Questions and Replies
29 September 2023 - NW2965
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) measures has she put in place to expedite the uptake of the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme and (b) number of taxis have been processed from 1 April 2023 to date?
Reply:
(a)The Department is working on gazetting a ”cut-off” for old taxi vehicles (OTVs) registered on or before 04 September 2006. The cut-off” date is intended to act as a measure that will assist in getting the taxi owners to bring the vehicles to be scrapped.
(b)A total of 1284 old taxi vehicles (OTVs) have been scrapped from 01 April 2023 to date.
29 September 2023 - NW2604
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With reference to his recent comments that the newly acquired eVisa system, which is meant to facilitate easier entry for tourists, is being abused by nationals (details furnished), what measures will his department put in place to identify other persons who have abused this process and who may already have entered the Republic; (2) whether he intends scrapping the eVisas; if not, (3) what measures will he put in place to prevent the abuse of the eVisa system?
Reply:
- We have strengthened the verification process of bank statements and other supporting documents. We have had engagements with banks to secure nodal persons to assist in verifications. Weekly meeting are being held with the eVisa adjudicators to review their process and enforce the verification process and update their SOP. Cases that require in depth investigation will be referred to the mission for interview and verification of supporting documents. Missions are engaging the local banks to also inform them of the need to verify their bank statements.
- No, the system is working, it only requires enhancement for verification process.
- The system will be further enhanced to assist with detection of duplication use of sponsors and their contact numbers and duplication of accommodation information.
END
29 September 2023 - NW2896
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) What (i) total number of post offices have had to shut their doors since the day the Gauteng North High Court granted the rule nisi order in the SA Post Office provisional liquidation case on 2 June 2023 and (ii)(aa) are the names and (bb) is the location of each office and (b) where will the the SA Social Security Agency grant recipients who are affected by the closure of their post office collect their grants?
29 September 2023 - NW2935
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
What are the relevant details of the progress made by the SA Postbank to improve the security deficiencies as identified by the SA Reserve Bank?
29 September 2023 - NW2943
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) Whether there is a drive by her department to redistribute (a) abalone and (b) crayfish rights from commercial fishers to (i) small-scale and (ii) new entry small-scale fishers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2} whether, considering the cost and specialisation of operating in the marine environment, her department has plans in place to assist the affected commercial fishers to diversify their catch and/or move into other fishing industries to help them sustain their livelihood; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
29 September 2023 - NW2934
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital
Technologies: [% 552] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is in excess of quota (Rule 137(8))] Whether, in light of the circulating reports that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) journalists in Limpopo and other provinces film and edit news stories with their personal cellphones, the SABC media personnel have all the necessary equipment to execute their job; if not, what are the details of the shortages; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
29 September 2023 - NW2942
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) (a) What were the objectives of the Operation Trident of her department, (b) which departments and/or organisations took part in the specified operation and (c) how was it funded; (2) whether the operation achieved its objectives; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details’?
29 September 2023 - NW2666
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) What total number of employees of the SA Post Office (SAPO) have taken the Owner Driver Scheme offer and creation of Employee-Owned Companies in order to reduce the current workforce headcount in each province and (b) how has the specified project impacted service delivery of SAPO?
29 September 2023 - NW2600
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether his department has any plans to go paperless in the near future; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department intends to go paperless as it already has an approved digital transformation strategy which involves digitising its administrative business processes which are department wide as well as its core business processes. This journey towards a paperless organisation is intended to be implemented in a phased approach partnering with SITA and based on resource availability.
Thank You
29 September 2023 - NW2535
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
1. With reference to SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) Card Replacement Distribution Plan that has been prepared by a team from Postbank, that will serve as a framework upon which the roll-out of the SASSA card replacement programme will be undertaken throughout the Republic, (a) what are the details of the plan, (b) (i) on what date and (ii) how will the details of the specified plan be communicated to (aa) SASSA beneficiaries and (bb) the public in general, (c) what steps have been put in place to ensure that the Postbank does not run out of cards and (d) what steps will SASSA beneficiaries take to ascertain when they are due for an upgrade. 2. Whether he will make a statement on the matter?
29 September 2023 - NW2667
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) What is the budgeted amount needed to improve mail and parcel revenue which will need a fleet of 453 vehicles to be sourced, (b) what budget is available to the SA Post Office (SAPO) in each financial year to reduce the vehicle backlog requirements, (c) how will the sourcing of vehicles affect the finances of SAPO and (d) where will SAPO received the budget to fund the specified vehicles?
29 September 2023 - NW2815
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)Noting that at a recent presidential imbizo in Paarl, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural DevelopmentError! Bookmark not defined., Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha, claimed that farmers in the Western Cape are artificially inflating the prices of their farms once they learn that their farms have been targeted for land reform (details furnished), what (a) are the full, relevant details regarding the claims made by the Deputy Minister that farmers in the Western Cape artificially inflate the prices of their farms, (b) is the list of farms of which the prices were inflated and (c) are the relevant details regarding (i) the locations of the farms in the Western Cape and (ii)(aa) their market value according to her department and (bb) the total amount by which each farm was inflated; (2) whether she and/or her department has taken any steps to address the situation with the farmers; if not, what are the reasons that no steps were taken; if so, what steps were and/or will be taken? NW3230E
Reply:
1. (a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is not at liberty to disclose identifying information about owners who offered their assets to the Department. The Department can however illustrate through the list of farms below where the prices were inflated.
(b),(c)(i),(ii)(aa)-(bb) List of farms where the prices were inflated (names withheld).
Farm Name |
(c)(i) farm locations Western Cape |
Offer to Sell |
(c)(ii) (aa) their Market Value |
Final Offer |
Status |
(c)(bb) the total amount by which each farm was inflated |
Farm A |
Western Cape |
R30 000 000 |
R23 580 000 (land and improvements) |
R13 990 000 |
Final Offer Declined and after negotiations asking price of R27 million |
R3 420 000 (price inflation after final offer) |
Farm B |
Western Cape |
R18 604 651 |
R11 032 000 (land and improvements) |
R11 337 000 |
Final Offer Declined and after negotiations asking price of not less that R23 million |
R11 968 000 (price inflation after final offer) |
Farm C |
Western Cape |
R2 900 000 |
R3 126 000 (land and improvements) |
R2 282 660 |
Final Offer Declined and after negotiations, asking price of not less than R 3.2 million |
R17 340 (price inflation after final offer) |
Farm D |
Western Cape |
R65 000 000 |
R51 400 000 (land and improvements) |
R24 777 479 |
Offer accepted |
R0 (owner accepted reduced offer) |
Farm E |
Western Cape |
R10 607 300 |
R 7 016 620 (land and improvements) |
R6 300 000 |
Offer accepted |
R0 (owner accepted reduced offer) |
Farm F |
Western Cape |
R65 000 000 |
R67 975 000 (land and improvements) |
R66 452 500 [R50 877 500.00 (land + R15 575 000.00 (movables)] |
Final Offer Declined and after negotiations requested a new asking price which the department did not consider. |
Cannot be determined as the department withdrew from further negotiations. |
2. Yes. The Office of the Valuer General issues the conditional certificate to the property owner to which he/she makes representations within 30 days in terms of the Regulations under the Property Valuation Act No. 17 of 2014, considering the current use value of the property; historical value pertaining to acquisition benefits on the property; market value of the property; and lastly, the direct state investment and subsidies on the property. During this period the Office of the Valuer General in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development enters negotiations with the property owner to reach an agreement on offers made.
