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22 June 2023 - NW1957

Profile picture: Mohlala, Ms MR

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What steps has he taken to address the water supply crisis in Gauteng, where Rand Water is unable to meet the province’s consumers’ demands, with a variance of 9% between the current water demand and supply and a significant amount of supply being lost within municipal systems due to non-revenue water and physical losses such as leaks and burst pipes?

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation has held numerous engagements with Rand Water and the municipalities within Gauteng, wherein municipalities were requested to present their plans to mitigate against the water supply challenges in the province and to implement turn-around strategies.

The DWS has advised Rand Water and municipalities to develop projections of future demand and implement infrastructure development programmes to cater for growing demand. The following will be prioritised by all municipalities in Gauteng to mitigate water supply challenges:

  • Reduction of water losses by addressing illegal connections in formal settlement areas where water theft is occurring
  • Regularisation of authorized unbilled consumptions in areas such as informal settlements
  • Reduction and control of unplanned human settlements in various municipal areas.
  • Implementation of Water Conservation and Demand Management (WCDM) measures to reduce demand.
  • Construction of additional spare storage capacity through construction of additional reservoirs.

The DWS has undertaken the implementation and acceleration of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project II to augment water supply to the Gauteng Province through the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). The target date for completion of this project and associated infrastructure is December 2027

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22 June 2023 - NW1618

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

What actions has he taken in response to the reports that over 30 families in the Cato Crest informal settlement in Durban are forced to share just one pit toilet?

Reply:

The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has reported that it is providing communities the in Cato Crest informal areas with different types of sanitation services. In the informal settlement areas, the municipality is providing communities with Community Ablution Blocks (communal ablution facilities providing full waterborne sanitation) as well as portable chemical toilets in areas where CABs cannot be constructed due to there being no water borne wastewater infrastructure or when the relocation of families to formal housing structures is imminent.

Further to this, the eThekwini Metro has reported that the municipality is not aware of the 30 families that are sharing one pit toilet in the Cato Crest informal area. However, should the municipality be assisted to identify the families mentioned in the question, they can be assisted through the municipality’s existing programmes for sanitation services for informal settlements areas in the form of chemical toilets as a short-term intervention and Community Ablution Blocks as a medium-term solution that can be completed within a period of six months.

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22 June 2023 - NW2020

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

Considering that at the Subtrop Transformation Summit held in Tzaneen on 26 May 2022, she pointed out that the Government was ready to deal with the contentious issue of national communal land tenure and in taking steps towards the regularisation of communal land rights, what (a) percentage and (b) hectarage of communal land is currently not surveyed in (i) the Republic and (ii) each province?

Reply:

The available data is of communal land comprising traditional council areas, as derived from proclamations defining the areas of jurisdiction of traditional councils. Such traditional council areas are situated on the underlying surveyed farms and farm portions. Traditional council areas have not been surveyed for purposes of regularisation of communal land rights.

(a) (i) 96 percent of communal land is currently not surveyed in South Africa.

(b) (i) 13 420 197.89 hectares of communal land is currently not surveyed in South Africa.

(a)(ii),(b)(ii) Please refer to the table below.

Provinces

(a)(ii) Percentage

(b)(ii) Hectarage

Eastern Cape

90.1

3 533 227.74

Free State

97.1

137 955.91

Gauteng

93.2

7 466.36

KwaZulu Natal

99.5

3 353 136.65

Limpopo

98.8

2 839 458.40

Mpumalanga

97.3

655 812.14

North West

99.7

1 983 864.31

Northern Cape

99.9

909 276.38

Western Cape

0

0

22 June 2023 - NW1823

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

What are the relevant details of the (a) Onderstepoort Biological Products’ purchase price of vaccines from Botswana for each unit and (b) price that the specified units are being sold to the South African government?

Reply:

a) Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) purchases Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine from Botswana at an average price of 1,201.73(Pula) per unit which is an average of R1563.42 in South African rands, excluding freight costs (@2,9% = R45,33), import duties (@29% = R453.33), inventory and handling costs (@3,69% = R60,44), onsite costs (@4,6% = R72,54) and transport and logistics (@32% = R501.20). The inbound-landed cost per unit, therefore, is approximately R2696,26. The unit price is volume dependent on and influenced by currency fluctuation. Price changes per order depending on these two variables.

b) OBP sells the FMD vaccine to SA Government at R3 022,21

All these depend on the total of the vaccine. OBP has not increased FMD vaccine price in the past two years.

22 June 2023 - NW1962

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Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(1) What is the current status and severity of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak; (2) what are the statistics of the ASF outbreak; (3) whether there are currently any safety protocols in place to control the ASF outbreak; if not, what are the implications of the the absence of safety protocols; if so, (a) what are the safety protocols and (b) how are they monitored; (4) whether there are currently any apparent wide-ranging efforts to hide and/or underreport the outbreak of ASF; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what plans are in place to deal with the outbreak

Reply:

1. African Swine Fever (ASF) historically only occurred in the northern parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West, due to infected ticks carried by warthog that came into contact with domestic pigs. The epidemiology of the disease has changed in the past few years. Outbreaks started to occur in domestic pigs without proof of direct contact with warthog and the disease spread to areas where it was never detected previously. ASF has now been detected in domestic pigs in all provinces.

2. The total number of outbreaks is 110.

  • Eastern Cape –25
  • Free State–17
  • Gauteng–13
  • Mpumalanga–12
  • North West –6
  • Western Cape –35
  • KwaZulu-Natal – 2

3. Yes.

(a) All properties where ASF is detected are placed under quarantine, with movement control and biosecurity measures put in place. ASF is a controlled and notifiable disease and pig owners are required by law to report any suspicion of ASF.

All suspicions of ASF (including all reported significant increases in pig mortalities) will be investigated by the local state veterinarian and appropriate samples taken for confirmation. While the results of tests are awaited, pre-emptive quarantine will be placed on affected holdings and the focus of this quarantine placement will be to prohibit movement off the farm.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, quarantine will be confirmed. In addition to placing the affected property under quarantine, the risks for the area must be considered by the local state veterinarian, as well as forward and backward tracing to determine properties possibly at risk and possible sources of infection.

Surveillance activities must be implemented at high-risk properties, by means of clinical inspection and sample collection in the event of any sick or dead pigs. For the prevention of further outbreaks and the spread of ASF, the selling of live pigs at auctions in affected areas may be suspended if deemed necessary to prevent the mixing and distribution of infected pigs.

Movement controls (where movements require certification) and movement restrictions (where movements are not allowed) may be implemented in specified areas, as determined to be required.

Awareness campaigns on biosecurity (safe buying, safekeeping, and safe feeding) and other disease risks will be undertaken jointly with other roleplayers. Awareness is always done in affected areas to advise pig owners on the minimum biosecurity standards that will prevent ASF introduction into their farms.

The various control protocols and specified guidelines assist with infection control and prevention. Recording, analyses and reporting of clinical trials and sample collections assist to determine and monitor the effectiveness of the control protocols.This may be followed by self-audit and protocol adjustment.

(b) Monitoring of all disease control measures is done by the provinces.

4. The Department, together with the South African Pork Producers Organization, constantly issues media statements advising pig owners on biosecurity measures to empower owners to prevent the introduction of the disease onto their properties. Since ASF causes high mortalities in pigs, the disease generally does not go unnoticed. It is not expected or perceived that there are deliberate attempts to underreport ASF, once the disease is diagnosed. However, some farmers have the attitude of selling or slaughtering animals quickly, if they perceive that there might be an infectious disease in their herds. This undesirable behaviour is not limited to pigs and ASF, but applies to all livestock and different diseases.

22 June 2023 - NW1478

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

Whether her department has launched a preliminary investigation into the allegation of financial mismanagement of R31 million by the ITB Holding company; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

No. The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development has not launched any investigation into the ITB Holding company since the holding company is not part of the Ingonyama Trust Board as per the KwaZulu Ingonyama Trust Amendment Act, No. 9 of 1997. However, the Ingonyama Trust Board, in its response to the matter raised at the Portfolio Committee briefing on 2 May, has committed to look into the alleged misappropriation and take appropriate action.

22 June 2023 - NW2166

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Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

With reference to a recent speech she delivered at the Ninth Pan-African Congress Launching Ceremony in Lomé, Togo, wherein she mentioned the need for promoting foreign direct investment on our own terms, what are the full, relevant details of the terms in question and their potential benefits for the Republic?

Reply:

The reference to increased Foreign Direct Investment into Africa on terms defined by Africans….”, addressed the notion of “Conditionalities to Aid”, underlining the imperative for Africa to focus on the continental challenges of poverty, low skills levels and weak industrial capacity “on its own terms and not through the terms defined by someone else. In this context, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is considered as one of the key tools to address these continental challenges.

The remarks further contextualised the fundamental principle of “African Unity” and most importantly underlined the need for the 9th Pan-African Congress to take a “thematic approach” to guide its outcomes, including the following:

  • Promoting Foreign Direct Investment on Africa’s own terms;
  • Increased market access for African products and strong implementation of the AfCFTA;
  • Enhanced and qualitative change in agriculture and food security for Africa;
  • Decisive Transfer of technology and of innovation that Africans must play a role in;
  • Affirm Africa’s need for Investment in infrastructure, including health infrastructure, in order to address the shortcomings that became evident during the pandemic period;
  • Courageous in ensuring that Africa builds and strengthen democratic institutions; and
  • Africa and its Diaspora should not neglect the development of its people through quality education, capacity-building and the right skills to pursue, human resource development, research and innovation.

