July 2014-June 2015)	Accreditation body
Buffalo City Fire and Rescue Training Centre	Hazardous Materials Awareness	20	SAESI
	Hazardous Materials Operations	16
	Firefighter I	22
	Pump Operator	27
Total		85

QUESTION 3: Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is the target and (b) percentage of call outs were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF TSHWANE

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

A baseline of 80% of attendance time to all reported structural fire incidents according to Category A to D Fire Risk Areas

(Category E fire risks are dealt with in the predominant Risk Category)

In meeting the 80% baseline

Cat A = 86%

Cat B = 81%

Cat C = 58%

Cat D = 79%

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

To respond to fire incidents within 12 min

73%

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF EKURHULENI

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

The target is to reach 75% compliance with the prescribed attendance times for Fire Risks Categories as per SANS 10090.

82%

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF MANGAUNG

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

7.5 out of 10 calls (75%) to be responded to in accordance with SANS 10090

915 out of 1080 (84% or 8.4 out of 10) emergency calls responded to in accordance SANS 10090

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF CAPE TOWN

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

80% of all emergencies to be reached from time of call to first arriving vehicle within 14 minutes.

81%

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF ETHEKWINI

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

Linked to SANS 10090 in terms of the applicable category

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: NELSON MANDELA

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP)

SDBIP target is 15 minutes

100%

NAME OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY: BUFFALO CITY

Whether the municipality has a response time target for fire incidents?

What is the target?

Percentage of call outs that were responded to within this target in the last reporting cycle?

Yes

Response time target is based on the South African National Standard (SANS) 10090: Community Protection Against Fire

75% linked to SANS 10090 in terms of the applicable category

49%

11 April 2016 - NW378

Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) his department and (b) every entity reporting to him went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) The Department of Public Service and Administration's total procurement percentage is as follows:

(i) 34% of total procurement initiatives per respective categories were sourced from SMMEs,

(ii) The department has not procured any goods/services from co-operatives.

(b) The National School of Government’s total procurement percentage is as follows:

(i) The National School of Government (NSG) has purchased 14.15% of its total procurement from SMMEs from 1 April 2015 up to 24 March 2016

(ii) The National School of Government has not procured any goods/services from co-operatives

11 April 2016 - NW860

Dlamini, Ms L to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1)What incentives have Eskom and her department put in place to encourage legal use of electricity and discourage electricity theft beside the threats to criminalise illegal use; (2) what (a) amount is Eskom losing in revenue as a result of electricity theft (b) is the breakdown of the amount in each province?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) There are no incentives provided to encourage the legal use of electricity. Eskom makes use of the Operation Khanyisa Campaign to inform and educate customers about how to better manage electricity usage.

(2)(a) We assume all non-technical energy loss to be attributed to theft. Non-technical losses in Eskom amounted to R4.7bn for 2014/15 FY.

(b) The amount stated in (2)(a) above represents the collective loss across all provinces. Eskom estimates non-technical losses at a national level, a breakdown per province therefore not available.

11 April 2016 - NW614

Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

Whether her department has a time frame for the relocation of residents of the Kliptown informal settlement; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

Yes, it is anticipated that the relocation of beneficiaries of the Kliptown Informal Settlement will be completed by the end of 2020. The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality has indicated that the project comprises of six precincts, namely Kliptown Extensions 2, 6, 7 and 11, Pimville Zone 9 and Sector 2, which will be independently proclaimed as townships.

The project is in progress and is in various stages of implementation. To date, 1 089 beneficiaries of the Kliptown Informal Settlement have been allocated fully subsidised freehold housing units known as BNG houses at Pimville Zone 9 and Klipspruit Extension 2. An estimated 200 BNG houses at Klipspruit Extension 11 will be allocated to the beneficiaries by the end of April 2016.

08 April 2016 - NW452

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Energy

Whether her department will be ratifying the National Energy Regulator’s proposed regulations on Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG); if not, why not; if so, when this will be done. 2) Whether Eskom, as a key role player in the electricity industry, unequivocally supports the implementation of the SSEG; if not, why not; if so, what (a) steps are being taken by her department to promote SSEG and (b) is the target date for achieving the relevant objectives? NW506E

Source
Link

Reply:

No, NERSA develops rules not regulations. We are in the process of developing Licensing Regulations, which will enable NERSA to implement Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) rules that they have developed.
(a) It is the responsibility of the Department to ensure organised development in the electricity industry and the development of licensing regulations is meant to facilitate government policy objectives. Incidentally, it is municipal constraints relating to the wheeling of power that pose the biggest risk to SSEG.

(b) The Regulations are still under development and are expected to be published for public comments.

08 April 2016 - NW548

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Whether the Industrial Development Corporation is planning to restructure its debt; if not, why not; if so, (a) why, (b) what amount and (c) how?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Chief Executive Officer of the IDC was quoted in a local newspaper in February 2016, as noting that the IDC needs to restructure some of the debt that it holds.

This restructuring would be on the asset, not liability side of the IDC’s balance sheet, ie money owed to the Corporation by local companies.

The purpose of the debt restructuring is to assist IDC clients and business partners that are affected by the downturn in the macro-economic environment, particularly those that are negatively impacted by the slump in commodity prices. In this regard further details will be provided in my budget vote speech, or as soon as the IDC has completed the technical work on the matter.

-END-

08 April 2016 - NW442

Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

(1)Whether her department had requested any urgent meeting with the United States (US) Embassy or with the Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry to furnish proof of the embassy fomenting insurrection with a view to achieving a regime change in South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will make a statement on the role of the US government through its embassy?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. No.

South Africa enjoys a strong cordial relationship with the US. Various channels of communication are open for both sides should they see the need to discuss any issue. The two Ministers normally do so under the auspices of Strategic Dialogue which they co-chair.

2. No.

UNQUOTE

08 April 2016 - NW275

Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Energy

Whether her department launched any new programme or initiatives to substantially intensify the generation of solar energy to enable Eskom to stop using expensive diesel in its open-cycle turbines during daylight hours when solar radiation was available for tapping; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

Since the advent of load shedding and the creation of the war room in 2014, the DoE commissioned a study in conjunction with the CSIR to quantify the extent of the cost savings emanating from the deployment of renewable energy technology, including solar, in the place of diesel and this was estimated at R3.6bn.

The DoE made a proposal to accelerate the cheaper alternative of using solar technology to replace diesel-fired power generation. This alternative is based on the generation of solar energy using solar plants that have been procured under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP). The DoE further made a determination under Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act to procure additional solar generation capacity through an expedited procurement process given that there was evidence that this option would assist in reducing the cost of generation of diesel fired turbines, especially during peak periods.

The process for the expedited procurement of an addition 1800MW of solar power generation was concluded under the REIPPP with bid submissions closing on 11 November 2015. The commissioning of these power stations is expected within two years and it can therefore be expected that less and less diesel will be required during periods when solar power is generated.

08 April 2016 - NW499

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Energy

What progress has been made to date by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to implement marginal cost-based electricity tariffs in the country? 2) Whether Nersa employs a geographically differentiated marginal cost-based cost-of-supply methodology in this regard; if not, what steps are being taken to prepare such a methodology; if so, what are the relevant details? NW553E

Source
Link

Reply:

NERSA does not use the marginal cost based method for electricity tariffs but rather the revenue requirement method. The Electricity Regulation Act requires that NERSA allow an efficient operator to recover its cost plus a reasonable return. This method is applied fully for Eskom. In case of Municipalities, this method has just been approved for implementation. It has therefore not been applied for municipal regulation. The cost of supply studies will be performed by municipalities and submitted to NERSA for review and consideration when municipal tariff applications are considered.
Please refer to (1) above.

08 April 2016 - NW571

Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4094 on 8 December 2015, the requested information has been received from the metropolitan municipalities; if so, when will the specified information be made available?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) The department is only responsible for managing the local government equitable share which provides for the subsidization of the provision of basic services to poor households. In the Local Government Equitable Share formula a monthly household income equal to two old age pensioners’ grant of R2 300 per month is used to define the formula’s affordability threshold. It should be noted that the threshold is not an official poverty line or a required level to be used by municipalities in their own indigent policies. However, should municipalities choose to provide fewer households with free basic services than they are funded for through the local government equitable share, their budget documentation should clearly indicate why they have made this choice and how they have consulted with their community during the budget process.

b) With regard to the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) formula, the basic services component of the formula provides for the subsidisation of the provision of basic services to poor households. The subsidy includes funding for the provision of free basic water (6 kiloliters per household per month), energy (50 kilowatt-hours per household per month) and sanitation and refuse (based on the service levels as defined national policy). The basic services component provides a subsidy of R313.76 per month in 2015/16 for the cost of providing basic services to each of these households. The monthly amount provided to each service is provided in the Explanatory Memorandum to the 2015 Division of Revenue Bill.

c) According to the STATSSA Non-Financial Census released in August 2015, the total nationwide number of indigent households registered with municipalities is 3 482 260. The table below captures registered indigent households per metro:

Table 1: Total Number of Indigent Households Registered in each Metropolitan Municipality

Province	Metropolitan Municipality	Indigent Households
Gauteng	City of Johannesburg	288, 209
	Tshwane	96, 883
	Ekurhuleni	36,526
Free State	Mangaung	20, 105
KwaZulu Natal	Ethekwini	589, 605
Eastern Cape	Buffalo City	61, 960
	Nelson Mandela Bay	85,022
Western Cape	City of Cape Town	288, 724
Total		1,467,034

d) The basic services component of the local government equitable share is worth
R33.3 billion in 2015/16 financial year and accounts for 74.9 per cent of the total value of the local government equitable share.