29 September 2023 - NW2964
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What steps of intervention has she taken to deal with the funding challenges faced by Thusong Centres so that the specified centres are more accessible to the public?
Reply:
In 2014 GTAC Unit within the National Treasury conducted a Feasibility Study on Situational Analysis & Options Assessment for Thusong Service Centres. The Study recommended that the primary responsibility for the funding of Thusong Centres should rest with Municipalities as it is envisaged that these Centres would be managed by Municipalities. The recommendation emphasised that the funding would come from various sources, for example, capital funding from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the Neighbourhood Development Grant.
The Minister for the Public Service and Administration does not have the direct responsibility with respect to the funding of the Thusong Service Centres. The Minister derives the authority in terms of Section 18 of the Public Administration Management Act, 2014, which provides for the development of a Framework for Service Centres. The Draft Framework is developed and currently it is being consulted with all key stakeholders, amongst others it will address matters such as the establishment, promotion, and maintenance of Service Centres.
Currently, the Thusong Service Centre Program is located, managed, and funded differently across Provinces. In three Provinces (Western Cape, KZN and Mpumalanga), the Program is located and funded by Provincial CoGTA through Municipalities under Municipal Infrastructural Grant (MIG). In the remaining six Provinces the Program is located under Offices of the Premier.
Due to lack of a Lead Department for the program, no specific funding is ringfenced to ensure functionality and sustainability of the Thusong Service Centre Program.
End
29 September 2023 - NW2941
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) Whether she is aware of the fact that of the 12 cheetahs exported from Namibia to India, only five survived and of the twelve cheetahs exported from the Republic to India, only seven survived, while one cheetah is apparently to remain permanently in captivity and the rejection of cubs is ongoing; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (2) whether, given the high mortality rate and the range of problems being experienced in India with the cheetah reintroductions, she will reconsider the reintroduction programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether her department has carried out a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the specified programme and its problems to date, given that since the reintroduction programme was announced, ongoing concerns and appeals have been raised by local and international conservation, animal welfare and camivore specialists and groups for her to reconsider the reintroduction programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether, given the extent and range of the issues, she will consider halting the export of cheetahs from the Republic to India, pending the outcome of the specified evaluation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
29 September 2023 - NW2738
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
(a) What total amount did (i) his department and (ii) each entity reporting to him pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (c) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the reports were printed (i) in each case and (il) in each specified financial year?
29 September 2023 - NW2847
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether he, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will reduce the number of SA Post Offices (SAPO) that are leased and/or operate offices of SAPO out of properties owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to reduce expenditure; if not, why not; if so, what (a) number of offices are operating from properties owned by the DPWI and (b) are the details in this regard?
29 September 2023 - NW2759
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
Department
Financial Year |
Service Provider |
Number of Copies Printed |
Amount |
*2020/21 |
None |
None |
None |
*2021/22 |
None |
None |
None |
2022/23 |
PHN Investment (Pty) Ltd |
Thirty (30) |
R129,999,00 |
*For these financial years, the Annual Reports were submitted electronically.
Name of Entity |
(aa), b, c (i)(ii) Financial year 2020-21 |
(bb) b, c (i)(ii) Financial year 2021-22 |
(cc), b, c (i)(ii) Financial year 2022-23 |
South African Civil Aviation Authority) (SACCA) |
(a) R396 247.08 (b) Supplier – Ideology Communications and Design (Pty) Ltd (c) (i)(ii) 400 Copies |
(a) R143 655.70 (b) Supplier – Shereno Printers CC (c)(i)(ii) 250 Copies |
(a)R155 148.16 (b) Supplier –Shereno Printers CC (c) (i) (ii) 250 Copies |
Air Transport Navigation Network Services (ATNS) |
The entity did not print the Annual Reports for the 2020/21 financial year. The pdf versions of the Annual Reports were submitted to the Executive Authority and the relevant authorities. In addition, the web versions reports were uploaded on the ATNS website. |
The entity did not print the Annual Reports for the 2021/22 financial year. The pdf versions of the Annual Reports were submitted to the Executive Authority and the relevant authorities. In addition, the web versions reports were uploaded on the ATNS website. |
The company anticipates printing twenty (20) copies for the 2022/23 financial year and the procurement process is underway. |
Airport of South Africa (ACSA) |
(a)R149 361 (b) Supplier – Trialogue with Pure Brown as printing subcontractor (c) Delivered 150 printed copies and 15 braille copies |
(a)R212 418 (b) Ince Communications Agency with House of print and Shereno (Braille copies) as subcontractors (c) Delivered 105 printed copies and 80 braille copies |
(a) final cost determination will be available in mid-September 2023
|
South African Maritime Safety Authority( SAMSA) |
(a) R68 400 (b)Head south media and Mass Projects and Construction (Pty) Ltd (c )120 Copies |
(a)R80 000 (b)Mitarae Projects & Trading (Pty) Ltd (c )100 Copies |
Final cost determination has not been concluded. |
Cross Boarder Transport Road Agency(CBRTA) |
(a)R116,863.00, for Design, layout and Printing (b)Gijana Trading and Projects cc (c)100 Copies |
(a)R23192.03 for printing only (b)Shereno Projects (c) 60 Copies |
The Annual Report for this year has not been finalised and therefore no cost has been determined. |
South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) |
(a)R461 367,37 (b)GBF Print (c)300 copies (for each volume) |
(a)R570 903,65 (b)Multiprint Litho (c )300 copies (for each volume) |
(a)+/- R600 000 (b)This amount is an estimate and will only be finalised once the AG has approved the final print file. ( c) 300 copies |
Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) |
R72,139-50 |
Triple Trend Printing |
200 |
R22,977-00 |
Production S |
80 |
|
R41,177-68 |
Production S |
140 |
|
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) |
R0-00 |
Reports published electronically by the entity |
R0-00 |
Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) |
Smartdog PR and Marketing Business Print (Pty) Ltd Shereno Printers cc |
R111 400.00 R84 065.00 R8 727.50 (Not yet paid) |
200 150 150 (Not yet delivered) |
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) |
Head south media |
5 |
R4 195,00 |
Head south media |
20 |
R9 400,00 |
|
Mass Projects and Construction (Pty) Ltd |
100 |
R59 000,00 |
|
Mitarae Projects & Trading (Pty) Ltd |
100 |
R85 000,00 |
|
Road Accident Fund (RAF) |
R292 922.25 |
Shereno Printers |
600 copies + 50 CD/DVD |
R372 186.00 |
Msomi Africa |
1000 copies + 1000 CD/DVD |
|
R321 324.95 |
Reamotle |
200 copies + 50 CD/DVD |
|
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) |
R221 982.33 |
Ndabase Printing Solution |
300 |
R263 407.50 |
Ndabase Printing Solution |
300 |
|
R163 990.00 |
Seriti Digital Printing |
300 |
|
Road Traffic Infringement Agency |
R492 000.00 |
Edricnet |
145 |
R477 000.00 |
Ndila Creative Print |
150 |
|
R490 995.00 |
Lineageco Digital |
150 |
29 September 2023 - NW2668
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
1. Whether the SA Post Office has identified the non-core properties that will be sold as part of its realignment project, if not, what is the position in this regards, if so, 2. Whether he will furnish Ms T Bodlani with a list of the properties that have already been identified; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 3. What is the expected revenue from the sale exercise?