22 June 2023 - NW2027

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Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Whether, in light of the increasing demand for both potable and grey water, he will consider reintroducing the project that was shelved in 2021 which would have seen grey and potable water being produced from the acid mine drainage that is currently posing a threat to many buildings and homes in the eastern, central and western basins on the Witwatersrand; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

There have been numerous projects over the last few years to investigate the feasibility of utilising Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) as a possible source of potable and/or grey water to add to the current water available to the Gauteng Province.

The objective, and one of the recommendations from the report: “Feasibility Study for a Long-Term Solution to Address the Acid Mine Drainage Associated with The East, Central and West Rand Underground Mining Basins, 2013" completed by Trans-Caledon Tunnel Agency, was to utilise the partially treated AMD from the three basins to potable standard to supplement the Vaal System.

Various technologies as well as alternative uses for AMD have been scrutinised and a report detailing the outcome and recommendations on how the Long-Term Solution should be implemented has been reviewed and will be released in the current financial year. Some of the options being considered include

  1. Treating AMD effluent to potable standard and irrigation with mine water (treated and untreated).
  2. Irrigation of crops using gold mine impacted waters as a Long-Term sustainable solution for mine water from the Witwatersrand Basins. In terms of this, a pilot project is being implemented under the guidance of the Water Research Commission and run by the University of Pretoria, is currently underway in the East Rand (Springs) and the results thereof will be released in due course.

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21 June 2023 - NW1791

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Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

In respect of the project to build a new correctional centre in Parys in the Free State, what (a) was the value of the original award and (b) total amount has been paid to the original service provider?

Reply:

(a) The value of the original award was two hundred and eighty two million, seven hundred and thirty six thousand and nine hundred, forty nine rand and twenty four cents (R282, 736,949.24).

(b) The total amount paid to the original service provider is one hundred and thirty two million, nine hundred and seventy one thousand rand three rand and thirty nine cents (R132, 971,003.39)

END

21 June 2023 - NW1719

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Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

In view of her department’s recent statement regarding the conflict in Sudan that the Republic has noted with concern and strongly condemns the fighting that has erupted in Sudan, whilst her department merely stated that it deeply regrets that the war in Ukraine continues to destroy innocent lives, what are the full relevant details of the criteria that her department employs to determine that a conflict situation should be strongly condemned, as opposed to merely expressing deep regret?

Reply:

The Department’s statement on the conflict in Sudan is in line with the statements issued by the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and the international community as a whole. Similarly, South Africa’s statement on the war in Ukraine has been consistent with the statements by a number of countries, including international organisations. South Africa has consistently called for the peaceful resolution to the wars in Sudan and Ukraine, which have a devastating impact and negative humanitarian effects to the most vulnerable. South Africa supports the AU, UN and peace initiatives by a number of countries to bring about peace in these countries.

21 June 2023 - NW2054

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

In view of Thabo Bester’s last appearance in court, on the virtual platform on 16 May 2023 where he appeared in civilian clothing that by all media accounts is exorbitantly expensive, what are the reasons that the convicted prisoner was allowed to appear in civilian clothing as he is a notorious convicted criminal and no amount of designer outfits can screen who he is from any court?

Reply:

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which governs internal and external security prescribes security measures for court appearances by a sentenced offender on further charges.

The SOP outlines that a sentenced offender appearing in court on further charges must be dressed in their own private clothing which is clean and neat. In the event an inmate does not have suitable private clothes they are to be provided with release clothes.

END.

21 June 2023 - NW1732

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1)Considering that it took a lot of public outcry for the Government to cancel its contract with G4S even though the infamous Thabo Bester escape was not the first reported incident of this nature in the Mangaung Correctional Services Centre, what number of escapes by prisoners will it take before a contract between his department and a service provider is cancelled; (2) whether a well-orchestrated escape such as the escape of Thabo Bester can be regarded as enough grounds for the immediate termination of a contract; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The Department of Correctional Services has not entered into any contracts with the mentioned service provider, however the mentioned company is a sub-contractor of the Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) Ltd (BCC) which operates the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Correctional Centre under sections 103 – 112 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, as amended (CSA)

2. It should be noted that a presentation was made to the Justice and Correctional Services Portfolio committee on 18 March 2022 indicating that the contract entered into with BCC would come to an end on 30 June 2026. Subsequent to the security incident, on 20 April 2023, a termination notice for a period of 90 days was issued to BCC, and thereafter, the contract will cease to operate.

END

21 June 2023 - NW2078

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1)Whether, with regard to overcrowding in prisons which he claims was due to Government’s inability to build enough facilities to match the conviction rate in the Republic, and seeing that the levels of crime seem to be increasing with each day, there are any measures that the Government is employing to address the problem; if not, why not; if so, what are the current measures being employed; (2) whether the Government intends to have more private companies running more prison facilities; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) continue to implement the approved 2021 Overcrowding Reduction Strategy that focuses on direct and indirect measures within correctional facilities. Continuous engagements are also held at all levels within the Criminal Justice Cluster with an aim to improve current strategies and to find new implementable solutions for crime prevention and overcrowding. The implementation of Justice Cluster Strategies reflected in the approved Overcrowding Reduction Strategy is crucial in the management of overcrowding.

Direct Measures, are those that may result in the reduction of the inmates whilst the indirect measures are for facilitating the reduction through cooperation with relevant stakeholders including the analysis which provides the contextual understanding of overcrowding.

Direct Measures are as follows:

• Placement of lifers on Parole;

• Placement of offenders serving determinate sentences on Parole;

• Transfer of offenders between correctional centres

• Special Remission of sentences

Indirect measures to address overcrowding are as follows:

• Reclassification of offenders at prescribed interval for ensuring that security declassification takes place;

• Referral to court by DCS for conversion of a sentence of imprisonment to correctional supervision;

• School campaigns/ outreach programmes;

• Crime Awareness Campaigns;

• Imbizo;

• Restorative Justice approaches (Victim Offender Dialogue/Victim Offender Mediation)

In addition, the Department has established Governance Structures entrusted with the responsibility of providing an oversight function and creating platforms where overcrowding and the management thereof is discussed. Some of the functions of the Overcrowding Task Team is to monitor the implementation of the transfer plans and distribution of offenders within the region.

All Protocols in terms of the management of Remand Detainees are implemented such as the following:

  • Referral to court for bail review (s63A and s63(1))
  • Referral for consideration of period spent in detention (S49G).
  • Referral to court of terminally ill or severely incapacitated remand detainees (s49E)

2. The DCS has no intention to have private companies running correction facilities other than the two existing contracts.

END

21 June 2023 - NW2007

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Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration

What consequence management steps has he taken against supervisors who gave their favourite subordinates inappropriately high rates for the Performance Management and Development System?

Reply:

The department does not have a record of any favouritism reported in the awarding of performance scores.

  1. In terms of the department’s Performance Management and Development System for employees on salary levels 2 to 12, the following steps are followed in the Assessment Process:
  • 1.1 Self-Assessment;
  • 1.2 Supervisory Assessment;
  • 1.3 If there is consensus between the supervisor and employee on the rating, the rating becomes a Provisional Assessment Rating (PAR). All employees’ PARs are submitted to the Chief Directorate Assessment Panel for assessment, informed by evidence/motivation, where assessment/moderating is conducted. If there is disagreement that cannot be resolved between the employee and the supervisor on the scores given, the employee and supervisor must each note their reasons on a form. The higher level supervisor may be engaged on the matter, if unsuccessful, this must be submitted to a mutually agreed mediator for mediation. If mediation does not result in a resolution within five days, the written noted are later submitted together with a form to the Chief Directorate Assessment Panel.
  • 1.4   The process of assessment moderation:
    1. Departmental Moderation Committee (DMC), is chaired by the Director-General and comprises of Branch Heads (Deputy Director-Generals) in the department. The DMC ensures that the annual performance assessment is done in a realistic, consistent and fair manner. The DMC further monitors the performance assessment process by obtaining an overall sense of whether norms and standards are being applied consistently and realistically to employees on the same level and validate the assessment overall across the branch for purposes of evaluating ratings, and develop an overall view of the results of the process.
    2. Branch Validating Committee (BVC), chaired by a Deputy Director-General of a Branch and comprises of Chief Directors within the Branch. The BVC reviews validates quality assured Annual Performance Assessments based on evidence of the Annual Performance Plan, Annual Operational Plan, Performance Agreements and Workplans to recommend revision or approval. The BVC also verifies consistency and fairness in application of ratings across Chief Directorates and validate appropriate scoring/rating.
    3. Chief Directorate Assessment Panel (CDAP), headed by the relevant Chief Director, and further consisting of the Directors in the environment moderates the ratings of all employees in the relevant Chief Directorate, plays a critical role in assessing/moderating the provisional assessment rating of employees. Each supervisor on salary level 9 and above presents the rating scores allocated to employees in that unit to the CDAP and shall substantiate such scores, especially in cases of below average performance, or in cases where a performance bonus may be granted. If the CDAP does not accept the final rating agreed to between the employee and the supervisor, the supervisor must report back to the employee on the outcome of the CDAP recommendations. The CDAP may request the supervisor to rescore with the employee and revert to another sitting of the CDAP. If there is no change to the original final score that was sent back to the employee and supervisor, the CDAP makes a recommendation. The final recommendation of the CDAP is sent to the Branch Validating Committee to be noted as such by the BVC for final recommendation.
  • 1.5 Decision Making: only after a Performance Assessment of an employee on salary level 2 to 12 has been subjected to assessment moderation by the CDAP, BVC and DMC, the outcome of the assessment is processed to the Director-General for approval.