- 1. The eligibility for indigent subsidy is determined via application. All households who qualify in terms of the criteria set by the municipality visit municipal offices and/ or other registration points established by the municipality to complete and lodge applications for subsidy consideration.
  2. The eligibility for indigent subsidy is not determined automatically via Property valuation. Instead, it is determined via application process as in (i) above. Property valuation is just but one of the many targeting methods that municipalities can use to target indigent households as spelt out in the national indigent Policy framework and the implementation guidelines.

08 April 2016 - NW430

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What percentage of the advertisements of the (a) (i) national and (ii) provincial government departments, and (b) all entities reporting to the specified departments, was distributed to community media such as (aa) community radio stations, (bb) community print media, (cc) community television stations and (dd) small commercial publications during the period 1 July 2015 to 31 January 2016; (2) why, with reference to her reply to question 3806 on 21 December 2015, did the Government Communications and Information System only spend money on advertising in community radio stations, and not in all other forms of community media as detailed above, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. During the period 1 July 2015 to 31 January 2016, GCIS placed advertisements to the value of R153 138 655.73 on behalf of its clients (national and provincial departments and entities reporting to these departments). R22 187 761.61 of this advertising expenditure was allocated to community media (community radio stations, community print media, community television stations and small commercial publications), representing 14% of the allocated budget. A detailed breakdown follows below:

(a)(i) 13% of advertising allocated by national departments as listed in the accompanying table

(ii) 12% of advertising allocated by provincial departments as listed in the accompanying table

(b) 18% of advertising allocated by all entities reporting to specified departments as listed in the accompanying table

2. Community media offers government the opportunity to direct communications messages at specific and highly localised audiences. Whilst this is adequate for tactical interventions on community print or community television, interactive campaigns requiring the targeting of multiple communities simultaneously are best suited to community radio.

The Government Communication and Information System primarily focuses on such high reach multi-site campaigns which often use interactive phone-in community radio programmes. In this advertising format, a minimum of 75 community radio stations are connected via satellite to enable a single interview to be broadcast to multiple community radio stations. In turn, listeners resident in the broadcast footprint of any of the participating community radio stations can call in to the GCIS studio and interact live with the studio guests.

This capability is not available on other forms of community media as detailed in the question.

MR D LIPHOKO

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

08 April 2016 - NW491

Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With regard to the construction of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s Bus Rapid Transit system currently operating from Kempton Park to Tembisa in Gauteng, (a) what are the reasons that there are no bus stop near the Kempton Park West suburb and (b) why have the residents of Kempton Park West not been consulted in this regard?

Source
Link

Reply:

The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the department. We will however engage the affected provincial department responsible, to solicit the relevant information from the municipality. The Honourable Member will be kept updated on the process.

08 April 2016 - NW241

Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Energy

Whether she and/or her department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, (i) what number of times and (ii) for what amount in each specified financial year?

Source
Link

Reply:

NO	(b), (c)Period:	(i) What No of Times	(ii) Amount:
A	April 2012 to March 2013	1	R45,131.18
B	April 2013 to March 2014	2	R1,038,466.70
C	April 2014 to March 2015	1	R305,208.41

Grand total R1 388 806.29

08 April 2016 - NW365

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Energy

With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) The Department does support SMMEs, Co-operatives, as well as Township and rural enterprises through their procurement spent.

b) The procurement spent for SOEs was mainly on SMMEs and they are detailed below as follows.

Entity	Report
NNR	15% of R51 million total Expenditure year to date on goods & services
SANEDI	R3,313770.00 being 19% of total cash and accrued operating expenses
CEF	R 3,847,260,039.37 spent on BBEE including SMME (CEF Group does not report specifically on SMMEs and Co-operatives or categories these suppliers separate from the BEE spend.
NECSA	37% of the total procurement spend (R 86 million) was spent on Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs= Annual revenue of less than 10 million 25% of the total procurement spend ( R 58 million ) was spent on Exempt Micro Enterprises (EME=Annual revenue of less that R 50 million ) *NB: In terms of the BBBEE Act, SMME’s are now referred to as QSEs and EMEs.*
NERSA	More than 40% of R60 million (NERSA’s procurement spend for 2015/16) went to service providers with a BBBEE Level 3 and above.
NRWDI	NRWDI is not yet operational; this is not applicable to the Institute.

08 April 2016 - NW567

Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 4096 on 8 December 2015, his department has received the outstanding information from the Tlokwe Local Municipality, if so, when will the information be made available as requested?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to information received from Tlokwe City Local Municipality, as at Dec 2015.

(1) (a) Two (2) officials are currently on suspension.

(b) (i) (aa) Position of suspended official

(bb) Reason for suspension

(ii) Period of suspension

(iii) Total remuneration during period of suspension

Senior Librarian

Harassment and intimidation of subordinates, failure to report theft by a subordinate and gross misconduct (abuse of power).

One (1) month

(27 October 2015)

R 49 762.30

Senior Admin Officer

Disruption of normal operations of the employer, displaying rude and aggressive behaviour to fellow employees, wilful absence from performing tasks and responsibilities allocated to him.

One (1) month

(2 October 2015)

R 39 172.29

(2) No severance packages were paid to any municipal official.

08 April 2016 - NW736

Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Energy

Whether the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme has been able to (a) contribute between 1 – 2 GW of electricity to the grid, (b) deliver on time and on budget to create confidence in the industry, (c) make a case against the argument that renewable energy will not meet base load, (d) demonstrate viability and (e) generate power for the use of any enterprise; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) Yes, the current installed capacity of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer (REIPP) Programme is 2.48 GW and the maximum simultaneous contribution recorded is 1.59 GW.

b) Yes, the REIPP programme has been run and is delivering in a world class way comparable to the best in the world. Time expectations have been met and although there is not a “budget” in the strictest sense of the word, the energy prices for the programme have come down via the competitive tendering process, exceeding expectations. There is significant confidence in the industry, which can be seen in the large amounts of money being invested.

c) No, it was never an objective of the REIPP programme to make a case for or against the argument that renewable energy will not meet base load. The decisions around the requirements for base load or peaking energy is made in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. At the same time it can be stated that the country’s electricity demand profile requires a large portion of base-load generation, which is generation that is predictably available throughout the day for every day of the week. Unfortunately, renewables cannot supply this base load as they are inherently extremely variable and large scale storage, to smooth out this variability, is not yet economically viable. Either nuclear or fossil (coal or gas) or hydro (unfortunately only in a limited way in South Africa) generation must provide this base load. Put differently, a large scale renewable wind programme can provide a degree of base load if geographically well diversified but will need to be supplemented with storage and other dispatchable generation technologies. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) can provide base load if built with enough storage but the cost of this far exceeds the other base load options.

d) Yes, the REIPP programme has already demonstrated its viability. From an integrated power system point of view, the renewable energy contributed to the grid every day, significantly reducing the need for Eskom to use open cycle gas turbines and as such is preventing load shedding as well.

e) Yes, the electricity supplied from renewables is currently being used by all customers and is thus suitable and available for all. The nature of the country’s integrated power system is such that all generation, regardless of technology or origin, is effectively pooled and all customers draw from this pool. It is not impossible for any customer to determine the generator(s) sourcing its electricity.

08 April 2016 - NW345

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether the website of the Government Communication and Information System was allegedly hacked by a certain group (name furnished) in February 2016; if so, in each case, (a) was any restricted area of the website accessed, (b) was any data lost and (c) have any steps been taken to correct the vulnerabilities in the website; (2) whether any other websites of (a) her department and/or (b) entities reporting to her have been hacked over the past 12 months; if so, (i) which websites were hacked and (ii) on what dates respectively?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) An unused sub-site on the Government Communication and Information System website that housed a redundant contact database was hacked exploiting an SQL injection vulnerability.