28 September 2023 - NW2948
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he is informed on investigations in provincial departments; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the update on the investigation that was launched in June, involving two paramedics in Durban who were suspended for allegedly abandoning a sick patient in Umlazi when they refused to climb staircases to reach the patient (details furnished), (b) how will his department ensure that incidences of this nature do not occur at the expense of both worker and patient in cases of emergencies and (c) what total number of cases of this nature of neglect of patients by healthcare workers are currently being dealt with by his department; (2) whether he has found a close link between the specified cases and the shortage of healthcare workers in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4010E
Reply:
(1) All investigations emanating due to incidents that happen at provincial level are handled by the specific province. However, there are instances where the Ministry gets informed about some of them.
a) The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health indicates that the hearing for the two (2) emergency care personnel that were involved in this incident is scheduled to take place on 28 September 2023.
b) All cases, such as this one, follow departmental policy where incidents are investigated. If misconduct is evidently found, then the prescribed disciplinary procedures are followed, and sanctions may be instituted where warranted. In addition, all emergency personnel are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Professional Board for Emergency Care and are required to abide by the Ethical Code of Practice. Such incidents will also be subjected to the HPCSA processes for managing all formal complaints against practitioners.
c) All complaints are managed directly by health facilities within Provinces. As the National Department of Health, some of the complaints are sent through the office of the Director-General, sometimes through the office of the Minister. For the last financial year we received five (5) complains and two (2) in 2023 regarding Emergency Medical Services. All of the complaints are related to response times and not negligence. According to the information we received from provinces, there are no negligent misconduct cases reported in Emergency Medical Services except the KwaZulu-Natal province.
(2) The matter of the two (2) emergency care personnel leaving a patient is still under investigation. We will await the outcome of investigation. However, it must be noted that there is no excuse for any case of negligence whether related to staff shortage or any other service related challenges.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2951
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he is informed of the operational requirements of hospitals; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the full staff complement provided for in the organogram for the SS Gida Hospital in Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape, (b) what total number of the specified positions are occupied in each category of staff at the specified hospital and (c) by what date will the rest of the positions be filled?
Reply:
The Minister is aware of the requirements for hospitals to function optimally.
(a) In relation to SS Gida Hospital, a small district hospital with number of 122 usable beds, the staff establishment as per approved posts on the PERSAL system is 459. The Minister is also aware that the bed occupancy rate is at 42.5%, which necessitates a review of the staff complement appropriate to render the quality of care (does not require the full staff complement).
(b) Included in the table below, are 38 appointments effected between April and September 2023 of which 11 are clinical and 27 are non-clinical.
CATEGORY |
TOTAL FILLED |
Chief Executive Officer L11 |
1 |
Clinical Manager Grd 01 |
1 |
Middle Manager Admin L10 |
1 |
Assistant Manager Quality L9 |
1 |
Medical Practitioners Grd 01-3 |
6 |
Dentists Grd 01 |
1 |
Information Officer L7 |
1 |
Radiographer Grd 01 |
2 |
Clinical Associate L7 |
1 |
Dentists Grd 01 |
1 |
Dental Assistants Grd 01 |
3 |
Social Worker (Supervisor) Grd 01 |
1 |
Occupational Therapist Grd 01 |
1 |
Pharmacist Grd 01-3 |
1 |
Pharmacist Ass (post basic) |
1 |
Pharmacy Ass (Learner Basic) |
1 |
Physiotherapist comm serve |
1 |
Radiographer Grd 01 |
3 |
State Accountant L6 |
1 |
Accounting Clerk L5 |
1 |
Registry Clerk L4 |
1 |
Driver L3 |
2 |
Admin Officer L7 |
1 |
Admin Clerks L4 |
5 |
Admin Clerks L5 |
14 |
Mortuary Attendant L4 |
1 |
Porter L2 |
12 |
Client Information Clerk L5 (Switchboard) |
1 |
Cleaner L2 |
32 |
Laundry Supervisor L4 |
1 |
Laundry Worker L2 |
4 |
Food Service Supervisor L4 |
1 |
Food Service Aid L2 |
5 |
Artisan Foremen Grd 2 |
1 |
Deputy Manager Nursing |
1 |
Area Manager General In-patient Care Services |
1 |
Operational Manager Speciality |
1 |
OPD/Casualty Services |
|
Operational Manager Speciality |
1 |
Theatre/ CSSD |
|
Operational Manager Speciality Maternity (Antenatal, Post Natal, Labour Ward, Neonatal) |
1 |
Operational Manager Speciality |
1 |
Paediatrics |
|
Operational Manager General |
1 |
Female Medical |
|
Operational Manager General |
1 |
Male Medical |
|
Prof/Nurse Speciality OPD/Casualty |
1 |
Prof/Nurse Speciality Maternity: Antenatal |
1 |
Prof/Nurse Speciality Paediatrics |
2 |
Prof/Nurse General |
44 |
Staff Nurse |
15 |
Nursing Assistant |
23 |
(c) Interviews for 8 Professional Nurses General Grade 1 were conducted and are awaiting confirmation of appointment. Interviews for one Pharmacy post will be conducted on the 5th of October 2023. A further 12 non-clinical posts were approved for next advertisement. As a result, filling of the above posts, will ensure acceptable staffing to render quality care at the facility.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2958
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) are the details regarding the case of Oscar Banele, whose body was found missing from the KwaMhlanga State Mortuary in Mpumalanga, with claims that it was buried by the State with no grave number and (b) reprieve will be provided to the Banele family that is still searching for his remains?
Reply:
(a) The Mpumalanga Department of Health indicates that an enquiry was opened with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Middelburg on 07 October 2021. This was followed by an internal Department of Health investigation which is about to be concluded. In addition, a case of theft has been opened at Kwa Mhlanga Police Station, CAS number 357/08/2023.
(b) The department is constantly in consultation with the family on this matter. The family will receive an official report once the Department has received feedback from the South African Police Service (SAPS) & Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2975
Hlonyana, Ms NKF to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department is responsible for providing around-the-clock emergency services that are readily available in rural areas; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) measures has he put in place to ensure that emergency services are readily available in rural areas around the clock and (b) steps has his department taken to address shortages in emergency services that severely affect communities particularly in the rural areas?
Reply:
Yes, Emergency Medical Services is provided on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis in all 52 health districts by approximately 3000 ambulances operational from 483 EMS stations located strategically throughout South Africa, in both, rural and urban settings.
a) Ambulances are further strategically assigned within the districts into municipal areas based on community needs, that is, the population density, location of district health services, accessibility to public transport and related socioeconomic factors taking into consideration budget availability. These ambulances are dispatched from our Emergency Communication Centres within the respective districts when requested upon by the callers/patients via our toll-free emergency number - 112.
b) The following measures are in place to complement numbers of ambulances we have:
- In planning the EMS footprint, provinces consider rural settings, and the most marginalized citizens are taken into account.
- Our public EMS in all provinces have service level agreements with private EMS providers for urgent calls and interfacility transfers.
- Prioritized recruitment of EMS personnel for rural districts.
- Use of vehicles with 4 x 4 capabilities are sourced in rural areas for ease of access in the tough terrain of the province. It must be noted that road infrastructure in rural areas is poor and distances to be travelled between health facilities and communities is longer which results in longer response times to emergencies.
- Air ambulance service is used to access some of the hard-to-reach rural settings for life threatening cases.
- Implementation of Planned Patient Transport to reduce usage of ambulances for patients needing transportation only between health facilities.
- EMS plays an integral role in the District Health System, as is the case in any geographical area, therefore, works collaboratively with Primary Health Services and District Hospitals to ensure access and continuity of health care.