2. Chapter 4 of the SMS Handbook, regulates the Performance Assessment for SMS members (L.13 to 15), the following steps are followed in the Assessment Process:

  • 2.1 Self-Assessment;
  • 2.2 Supervisory Assessment;
  • 2.3 If there is consensus between the supervisor and employee on the rating, the rating becomes an Agreed Rating. All employees’ PARs are submitted to the Departmental Moderation Committee (DMC), informed by evidence/motivation, where assessment/moderating is conducted. If there is disagreement that cannot be resolved between the employee and the supervisor on the scores given, it must be escalated to the mutually agreed Mediator (refer to the Mediator on the Performance Agreement of the employee). If the mediation process fails, the employee and the supervisor shall indicate in writing the nature of the disagreement. They shall sign the performance assessment and forward it to the DMC.
  • 2.4 The process of assessment moderation:
    1. The DMC may change the assessment scores of SMS members and the department’s annual report and Auditor General’s Opinion and Findings are used to corroborate and allocate appropriate scores..
    2. The DMC, established by the Executive Authority, shall moderate the performance assessment results. The DMC moderates the performance assessment results against the departmental programme performance and during this process, consider the individual SMS member’s contributions towards the achievements of the organisational objectives.
  • 2.5 Decision Making:
    1. The DMC makes recommendations to the Executive Authority on the level of performance of SMS members and the results are implemented after approval by the Executive Authority or his/her delegate
    2. Only after a Performance Assessment of an employee on salary level 2 to 12 has been subjected to assessment moderation by the DMC, the outcome of the assessment is processed to the Director-General for approval.
  • 2.6 In view of the extended moderation processes regulated for Performance Management and Development systems on and below SMS level, it does not leave room for a supervisor to be subjective to the extent of awarding a favourite surbordinate inappropriately high rates during Performance Assessments.

End

21 June 2023 - NW2293

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Seabi, Mr M A to ask the Minister of Police

What are the relevant details of the relationship that his department has with sister department such as the Department of Human Settlements, Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs and Local government for the purpose of crime prevention in view of the increasing population and growing informal settlement giving rise to ever increasing challenges for policing such as poor spatial planning and environmental design that can be attributed to the spike in crime in the Republic?

Reply:

Find here: Reply

21 June 2023 - NW2118

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De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

Whether her department has undertaken any impact assessment to determine to what extent the Department of Employment and Labour’s proposed sectoral determinations in terms of the Employment Equity Amendment Act, Act 4 of 2022, will impact on the competitiveness and viability of small businesses, especially in cases where small businesses may be compelled to prioritise the racial composition of their workforce over crucial skills and experience; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) impact assessment and (b) findings thereof to date?”

Reply:

I have been advised:

(a)&(b) That the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has considered the potential impact of the sectoral determinations that may be made by the Minister of Employment and Labour. The understanding is that the determinations will be made in consultation with the relevant sectors and emphasis is placed on the determinations being focused on the employment of suitably qualified candidates. The consultation process will enable the sectors to contribute to the determinations and raise any issues that may affect the sectors adversely. Thus, the determinations will not be a unilateral decision by the Minister, but a decision based on a well consulted process. Moreover, designated employers will be provided an opportunity to submit representations to the Director-General and the Labour Court should they not be able to meet the set numerical goals and targets before any fine is imposed, as set out in the Regulations.

It is DSBD’s considered view that the conceptualisation of the sectoral determinations is not based on unreasonably changing the racial composition of workforces but ensuring the equitable representation of different races. It is not envisaged that small businesses will be negatively affected by the regulations, as any issues that may have an adverse impact on their competitiveness and viability will be considered, fairly.

It should also be noted that Small Businesses that employ less than 50 employees will be excluded from submitting annual EE reports to the Department of Employment and Labour. Therefore, Small Businesses are not affected by the sector EE targets.

21 June 2023 - NW1668

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Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

In respect of the project to build a new correctional centre in Parys in the Free State, what is the (a) percentage of the completion of the specified project and (b) total cost estimate to ensure completion of the project?

Reply:

a) The percentage of completion of the new correctional centre in Parys, Free State is 55%.

b) The estimated cost to completion of the project is ninety six million, four hundred and fifty four thousand, five hundred and forty eight rand and twenty three cents (R96, 454, 548.23) inclusive of Professional Fees at 18%. The mentioned amount excludes Construction Price Adjustment Provision (CPAP), Development Bank Southern Africa (DBSA) Management Fees, Contingency and Value Added Tax (VAT).

END.

21 June 2023 - NW1790

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Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Which measures has he taken to tackle overcrowding in the KwaZulu-Natal correctional services facilities?

Reply:

For the financial year 2022/23 the inmate population in KZN Region increased from
22 024 to 24 256, reflecting an increase of 2 232 inmates.

The daily unlock as at 15 May 2023 was 24 180 against an approved bedspace of 17 778.

Approved Bedspace

Inmate population

Occupancy Level

Overcrowding level

 

Remand Detainees and other unsentenced

Sentenced

Grant total

   

17 778

6 874

17 222

24 096

135.54%

35.54%

The distribution of the correctional centres according to security classification/category:

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION/CATEGORIES

TOTAL

Maximum

05

Medium

30

Remand Detention Facilities

03

Medium - Female

01

Medium - Youth

02

Medium - Juvenile

0

Maximum - Juvenile

0

Medium - Pre-Release

01

TOTAL

42

 

It should be noted that the main contributing factor to overcrowding is the type of serious crimes committed which result to long sentences and bail denial by the courts.

In an effort to manage overcrowding, the Department continues to implement the approved Overcrowding Reduction Strategy that elaborates on direct and indirect measures to manage overcrowding within correctional facilities.

Direct measures are those that may result in the reduction of the inmates such as:

  • Placement on Parole (Lifers; Determinate sentences);
  • Special Remission of sentences;
  • Transfers between correctional centres.

Indirect measures are for facilitating reduction through implementation of activities that can contribute to the reduction of the DCS population namely:

  • Reclassification of offenders at prescribed interval for ensuring that security declassification takes place;
  • Referral to court by DCS for conversion of a sentence of imprisonment to correctional supervision;
  • Restorative Justice approaches (VOD/VOM)
  • Crime Awareness Campaigns such as-
    • School campaigns/ outreach programmes
    • Izimbizo

The Department has established Governance structures where overcrowding and the management thereof is discussed. The National Overcrowding Task Team (NOTT) monitors the implementation of the Regional Transfer Plans whereas the Regional Overcrowding Task Team (ROTT) monitors even distribution of offenders within the region.

All Protocols in terms of the management of Remand Detainees are implemented at all Remand Detainee and Mixed facilities. The protocols referred to relate to the following;

  • Referral to court for bail review (s63A and s63(1))
  • Referral for consideration of period spent in detention (S49G).
  • Referral to court of terminally ill or severely incapacitated remand detainees (s49E)

END.

21 June 2023 - NW1945

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Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What is the (a) current total number of persons who are in jail currently awaiting trial because they cannot afford bail and (b)(i) smallest, (ii) largest and (iii) average amount of bail that the inmates did not pay and/or cannot afford?

Reply:

a) It should be noted that no information is available that explicitly confirms that the remand detainees granted bail are still in detention due to inability to pay bail.

As at 31 March 2023 the total population of remand detainees was Fifty-five thousand seven hundred and forty-five (55 745).

(b)(i) A total of 854 were granted bail of one thousand rand (R1000.00) and less.

(b)(ii) A total of 598 were granted bail of above one thousand-rand (R1000.00) up to four million rand (R4 000 000.00).

(b)(iii) The table below depicts the various bail amount categories:

Bail Amount

EC

FSNC

GP

KZN

LMN

WC

Grand Total

Less Than R1000

189

61

251

117

22

214

854

>R1000 to R5000

21

5

268

95

19

114

522

>R5000 to R10 000

2

0

45

7

1

4

59

>R10 000 to R50 000

0

0

9

1

0

5

15

>R50 000 to R100 000

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

4million

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

GRAND TOTAL

212

66

575

220

42

337

1452

END

21 June 2023 - NW1615

Profile picture: Yako, Ms Y

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

(a) What contingency human resource plans does the Department of Correctional Services have in place to mitigate harassment of officials by other officials and (b) how expediently are such cases handled?

Reply:

a) Department has established a committee dealing with harassment incidents generally. During awareness campaigns and at morning parades when addressing the Code of Conduct, officials are sensitised about harassment.