(a) No restricted area of the website was accessed. All the information on the sub-site database is public information and the log files of the content management system (CMS) of the sub-site database indicate that none of the exposed user information was used to log onto the CMS before the vulnerability was closed.

(b) No data was lost.

(2) The Department’s website and the websites of the entities reporting to it have not been hacked over the past 12 months.

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

08 April 2016 - NW806

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What was the purpose of her attendance at the 2016 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland from 7 to 10 March 2016, (b) what are the (i) names and (ii) positions of the persons who accompanied her and (c) what was the (i) total cost and (ii) breakdown of the costs of the specified trip?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) Minister was not invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

(b) (i) not applicable

(ii) not applicable

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

08 April 2016 - NW690

Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Whether the Winterveld Enterprise Hub in Pretoria is currently fully operational; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether an assessment of its economic impact has been done; if not, why not; if so, (a) when was such an assessment done and (b) what were the findings?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Economic Development Department is not involved in this project. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development is overseeing the project.

-END-

08 April 2016 - NW857

Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to the Kurara FM and Radio Teemaneng in the Northern Cape which face the possibility of collapse due to dire financial difficulties, (a) what is her department doing to assist the specified radio stations, which, on numerous occasions, have tried to bring the matter to the attention of her department and (b)(i) what are the relevant details of the number of community radio stations in each province that her department has assisted and (ii) how was each specified station assisted in the period 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2015?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) Kurara FM received a total grant funding of R 1,575,946.59 from the Media Development & Diversity Agency in October 2010 which was to cover the Purchasing of a digital broadcast studio; Transmission costs; Stipends; and Operational costs. The allocated funds were to be disbursed to the station on a tranche payment basis, meaning for every tranche of the funds released, the station was or is contractually obligated to submit a comprehensive financial and narrative report accompanied by supporting documents. The station could not adequately report on the first tranche of the funds and the Agency sent an official to the station to assist with the report. As a result, the station was then able to receive its second of the four tranche payments.

Subsequently, as contractually required, the station once again could not submit a thorough report and the Agency once more visited the station to intervene and assist the station. Upon the Agency’s engagement with the project, it learnt that the station had undergone a change in management and the management, together with its board, declared that the station had no records of the funds. As such, it claimed, it could not furnish the Agency with the required report, a key prerequisite before any further funds could be disbursed to the project. In light of this impasse, the Agency has since advised the station to request that the grant be written-off and reapply for another grant with the Agency. The station is yet to respond after the last engagement with the Agency. It should be noted that the recommendation to the station from the Agency’s officials is based on the fact that the station has declared that it cannot account for and has no record whatsoever of the funds in question.

Radio Teemaneng received a total grant funding of R 954,773.62 from the Media Development & Diversity Agency in July 2011 which was to cover Equipment and Operational costs. The station has so far received two payments of the four tranches as per its contract with the Agency. While the Agency has tried to assist the station to adequately report on the latest funds it received, the contract the station has with the Agency lapsed as a result of slow reporting from the station. It also emerged that the station could not provide the Agency with a valid tax clearance certificate. As part of requirements, before any payment can be made to any entity or beneficiary, a valid tax clearance must be submitted to the Agency, and the station is yet to do so do date. As it stands, the Agency has given the station an opportunity to resolve its tax certificate issues with SARS before any further payment can be made. The process will also require that the station’s contract with the Agency be extended, provided that the station can adequately report on its previous tranche and also provide a valid tax clearance certificate.

(b)(i) A total number of 57 community radio stations have been assisted by the Media Development & Diversity Agency from the period 1st January 2012 to 31st of December 2015, as follows: Limpopo (10); North West (9); KZN (12); Eastern Cape (5); Western Cape (4); Free State (3); Mpumalanga (7); Northern Cape (3); Gauteng (4).

(ii) The stations were funded for various line items and the breakdown per province is as follows:

Limpopo Province

Maruleng FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Giyani Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends, Programme Production)
Greater Tzaneen FM ((Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, and stipends)
Sekhukhune FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Botlokwa FM (Programme production)
Lephalale Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Mohodi FM (Programme Production and stipends)
Malamulele FM (Digital broadcast studios, operational costs and stipends)
Tshepo ya Sechaba Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Hlanganani FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs and stipends)

North West

Kgatleng FM (Digital broadcast studios, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Madibogo Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Mafikeng Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Mmabatho FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Radio Mafisa (Transmission equipment, operational cost)
Village FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Motsitle Community Radio(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Aganang Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, stipends and programme production)
Star FM (Operational Costs, Office Equipments, Salaries and Programme production)

KwaZulu Natal

ICORA (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Ngquthu Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Nqubeko Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Umgungundlovu Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
KZN Capital Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Inanda FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Ugu Youth Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Siyathuthuka Community Radio ( Transmission equipment, operational costs and stipends)
Maputaland Community Radio
Vibe FM ((Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs and power back- up)
Radio Khwezi (Programme Production)
Nongoma FM(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)

Eastern Cape

Mdantsane FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Kumkani FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Izwilethemba Community Christian Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Isajonisi Youth Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
LA FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)

Western Cape

Radio KC (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, security costs, marketing costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Bush Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio and stipends)
Radio Kaapsepunt (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Radio Namakwaland (Programme production)

Free State

Koepel Stereo (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Naledi Community Radio(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Mozolo Community Radio(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)

Mpumalanga

Mash FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs and stipends)
Emalahleni Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, stipends and Programme production)
Bushbuckridge Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios and signage)
Nkangala Community Radio(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs and operational costs)
MP East Community Radio (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Nkomazi FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Kanyamazane Community Radio(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, stipends and Programme production)

Northern Cape

Radio Riverside (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming, stipends and audio streaming)
N FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming, stipends and audio streaming)
Revival FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)

Gauteng

Eldos (Digital broadcasting equipment, Transmitter, Training and Operational Costs)
Hweletsa Hope FM (Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs, audio streaming and stipends)
Ekasi Connexion (Power back up, Digital Broadcasting Equipment)
Bagaka FM(Digital broadcast studios, transmission costs, operational costs)

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

07 April 2016 - NW302

Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether each metropolitan municipality offers rate rebates to (a) the elderly, (b) disabled persons, (c) low income property owners and (d) other persons and/or organisations; if not, why not; if so, what is the (i) criteria and (ii) rebate in each specified case?

Source
Link

Reply:

Yes, the response with respect to each metropolitan municipality is as reflected in the tables below.

Given that the granting of rate rebates is one of the three instruments municipalities utilise in granting relief to property owners, for completeness we have included information pertaining to the granting of reductions on the market values of properties and exemptions where applicable. This is because municipalities use any combination of these three relief measures (according to their individual preference). Thus, by merely looking at only one of these three relief measures in isolation of the other two, one cannot get a full picture as to how each metropolitan municipality approaches the issue of granting relief to property owners.

The information below is sourced from municipal rates policies and other relevant municipal budget related documents which contain detailed information (such indigent policies and resolutions levying rates), and therefore this response does not provide all detailed information (e.g. with respect to criteria) as reflected in those documents because to do so would amount to duplicating information in those municipal documents which are ordinarily published in municipal websites for any interested person to obtain detailed information without the risk of these being summarised by someone else (as is the case now by the Department) in a manner which can fail to do justice to those detailed public documents.

Buffalo City

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Be the owner of a property categorized as residential

- Occupy the property as his/her primary residence

- Must apply for the rebate

- Must be in receipt of gross monthly income (excluding medical contributions) not exceeding R10,500.00 from all sources including income of spouse

- Must be at least 60 years of age on 1 July of the financial year concerned, and If the applicant turns 60 in that financial year the rebate will be granted on a pro rata basis from the date on which the applicant turns 60

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate : Income R0 - R3000

- 85% rebate : Income R3001 – R4500

- 70% rebate : Income R4501 – R6000

- 55% rebate : Income R6001 – R7500

- 40% rebate : Income R7501 – R9000

- 25% rebate : Income R9000 – R10500

(b) People with disability:

(i) Criteria

- The first 4 bullets in (a) above applies

- Disabled persons must be in receipt of a disability grant and submit proof e.g. letter from SASSA

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Same as in (a) above.

(c) Low income property owners:

(i) Criteria

- The owner may not own any property in addition to the property in respect of which indigent support is provided

- Property of indigent household may be inspected annually to determine validity of application or indigency

- The property must be categorized as residential

(ii) Relief in each specified case

100% rebate if the value of the property does not exceed R120, 000.

(d) Other persons and/or organisations:

1. Newly developed commercial/industrial properties

(i) Criteria

- The property must be categorized as commercial/industrial in the valuation roll

- The property must be developed

- The value of the development must be R50,000,000.00 or above (this requirement does not apply to East London Industrial Development zone property owners).