- Notwithstanding these measures, we acknowledge that there are service-related challenges, like ambulance shortages, high number of ambulance breakdowns exacerbated by long turnaround times by repair service providers, etc and are cognisant of the variance in service, especially on our rural communities.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2950
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Noting the alarming number of sexual crimes resulting in pregnancies of 10-year-old children being dealt with in hospitals and clinics, what (a) measures has he taken and/or directives has he issued to hospitals and clinics in protecting and/or highlighting sexual crimes that are manifesting as child pregnancies in KwaZulu-Natal and throughout the Republic and (b) role does he play in highlighting the dangers of child pregnancies emanating from sexual abuse being categorised as ordinary teen pregnancies that his department deal with at hospitals and clinics?
Reply:
(a) Measures taken and directives issued to hospitals and clinics in protecting and/or highlighting sexual crimes (child pregnancies) in KwaZulu-Natal and throughout the Republic and,
- Maternity Care Guidelines (2023) stipulate that:
-
- During the Ante Natal Care visit, every pregnant woman irrespective of age must be screened for possible intimate partner violence.
- Every pregnant woman must be screened for mental health problems and
- It is mandatory that health care providers report any cases of every pregnant woman below the age of 18 that point adverse incidents to social services for further management.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis guidelines (2017) stipulate that health care professionals must:
-
- follow algorithm of managing women exposed to sexual assault or rape cases which includes ensuring privacy and confidentiality, proper history taking, examination, counselling, medical management, and completion of J88.
- report (mandatory) through completion of specific form (Form 22 attached as annexure of the Children’s Act) in cases of children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
- Refer the affected person (10-14 year old) to the nearest Thuthuzela Centre (TTC) for management of sexual abuse in conjunction with forensic nurses, and other government agencies.
- Termination of pregnancy guidelines(2017) stipulates that:
-
- Every pregnant woman has the right to request termination of pregnancy irrespective of age of the woman.
(b) Role of the Department of Health in highlighting the dangers of child pregnancies emanating from sexual abuse being categorized as ordinary teen pregnancies
- Conducts quarterly capacity building workshop for Health Care Workers on mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect including the completion of a specific form (Form 22, as an annexure to Children’s Act No.38 of 2005) through the support of Department of Social Development who are the custodians of the Children’s Act No.38 of 2005. Over 800 Health Care Workers (HCW) are reached in one session, and four (4) sessions are held in a year since 2020 at the national level.
- Awareness campaigns are held for the children in schools and clinics on the scourge including availability of comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in the health care facilities. The department make use of the Online platforms such as B-Wise. Safe space for adolescents in health care facilities (Youth Zones) have been created to strengthen awareness about the dangers of teenage pregnancies. Awareness campaigns are augmented by provision of SRH services during outreach to avoid missed opportunity to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW3016
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
What (a) total number of patients were treated for mental healthrelated illness in (i) psychiatric hospitals, (ii) emergency departments and (iii) outpatient departments in (aa) 2019, (bb) 2020, (cc) 2021, (dd) 2022 and (ee) 2023 and (b) is the breakdown of the total in terms of (i) provincial and (ii) regional hospitals?
Reply:
The information provided below was accessed the National Health Information System (DHIS)
Psychiatric hospitals |
Provincial hospital |
Regional hospital |
|
Total number of patients treated for mental health related illness in psychiatric hospitals (outpatients departments) |
Total number of patients treated for mental health related illness in emergency and outpatients’ departments (ambulatory services) |
Total number of patients treated for mental health related illness in emergency and outpatients’ departments (ambulatory services) |
|
2019 |
209396 |
47860 |
152340 |
2020 |
110982 |
57467 |
140785 |
2021 |
75284 |
57763 |
152147 |
2022 |
81568 |
67271 |
167223 |
2023 (January-July) |
45486 |
46207 |
99627 |
NB:
- Specialised psychiatric hospitals do not have emergency departments
- The statistics for emergency and outpatients departments in provincial and regional hospitals are not separated in the DHIS.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2925
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, in light of the increasing frequency of fires on agricultural grasslands across the Republic, partly as a consequence of global warming, her department has undertaken any studies to assess the economic and environmental impact of the fires, specifically in relation to global warming; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has not undertaken studies to assess the economic and environmental impact of the fires, specifically in relation to global warming. This is an area we will consider looking into in future.
The Department is aware that various country studies have been undertaken on the impact of climate change and linkage of global warming with the increase of wildfires. The Department has commissioned research studies that include vulnerability assessments on the impacts of climate change in collaboration with academic and research institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), University of the North and University of Venda. The Department will be undertaking studies to assess the economic and environmental impact of the fires at a later stage.
Based on the outputs and recommendations from research findings and in support of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998, the Department is prioritising preventative measures to reduce the risks of fires on agricultural grassland across South Africa. Current measures include implementing departmental programmes on disaster risk reduction, which includes awareness, capacity building as well as training for farmers. The Department has also collaborated with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) as the custodian of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act to assist with strategies to reduce fire risks and hazards.
28 September 2023 - NW2678
Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with regard to the release of the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2022-23 financial year, and given the dramatic increases in various violent crimes, not only from the previous quarter, but year-on-year as well, any consequence management and/or disciplinary investigations are taking place against any senior SA Police Service (a) national leadership and (6) provincial leadership, given the continuous unabated increase in crime; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
28 September 2023 - NW2870
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1) With reference to the delay in the closure of Eskom coal power stations in relation to the conditions of the climate change pledges for the Just Energy Transition (JET) made by the rich nations to the Republic, with coal being discontinued at Komati Coal Power Station and replaced with Renewable Energy, what are the reasons for the rush to demolish the stack and the cooling towers that will be needed should there be a need to complement renewables which only give 270 MW on a 1000 MW Assets with either gas to power or small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the near future and (b) total number of Eskom Coal Power Stations are also due to be replaced with Renewable Energy; (2) (a)(i) which power stations are to be replaced with Renewable Energy and (ii) on what date and (c) what number of the specified power stations has he been able to motivate for their delayed closure; (3) what is the reason that the Climate Change Pledge money flows into the JET only on condition that Eskom closes its coal power stations, whereas some rich nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan are reviving their old coal power stations that were closed some years ago and are taking coal from the Republic via the Richards Bay Coal Terminal?
Reply:
(1)(a)
Cabinet has resolved that the current generation fleet must be maximised based on a broader socio-economic benefit analysis and interest of securing energy security. In terms of the NERSA license conditions, Komati Power Station cannot be decommissioned until the shutdown has been approved by NERSA, although Komati Power Station units has been shut down cannot be decommissioned until the NERSA and the PFMA approvals are received.
Work is continuing to investigate the cost benefit of the extension of life and or the repurposing of the existing fleet. If it is feasible to continue to use the flue stacks, cooling towers or any other infrastructure for other new technologies that might feasibly be constructed at the Komati site, the repurposing and repowering will take that into account
(1)(b)
Currently, Eskom does not intend to shut down any more stations and replace them with renewables. Eskom does however intend to install renewable capacity at current sites while they are still operational.
(2)(a)(i)
Currently, only Komati Power Station has been shut down for repurposing and repowering. The intention is to construct solar PV, wind and battery storage. In addition, other repurposing options are being considered.
(2)(a)(ii)
Komati was shut down at the end of October 2022. (c) No other units have been shut down since the shutdown of Komati. Eskom is currently studying the feasibility of continuing to operate the older stations.
(3)
The conditionality is imposed by the funders
Coal will continue to be a feature of South Africa’s energy mix, which will include, gas, nuclear and renewable technologies. I.e. solar PV and wind. Our National Socio-economic and Energy security requirements will dictate our investment choices and the funding thereof.