For 2022/23, Quarter 04, the Department trained 240 officials to capacitate them to investigate, initiate and chair cases of harassment. During the Women’s month, Children’s month and the month of people living with disability, young women are targeted for training and awareness on harassment in the workplace.

The reported incidents of harassment are investigated and the outcome of the investigation will determine the disciplinary action to be taken against alleged transgressors. The victims are referred to Employee Assistance Practitioners for emotional and psychological support.

b) Each case is handled according to its own merits. The nature and complexity including availability of all relevant parties determines the expediency of each case.

 

END.

20 June 2023 - NW2426

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Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether, given that her department issued a statement on 29 May 2023, that a notice was issued in the Government Gazette on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges for the Meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations in Cape Town on 1 June 2023 and the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg in August, and noting that the specified statement indicated that these immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference, the Republic will take action in relation to the arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court issued against the Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

The gazetting of a notice pursuant to the Diplomatic Immunity and Privileges Act, No. 37 of 2001 is a standard practice for international summits held in South Africa. The immunities are for the conference and not for specific individuals. This is a standard conferment of immunities that is done for all international conferences and summits held in South Africa irrespective of the level of participation. The immunities are meant to protect the conference and its attendees from the jurisdiction of the host country for the duration of the conference. The Government of the Republic of South Africa is a party to the Rome Statute and is aware of its obligations under the Rome Statute. The subject of President Putin and the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court are a matter under consideration by Government as reported many times in the public domain and in response to questions in Parliament.

20 June 2023 - NW2346

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

What are the full relevant details of the (a) purchase of a farm belonging to Fortuinskolk of the Rossouw Olivier Familietrust in Carnarvon that was sold to the Government, (b) comparative market values and prices of the farms that were sold in the Carnavon area between 2014 and 2023, (c) indicators that the farm was bought within the realistic market value and (d) reasons for staying within the market values?

Reply:

a) The farm belonging to Fortuins Kolk of the Rossouw Olivier Familie Trust (IT1990:2004) in Carnarvon was purchased in line with the Provision of Land and Assistance Act, Act 126 of 1993, using the Proactive Land Acquisition policy (PLAP) on 13 January 2023.

b) The comparative market values and prices of the farms that were sold in the Carnavon area between 2014 and 2023 are reflected in Annexure A: Comparable Market Values and Prices.

c) The indicators that the farm was bought within the realistic market value are based on the value determined by the Office of the Valuer-General in terms of the Property Valuation Act 17 of 2014 (PVA) of 2014:

The OVG price determination table:

Property description

Portion 2 of Farm Fortuins Kolk 37, Carnarvon RD

Land use

Grazing and irrigated land

Extent

3509.2669 Ha

Carrying capacity

32ha/LSU

Water sources

Boreholes and dams

Fixed improvements sizes

±695 m² in total

Current use value

R4 057 818.38

Market value

R18 161 321.00

PVA value

R11 110 000.00

d) The agreed purchase price of R11 110 000.00 is based on the provisions of the Property Valuation Act 17 of 2014 (PVA) and PVA Regulations.

20 June 2023 - NW2400

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Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

What are the full, relevant details of the role that her department will play in the Karpowership deal that the Republic has with Turkey?

Reply:

The Department is not involved in the KARPOWERSHIP deal between South Africa and Türkiye. Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is better suited to answer in detail the question related to the deal with KARPOWERSHIP and Türkiye.

20 June 2023 - NW1700

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Faber, Mr WF to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Whether she will furnish Mr WF Faber with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her in terms of percentage allocated to (i) small – medium – and micro – enterprises, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises and (iv) rural enterprises with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of the set – aside policy of the Government in fostering an inclusive and diverse economic landscape (details furnished) in the (aa) 2021 – 22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?

Reply:

aa) The comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO):

Financial Year: 2021-2022

(i) small – medium – and micro – enterprises

  • none

(ii) Cooperatives

  • none

(iii) Township enterprises

  • none

(iv) Rural enterprises

  • none

Financial Year: 1 April 2023 –

(i) small – medium – and micro – enterprises

  • none

(ii) Cooperatives

  • none

(iii) Township enterprises

  • none

(iv) Rural enterprises

  • none

bb) No other entity is reporting to the Minister.

20 June 2023 - NW2019

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

What (a) percentage and (b) hectarage of communal land in the Republic is currently occupied under (i) apartheid-era Permission to Occupy certificates and (ii) other forms of non-registrable tenure?

Reply:

a) Approximately thirteen percent (13%) of land in South Africa is communal land.

b) Approximately 16 million hectares.

(i),(ii) There is currently no disaggregation of occupied communal land in terms of apartheid-era Permission to Occupy Certificates and other forms of tenure.

20 June 2023 - NW1302

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Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

What measures has he put in place to ensure that female inmates in correctional centres receive the necessary toiletries and sanitary towels, as women in facilities, such as the East London Correctional Centre, currently only receive three rolls of toilets paper for the month to be shared amongst 20 women?

Reply:

Departmental Procedures as stipulated in the B-ORDER 3, Chapter 2, (Physical Care/ Hygiene), outlines the provisions of toiletries for inmates per month as follows:

  • 5x toilet paper rolls per inmates,
  • 1x packet sanitary towels (10`s) per female inmate and when requested,
  • 1x toothbrush every 6 months or when requested,
  • 2x 25ml tooth paste every third week or 1x 50ml per month,
  • 2x 100-gram bar bath soap per month,
  • 2x 200-gram bar sunlight green soap per month,
  • 1 shaving blade,
  • Face cloth and towel as required.

The provisions of toiletries and toilet paper at East London Management Area were as stipulated above and the last date of provision was on 03 April 2023 and 14 April 2023 respectively.

The Department continues to conduct the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the procedural prescript and analysis of reports on a monthly basis.

END

20 June 2023 - NW2303

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Nqola, Mr X to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

How does she intend to strike a balance between the Republic’s commitment to the International Criminal Court and its desire to maintain strong diplomatic ties with Russia and other BRICS member countries?

Reply:

South Africa is a party to the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), a multilateral organisation that relies on inter-state cooperation to ensure peace and justice.

South Africa is also a member of BRICS which was founded upon, inter alia, the shared commitment to restructure the global political, economic, and financial architecture to be fair, balanced and representative, resting on the important pillars of multilateralism and international law.

The aspirations of the ICC and BRICS are mutually reinforcing. South Africa’s participation both in the ICC and BRICS reaffirms its commitment to international law and justice, protecting human rights, peace and security, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order, which is a fundamental pillar of South Africa’s foreign policy.

The Government of South Africa has, from the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, consistently called for a peaceful, negotiated solution. The Government of South Africa maintains this stance.

19 June 2023 - NW2328

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Given that besides stringent visa processes, crime is another barrier standing in the way of tourist attraction over the past few years, especially in destinations such as Mpumalanga which has seen a rise in tourist hijackings recently, what steps has her department taken to (a) ensure tourist safety and (b) convince tourists that the specified hijackings were isolated incidents and not a common occurrence, in order to encourage tourism in the specified province?

Reply:

(a) Tourism is a concurrent function in the Constitution.

The Department together with provinces, the private sector and law enforcement agencies developed a Tourism Safety Strategy in 2018. The 2018 Strategy has not yet been fully implemented and was revisited on 29 May 2023 at a Dialogue to implement it and action was agreed on outstanding issues. The strategy implementation is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department and SAPS.

The Tourism Safety Forum will now meet quarterly.

The Department has budgeted to train 2000 Tourism Monitors in the 2023/24 Financial Year.

(b) In partnership with the private sector, we will launch a safety app and operational centre where monitoring will be done.

19 June 2023 - NW2146

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Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

(1)In light of the urgent need at the time to attend to the babies who were placed in cardboard boxes, what has been the position of his department in this regard; (2) whether any action will be taken against the specified nurses who placed newborn infants in cardboard boxes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the reasons that his department does not have contingency plans in place in all hospitals, such as emergency incubators in the event that such a problem arise?

Reply:

Background to the reply: 

A hospital that has the deliveries of 56 babies at a time, would generally require a minimum of approximately 25 Midwives at a particular time to ensure maximum coverage. This means that these midwives would have to take care of the 56 newborn babies, while also continuing to monitor the new arrival and those mothers who are in the active stage of labour. In this situation these nurses must ensure that the mothers and their newborn babies receive quality clinical care which would not result in unnecessary litigations. At this hospital, the picture derived from the letter that was received from MEC about this incident, it means that this was the reality at the time. The nurses, like all workers, are at times faced with acute shortage of resources, because of the sudden (unexpected rise in service demands) and at times these sudden increases outstrip the actual resource envelope. The nurses at this time were faced with the hard choice of either leaving the babies on unrestrained on the beds, with a risk of them falling or creating safe mechanism of keeping them safe and unharmed/unhurt).  