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate is phased out over a period of 5 years

Year 1 – 50%

Year 2 – 40%

Year 3 – 30%

Year 4 – 20%

Year 5 – 10%, thereafter, full rates will be payable

2. Differential rebate

(i) Criteria

- Areas where some or all of the services are not offered by the municipality

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Water – 22.50% rebate

- Electricity – 15.00% rebate

- Sewerage – 15.00% rebate

- Refuse – 7.50% rebate

- Constructed roads – 15.00% rebate

3. Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs)

(i) Criteria

Various properties owned by PBOs, for example, used exclusively as a home catering for persons with disabilities, a hospital, clinic, metal institution, frail care centre, orphanage, old age homes or any other benevolent institutions, provided that any profits from the use of such properties are used entirely for the benefit of the institution.

(ii) Relief in each case

May qualify for 100% rebate on application.

Exemptions

The following properties are exempted from rating:

Municipal owned properties non-rateable

Religious or places of places of public worship and special property (e.g. museums, libraries)

Rural communal land

Ekurhuleni

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Owner reached the age of 60 years or more

- Own property concerned which must be

- - residential

- - farm property used for residential purposes

- - smallholdings used for residential purposes

- total monthly income from all sources including income of spouse of owner must not exceed an amount determined by the Council from time to time (see table below for amounts)

- Once-off application for the duration of valuation roll

- Not be in receipt of indigent assessment rate rebate

- Must reside permanently on the concerned property

- Property must consist of one dwelling only and no part thereof is sub-let

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Additional reduction of R150,000 of the market value of property

- Additional rebate based on household income:

Average monthly earnings in respect of preceding 12 months	Rebate in percentage on assessment rates
R0.00 – R2,700.00 (2 x state pensions)	100%
R2,700.01 – R5,250.00	85%
R5,250.01 – R6,840.00	70%
R6,840.01 – R8,470.00	55%
R8,470.01 – R12,750.00	40%

(b) People with disability:

1. Disability grantees and/or medically boarded persons

(i) Criteria

- Same as (a) above.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Additional reduction of R150,000 of the market value of property

- Additional rebate based on household income:

Average monthly earnings in respect of preceding 12 months	Rebate in percentage on assessment rates
R0.00 – R2,700.00 (2 x state pensions)	100%
R2,700.01 – R5,250.00	85%
R5,250.01 – R6,840.00	70%
R6,840.01 – R8,470.00	55%
R8,470.01 – R12,750.00	40%

(c) Low income property owners

Refer to reductions and exemptions below.

(d) Other persons and/or organisations:

1. Natural disasters

(i) Criteria

- Property damaged by a natural disaster as defined in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002

- Apply to the Council

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Council may fully or partially suspend the levying or rates

2. Sporting bodies

(i) Criteria

- Apply to be granted a rebate

- For purposes of amateur sport and any social activities which are connected to sport

- Subject to existing agreements between club and Council

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 90% rebate

3. Public and private schools, universities and colleges

(i) Criteria

- Public schools which are state funded

- Private schools not funded in terms of South African Schools Act, 84 of 1996 and are registered as independent schools

- Universities

- Technical and other colleges

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate on private (independent) primary and secondary schools is in accordance with percentage after net profit:

Net profit after tax	Rebate
0.00% – 10.00%	100%
10.01% – 20.00%	90%
20.01% – 30.00%	80%
30.01% – 40.00%	70%

- 20% rebate on private (independent) universities and colleges, registered as educational institutions not subsidized by state

- 100% rebate on crèches registered as educational institutions

4. Vacant unimproved land

(i) Criteria

- Dwelling units being constructed which will be used for residential purposes

- Rebate granted for a maximum period of eighteen months from the date the approved building plan is supplied

- Occupation certificate be supplied at the end of the eighteen months period

- Failure to supply the occupational certificate will result in reversal of rebate already granted

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 75% rebate

Reductions

(a) The elderly, (b) people with disability, (c) low income property owners, (d) other persons and/or organisations

(i) Criteria

- Residential property

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- The first R150, 000 of the market value of property is deducted.

Exemptions

(c) Low income property owners:

1. Indigent households

(i) Criteria

- Own residential property

- Apply to access the relief provided the combined household income of all occupants/ residents and/or dependents residing on the property and are over the age of 18 years, is less than two (2) state monthly pension grants.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Exempted if property does not exceed maximum value of R150 000.

2. Child headed households

(i) Criteria

- Headed by child and registered in terms of Council’s approved indigent policy

- Apply to access the relief provided the combined household income of all occupants/ residents and/or dependents residing on the property and are over the age of 18 years, is less than two (2) state monthly pension grants.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Exempted if property does not exceed maximum value of R150 000.

(d) Other persons and/or organisations

1. Public benefit organisation / non-governmental organization and cultural organisations

(i) Criteria

- May be exempted from paying rates if fall within:

- - welfare and humanitarian institutions

- - animal welfare

- - cultural

- Once-off application for the duration of valuation roll

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Exempted

eThekwini

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Owner reached age of 60 years or more during financial year

- Own residential property concerned or property owned solely by either spouse

- The property being a primary residential

- Value of property must not exceed R3 million

- Apply for renewal of rebate annually

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- A rebate not exceeding R3, 623 or such lesser amount

(b) People with disability:

1. Disability grantees or medically boarded persons

(i) Criteria

- Owner physically or mentally disabled

- Own residential property concerned or property owned solely by either spouse

- Reside in the property concerned

- Annually apply for a rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- A rebate not exceeding R3, 623 or such lesser amount

(c) Low income property owners:

1. Child headed households

(i) Criteria

- Property headed by a minor (person under age of 21)

- Property owned by terminally ill parent or a child or deceased estate of the parent

- Value of property must not exceed a value determined by Council at its annual budget

- Minors must reside permanently on the property

- Apply for renewal of rebate annually

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- A rebate not exceeding R3, 623 or such lesser amount

(d) other persons and/or organisations:

1. Life rights schemes and retirement villages/complexes

(i) Criteria

- The scheme must be registered in terms of Housing Development Scheme for Retired Persons Act, 65 of 1988

- The Scheme must be registered with and regulated by the South African Association of Homes for the Aged (SAHA)

- Title deeds of the property must be appropriately endorsed

- Apply for a rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 25% rebate

2. Commercial accommodation

(i) Criteria

- Owner of property must permanently reside on the property

- Bed and breakfast, guesthouses, and back-packers lodges must have a valid registration certificate issued by the Municipality

- Apply for a rebate annually

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 50% rebate for bed and breakfast

- 25% rebate for guesthouses

- Rebate not exceeding 50% for backpacker lodges, holiday accommodation and student accommodation with up to 40 beds available

- Rebate not exceeding 25% for backpacker lodges, holiday accommodation and student accommodation with up to 80 beds available

- 25% rebate for property let-out for purposes of holiday accommodation for reward

- 25% rebate for property let-out for purposes of student accommodation (learners of higher education and above)

3. Schools not for gain

(i) Criteria

- The schools not for gain on the business and commercial category

- Use of land or buildings, or any part thereof shall not be for the private pecuniary benefit of any individual whether as a shareholder in a company or otherwise

- Apply for a rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 50% rebate

4. Natural and other disasters

(i) Criteria

- Property damaged by a natural disaster as defined in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002

- Property damaged by causes other than that defined by the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002 and such damage renders the property uninhabitable

- Damage to property caused by arson is excluded

- Apply for a rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 75% temporary rebate for a period of six months or a portion thereof

- Thereafter, a further 75% temporary rebate for a period not exceeding six months

5. Economic development

(i) Criteria

- Developments as indicated in the Incentive Policy of Council

- Rebates shall be for defined period

- Developer shall be under contractual obligation to complete property within a defined period

- Apply for a rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Green field development and brown field development receive rebates:

Value of development R (Millions)	Rebate on rates payable in percentage
0 – 50	15%
51 – 150	25%
151 – 300	50%
301 and above	65%

Reductions

(a) the elderly, (b) people with disability, (c) low income property owners, (d) other persons and/or organisations

(i) Criteria

- Residential property

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- The first R120, 000 of the market value for property exceeding R185, 000

(d) other persons and/or organisations

1. Vacant land

(i) Criteria

- Land outside the urban development phasing line which is vacant

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Reduction of R30, 000

Exemptions

(d) other persons and/or organisations

1. Residential property with a value of up to R185,000 is exempted.

2. Public benefit organisations

(i) Criteria

- May be exempted from paying rates if fall within:

- - welfare and humanitarian institutions

- - health care institutions

- - animal welfare

- - Schools and organisations for the mentally and physically challenged

- - cemeteries

- - heritage sites

- Use of land or buildings, or any part thereof shall not be for the private pecuniary benefit of any individual whether as a shareholder in a company or otherwise

- Apply for exemption

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Exempted

3. sporting bodies

(i) Criteria

- Apply for exemption, and aapplicants must produce a tax exemption certificate issued by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) as contemplated in Part 1 of the Ninth Schedule of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act 58 of 1962).