Notwithstanding the conditions attached to climate change funding, South Africa has not formally entered into any agreements. It is up to the lender to decide whether it is in its overall interest to comply with the conditions to access the concessionary aspects or to attempt to raise loans on commercial terms.
28 September 2023 - NW3014
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) involvement did a certain person (name furnished) have in the Oracle tender in Ekurhuleni and (b) was the outcome of the tender; (2) what (a) links did the specified person have with the Gupta linked Mediosa contract and (b) was the outcome of the specified tender?
Reply:
(1) The Department of Health can confirm that the Oracle tender in Ekurhuleni, does not relate to processes undertaken by the Department hence we are unable to clarify the involvement of the specified person and the outcome of that tender process.
(2) (a) The Gupta-linked Mediosa contract has been thoroughly investigated by the Klerksdorp Serious Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU) and the person implicated is currently on trial before the Mahikeng High Court. The SCCU investigation did not implicate Dr Masike.
(b) The contract that North West Department of Health entered into with Mediosa was terminated in February 2018.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2949
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he is informed on matters related to provincial departments with regard to staff charged with serious misconduct; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the update on the ongoing case against a certain person (details furnished) and the person’s involvement with charges of fraud and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, and (b) how does his department intend on ensuring lasting systems to prevent such brazen acts of corruption?
Reply:
Yes the National Department of Health is informed by all provinces on many issues, including matters related to misconduct.
(a) According to the KZN Department of Health, the case against Sibongile Zungu, the former Head of Kwazulu-Natal is being handled by the law enforcement agencies and they have not been updated on the matter.
(b) In response to the prevalence of fraud, corruption and mismanagement of financial resources, the Department has sought a number of remedies to curb these anomalies by reviewing its policies, embarking on proper management of records and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Department has developed and adopted a Fraud Prevention Plan, Fraud Prevention Strategy and a Whistleblowing Policy which is widely circulated within the Department.
The Department continues to conduct Fraud and Anti-Corruption Awareness to all employees.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2770
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) What total amount did (i) his department and (ii) each entity reporting to him pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports for the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report was printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
a) (i) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has not printed annual reports since 2019. DWS submits electronic copies of annual reports to Parliament since 2020 to date.
(ii) Some entities of the DWS including Amatola Water, Lepelle Northern Water, Water Research Commission, Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority and Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency; have also not printed annual reports since 2019. The details of entities that have printed annual reports, cost of the printing and suppliers are indicated in the table below.
a(ii) |
(aa) 2020-21 |
(bb) 2021-22 |
(cc) 2022-23 |
(b) |
(c) (i) |
(ii) |
Magalies Water |
R252 782.19 |
R264 530.02 |
N/A |
Black Moon Design and Advertising |
100 |
100 |
Overberg Water |
R144 104.53 |
R148 659.49 |
N/A |
PE & R Business |
200 |
200 |
Rand Water |
R 521 132.57 |
R 582 251.90 |
N/A |
2020/21- Blue Apple Publishing |
200 |
200 |
2021/22 – Interactive Web Works CC |
||||||
uMngeni Water |
R19 079 |
R56 590 |
N/A |
2020/21- Intwenhle Media Services (PTY LTD) |
130 |
200 |
2021/22 Afro Spice |
||||||
Mhlathuze Water |
R 92 589.38 |
R 55 173.00 |
N/A |
2020/21- AfroSpice Branding |
250 |
120 |
2021/22- Computer Artworks Zippy Press |
||||||
Bloem Water |
R150 535.00 |
R186 288.50 |
N/A |
Molebatsi Graphics |
200 |
200 |
Breede Olifants CMA |
R40 252,33 |
R84 043,08 |
R61 575,00 |
2020/21- Apple Graphics |
250 |
250 |
2021/22 - Personalised Promotions |
||||||
2022/23 - Cinnabar Graphic Design |
(22/23) 170 |
---00O00---
28 September 2023 - NW3143
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
With reference to the constant shifting of deadlines to return generating units at the Kusile Power Station to operation, by what date will (a) unit 5 be synchronised to the grid and (b) all units be returned to operation?
Reply:
a) Synchronisation of Kusile Unit 5:
- Kusile Unit 5 is forecast for first synchronisation in November 2023.
b) Return to operation of all other Kusile units:
- Kusile Unit 4 has been in commercial operation since 31 May 2022, the unit was taken out on a 30 day planned outage and was scheduled to return to service on the 17 September 2023, the unit was returned as planned on 17 September 2023.
- Kusile Units 1 to 3 are forecast to return to operation between October and November 2023
- Kusile Unit 6 is forecast for first synchronisation in August 2024.
Name |
Date of return |
1. Kusile 1 |
30 Oct -11 Dec |
2. Kusile 2 |
30 Nov-24 Dec |
3. Kusile 3 |
14 Oct-26 Nov |
4. Kusile 5 |
28 Oct-30 Dec |
28 September 2023 - NW2974
Hlonyana, Ms NKF to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department is responsible for ensuring that provincial departments devise programmes regarding prevention and education on cancer awareness; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, (a) what programmes have been devised by the KwaZulu-Natal Health department regarding prevention and education on cancer awareness in the specified province and (b) how does the staff reach the most remote areas of the province?
Reply:
The Department has developed the National Policy Framework and Strategy on the Prevention and Control of Cancer. This policy informs implementation of services, starting with prevention and awareness through to management and treatment and concluding with palliative care.
The Department is also administering Human Papilloma (HPV) vaccine to grade 5 girls aged 9 years and older for cancer prevention, since 2014. Other education measures include utilization of different media platforms in collaboration with provinces and non-governmental organisations and patient advocacy groups. These organisations work together with Provinces in conducting screening activities as well as providing education on cancer awareness.
(a) According to KwaZulu-Natal Health Department, specific programmes targeting cancer prevention and education in KwaZulu Natal include PhilaMa Campaign, UuMdlavuza Pap Smear Drive, and Large Loop Excision of the Tranformation Zone (LLETZ) Drive.
Public Awareness on cancer is done through health education sessions, MEC Community Outreach events such as Isibhedlela kubantu; Weekly MEC Live Lunch Time Chat in selected Radio Stations, Health Community Engagements and Community Radio Stations health slots to address various health topics.
The following prevention and education activities are ongoing:-
- Staff capacity building and training
- Facility based health awareness and Health Education,
- Provision of posters and pamphlets,
- Partnership with Cancer Association,
- Cancer screening during outreach programmes
(b) The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department indicated that they reach the most remote areas through:
- Services in health facilities in rural areas
- Cancer screening that is conducted during outreach programmes,
- Use of mobile vehicles of the Department and of partners
- MEC Community Outreach events such as Isibhedlela kubantu; Weekly MEC Live Lunch Time Chat in selected Radio Stations and Health Community Outreach Engagements.
END.
28 September 2023 - NW2629
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the distressing claims of the Bethesda Hospital in Umkhanyakude being without a consistent water supply since 2018, coupled with reports of essential healthcare personnel struggling to perform their duties due to inadequate availability of water, what steps of intervention and/or assistance has he taken to address the long-standing issue of water shortage at the specified health facility?
Reply:
The Bethesda Hospital is connected to very old water supply infrastructure with serious limitations in terms of capacity and efficiency which cannot meet the current demands. The adverse effects of load shedding by Eskom have worsened the situation mainly because the purification plant at Mkuze was on a different schedule to the three booster pump stations (through the game reserve), resulting in the power being available at the booster pump stations whilst the Water Treatment Works is off. However, Eskom has since corrected this, and all systems are now on the same loadshedding schedule.