1.. The Minister of Health stated during the interview about this incident that the unfortunate incident of placing the newborn babies in the cardboard boxes instead of cribs is unacceptable and apologised to the families of the newborn babies. The position of the department, which is in line with standard clinical practice, is that not all the newborns delivered will require incubators. Incubators are used in situations where the new-born baby is sick and requires supportive machine or continuous oxygen for survival. Healthy new-born babies may require crip/ basinet, not a permanent arrangement but, as a backup support in case the mother is unwell to take care of the baby, need to take a bath or go to the toilet. In general, where both the mother and the baby are well, babies are safe to be kept on the mothers’ chest in what is called Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).  

2. The Provincial Department of Health instituted the investigation on the matter and the details will be made available when the report has been finalised. 

3. Contingency plans are in place in all hospitals; however, contingency plans are developed based on the average delivery rates per facility.  The department has a plan in place for the procurement of essential equipment in all the hospitals, however there are times where the sudden increase in the number of patients such as admissions cannot be preplanned. The contingency measures in place include the enforcement of the referral system, which ensures that a hospital that cannot manage the situation for various reasons, including the lack of capacity such as equipment, human resources etc, such a hospital can refer the patients to the next facility which has capacity. The report from the province indicated that Mahikeng Hospital had a capacity of 16 incubators and 31 cribs and on the night in question, which is enough for the normal day to day management of the workload. The report from the province further indicates that on the day in question, 56 babies were delivered, thus outstripping the available capacity. This means that 47 babies had been placed in accordance with proper prescribed procedures, leaving the nurses to place 09 babies in cardboard boxes. It is reported that four babies were placed in card boxes and others were placed two babies in each crib.  

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2180

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Health

(1)(a) What is the name of each town in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality that has (i) functional clinics and (ii) no clinics and (b) how regularly do the health professionals visit each town that has no clinics; (2) what number of (a)(i) ambulances are available in the specified municipality and (ii) towns are serviced by each ambulance and (b) where is each ambulance stationed; (3) whether each ambulance (a) is roadworthy and (b) has a valid licence; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

1. (a) (i) The following towns has functional clinics; Kamieskroon, Kharkams; Leliefontein ; Hondeklipbaai (Fixed clinics);

(ii) Towns (small settlements) with no clinics: Kheis; Lepelsfontein; Spoegrivier; Tweerivier; Klipfontein ;Soebatsfontein; Nourivier; Rooifontein; Kamassies and Paulshoek.

(b) The Health Professionals in mobile clinics visit these 10 smaller settlements twice a month.

2. (a) (i) Two (2) ambulances are allocated to Kamiesberg Local Municipality.

(ii) These ambulances service all towns within the municipality.

(b) All ambulances are stationed in Garries which is a centrally located town within the municipality.

3. (a) All ambulances are roadworthy and undertake roadworthy tests annually.

(b) All ambulances have valid licences.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2244

Profile picture: Thembekwayo, Dr S

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he has been informed that more than 100 nurses were offered employment at the Jubilee District Hospital during the recent cholera outbreak and that after working for 12 hours they were asked to go home since there was no more work for them, yet the specified hospital is short-staffed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps he will take to intervene in the matter?

Reply:

The Minister was not informed about the 100 nurses who were offered employment at the Jubilee District Hospital during the recent cholera outbreak.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, a group of 137 Nurses presented at the Hospital on the 22nd of May 2023. It is not clear who had made arrangements for the group to come to the hospital as there was no formal arrangement for them to come to the facility.

The group presented themselves to the Assistant Manager Nursing indicating that they have been instructions to report for duty. The Assistant Manager Nursing, without first verifying the status of the said nurses, allocated them to the wards where 41 of them commenced duties immediately. When the matter was brought to the CEO's attention some hours later the same day, the CEO immediately rescinded the allocation as the presence of the nurses at the facility could not be accounted for.

This matter is currently being investigated by the district. Once the investigations are finalized, details shall be provided, and the recommendations will provide the possible way forward.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2185

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)(a) What are (i) the age demographics of all nurses employed in the public health sector and (ii) their specialisation as a percentage of each category and (b) in which provinces are they employed; (2) what is the (a) current vacancy rate for all the specified nursing specialties in each province and (b) envisaged time frame to fill the vacant positions?

Reply:

1. (a) (i) In accordance with the Persal data set as extracted for the month of May 2023 below is the table of the age demographics of all nurses employed in the public health sector and

(ii) Persal does not provide the breakdown percentage of each specialized category since they are all grouped under category specialty

(b) The data also specifies the Provinces in which they are employed-

Professional Nurse (Specialized) 2023

Province

25-34yrs

35-44yrs

45-54yrs

55-64yrs

*above 65

Eastern Cape

87

376

652

586

7

Free State

12

100

345

378

1

Gauteng

293

1105

1693

1448

28

KwaZulu-Natal

386

1975

2545

1689

12

Limpopo

109

527

1072

1160

8

Northern Cape

16

55

154

154

11

Mpumalanga

57

293

578

431

4

North West

59

282

535

406

14

Western Cape

225

673

912

631

6

Total

1244

5386

8486

6883

91

* Aged above 65 are regulated in accordance with the Public Service Regulation and Act- to employ professionals over the age of 65

(2) (a) Current vacancy rate for all the specified nursing specialties in each province and

 

Nursing Specialty Vacancy Rate  

Province

Vacant

Vacancy rate %

Eastern Cape

498

13.0%

Free State

46

2.8%

Gauteng

1096

15.2%

KwaZulu-Natal

1984

22.7%

Limpopo

340

10.2%

Mpumalanga

170

9.1%

Northern Cape

120

33.0%

North West

318

19.1%

Western Cape

488

13.6%

Total

5060

15.7%

(b) The Department is unable to state the envisaged time frame to fill the vacant positions due to general budget cuts that negatively affects the Compensation of Employment (CoE) a specific date of when the specified challenges will be eradicated. However, it can confirm that measures are applied across Provinces to prioritize filling of vacant posts where the budgets permit.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2256

Profile picture: Thembekwayo, Dr S

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

Whether there are any plans to build a clinic for the residents of Goba in Ward 11 in the Nkomazi Local Municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

No.

According to the Mpumalanga Department of Health, Goba in Ward 11 has an estimated population of 860. The nearest Primary Health Care (PHC) facility is 6km away in Mbangwane. The population size does not meet the norm of 8 000 - 10 000 which allows for a fixed PHC facility to be constructed. Currently, a mobile clinic is visiting the village once a month. The number of patients seen per visit are between 35 to 40.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2147

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Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, considering that the North West Health Department has sought action against its employees who were on duty when newborn babies were put in cardboard boxes instead of incubators and/or cribs at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital with one of the issues being that the acting chief executive officer was not made aware of the improvisation, this is an admission that hospital management is not aware of crucial shortages in their hospital and that the only way to be aware of this is if the nurses inform them directly; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

No. This is not an admission that management is not aware of the critical shortage of the hospital management is aware of the crucial shortages in their hospital. The hospital management relies on the subordinates who are responsible for day to day running of their sections to alert them if there is any crucial shortages of supplies and equipment in their respective sections. This is standard management practice. It is true that they become aware of the shortages when nurses inform them directly, through relevant management processes.

19 June 2023 - NW2187

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Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with the 2017 Tambo Memorial Hospital Report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Honourable Member is kindly requested to specify what report she is referring to exactly (the proper name of the report), to enable the Minister to respond to this question appropriately.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2235

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

In light of the millions of Rand that are paid by her department to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as one of its implementing agencies, what (a) oversight mechanisms have been put in place for projects that are implemented by the DBSA and (b) mechanisms have been put in place to build internal capacity to end the reliance of implementing agencies?

Reply:

(a) What oversight mechanisms have been put in place for projects that are implemented by the DBSA.

I have been informed that the Department has the following governance structures in place to oversee the work undertaken by the DBSA on behalf of the Department:

  • Project Progress Meetings – Chaired by the Deputy Director-General supported by project teams from both the Department and DBSA.
  • Project Steering Committee Meetings - Chaired by the Director-General supported by project teams from both the Department and DBSA.
  • The Department also ensures that there are project steering committee and technical meetings established and convened for each individual project. These meetings guide individual project implementation and monitor progress on site. The Department further conducts site visits to each project to monitor progress.
  • Additionally, the Department receives written monthly and quarterly reports from the DBSA.
  • DBSA is required to seek concurrence from the Department at each stage, i.e. stages as outlined in the Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management, prior to moving on to the next stage.
  • I have also instituted monthly meetings with the DBSA for oversight purposes.

(b) What mechanisms have been put in place to build internal capacity to end the reliance of implementing agencies.

The agreed oversight mechanism in terms of the existing Service Level Agreement has not been fully implemented and is therefore under review.

This is, now, being rectified by, first, bringing skilled Built Environment Specialists into the Department to build the internal capacity.

19 June 2023 - NW2148

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Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Considering that a number of provinces in the Republic have been hit by cholera which has led to the death of more than 23 persons in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, with 48 more persons in hospital, by what date did his department first become aware of the crisis around unsafe and undrinkable water in the specified area; (2) what steps, other than the current measures that have been implemented, has his department taken since it first became aware of the specified issue; (3) whether, in light of a cholera outbreak in 2023, he has found that this is related to the deterioration of the quality of governance in the past two decades; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The incident is currently under investigation, the outcome thereof will be shared upon finalisation .