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rated on value of building area only

- The building area shall exclude change rooms and store rooms necessary for the sport.

City of Cape Town

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Occupy the property as his/her primary residence

- Must be at least 60 years of age

- Must apply

- Must be in receipt of gross monthly household income not exceeding R12,000.00

- The applicant and/or spouse and/or life partner should not be the owner of more than one property nationally

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate : Income R0 – R3500

- 95% rebate : Income R3501 – R5000

- 90% rebate : Income R5001 – R6000

- 80% rebate : Income R6001 – R7000

- 70% rebate : Income R7001 – R8000

- 60% rebate : Income R8001 – R8500

- 50% rebate : Income R8501 – R9000

- 40% rebate : Income R9001 – R9500

- 30% rebate : Income R9501 – R10000

- 20% rebate : Income R10001 – R11000

- 10% rebate : Income R11001 - R12000

(b) People with disability:

(i) Criteria

Same as (a) above.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

Same as (a) above.

(c) Low income property owners:

(i) Criteria

Same as (a) above.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

May qualify for 100% rebate.

(d) Other persons and/or organisations:

1. Agricultural properties

(i) Criteria

- Bona fide farming properties

- Contribute to the local economy

- Assists in meeting the service delivery and development obligations of the city

- Contribution to the social and economic welfare of farm workers

- Must apply for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 80% rebate on the rate levied on residential properties

2. Nature reserves, special nature reserves and national parks

(i) Criteria

May apply for the rebate

- Private property contracted into the Table Mountain National Park in terms of the Protected Areas Act

- Private property exhibiting sensitive ecological areas/features, identified by the City’s Environmental Management Resources Department

- Owners of properties with formal in perpetuity conservation agreements of over 10 hectares

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- May be granted a 100% rebate

3. Religious organisations

(i) Criteria

Property used primarily as an office of a religious organization

Property used as parking facilities, halls used for religious purposes

Accommodation for missionaries, camping sites not operated for gain and cemeteries for that religious community

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- May be granted a 100% rebate

4. Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs)/ Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs)

(i) Criteria

Must have a constitution which does not preclude any resident of the City from being a member

Must be open to the general public

May apply for the rebate

Be registered as NPOs under the Non-Profit Organisations Act or be PBO that qualify for tax exemption as contemplated by Part 1 of section 30 of the Ninth Schedule of the Income Tax Act

Must be organisations with limited resources

Health and welfare institutions

Educational institutions

National/Provincial/ Local Heritage Site /Historical Monuments

Charitable institutions

Cemeteries and crematoria

Cultural institutions

Museums, libraries, art galleries and botanical gardens

War veterans organisations

Youth development organisations

Animal protection

Sporting bodies

Homeless people shelters

Early childhood development

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- May be granted a 100% rebate

Reductions

Criteria

Residential properties

Relief in each specified case

Maximum reduction of up to R200,000.00 granted to every individually-valued residential property

Exemptions

Criteria

Any private road or any other property where the market value of the property is equal to or less than R50,000.00

City of Johannesburg

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Owner reached age of 60 years

- Own and occupy property concerned

- Value of property may not exceed R2, 000, 000

- Apply to Council for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate if pensioner receives National Social Security Grant

- 100% rebate if pensioner is age 70 years and above irrespective of income

- 100% rebate if pensioner has gross monthly income below or equal to R7, 850

- 50% rebate if pensioner has gross monthly income above R7, 850 but less than or equal to R13, 458

(b) People with disability:

1. Emanating from injury

(i) Criteria

- Must have been injured on duty serving:

- - South African National Defence Force

- - South African Policy Service

- - Emergency Services

- - Johannesburg Metropolitan Police

- Own and occupy property concerned

- Value of property may not exceed R2, 000, 000

- Apply to Council for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate if pensioner receives National Social Security Grant

- 100% rebate if pensioner is age 70 years and above irrespective of income

- 100% rebate if pensioner has gross monthly income below or equal to R7, 850 provided pensioner is at least 60 years of age

- 50% rebate if pensioner has gross monthly income above R7, 850 but less than or equal to R13, 458 provided pensioner is at least 60 years of age

(c) Low income property owners:

1. Extended social package

(i) Criteria

- Apply to municipality every six months

- Own and occupy property concerned

- Property value not exceeding R450, 000

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 70% rebate of current monthly rates when Johannesburg Poverty Index is greater than zero but not exceeding 34 points

- 100% rebate of current monthly rates when Johannesburg Poverty Index is greater than 35 points

2. State’s Social Security Grant

(i) Criteria

- Own and occupy residential property concerned

- Owner is dependent on a State’s Social Security Grant in terms of Social Assistance Act, 59 of 1992

- State’s Social Security Grant is their sole source of income

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate

3. Child headed households

(i) Criteria

- Property occupied by a household headed by a minor

- Value of property may not exceed R2, 000, 000

- Property owned by terminally ill parent or a child or deceased estate of the parent

- Terminally ill parent or their child must apply annually for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate shall be maximum of 100% of the current monthly rates

(d) other persons and/or organisations:

1. Heritage properties

(i) Criteria

- Declared heritage site in terms of section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 25 of 1999

- Designated as protected areas in terms of section 28 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 25 of 1999

- Designated as heritage area in terms of section 31 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 25 of 1999

- Apply to Council for approval of rebate annually

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate shall be maximum of 20% of the current monthly rates

2. Residential sectional title

(i) Criteria

- High density residential development including sectional title units

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 5% rebate of the currently monthly rates

3. Protection of animals

(i) Criteria

- Property registered in the name of any institution or organization which has as its exclusive objective the protection of animals

- Apply to Council for approval of rebate/exemption

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate shall be maximum of 100% of the current monthly rates

4. Disaster areas

(i) Criteria

- Property situated within an area affected by a disaster within the meaning of the Disaster Management Act, 57 of 2002

- Apply to Council for approval of rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate shall be maximum of 100% of the current monthly rates

5. Vacant land

(i) Criteria

- Land outside the urban development boundary which is vacant

- Rebate only available if property could not be developed due to unavailability of bulk infrastructure and/or bulk services

- Apply to Council for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate shall be maximum of 50% of the current monthly rates

6. Housing development schemes for retired persons

(i) Criteria

- Properties owned by juristic persons that fall under the Housing Development Schemes for Retired Persons Act, 65 of 1988 as amended

- Owner of property shall pass on the benefits of the rates rebate to the registered holder/s of the right to occupation in the Scheme

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate shall be maximum of 50% of the current monthly rates

7. Registered social landlords

(i) Criteria

- Properties owned by individuals or entities designated as Registered Social Landlords under the Registered landlord Policy of the City

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 40% rebate on the current monthly rates where property is zoned for commercial use and is rated accordingly

8. New building incentive

(i) Criteria

- New building development that would take place within the identified Corridors of Freedom in line with the Growth and Development Strategy 2040

- Development must be in line with the development requirements set out by the City

- Proposed developments must follow all planning by-laws

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Property owner will pay a quarter of the rate as per the category of land for a period not exceeding two years during the construction

- Property owner will pay half the rates on the first year of operation as per the category of land

9. Private sports club

(i) Criteria

- Owned by private sports club

- Used primarily for sporting purposes

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 40% rebate

10. Provision and/or promotion of youth development

(i) Criteria

- Property registered in the name of any institution or organization which has as its exclusive objective the provision and/or promotion of youth development

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate

Reductions

(a) The elderly, (b) people with disability, (c) low income property owners, (d) other persons and/or organisations

(i) Criteria

- Residential property

- Properties used for multiple purposes, provided one or more components of the property are used for residential purpose

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- The first R200, 000 of the market value of the property.

Mangaung

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- The property must be registered in the name of the applicant

- Must be at least 60 years of age

- Must occupy the relevant property

- In a case of a semi-detached house, of which a section is rented out, only rates paid for that section occupied by the owner is subject to rebates

- If the owner due to medical reasons had to take early retirement the age requirement of 60 years will not apply

- The property owner must apply

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- The rebate on the first R250,000.00 of the rateable value for residential properties of qualifying senior citizens will only be applicable on properties with a value that does not exceed R2 ,000,000.00

(b) People with disability:

(i) Criteria

- Same as (a) above.