The Umkhanyakude District Municipality (UKDM) has prepared a detailed business plan to complete the upgrade of the Mkuze Water Treatment Works (from 4.5 ML/d to 9 ML/d) which is critical to resolve the current situation at Bethesda Hospital. The municipality has applied for R82 million from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for this upgrade. The Department of Water and Sanitation, through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) is funding the Hlabisa/Mandlakazi Bulk Water project to provide raw water from the Jozini Dam to the Zululand District Municipality. Provision for a tap off point (chamber) for the Mkuze WTW is being made under this project.
The DWS has also intervened through the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board in terms of Section 63 of the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997). Through this intervention, funding of R403 million has been allocated to deal with water issues under UKDM. The UKDM continues to monitor supply of potable water to Bethesda Hospital and further supplement with water tankering as and when required.
---00O00---
28 September 2023 - NW2931
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What mechanisms has her department implemented to ensure that the funding from the Agro-Energy Fund that has been launched recently (a) reaches its intended beneficiaries and (b) is not susceptible to corruption?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Bank as the appointed Fund manager. The focus of the Agro-Energy Fund is on energy intensive agricultural activities. These include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems and on-farm cold chain related activities. The MOU therefore details amongst others, a clear set of criteria with regards to who will benefit from the fund, the industries / commodities enterprises, the exclusions to the fund, the qualifying criteria, and other factors. This detail seeks to ensure that no anomalies are entertained and thus ensure that the most relevant enterprises apply for support.
b) Clause 18 of the MOU entered between DALRRD and Land Bank, depicts activities under Audit and Inspections, that could be carried out by DALRRD to ensure adherence to the conditions agreed to in the management of the fund. For example, the MoU provides for DALRRD, through its internal or external auditors, to undertake an audit of the Land Bank financial records relating to the Fund; the appropriation of funds, and relevant statistics and information relating to the Fund. Thus, it is envisaged that the application of all these agreed to principles will be adhered to and address potential misuse of the funds.
28 September 2023 - NW2689
Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether Rand Water has (a) reduced the amount of water, (b) reduced the water pressure and (c) throttled the City of Ekurhuleni at any time in the period 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) on what dates, (ii) which areas in the City of Ekurhuleni were affected, (iii) what was the length of time in each case and (iv) what was the reason in each case?
Reply:
Rand Water has not reduced any water supply to City of Ekurhuleni during the period 1 January 2023 – 30 June 2023. There has not been reduction in pressure, nor throttling during the same period. In instances where Rand Water observes that its customers’ consumption is increasing to a level where demand will outstrip supply, Rand Water formally engages with the relevant municipality and requests them to reduce consumption. This reduction of municipal consumption can be effected through municipalities implementing water restrictions within their supply networks, or joint water meter restrictions between the municipality and Rand Water.
---00O00---
28 September 2023 - NW3015
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What (a) total number of healthcare workers have reported being victims of violence by mental healthcare users at public psychiatric facilities (i) in each of the past four years and (ii) since 1 January 2023, (b) are the relevant details of each incident, (c) are the details of the facilities where the incidents occurred in each case and (d) are the details of safety protocols and procedures are in place to protect healthcare workers at psychiatric facilities; (2) whether each province has different safety protocols and procedures; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department has mechanisms in place to monitor the implementation of safety protocols and procedures in each province; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with a copy of the occupational health and safety policy for public healthcare facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The information on the tables below was obtained from provinces. Western Cape Province data includes all violent incidents by patients towards staff and not just mental health care users.
(a)(i); (b)(i); (c)(i)
(a)(i) |
(b)(i) |
(c)(i) |
||||
Province |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
||
Eastern Cape |
11 |
4 |
3 |
7 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled (kicked, punched, bitten, slapped, pulled) by mental health care users |
Elizabeth Donkin and Fort England Specialised Psychiatric Hospitals |
Free State |
1 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
Four (4) staff members reported being physically assaulted or manhandled by mental health care users. One (1) got injured whilst separating mental health care users that were fighting and the other five(5) got accidentally injured whilst giving an injection or handling an aggressive user. |
Free State Psychiatric Complex, Phumelela hospital, Thebe and National hospitals |
KZN |
5 |
3 |
11 |
10 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled (kicked, punched, bitten, slapped, pushed, hit with an object) by mental health care users |
Madadeni, Town Hill, Ekuhlengeni, Umzimkhulu specialised psychiatric hospitals as well as at King Dinuzulu Complex |
Mpumalanga |
2 |
7 |
33 |
12 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled by mental health care users |
Mental health units/wards at Witbank, Rob Ferreira, KwaMhlanga, Mmametlhake, Embhuleni, Barberton Shongwe and Piet Retief Hospitals |
North West |
2 |
6 |
14 |
5 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled (stabbed with a pair of scissors, clapped, punched, attempted strangling, scratched, kicked, hit with objects by mental health care users |
Witrand, Potchefstroom, Job Shimankana Tabane, Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex, and Moses Kotane Hospitals |
Western Cape |
No data |
16 |
20 |
74 |
Staff physical assaults by patients. (Data include all incidents and not limited to incidents of mental health care users in psychiatric hospitals) |
Psychiatric facilities and general facilities |
(a)(ii); (b)(ii); (c)(ii)
(a)(ii) |
(b)(ii) |
(c)(ii) |
|
Province |
Since 1 January 2023 |
||
Eastern Cape |
6 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled (shoved, beaten) by mental health care users |
Elizabeth Donkin and Fort England Specialised Psychiatric Hospitals |
Free State |
8 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled (pushed, punched) by mental health care users |
National and Thebe Hospitals |
KZN |
27 |
Twenty-two staff members were physically assaulted or manhandled (pushed, punched, kicked, clapped) by mental health care users. Two were held hostage whilst three fell and got injured whilst handling aggressive mental health care users |
Madadeni, Town Hill, Fort Napier, Ekuhlengeni specialised psychiatric hospitals as well as at King Dinuzulu Complex |
Mpumalanga |
6 |
Staff physically assaulted by mental health care users |
Witbank Hospital and Mammetlhake Hospital |
North West |
10 |
Staff physically assaulted or manhandled (hit with an object, head-butted, clapped, punched) by mental health care users |
Job Shimankana, Moses Kotane, Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex |
Western Cape |
123 |
Staff physical assaults by patients. (Data include all incidents and not limited to incidents of mental health care users in psychiatric hospitals) |
Psychiatric facilities and general facilities |
We still await information from Gauteng, Limpopo and Northern Cape Provinces.
(d) Section 16 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No 85 of 1993) requires the Chief Executive Officer to have safety protocols and procedures in place. Information received from provinces indicates that various mechanisms and procedures are implemented to protect healthcare workers at psychiatric facilities and these include:
- Appointment of Hospital CEOs and District Managers according to Section 16(2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)
- Health and Safety Representatives and Committees are nominated and trained
- Conducting continuous risk assessments of mental health care users
- Searching of staff, patients and visitors for any dangerous weapons and illegal substances
- In-service training of staff on management of aggressive mental health care users
- Standard operating procedures for restraints and seclusion of mental health care users
2. The provinces and health facilities in terms of Section 16 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993 designates that the ‘Chief Executive Officer’ - (Head of Department of the provincial department of Health or the Head of the health facility) - should have safety protocols and procedures in place.