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2153

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether, following the Tourism Budget Vote in 2019, during which a number of recommendations were made to the former minister, such as ensuring that the 2019-2024 Strategic Plans for her department and SA Tourism are anchored on increasing participation of citizens in villages, townships and small towns, as well as explicit programmes and/or projects which prioritise such areas of society, she has found that these recommendations have been achieved; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that it has projects in rural areas, villages, townships and small towns across all the line function branches of the Department. Projects include amongst others:

  • Infrastructure products /development;
  • Skills development;
  • Enterprise development;
  • Experience enhancement; and
  • Market access.

SA Tourism also has a focus on grading of establishments as well as support for bidding and hosting of business events in rural areas, villages, townships and small towns in our country.

19 June 2023 - NW2234

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(a) What intervention measures have been put in place to support officials who are found to have been suspended unfairly and/or without valid reasons and are then called back to work without any disciplinary hearings and (b) which forms of assistance have been provided to the HR Manager at Tswelopele Correctional Center and placed at Community Corrections after she filed complaint?

Reply:

(a) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has the Disciplinary Code and Procedure which provides guidance in dealing with alleged acts of misconduct. Officials who are accused of committing serious misconduct are placed on precautionary suspension with full pay as a measure to ensure a fair and uninterrupted/ interference free investigation to ultimately determine the facts of an allegation.

Before placing the officials on suspension, the Executing Authority examines the seriousness of the allegations after which, if nececessary, serves the official with a contemplation of suspension letter. The official is afforded an opportunity to respond within a specified period. Based on the supporting evidence, and the official’s response or evidence, the executing authority decides whether to suspend or consider alternative placement.

The Department reviews suspensions on a regular basis to ensure that sufficient reason still exists for the precautionary suspension to remain in place.

(b) The Human Resources Manager referred to was suspended in 2019 for Section 95 allegations of fraud/maladministration. The case was investigated and the official was found guilty and issued with a final written warning. During the review of her suspension it was decided to alternatively place her at Social Reintegration to prevent any interference with evidence as, due to her role as HR manager, she had direct access to administration and evidence implicated in the case.

In addition, services of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) are available to all officials for emotional and psychological support. All officials in the Department are made aware of the services offered.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2142

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

Whether, considering that the former Minister shared in her Budget Vote of 2017 that in the 2016-17 financial year the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) disbursed just over R1 billion to small-, medium- and micro enterprises and co-operatives, which benefited approximately 44 000 enterprises, although for the third quarter of the 2022-23 financial year SEFA approved R249 million in loans and disbursed only R550 million in loans, thereby achieving only 41% of its performance targets, she has assessed this as a regression in her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?”

Reply:

I have been advised that:

The table below outlines the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) loan book performance in the referenced years:

Financial Year

Approvals

Disbursements

# of SMMEs Financed

# of Jobs Facilitated

FY2016/17 (Audited numbers)

R827 million

R1, 076 billion

43 211

55 997

FY2022/23 (un-audited numbers)

R1, 706 billion

R2, 427 billion

74 762

104 547

So, it is clear that Sefa has not regressed – infact it has more than doubled its disbursements from 2016/17 to 2022/23 . To break down this further and for the financial year ending 31 March 2023, the Minister indicated in her budget speech that sefa through its development finance interventions and programmes, cumulatively financed 74 762 SMMEs and Co-operatives and disbursed R2.4 billion to these enterprises.

Through these disbursements, sefa was able to reach:

• 74 486 black owned SMMEs to the value of R2.1 billion.

• 15 535 youth owned SMMEs to the value of R564 million.

• 72 651 women owned SMMEs to the value of R928 million.

• 2 953 township based SMMEs to the value of R541 million.

• 66 302 rural-based SMMEs to the value of R952 million.

Collectively, these funding interventions have created 32 665 new jobs and sustained 71 882 existing jobs.

This performance is by no means reflecting a regress in the performance of sefa at the end of the financial year ending in 31 March 2023.

19 June 2023 - NW2236

Profile picture: Matumba, Mr A

Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

In light of how her department will be implementing 29 community-based tourism projects at the cost of R84 million for the 2023-24 financial year, which initiatives has she put in place to train the community to run their facilities, instead of having a management company playing the central role in training communities as is the case with Platfontein?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department, in the past, did not do social facilitation for infrastructure projects.

I have, now, instructed the Department to use and implement the existing social facilitation process, as approved by Cabinet in 2021.

19 June 2023 - NW2255

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What are the reasons that the Figtree Clinic at Ward 11 in the Nkomazi Local Municipality was left in a dilapidated state since it was constructed without any maintenance and/or upgrades despite the increase in the population it serves; (2) whether there are any plans to upgrade the specified clinic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. The Figtree clinic is not dilapidated. A major renovation was last done in 2017 and minor maintenance is done as and when the need arises. The current challenges are that it still has a pit latrine and the fence that has become worn.

The clinic has an average monthly headcount of 2445 visits, which equates to an average of 122 patients per day. It has 4 consultation rooms and uses the nurses’ home as an extension to accommodate the facility manager’s office and HIV testing, screening and counselling services.

2. Mpumalanga Department of Health has identified forty (40) projects for comprehensive maintenance and Figtree Clinic is one of the clinics to benefit. The renovation of the first batch of health facilities started in April to June 2023. Fig Tree clinic is falling under the second batch which will start from July to September 2023.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2204

Profile picture: Van Zyl, Ms A M

Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1) (a) What are the details of each Category (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) C municipality in each province that has functioning firefighting services for structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires and (b) which of the specified municipalities (i) have their own fleet and (ii) rely on rentals; (2) what are the details of each Category (a) A, (b) B and (c) C municipality in each province that has no firefighting services? NW2501E

Reply:

Figure 1 below provides details of the municipalities across the country regarding

1. What are the details of each Category (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) C municipality in each province that has functioning firefighting services for structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires and (b) which of the specified municipalities (i) have their own fleet and (ii) rely on rentals;

(2) what are the details of each Category (a) A, (b) B and (c) C municipality in each province that has no firefighting services?

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Mopani District Municipality

Greater Tzaneen

Greater Phalaborwa

Greater Maruleng

Greater Letaba

Greater Giyani

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

19 fire appliances

None

Capricorn District Municipality

Lepelle-Nkumpi

Blouberg

Molemole

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

12 fire appliances

None

Polokwane Local Municipality

Polokwane

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

31 vehicles

None

Waterberg District Municipality

Bela-Bela

Lephalale

Mogalakwena

Modimolle

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

08 fire appliances

None

Sekhukhune District Municipality

Elias Motsaoledi LM

Ephraim Mogale

Fetakgomo Tubatse LM

Makhuduthamaga

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

15 fire appliances

None

Vhembe District Municipality

Musina

Thulamela

Makhado

Collins Chabane

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

16 fire appliances

None

Western Cape Province

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Garden Route DM

Garden Route DM

Veld fires

13 fire appliances

None

 

Hessequa

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

9 fire appliances

None

 

Knysna LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

11 fire appliances

None

 

Kannaland LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2 fire appliances

None

 

Bitou LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

9 fire appliance

None

 

Oudsthoorn LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5 fire appliances

None

 

George LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

10 fire appliances

None

 

Mossel Bay LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

18 fire appliances

None

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

WEST COAST DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

West Coast DM and Matzikama LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

28 fire appliances

None

 

Swartland LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5 fire appliances

None

 

Saldanha LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

12 Fire appliances

None

 

Bergrivier LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

9 fire appliances

None

 

Cederberg LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3 fire appliances

None

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Central Karoo District

Beaufort West LM

Prince Albert LM

Laingsburg LM

 

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5 fire appliances

None

Overberg District

Theewaterskloof LM Cape Agulhas LM Swellendam LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

24 Fire Appliances

None

 

Overstrand LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

24 Fire Appliances

None

City of Cape Town Metro

City of Cape Town Metro

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

395 Fire Appliances

None

Cape Winelands District Municipality

Cape Winelands DM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

26 Fire Appliances

None

 

Stellenbosch LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

20 Fire Appliances

None

 

BreedeValley LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

8 Fire Appliances

None

 

Witzenberg LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

7 Fire Appliances

None

 

Langeberg LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

8 Fire Appliances

None

 

Drakenstein LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

13 Fire Appliances

None

 

KWAZULU NATAL

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

UMgungundlovu District

uMshwathi; uMngeni; Mpofana; Impendle; Mkhambathini; Richmond

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

18 Fire Appliances

None

 

Msunduzi LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

12 Fire Appliances

None

UGU District

Umzumbe LM Umuziwabantu LM

Umdoni Fire LM

Ray Nkonyeni LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

8 Fire appliances

None

Harry Gwala District

Ubuhlebezwe LM

Nkosazana Dhlamini Zuma LM

Greater Kostad LM uMzimkhulu LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