- Must be in receipt of a disability pension from the Department of Welfare and Population Development

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- The rebate on the first R250,000.00 of the rateable value for residential properties of qualifying disabled persons will only be applicable on properties with a value that does not exceed R2 ,000,000.00

(c) Low income property owners:

(i) Criteria

- Occupy the property as his/her primary residence and must be registered as indigents in terms of the adopted indigent policy of the municipality

- The rebate will automatically apply and no further application is thus required

(ii) Relief in each specified case

May qualify for 100% rebate

(d) Other persons and/or organisations:

1. Child headed families

(i) Criteria

- The head of the child headed family must occupy the property as his/her normal residence

- Must not be older than 18 years of age

- Must still be a scholar or jobless

- Must be in receipt of a total monthly income from all sources not exceeding an amount to be determined by the municipality

- Must apply for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- May qualify for 100% rebate

Reductions

Disaster related matters

Criteria

Partial or total destruction of a property

Disasters as defined in the Disaster Management Act

Owner must apply

Relief

Maximum reduction of 80%

Residential properties

Criteria

No requirement for lodging an application.

Relief in each specified case

In addition to the mandated first R15,000.00 of the market value of residential properties, and additional R55,000.00 reduction is applicable to all residential properties

Exemptions

Public Benefit organisations (PBOs)

Criteria

- Property owned by public benefit organisations and used for any specified public benefit activity listed in item 1(welfare and humanitarian), item 2 (health care) and item 4 (education and development) of part 1 of the Ninth Schedule to the Income Tax Act

- Must apply

- PBO must attach a SARS tax exemption certificate issued by the South African Revenue Services

Relief

May be exempted

Nelson Mandela Bay

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Be a natural person

- Be the owner of the property

- Occupy the property as his/her normal residence

- Must be at least 60 years of age on 1 July of the financial year concerned, or if the owner turns 60 during the year the rebate will be granted on a pro rata basis from the date on which the applicant turned 60

- Submit pension statements

- Not be a receipt of an indigent subsidy

- Ensure that his/her accounts are not in arrears before applying for a rebate

- Be in receipt of a total gross annual income not exceeding R118,700

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebate is based on the total annual household income

- 85% rebate : Income between two state pensions and R54,000

- 70% rebate : Income between R54,001 and R66,900

- 55% rebate : Income between R66,901 and R79,800

- 40% rebate : Income between R79,801 and R92,800

- 25% rebate : Income between R92,801 and R105,700

- 10% rebate : income between R105,701 and R118,700

(b) People with disability:

(i) Criteria

- Same as (a) above.

- Must be in receipt of a disability grant/pension and submit proof and nature of disability, and submit SASSA statements with the application.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Same as (a) above.

(c) Low income property owners

(i) Criteria

- The household income of applicants, from all sources, shall not exceed the equivalent of two State welfare pensions

- The applicant must be an account holder and must reside on the property in respect of which assistance is sought and must apply in person.

- The applicant must not own more than one fixed property within the metro

(ii) Relief in each specified case

A full credit for property rates.

(d) Other persons and/or organisations:

1. Sporting bodies (Professional)

(i) Criteria

- Property must be owned/leased for sporting purposes

- May be for gain and not-for -gain

- Profits earned must be invested in the betterment of the organization and not be for private gain

- Must apply for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- May qualify for 40% rebate

2. Social Housing

(i) Criteria

Property registered in the name of an institution accredited in terms of the Social Housing Act 16 of 2008 which provides or intends to provide rental of cooperative housing options for households with a gross monthly household income less than the maximum housing subsidy

Accounts of the applicant must be up to date or arrangements must be made to pay outstanding balances before any rebate will be granted

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- May qualify to be rated at the same rate as public benefit organisations in terms of the Rate Ratios Regulations Between Residential and Non-Residential Properties.

Reductions

None, and for properties affected by disasters, such properties are re-valued to get the revised their market values for rating purposes.

Exemptions

Sporting bodies (Amateur)

Criteria

- Property must be owned/leased for sporting purposes

- May be for gain and not-for -gain

- Profits earned must be invested in the betterment of the organization and not be for private gain

- Must apply for the rebate

Relief in each specified case

May be exempted

PBOs and Not For Gain institutions or organisations

Criteria

- Must apply for the exemption

- Properties used exclusively as hospitals, clinics, mental hospitals, orphanages, retirement villages, old age homes or any other benevolent institutions

- Properties belonging to not-for-gain institutions (organisations) that perform charitable work

- Land used exclusively for cemeteries and crematoriums

- Properties owned by a declared institution in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act

- Museums, libraries, art galleries and botanical gardens registered in the name of private persons and open to the public

- Properties registered in the name of a trust/trusts and/or organisations as defined in the Social Aid Act

- Properties owned/used by youth organisations for the promotion and development of the youth

- Properties owned, or used by institutions or organisations the exclusive aim of which is to protect birds, reptiles, fish and animals not-for-gain

- Properties registered in the name of and used primarily as a place of public worship by a religious community

Relief

May be exempted

Tshwane

Rebates

(a) The elderly:

(i) Criteria

- Owner reached age of 60 years or more during financial year

- Own residential property concerned

- Property concerned must be occupied only by the pensioner and his/her spouse, if any, and by dependents without income

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- A further maximum/total rebate of 50% (on the remaining property rates, after the applicable residential rebates have been granted) if total gross income of the pensioner and/or spouse does not exceed an amount equal to twice the annual state pension (2 x R1,410 or 2 x R1,430 if older than 75) for a financial year

- A further maximum/total rebate of 40% (on the remaining property rates, after the applicable residential rebates have been granted) if joint income of the pensioner and/or spouse does not exceed R130, 000 for a financial year

(b) People with disability:

1. Physically or mentally disabled

(i) Criteria

- Owner physically or mentally disabled

- Own residential property concerned

- Property concerned must be occupied only by the pensioner and his/her spouse, if any, and by dependents without income

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- A further maximum/total rebate of 50% subject to total gross annual social pension for a financial year, which amount may be reviewed during the City’s annual budget process

- A further maximum/total rebate of 40% if joint income of the pensioner and/or spouse exceeds an amount equal to twice the annual state pension (2 x R1,410 or 2 x R1,430 if older than 75) for a financial year, but does not to exceed R130, 000 for a financial year

(c) Low income property owners:

1. Indigent households

(i) Criteria

Gross monthly income of all members of the household does not exceed the joint amount of two state old age pensions excluding child support grant and foster care grant

- Applicant as well as any other member of the household does not own other fixed property than one in which they reside

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate

2. Owner temporarily without income: indigent criteria may be applied in terms of Indigent Policy of City of Tshwane

(i) Criteria

- Same as indigent households above.

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate

(d) Other persons and/or organisations:

1. Grants-in-aid

(i) Criteria

- Registered in the name of an institution or organization in terms of Non-profit Organizations Act, 71 of 1997

- Hospitals, clinics and institutions for mentally ill person which are not operated with intention to make profit

- Cemeteries and crematoriums which are registered in the name of private persons and which are used exclusively for burials and cremations

- Museum, art galleries, libraries and botanical gardens which are registered in the name of private persons and which are open to public, whether admission is charged or not

- Rateable property registered in the name of a trustee or any organization which is being maintained for the welfare of war veterans as defined in section 1 of the Social Aid Act (House of Assembly), 37 of 1989

- Sports grounds used for the purpose of amateur sport and any social activities which are connected with the sport

- Rateable property registered in the name of the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Sea Scouts, Voortrekkers or any organization which is in the opinion of the municipality similar or, any rateable property let by a municipality to any such organization

- Rateable property registered in the name of a declared institution as defined in section 1 of the Cultural Institutions Act, 29 of 1969, or the cultural Institutions Act (House of Assembly), 66 of 1989

- Apply to Chief Financial Officer

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 100% rebate

2. Owners of land alienated by the municipality after January 2015

(i) Criteria

- Owners of land alienated by the municipality

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebates in terms of the Development Investment Incentive Policy of the City

3. Owners of catalytic investment properties

(i) Criteria

- Owners of catalytic investment properies

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- Rebates in terms of the Development Investment Incentive Policy of the City

4. Independent school

(i) Criteria

- Application does not meet the criteria for Public Benefit Organisation property as defined

- Apply for the rebate

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- 20% rebate

Reductions

(a) the elderly, (b) people with disability, (c) low income property owners, (d) other persons and/or organisations

(i) Criteria

- Residential property

(ii) Relief in each specified case

- First part of value of property up to R75, 000 of the market value

Exemptions

(d) Other persons and/or organisations

1. Public Service infrastructure

2. Places of public worship

3. Protected areas

4. State trust land

07 April 2016 - NW285

Shivambu, Mr F to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)Did he instruct the SA Revenue Services (SARS) Commissioner to discontinue the restructuring of SARS operations; if so, what was the response from the SARS commissioner; if not, (2) is the National Treasury supportive of the restructuring of operations by SARS?