3. While this is a function which is managed by health facility management in every health facility and supervised by provincial health departments, the NDoH, liaises with provincial occupational health units to provide support where required.
4. Please find attached, the occupational health and safety policy for the NDoH. NDoH is awaiting the health facility copies from the provinces.
END.
27 September 2023 - NW2694
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a)(i) What laws govern the keeping of vicious breeds of dogs and (ii) who enforces the laws and (b) whose responsibility is it to ensure the public is safe from the vicious breeds of dogs; (2) whose responsibility is it to ensure that the animals are kept in adequate housing so as not to cause the humans and animals harm; (3) whether the state veterinarians are involved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) what steps are being taken by her department to (i) address the indiscriminate and backyard breeding of vicious breeds of dogs and (ii) regulate ownership of the vicious breeds of dogs and (b) who polices the regulations?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) The Animal Matters Amendment Act, 1993 (Act 42 of 1993).
(ii) Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
(b) Municipalities are responsible for public safety.
2. It is the responsibility of each municipality.
3. No. State veterinarians are responsible for the control of diseases; the control of vicious dogs falls outside their mandate.
4. (a) (i) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development together with some municipalities (e.g. City of Tshwane) and other relevant role players are organising dog safety and wellness campaigns to teach the public about safe dog keeping, management, controlled breeding and wellness. This information will also be made available online and through publications to empower members of the public.
(ii) Municipalities.
(b) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
27 September 2023 - NW2832
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What has her department estimate the financial losses sustained by farmers because of the destruction of farmland by fires (a) in the (i) 2020-21, (ii) 2021-22 and (iii) 2022-23 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023; (2) what is the breakdown of the losses in each province; (3) what are the relevant details of the methodology her department employed in calculating the specified estimates?
Reply:
1. (a)(i)-(iii), (b) Please refer to the table below.
FINANCIAL LOSSES |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
(b) 1 April 2023 |
TOTAL |
R636 576 200 |
R4 958 106 550 |
R3 611 996 300 |
R2 985 080 050 |
(2) Below is the financial breakdown of losses per province.
PROVINCE |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
2023 |
Eastern Cape |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
R3 563 000 |
Free State |
R43 420 000 |
R10 500 000 |
R10 000 000 |
R6 750 000 |
Gauteng |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
R3 050 000 |
KwaZulu Natal |
Did not submit / quantify financial losses. |
|||
North West |
Nil |
R4 798 963 000 |
R3 142 444 500 |
R2 391 363 000 |
Mpumalanga |
R578 000 000 |
R111 000 000 |
R403 000 000 |
R561 000 000 |
Limpopo |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
R13 640 700 |
Northern Cape |
R5 156 200 |
R37 643 550 |
R56 551 800 |
R5 713 350 |
Western Cape |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
TOTAL |
R626 576 200 |
R4 958 106 550 |
R3 611 996 300 |
R2 985 080 050 |
(3) The provinces used different methods to estimate the losses.
27 September 2023 - NW2735
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
(1)With reference to his recent African Peace Mission to provide mediation in the war between Russia and Ukraine, what (a) was the full cost to South African taxpayers of the entire South African contingent, including the 120-person security detail, the media component, the delegation itself and the chartered SA Airways plane that transported the security detail and media component and (b) is the detailed breakdown of all costs; (2) what are the full details of the (a) list of names for the entire South African contingent and (b) justification for each individual’s inclusion; (3) whether he stands by the statement made by his head of protection services that their denial of entry into Poland was due to racism and sabotage on the part of the Polish authorities; if not, what is The Presidency’s official explanation for the South African contingency being denied entry to Poland; (4) whether Ivor Ichikowitz and Jean-Yves Ollivier had any role in the African Peace Mission; if not, what are the reasons that they were present at the 5 June meeting of African leaders ahead of the Peace Mission; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused great devastation in lost human life, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of people. It has also disrupted the supply of grain to world markets and thus precipitated food insecurity particularly in Africa.
Recognising the dangers arising from the instability caused by the conflict, together with other African Heads of State, we committed ourselves to working with both parties involved in the conflict and other key role players to finding a path to peace.
The following countries formed part of the African Leaders Peace Initiative to Ukraine and Russia on 16-18 June 2023: Comoros (as African Union Chair), Congo-Brazzaville, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
I travelled to Ukraine and Russia with a delegation of 17 people, including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), DIRCO staff, security and medical support personnel. The members of the delegation provided logistics and substantive support to me. From my office, I was accompanied by my Personal Assistant, Special Adviser, Spokesperson, Digital Media Manager and a Presidential Aide. An advance group of two Media Liaison Officers and two Protocol Officers departed a few days earlier for preparatory duty in the respective countries. DIRCO can provide further details of personnel that travelled to support the peace mission.
My delegation travelled on a South African Air Force aircraft to Poland. We had to travel from Poland to Kyiv due to the closure of Ukraine’s airspace. I paid a courtesy visit to the President of Poland in transit to Ukraine. We had an opportunity to discuss the relations between Poland and South Africa and explored ways in which we could deepen the relations between the two countries. We then travelled from Poland to Kyiv and back by train. The costs of travel to Ukraine from Poland by train were provided on a complementary basis by the Ukrainian government. We proceeded from Poland to Russia by air and spent one evening in St Petersburg following an afternoon and evening of talks with President Putin. The full costs to the Presidency of my delegation will be reconciled and reported in the Presidency Annual Report.
As part of the effort to ensure that the South African public was kept informed of the developments around the peace mission, several media houses were invited to travel to Ukraine and Russia. I am advised that due to the financial constraints experienced by several media houses, an arrangement was made for them to travel on the aircraft chartered for security personnel. While their travel was partly facilitated by my office, their travel costs were not borne by the Presidency. I am informed that the travelling members of the media were to cover their own accommodation and other incidental costs.
The details about security personnel and costs of the charter can be obtained from the South African Police Service and South African National Defence Force.
The government of Poland provided through the appropriate diplomatic channels the reasons for the decision to deny entry to an aircraft that transported security personnel and members of the media. The Polish government went further to release those reasons to the media and they are a matter of public record.
The peace mission was facilitated by the Brazzaville Foundation led by Mr Jean-Yves Ollivier. The Brazzaville Foundation team attended the preparatory meeting that took place on 5 June 2023.
27 September 2023 - NW2989
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What (a) total number of farms have been liquidated in each province in the past three years and (b) are the details of the liquidators that have been used in each case. (2) whether the liquidated farms are distributed to upcoming farmers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether the specified upcoming farmers receive government funding to support them; if not, why not; if so, what total amount is normally allocated to assist upcoming farmers. (4) whether this funding is channelled via Land Bank; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4053E
Reply:
(1)(a),(b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development cannot respond to the question as this matter does not fall within the scope of its defined mandate and key functions.
(2),(3),(4) Falls away.
27 September 2023 - NW2762
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
(a)(i),(ii)(aa),(bb),(cc),(b),(c),(i),(ii) Please refer to Annexure A.