13 Fire Appliances

None

ILembe District

Mandeni LM

KwaDukuza LM

Ndwedwe LM

Maphumulo LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

8 Fire Appliances

None

King Cetshwayo District

Umfolozi LM

uMhlathuze LM

Umlalazi LM

Mthonjaneni LM

Nkandla LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

22 Fire Appliances

None

eThekwini Metro

eThekwini Metro

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

118 Fire Appliance

None

FREE STATE PROVINCE

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Moqhaka LM

Moqhaka LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Metsimaholo LM

Metsimaholo LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Ngwathe LM

Ngwathe LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

6

None

Mafube LM

Mafube LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Maluti a Phofong LM

Maluti a Phofong LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Dihlabeng

Dihlabeng

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Nketwane

Nketwane

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Phumelela

Phumelela

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

Mantsopa

Mantsopa

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Setsoto

Setsoto

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Xhariep District Municipality

Kopanong LM

Letsemeng LM

Mohokare LM

Nala LM

No Fire Services rendered

0

None

Lejweleputswa District Municipality

Tokologo LM

Tswelopele LM

Masilonyane LM

Nala LM

No Fire Services rendered

0

None

Matjhabeng LM

Matjhabeng LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5

None

Northern Cape

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Gamagara LM

Gamagara LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

11

None

Ga Segonyana LM

Ga Segonyana LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5

None

Joe Morolong LM

Joe Morolong LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

John Taolo Gaetsewe DM

John Taolo Gaetsewe DM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Namakwa District Municipality

Hantam LM

Kamiesberg LM

Karoo Hoogland LM

Khai-Ma LM

Richtersveld LM

Nama Khoi LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Frances Baard District Municipality

Sol Plaatje LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5

None

NORTH WEST PROVINCE

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Madibeng LM

Madibeng LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Rustenburg LM

Rustenburg LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

8

None

Kgetleng LM

Kgetleng LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Mogwase LM

Mogwase LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Moretele LM

Moretele LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

Mahikeng LM

Mahikeng LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality

Naledi LM

Ditsobotla LM

Ratlou LM

Ramotshere Moiloa LM

Tswaing LM

Naledi LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality

Kagisano-Molopo LM

Lekwa-Teemane LM

Taung LM

Mamusa LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

12

None

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

GAUTENG PROVINCE

Merafong City LM

Merafong City LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

4

None

Mogale City LM

Mogale City LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Rand West LM

Rand West LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Emfuleni LM

Emfuleni LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Lesedi LM

Lesedi LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Midvaal LM

Midvaal LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

City of Tshwane Metro

City of Tshwane Metro

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

19

None

City of Ekurhuleni Metro

City of Ekurhuleni Metro

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

14

None

City of Johannesburg Metro

City of Johannesburg Metro

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

11

None

EASTERN CAPE

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Amathole District Municipality

Great Kei LM

Mbhashe LM

Mnquma LM

Ngqushwa LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

9

None

Amahlathi LM

Amahlathi LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

 

Raymond Mhlaba LM

Raymond Mhlaba LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Alfred Nzo District Municipality

Alfred Nzo District

Matatiele LM

Umzimvubu LM

Winnie Madikizela Mandela LM

Ntabankulu LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

5

None

Chris Hani District Municipality

Emalahleni

AB Xuma

Intsika Yethu

Inxuba Yethemba

Enoch Mgijima

Sakhisizwe

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Joe Gqabi District Municipality

Walter Sisulu LM

Senqu LM

Elundini LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

0

None

OR Tambo District Municipality

Mhlontlo

Nyandeni

Port St Johns

Ingquza Hill

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

King Sabata Dalindyebo

King Sabata Dalindyebo

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

Sarah Baartman District Municipality

Blue Crane Route

Beyers Naude LM

Makana

Sunday's River Valley

Kouga

Ndlambe

Koukamma

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

17

None

Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality

Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

19

None

Buffalo City Metro Municipality

Buffalo City Metro Municipality

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

14

None

MPUMALAMGA PROVINCE

MUNICIPALITY

AREA JURISDICTION

PROVISION OF SERVICE

CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES

Msukaligwa LM

Msukaligwa LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

 

Govan Mbeki LM

Govan Mbeki LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

Lekwa LM

Lekwa LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

Mkhondo LM

Mkhondo LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

Chief Albert Luthuli LM

Chief Albert Luthuli LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

Dr Pixly Ka Seme LM

Dr Pixly Ka Seme LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

0

None

Dipalaseng LM

Dipalaseng LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

0

None

Bushbuckridge LM

Bushbuckridge LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

3

None

City of Mbombela LM

City of Mbombela LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

15

None

Thaba Chweu LM

Thaba Chweu LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

0

None

Nkomazi LM

Nkomazi LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

2

None

         

Victor Khanye LM

Victor Khanye LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Thembisile Hani LM

Thembisile Hani LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Emalahleni LM

Emalahleni LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Emakhazeni LM

Emakhazeni LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Dr JS Moroka LM

Dr JS Moroka LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

Steve Tshwete LM

Steve Tshwete LM

structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires

1

None

 

End

19 June 2023 - NW2186

Profile picture: Clarke, Ms M

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with his department’s 2030 Human Resources Health Strategy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The 2030 Human Resources for Health Strategy is available and can be accessed on the National Department of Health’s website on the following link:

https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2030-HRH-Strategy-Final.pdf

Attached as Annexure 1 is a copy for ease of reference.

END.

19 June 2023 - NW2216

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

With reference to the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, acknowledging in the recent State of the Nation Address that the Government does not create jobs, but merely has to create the environment for businesses to create jobs and that it was small business that would be creating the majority of jobs needed to kick-start job creation in the Republic, but that nothing has yet been done to tackle the onerous labour legislation and regulations to free up small businesses to create jobs, (a) what are the reasons that nothing has been done and (b) on what date does she intend to tackle the onerous regulatory environment?”

Reply:

I have been advised that:

a) As means of addressing the onerous labour legislation and regulations to free up small businesses to create jobs, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has activated several interventions which include, undertaking a dedicated exercise to identify and review legislation and reforms that impede on Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives’ growth. The update has so far embarked on the initial process of consultations focused on the primary users of this legislation namely, municipalities who are the sphere of government that must implement business licensing by-laws. A total of 29 pieces of regulatory impediment legislations have been identified across the three spheres of government that will culminate with a clear implementation and action plans for action. This exercise was conducted in partnership with key stakeholders in the ecosystem. These stakeholders include but not limited to the following:

  • Departments of Economic Development across all nine (9) provinces.
  • South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
  • The Social Protection Community and Human Development Cluster.
  • Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
  • Department of Home Affairs.
  • Districts and local municipalities.

The DSBD is also implementing the initiatives that are also aimed at lessening regulatory barriers for SMMEs and co-operatives which the Pilot Administrative Simplification Programme (PASP) and Municipal Performance Monitoring. The program aims to ease the strain that prolonged processing delays have on businesses and public resources. Administrative simplicity will help with process improvement at municipality level. The initiative entails exposing the municipality stakeholders and users to a five (5) days’ workshop for optimisation of processes. Some of the municipalities that have already benefitted from this initiative include amongst others, the Ray Nkonyeni (Ugu District), Ubuhlebezwe (Harry Gwala District), and the City of Umhlathuze Local Municipalities (King Cetshwayo District). The Department is also:

  • In the process of developing a Municipal Red-tape-Reduction Dashboard which will support Municipalities to track all the administrative bottlenecks for urgent attention.
  • Rolling out the Red Tape Reduction Awareness workshops whose purpose is to create awareness and instil the culture of intolerance towards red tape. A total of twenty-five (25) municipalities have already participated in these workshops during the 2022-23 financial year.
  • Hosting the Inter-Provincial Task Team (IPTT) on red tape reduction and ease of doing business. The IPTT is a quarterly platform for the DSBD, Provincial Departments of Economic Development, COGTA, Red-Tape Reduction Committee at the Presidency, key entities to SALGA to identify and discuss approaches to address systematic red tape issues that impacts SMMEs / co-operatives. This platform is also utilised to exchange best practices, foster peer learning, and build a community of best practice, this session is hosted quarterly. As a result, important sectoral problems for action are escalated for action. So far, about sixteen (16) IPTT meetings and workshops were held during. Some of the successes of the IPTT include amongst others, addressing bottleneck in the National Department of Transport policies of clearing the backlog in the tourism operating license applications. Over two hundred and twenty-seven (227) renewals have been processed.

b) The DSBD has already started an in-depth review of the regulatory barriers affecting small enterprises and the urgent need for regulatory change regarding the Businesses Act of 1991 and the Licensing of Business Bill. The Department has, so far, determined that there are twenty nine regulatory impediments that need to be addressed at the national, provincial, and local levels of government in the upcoming fiscal years. This project will concentrate on implementing these specific remedies, options, and reforms across the three spheres of government. The Businesses Amendment Bill that addresses some of the regulatory impediments will be presented to Parliament during the current financial year (2023-24). After the review of the twenty nine regulatory impediments the an implementation plan will be developed and presented to Cabinet after consultations have been finalised with the affected institutions by the end of the current financial year.

19 June 2023 - NW2202

Profile picture: Graham, Ms SJ

Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity

(1)In terms of his mandate to address the energy crisis in the short and medium term, what short-term measures are being considered to address the transmission capabilities to allow for increased availability of electricity; (2) what are the relevant details of the kind of models and solutions for transmission build-outs that have been developed for (a) maintenance and upgrades and (b) new builds?