Source
Link

Reply:

Yes, the Minister requested the SARS Commissioner to discontinue the restructuring of SARS operational restructuring to enable him to review and consult with the team on the matter.
The National Treasury does not have an oversight role of SARS.

07 April 2016 - NW562

Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)Whether the SA Revenue Service (SARS) conducts (a) enforcement investigations and/or (b) criminal investigations; if not, why not; if so, (i) what is the (aa) name and (bb) designation of the person(s) responsible for (aaa) enforcement investigation and (bbb) criminal investigations, (ii) what is the (aa) name and (bb) number of personnel employed in each (aaa) division(s) and (bbb) department(s) responsible for (aaaa) enforcement investigations and (bbbb) criminal investigations; (2) what legal authority does the SARS have to conduct (a) enforcement investigations and (b) criminal investigations?

Source
Link

Reply:

The following information is provided by South African Revenue Service (SARS):

(a)(b)
Yes, the South African Revenue Service is mandated and as such do perform Enforcement and Criminal Investigations.

(i)(aa)(bb)(aaa)(bbb)

Within the current SARS structure there are Group Executives responsible for the investigative capacity. These Group Executives report directly to respective Chief Officers.

(ii)(aa)(bb)(aaa)(bbb)(aaaa)(bbbb)

There are currently 1599 Enforcement Auditors who conduct enforcement investigations, and 381 Criminal investigators. They range from junior investigators to Senior Specialist investigators. Unfortunately we cannot provide names of these officials for their safety due to the nature of their work.

(2)(a)(b)

In terms of the SARS Act no. 34 of 1997 the South African Revenue Service is legally mandated and authorised to conduct Enforcement Investigations (investigative audits) and Criminal Investigations in pursuit of its mandate to collect all moneys due to the fiscus and to combat non-compliance and tax evasion. Moreover, the SARS Act makes the Commissioner, as chief executive officer, responsible in particular for the formation and development of an efficient administration and the effective deployment and utilisation of staff to achieve maximum operational results.

Furthermore in terms of the Tax Administration Act no. 28 of 2011 under Chapter 5, Part A and B, SARS is mandated to perform such investigations.

07 April 2016 - NW468

Vos, Mr J to ask the Mr J Vos (DA) to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1) How many (a) direct and (b) indirect jobs respectively have been created in the tourism industry in (i) 2013, (ii) 2014 and (iii) 2015 respectively; (2) how much did tourism contribute to the country’s gross domestic product during (a) 2013, (b) 2014 and (c) 2015 respectively; (3) what is the detailed breakdown of international arrivals at the (a) Cape Town International, (b) O R Tambo International and (c) King Shaka International airports in (i) 2013, (ii) 2014 and (iii) 2015 respectively?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) How many (a) direct and (b) indirect jobs respectively have been created in the tourism industry in (i) 2013, (ii) 2014 and (iii) 2015 respectively;

(a) Direct contribution to jobs

The latest figures available from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) are provisional figures for 2014. Estimates from the World Travel and Tourism Council were used to report on 2015.

Job Creation	2013	2014	2015 estimate
Direct Jobs	655 587	680 817	705,600

Source: 2013 and 2014: Tourism Satellite Account, StatsSA. 2015: WTTC 2015 estimates.

(b) Total contribution to employment (direct and indirect)

It should be noted that StatsSA does not measure the total contribution of tourism to employment (direct and indirect contribution). Figures and estimates from WTTC were used to report on this indicator. However, WTTC does not release figures on the indirect contribution alone, therefore figures reported below is for total contribution which includes both direct and indirect contribution.

Job Creation	2013	2014	2015 estimate
Total contribution to employment (Direct and indirect)	1 437 500	1 497 600	1 551 400

Source: WTTC

It should be noted that the contribution of tourism to GDP is reported for direct as well as for total contribution (direct and indirect). StatsSA only measures the direct contribution to GDP and the latest figures available are 2014 provisional figures. Therefore figures reported below for direct contribution in 2013 and 2014 were sourced from StatsSA. WTTC estimates were used to report on the direct contribution to GDP for 2015 as well as the direct and indirect contribution from 2013 to 2015.

Contribution to GDP	2013	2014	2015 estimate
Direct	R101,7 billion	R111,6 billion	R117,8 billion
Direct and indirect	R345,7 billion	R357,0 billion	R369.3 billion

Source: Source: 2013 and 2014: Tourism Satellite Account, StatsSA. 2015: WTTC 2015 estimates.

(3) International tourist arrivals

Airport	2013	2014	2015
Cape Town International Airport	461,186	524,131	557,050
OR Tambo International Airport	2,656,222	2,001,365	1,932,096
King Shaka International Airport	35,920	38,449	37,162

Source: Statistics SA

07 April 2016 - NW466

Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether any applications for the interception of communication in terms of the (a) Interception and Monitoring Prohibition Act, Act 127 of 1992 and/or (b) Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act, Act 70 of 2002, were made (i) directly by the SA Revenue Service (SARS) and/or (ii) indirectly by another organ of state on behalf of SARS in each specified calendar year between 1997 and 2016; if not, in each specified case, why not; if so, in each specified case, how many applications were (aa) submitted, (bb) authorised and/or (cc) refused?

Source
Link

Reply:

The following information is provided by South African Revenue Service (SARS) and cannot be verified by the Minister:

It is not within the SARS mandate to administer such activities directly.

(a)(b)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(cc) With the information at SARS disposal no such requests were made or approved either directly by SARS or indirectly through a third party.

07 April 2016 - NW292

Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1) Whether councillors of each metropolitan municipality are required to declare their financial interests; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether the financial interests of councillors are made available to the public; if not, why not; if so, where are these details made available?Reply:Thus far, responses have been received from three Metropolitan Municipalities, namely; Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and City of Cape Town. We are still awaiting responses from the other 5 Metropolitan Municipalities.The responses below are from the 3 Metropolitan Municipalities mentioned above:( 1 ) The three Metropolitan Municipalities stated that all Councillors of their municipalities are required to declare their financial interest.

Source
Link

Reply:

Thus far, responses have been received from three Metropolitan Municipalities, namely; Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and City of Cape Town. We are still awaiting responses from the other 5 Metropolitan Municipalities.

The responses below are from the 3 Metropolitan Municipalities mentioned above:

( 1 ) The three Metropolitan Municipalities stated that all Councillors of their municipalities are required to declare their financial interest.

( 2 ) The three Metropolitan Municipalities stated that the financial interest of the Councillors are made available to the public.

The table below illustrates the response per municipality:

Metropolitan Municipality	Method of publication of Financial interest of the Councillors
Buffalo City	The Annual Report of the municipality
City of Cape Town	The website of the municipality.
Nelson Mandela Bay	The Declaration of Interest form consists of two categories, of which only category B is made available for public scrutiny, in line with Council resolution. The financial interest of the Councillors' are published in Council agendas, public libraries throughout the Metropolitan area and hard copies are made available at Council meetings.
City of Johannesburg	Awaiting response from the municipality.
City of Tshwane	Same as above.
Ekurhuleni	Same as above.
eThekwini	Same as above
Mangaung	Same as above

07 April 2016 - NW145

Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether any municipalities have been furnished with notifications by (a) Eskom and/or (b) any water board to notify them that the supply of electricity or water as the case may could be cut off due to non-payment; if so, (i) which municipalities are affected, (ii) what amount is owed to the relevant utilities by each specified municipality as at 31 December 2015 and (iii) what detailed steps are being taken to avert the crisis? (2) whether he will consider provincial and/or national intervention in the defaulting municipalities in terms of section 139(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, for a failure to meet their financial obligations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) (a) Eskom has issued nine public notifications of partial disconnection of electricity supply by 31 December 2015. (b) There are no municipalities that have received notices from the Waterboards due to non-payment.

(ii)The following municipalities are affected have been issued with disconnection notices by Eskom. The detailed breakdown of debt owed by each is illustrated in the table below:

PROVINCE	MUNICIPALITY	TOTAL DEBT OWED R’000 (Million)
Eastern Cape	Gariep	R56.8
	Maletswai	R59.2
	Nxuba	R43
	Ikwezi	R13.9
Northern Cape	Kha-ima	R5.7
	Dikgatlong	R23.1
	Ubuntu	R16.8
	Thembelihle	R22.7
	Magareng	R17.5

(iii) Aligned to the approach taken by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, (COGTA) Public Enterprises (DPE) and SALGA, Eskom in conjunction with the national task team is visiting affected municipalities, as well as those that were disconnected in December 2015 and January 2016. The objective is to assess the challenges faced by the municipalities and provide Eskom with the opportunity to enter into sustainable payment arrangements.

(2) I have not yet considered an intervention in the defaulting municipalities, in terms of section 139(5) of the Constitution, the power to intervene in municipalities rests with the relevant provincial executives. It is only when a provincial executive cannot or does not adequately exercise the powers or perform the functions referred to in subsection (5) that the national executive is permitted to intervene in a municipality.