ANNEXURE A TO NA-QUES 2762 OF 2023
Details of Annual Reports |
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development |
|
|||||||||
Ingonyama Trust Board |
Commission on Restitution of Land Rights |
CPA |
SAVC |
PPECB |
OBP |
NAMC |
ARC |
OVG |
|||
(a) Total amount |
(aa) 2020-21 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
R158 281.40 |
R458 684 |
R24 250.53 |
R338 549.65 |
R29 600 |
R32 400 |
R74 766.33 |
R17 800.00 |
(bb) 2021-22 |
R145 560.00 |
R0.00 |
R177 289.75 |
R574 000.00 |
R14 209.26 |
R280 025.00 |
R17 390 |
R23 749.80 |
R52 377.62 |
R25 367.00 |
|
(cc) 2022-23 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
R289 945.00 |
R575 800.00 |
R14 209.26 |
R297 056.50 |
R21 735 |
R27 000.00 |
R383 448.74 |
R44 984.00 |
|
(b) Supplier |
(aa) 2020-21 |
Falls away |
Falls away |
Janine Smith |
Seriti Institute |
Minuteman Press, Centurion |
Brandesign (Pty) Ltd |
Idea |
Mathisisa Trading and Projects |
Uvo Communication Design and Print |
Maks-Millan General Trading |
(bb) 2021-22 |
SonwabaM Projects (PTY) LTD |
Falls away |
Janine Smith |
Seriti Institute |
Robain Solutions, Pretoria |
Openform Studios CC |
Creative Laundry |
Lebone Litho Printers |
Uvo Communication Design and Print |
Maks-Millan General Trading |
|
(cc) 2022-23 |
Falls away |
Falls away |
Fine Art Printer |
MAPS Media Agency |
Robain Solutions, Pretoria |
Openform Studios CC |
Creative Laundry |
Just in Graphix Communications |
Anzomode |
KGS Trading Enterprise |
|
(c) (i),(ii) Total copies |
(aa) 2020-21 |
0 |
0 |
150 |
400 |
130 |
500 |
200 |
160 |
250 |
120 |
(bb) 2021-22 |
200 |
0 |
200 |
400 |
80 |
500 |
30 |
150 |
180 |
50 |
|
(cc) 2022-23 |
0 |
0 |
300 |
300 |
80 |
250 |
30 |
150 |
180 |
50 |
27 September 2023 - NW2990
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What is the rate of (a) success and (b) failure of farmers who are beneficiaries of liquidated farms; (2) whether the Land Bank repossesses farms that are not successful; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether the Land Bank hands the farms back to the Government; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total number of such farms have been handed back to the Government and (b) are the relevant details of the list of all the farms; (4) what has she found to be the impact of the liquidation of farms on food production and/or security in the Republic?
Reply:
(1)(a),(b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development cannot respond to the question as this matter does not fall within the scope of its defined mandate and key functions.
(2),(3)(a),(b),(4) Falls away.
26 September 2023 - NW3037
Boshoff, Dr WJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
As at the latest date for which information is available, what (a)(i) is the total number of singlemedium Afrikaans schools in the Republic and (ii) was the total number of such schools 10 years ago and (b) is the capacity for admission of learners in such schools?
Reply:
(a)(i)(ii)
Table 1 below indicates that there were 1 429 Afrikaans single medium schools in 2013; and 1 004 in 2022.
Table 1: Number of Afrikaans single medium schools, by province, in 2013 and in 2022
Province |
2013 |
2022 |
EC |
193 |
111 |
FS |
75 |
41 |
GT |
168 |
115 |
KZ |
12 |
3 |
LP |
22 |
26 |
MP |
28 |
24 |
NC |
231 |
155 |
NW |
52 |
58 |
WC |
648 |
471 |
SA |
1 429 |
1 004 |
Source: 2013 Annual School Survey and 2022 LURITS
(b) Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) are the ones that manage admission of learners and they always ensure that every learner is placed at a school.
26 September 2023 - NW2905
Sukers, Ms ME to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What regulations, policies and frameworks are currently under development by her department, (b) what is the current status of the specified policy instruments, (c) how long have the policy instruments been under development, (d) what are the next milestones in their development and (e) by which dates are they likely to be completed?
Reply:
a) The following Policies are currently under Development:
- The General Education Certificate: A Qualification at Level 1 on the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework of the National Qualifications Framework (The GEC)
- The National Senior Certificate: A Qualification at Level 1 on the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework of the National Qualifications Framework (The NSC).
b) The General Education Certificate (GEC) is currently being finalised by the GEC Working Group and is still to be resubmitted to Umalusi for further processing. The policy is still to be subjects to the SEIAS process.
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) was submitted to SAQA for registration. Umalusi is currently considering feedback from SAQA regarding Articulation and Recognition of Prior Learning. The policy was submitted to Umalusi for quality assurance, and provisionally approved.
c) General Education Certificate was published for public comments on 4 June 2021, Government Gazette 44674 and the policy for The National Senior Certificate was first submitted to Umalusi for appraisal in February 2020.
d) The General Education Certificate will be subjected to SEISAS process before recommended for promulgation while The National Senior Certificate will be published for comments in a Government Gazette.
e) The targeted date for finalization of The General Education Certificate is December 2023 while for The National Senior Certificate is December 2024.
26 September 2023 - NW2878
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What progress has been made with the investigation of a certain case (details furnished) that was opened in Cape Town on charges relating to the Riotous Assemblies Act, Act 17 of 1956, in connection with the utterances of a certain person (name furnished); (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
26 September 2023 - NW2856
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) total number of (i) magistrates, (ii) judges and (iii) other court officials that work and reside in KwaZulu-Natal are currently under official police protection and (b) is the total cost of the protection to the taxpayer?
Reply:
Find reply here
26 September 2023 - NW2939
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What was the (a) total cost and (b) legal opinion of the private attorney on the constitutionality of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill that he requested; {2) what are the reasons that he submited the specified amendment Bill to Cabinet, in spite of the legal opinion of the chief state attorney that the amendment Bill was unconstitutional and could not be certified; (3) whether Cabinet was informed of the unconstitutionality of the amendment Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
26 September 2023 - NW3027
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Since the beginning of the 2023 academic year, what is the total number of learners of South African origin (a) with verified ID numbers are on the Learner Unit Record Information and Tracking System (LURITS), (b) without ID numbers were submitted on LURITS, (c) were admitted, subject to the condition that they will be excluded should they not produce the required identity documents and (d) were excluded for not producing the requisite documents?
Reply:
(a) There were 9 502 091 learners of South African origin with verified ID numbers on the Learner Unit Record Information and Tracking System (LURITS) in 2022;
(b) and 796 829 learners (excluding WC) without ID numbers were submitted on LURITS in 2022,
Please note that DBE is still in the process of verifying 2023 data with the Department of Home Affairs.
(c) and (d). The Department of Basic Education does not put any condition to admit learners in schools, therefore, all learners are admitted with or without ID.
26 September 2023 - NW2961
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department appointed a company to renovate the Bantuvuka Primary School in Lamontville in 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the (a) relevant details of the company that was appointed to renovate the school in 2018 and (b) time frames that have been put in place for the completion of the renovations which are still incomplete to date?
Reply:
The question falls under the Executive Authority of the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Kwa Zulu Natal. The Member is kindly requested to refer the question to the MEC for Kwa Zulu Natal as per section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 134 (5)(b) of the NA rules.
26 September 2023 - NW2904
Sukers, Ms ME to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, noting that her Circular S14 of 2020 instructs provincial education departments to establish Joint Liaison Committees (JLCs) with home schoolers and that it has been over two years since the specified circular was issued, the JLCs have been established; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (a) what total number of provinces have established JLCs and (b) how regularly have such JLCs met in each province since the circular was issued?
Reply:
a) Six
b) Eastern Cape: None; Free State: None; Gauteng: Two meetings (one in 2022 and 2023); Mpumalanga: Two meetings (one in 2022 and 2023); North West: One in 2022; and Western Cape: Two meetings (2021) and Three meetings (2023)