Reply:

1. The short-term measures include the following:

    1. Eskom has completed the engineering planning and identified and scoped the relevant infrastructure projects that will enable connection of new generation in line with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and bid windows to come.
    2. Eskom has allocated a capital budget of R74.21 billion to the Transmission Division over the financial years 2024 to 2028. This is an increase from the previous figure of R59.9 billion and shows an appreciation for the urgent need to close the Transmission infrastructure gap.
    3. Eskom has embarked on various other measures to give some certainty that the projects will be delivered, such as reviewing manpower numbers, reviewing equipment supply, and looking at project development and construction capability.
    4. The recently established Energy NATJOINTS Workstream 10 is monitoring this programme closely and escalating matters that require unblocking, such as environmental approvals and rights of way approvals.
    5. Over and above these measures, Eskom is developing standard operating procedures to adopt best practices in network modelling that will allow for more renewable energy to be connected to existing infrastructure in exchange for moderate curtailment. This will be quicker than constructing new power lines and substations. 

(2) what are the relevant details of the kind of models and solutions for transmission build-outs that have been developed for (a) maintenance and upgrades and (b) new builds?

REPLY

For maintenance and upgrades, Eskom uses a combination of outsourced and in-house capabilities, providing services such as servitude, transformer, and switchgear maintenance.

Eskom’s Enterprises business is geared up for some of this specialised work.

(2)(b)

For new build:

  • The same as the above applies, even though the volume of in-house is much smaller.
  • Eskom will use a combination of the multiple package system (engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM)). Contracts for these services already exist.
  • Eskom will use the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) methodology, sometimes called “turnkey”. This method is expected to reduce the administrative burden of multiple procurement and project management. One contract for these services has been issued to the market, and a second one is in the preparation stage.
  • Eskom will also use the owner’s engineer (OE) method of project development and project management. A contract for these services is under evaluation

 

19 June 2023 - NW2137

Profile picture: Ntlangwini, Ms EN

Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity

Whether, with regard to his recent indication that it is not possible to guarantee that load shedding will be over by the end of this year, in his engagements with relevant stakeholders there is any work done towards resolving the matter of load shedding completely; if not, why not; if so, what are the timelines?

Reply:

The Minister presents regular updates to the Cabinet and to the public through the weekly NECOM briefings on the state of generation and our capacity to address the frequency and intensity of loadshedding. Whilst every effort is been made to ensure that we reduce loadshedding, there is no definitive timeline, as this is, inter alia, a function of improvement to generation capacity of the Eskom installed fleet, on boarding of renewable energy and success of the Demand Side Management (DSM) programme.

Whereas many of the interventions being pursued will results in overall improvement to the demand-supply equilibrium, it remains premature to suggest load shedding will be over by the end of year. It is worth noting that generation performance showed improvement from the preceding two weeks (22 May 2023 – 06 June 2023) The average available generation improved by 631MW from 28382 MW to 29013 MW (07 June 2023 to 19 June 2023).

Between 15 May 2023 and 15 June 2023, Eskom’s unavailable plant capacity due to unplanned breakdowns (UCLF), Partial Load Losses (PLLs), and outage delays has decreased by 3580 MW from 18 255 MW to 14 765 MW. These improvements in generation plant performance have resulted in an upward trend in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and a reduction in the severity of load shedding from daily stages 4-6 to stage 3 for the period under review, largely the stage 3 was applicable to evening peaks, with the remaining part of the day with no load shedding. EAF for June is trending above 60%. Generation last achieved 61.39% EAF in August 2022.

19 June 2023 - NW2188

Profile picture: Kruger, Mr HC

Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether considering the demonstrable challenges rural municipalities face in delivering essential services and the resulting drain on the agricultural sector, her department has any plans in place to prioritise and safeguard the agro-processing industry, that is a linchpin of economic growth and job creation, if not, does the non-existence of the plans not risk exacerbating economic inequalities; if so, what are the details of the safety-net provisions?

Reply:

Yes. The agro-processing industry is considered a priority in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), which is a social compact signed between government and industry in May 2022. The grounds for prioritising the agro-processing industry are as follows:

  • The agro-processing industry has the potential to stimulate and spur demand for raw materials from the agricultural industry through backward and forward linkages. Demand for raw materials creates output markets, with the potential to increase income for farmers. As a result, farmers are encouraged to bring fallow land into production, which in turn creates demand for raw material downstream and contributes to job creation upstream. The value-add and food processing mitigate post-harvest losses.
  • Whilst the AAMP is a sectoral plan, the contribution of government towards “competitive agricultural and agro-processing sectors, driving market-oriented and inclusive production to develop rural economies, ensures food-security, and create employment and entrepreneurial”, is articulated in the AAMP as follows:

Pillar-1: Resolving policy ambiguities and creating an investment-friendly climate:

Increase transformation of, and worker-ownership in agriculture, food and beverage value chains, actively support black-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and women food processors and retailers by lowering barriers to entry.

Pillar-2: Creating enabling infrastructure:

A key challenge facing rural areas is the acute lack of economic infrastructure, both bulk and on-farm infrastructure. In mitigation, the President established an Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency to coordinate and align the development of bulk infrastructure (electricity, water, rail, road, ports, etc.) by the three spheres of government. Accordingly, the Infrastructure Office has developed a 203-project pipeline, costed at R1.8 trillion. About 13 of these infrastructure projects are directly located within the agriculture and agro-processing space such as processing facilities, irrigation schemes and fresh produce markets. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has budgeted R2.15 billion to support and develop farmers with production inputs and on-farm infrastructure.

Pillar-3 Comprehensive support, development finance, and extension services:

Efficient and effective advisory technical services are critical to the development of agro-processing activities in rural areas. Accordingly, researchers recommend participatory approaches geared to assist producers and agro-processors to restore their natural resource base, increase agricultural production, productivity, and value-add and equally, ensure compliance with mandatory food manufacturing standards and regulations. DALRRD is currently strengthening extension and advisory machinery through retraining and resourcing of Agricultural Extension Practitioners (AEP). DALRRD and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDA) have recruited more than 3 500 AEP as part of providing comprehensive support to producers and agro-processors. In total, the number of AEPs recruited will be 10 000. The move is expected to improve the ratio of AEPs to producers toward an acceptable standard.

Pillar-4: Ensuring food security, expanded production and employment creation:

The agricultural sector contributes about 2.8 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, when food manufacturing is taken into consideration, the sector’s contribution to GDP could be as high as 7 percent. Similarly, the agricultural sector employs about 888 000 people whilst the agro-processing industry employs 264 029 people. An increase in agricultural production through the utilization of land under the Traditional and Cultural Council will expand the raw material base required downstream for value-add. The AAMP estimates that a 10 percent increase in the utilisation of land under Traditional and Cultural Councils, which is equivalent to 481 380 hectares is expected to create 501 000 job opportunities. The number is higher when factoring downstream jobs.

Pillar-5: Market access - domestic and export:

Access to markets is the lifeblood of agribusinesses operating in rural areas. Infrastructure backlogs in rural towns entail high transaction costs for producers and agro-processors. On the domestic front, the National Treasury (NT) is implementing the 30% set-aside geared to ensure penetration of small and medium producers into State institutional markets. Moreover, various municipalities are investing resources to revamp and revitalise fresh produce markets. On the export side, the recently signed Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfTCA) provides opportunities for growth and development of rural economies. The AAMP underscores the importance of maintenance of the current global markets and sourcing new markets.

Pillar-6 Import replacement and expanded agro-processing exports:

Localization strategy is a critical pillar of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). The thrust of localization efforts is to increase productivity while entrenching inclusive economic growth.

Programme

Intervention Plan

Rural industrial development

  • Identify and support smallholder farmers who have initiatives of industrialisation, such as goats and cattle massification; and
  • Formalise the rural agro processors for linkage with industry role players.

19 June 2023 - NW2409

Profile picture: Madokwe, Ms P

Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Given his familiarity with the history of the Republic and the fact that the majority of those who want to participate in the economy are quite poor, what are the reasons that his department has not addressed the challenges faced by artisanal miners and small-scale miners, such as their inability to reach the provincial offices where they are expected to submit applications and their inability to pay for the necessary environmental licences, by (a) decentralising the application processes and (b) working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment?

Reply:

(a). The current system of lodging applications for mining licenses is ELECTRONIC. The DMRE launched an online system, referred to as SAMRAD Online Application System, in 2014 where all applications for mining licenses are lodged. Furthermore, the online system was launched to make it easier for companies and individuals to lodge applications in the comfort of their company offices or homes.

(b). The DMRE through the Small-Scale Mining directorate has been assisting Artisanal Small -Scale Mining (ASM) miners through providing financial provision for rehabilitation to qualifying Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA). The environmental licenses are evaluated and granted by the DMRE (Competent Authority) whilst the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (Appeal Authority) deals with objections and appeals of environmental licenses.

19 June 2023 - NW2353

Profile picture: Myburgh, Mr NG

Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What number of (a) staff are employed in each Provincial Heritage Resource Authority and (b) vacancies exist in each province?

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development does not have Provincial Heritage Resource Authority unit within its approved organisational structure.

(a),(b) Falls away.