07 April 2016 - NW176

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether the (a) accounting officers and/ or (b) any of the oversight officers, such as local government committees, the executive mayors and municipal councils, have any responsibilities to ensure that the directors at any local government operate within their designated (i) operating and (ii) capital budgets; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; 2) Whether any incidences of unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure were reported in any local government in the Northern Cape in the last municipal financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why are incidences of irregular , fruitless and wasteful expenditure at local Government level, reported in the Auditor General’s opinion on the relevant authority’s annual financial statements, only addressed at this stage of the financial reporting process, and not during the financial year as soon as it is picked up and (b) why are incidences of these types of expenditure not recouped from the responsible directors and / or political office-bearers in line with section 32 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003?

Source
Link

Reply:

Yes, (a) accounting officers and oversight committees have responsibilities to ensure that the directors at any local government operate within their designated (i) operating and (ii) capital budgets in line with Chapter 8 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003. Further, section 79 of the Local Government Structures Act gives municipal councils the power to establish one or more committees necessary for the effective and efficient performance of any of its functions or the exercise of its powers.

After the municipal council approves the budget, the Budget and Treasury Office (BTO) ensures that each director within the municipality manages their own budget. On a weekly basis cash flow plans as well as expenditure plans are distributed amongst directors to avoid over expenditure on budget votes. Councillors also play an oversight role due to the fact that expenditure reports are tabled to the council on a quarterly basis.

2. Three (3) municipalities reported in line with Section 32 of Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act, expenditures to MEC: Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in Northern Cape in the last financial year. The municipalities which reported are Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality and ZF Mgcawu District Municipality.

(a) Municipalities do not report regularly to the Province on unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Such expenditure is reported to council and the necessary steps are taken to recover the losses. The actual amount of unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure can only be determined at the end of the municipal financial year. Municipalities also reports to the National Treasury on a monthly basis in line with Section 71 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.

(b) Municipal Councils have the responsibility to recover monies from the responsible directors and political office bearers. In addition, where political leaders and senior officials are found to have ignored their mandates or disregard legislation, the Code of Conduct for Political Leaders and the procedures provided for in the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000), as amended are invoked, respectively. Members of the Executive Council (MECs) have been sensitized on the matter and were urged to take the necessary steps to apply the said provisions, as and when required.

07 April 2016 - NW849

Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)On what date did sections (a) 51, (b) 52, (c) 53 and (d) 54 of the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, Act 10 of 2009 as amended come into operation; (2) was any exemption from compliance with any of the specified sections granted by the National Treasury to the Parliament of RSA; if not, has the National Treasury satisfied itself that the Parliament of RSA is compliant with each of the specified sections in the specified Act; if so, (a) on what date was the exemption granted and (b) what were the grounds for such exemptions?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) Sections 51, 52, 53 and 54 of the Financial Management Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2009 (Act No. 10 of 2009), as amended (herein called “the Act”), took effect on 19 April 2009. The Act was amended by the Financial Management of Parliament Amendment Act, 2014 (Act No. 34 of 2014), which took effect on 1 April 2015. The mentioned sections of the Act were not amended by Act No. 34 of 2014.

(2) The Act does not confer authority on the National Treasury to grant exemptions from compliance with any of its provisions to Parliament. The National Treasury is not seized with the administration of the Act and ensuring compliance with its provisions. Sections 51 to 53 of the Act impose obligations on the Accounting Officer of Parliament, i.e. the Secretary to Parliament, while section 54 of the Act imposes obligations on the Executing Authority of Parliament, i.e. the presiding officers of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, acting jointly, and also on Parliament. The oversight mechanism envisaged in section 4 of the Act is tasked with maintaining oversight of the financial management of Parliament.

07 April 2016 - NW66

Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)Did he hold any formal meetings with other delegates attending the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Summit held in Davos, Switzerland; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many meetings did he attend and (b) with whom were the specified meetings; (2) what value has accrued to the South African economy and South Africa in general as a result of (a) his and (b) his department’s attendance at the summit?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. Yes, Minister Gordhan attended formal WEF meetings. He also attended a number of bilateral meetings with his international counterparts, prominent economists and business people to discuss challenges facing the South African economy and steps being taken by government to build confidence.

(a) Minister Gordhan attended seven formal meetings. They were:

(b) (1) South Africa Briefing

A round table discussion with South African Investors, civil society and heads of corporate South Africa.

(2) South Africa Issue Briefing: South Africa’s Economic Outlook

Televised one-on-one session with Minister Gordhan on South Africa’s Economy moderated by Oliver Cann; attended by local and international media. The following is a link to the interview: http://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2016

(3) Press Conference: How can we finance the Sustainable Development Goals?

Other Speakers:

See: https://webcasts.weforum.org/widget/1/davos2016?p=1&pi=1&ms=1&th=2&s=w

(4) Productivity growth slowdown in the age of the fourth industrial revolution.

A round table discussion with the following experts:

Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Santiago
Douglas W. Elmendorf, Dean, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, USA
Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalization and Development, and Director, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Edmund S. Phelps, Director, The Center on Capitalism and Society, Columbia University, USA Nouriel Roubini, Professor of Economics and International Business, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University, USA
Xavier Sala-i-Martin, Professor of Economics, Columbia University, USA
Bruno Sánchez-Andrade Nuño, Data Scientist, Innovation Labs, World Bank, Washington DC
Arun Sundararajan, Professor of Business; Rosen Faculty Fellow, New York University, USA
Rodrigo Valdés Pulido, Minister of Finance of Chile

(5) Business Interaction Group on South Africa

A closed session in which Government briefed South African Business and International Investors on the South African economy; followed by a question and answer session. Government was represented by the President, and Ministers Gordhan, Davies, Patel, Motsoaledi and Radebe.

(6) Accelerating Access to Capital

Minister Gordhan was a discussion leader in the above mentioned session with the following experts:

Bambang Brodjonegoro, Minister of Finance of Indonesia
Thomas Finke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Babson Capital, USA
Adena Friedman, President, Global Corporate and Information Technology Solutions, NASDAQ, USA
Ben J. Kruger, Joint Executive Officer, Standard Bank Group, South Africa
Michael Drexler, Head of Investors Industries, Member of Management Committee, World Economic Forum
Alison Tarditi, Chief Investment Officer, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, Australia

(7) Africa’s Next Challenge

Minister Gordhan was a participant in this session.

Panelists were:

Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Hans Vestberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, President of the African Development Bank
Yemi Osinbajo, Vice-President of Nigeria
Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda

2. The World Economic Forum presents an opportunity for government to interact with government, business and civil society leaders from around the world. South Africa uses the Forum to advance its national interests in areas of Foreign Direct Investment, building investor confidence, cooperation with other national governments and best practices in policy development. For the Ministry and the department, building investor confidence and assuring the markets of our commitment to fiscal discipline and economic growth was a key objective in Davos in 2016.

Minister Gordhan’s presence at WEF Davos in 2016 was especially important after the change in leadership in the Ministry of Finance in December 2015. In numerous radio and television interviews, formal sessions, bilateral and other meetings, the Minister was asked to respond to questions on the future of the South African economy. The Minister’s discussions with business and investors centered on measures being taken by government to grow the South African economy; reasons why South Africa is a desirable investment destination and steps being taken to avoid a sovereign rating downgrade.

07 April 2016 - NW271

Groenewald, Mr HB to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)What is the sum total accrued in respect of arrears service fees that are owing by (a) individuals, (b) businesses and (c) state institutions to municipalities across the country for (i) electricity and (ii) any other services as at the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to the report compiled by the National Treasury in terms of section 71 of the MFMA, as at September 2015, the categories of debtors set out below have arrears on electricity and other services including sewerage, refuse removal and water. The debtor amounts reflected below are exclusive of interest.

(a) Individuals

Service	Arrears on service fees excluding interest (R ‘000)
Electricity	R3,772,823 billion
Any other services (excluding property rates)	R20,110,377 billion

(1) (b) Businesses

Service	Arrears on service fees excluding interest (R ‘000)
Electricity	R5,102,455 billion
Any other services (excluding property rates)	R2,983,647 billion

(1) (c) Sate Institutions

Service	Arrears service fees excluding interest (R ‘000)
Electricity	602,587 million
Any other services (excluding property rates)	989,179 million

2. My department, in consultation with other stakeholders, has taken various initiatives to curtail the non-payment of municipal arrear debt. These initiatives include auditing and verification of the outstanding government debt, the verification entails confirming whether invoices that are contested by government departments are correct. The team is also ensuring that municipalities have enforceable credit control policies and by-laws.

I will consider whether or not to make a statement in due course.