Questions and Replies
04 April 2016 - NW653
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)Whether all training programmes facilitated by the National School of Government are done in terms of registered unit standards recognised by the SA Qualifications Authority; if not, (a) why not and (b) what percentage of the training done during the past year was offered in accordance with registered unit standards; (2) how many full qualifications consisting of more than 120 credits have been (a) achieved by and/or (b) awarded to, learners who have been enrolled to study through (i) the National School of Government or (ii) its predecessor, the Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy in (aa) 2013, (bb) 2014 and (cc) 2015?
Reply:
(1) Not all training programmes facilitated by the National School of Government are done in terms of registered unit standards recognised by the SA Qualifications Authority;
a) Some training programmes need to be responsive to ‘just-in-time’ needs of the public service and do not require SAQA approval.
b) 16% of the training done during the past year was offered in accordance with registered unit standards.
(2) There were no full qualifications consisting of more than 120 credits been (a) achieved by and/or (b) awarded to learners who have been enrolled to study through (i) the National School of Government or (ii) its predecessor, the Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy in (aa) 2013, (bb) 2014 and (cc) 2015.
04 April 2016 - NW630
Malema, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 45 for oral reply on 04 March 2015, there are different criteria that are used in the consideration of applications for parole of white apartheid assassins and black freedom fighters; if so, what criteria are used; if not; why (a) was a certain person (details furnished) is still treated like a common criminal and refused unconditional release?
Reply:
No, it is important however to note that there is difference between consideration for parole and the Special Dispensation (which was adopted on 21 November 2007) for individuals who have committed offences they believe were in pursuit of a political objective.
a) The mentioned offender was placed on parole under certain conditions as provided for in section 52 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 (the Act) as amended, after his placement was approved by the Minister in terms of section 78 (1) of the Act.
b) The offender in question is currently a beneficiary of day parole. On 01 December 2015, in line with section 78 (1) of the Act, the Minister approved that the offender be placed on day parole for six (6) months and thereafter on full parole under certain conditions.
According to section 73(5) (b) of the Act, a sentenced offender be placed on day parole or parole subject to that offender accepting the conditions for placement.
Section 78 (1) of the Act provides that all offenders serving lifer sentence that are placed on day parole or parole, are released conditionally as contemplated in section 52 of the Act.
The offender could previously not be placed on day parole as he did not accept placement conditions.
04 April 2016 - NW679
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With reference to her reply to question 162 on 22 February 2016, how many of the specified persons on suspension at the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) have been suspended for a period of (a) one month to a year, (b) one to two years, (c) two to three years and (d) more than three years; (2) (a) what is the nature of the intense investigations into misconduct cases at PRASA and (b) what mechanisms will be put in place to build capacity in this regard?
Reply:
(1)(a) 229 employees were suspended for 1 month to 12 months.
(1)(b) 3 employees were suspended for 1 year to 2 years.
(1)(c) 0 employees were suspended for 2 to 3 years.
(1)(d) 0 employees were suspended for more than 3 years.
2(a) Some investigations involve people who are external to PRASA who need to be interviewed and make statements. PRASA has no control as to their availability to assist in the investigations and some are difficult to trace. Some investigations cannot be concluded quickly because when the Investigators are about to close the investigation, new evidence comes up and such need to be followed up. Most of these investigations are a result of whistle-blowing and there is a process in dealing with such and the protection of whistle-blowers is of paramount importance.
2(b) Dedicated teams have been established to deal with investigations relating to employee misdemeanours and more personnel will be trained to do investigations. Some of the investigations can be done by line managers without only depending on the Investigators from Protection and Security Services. External resources that specialise in investigations (Private Investigators) will also be considered depending on the workload.
04 April 2016 - NW677
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with regard to officials who were suspended with full pay pending an investigation in her department, and were then found guilty, the specified individuals are required to repay the salaries earned whilst on suspension; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many of the specified officials have paid back the salaries earned whilst on suspension in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years, (b) on what terms were the salaries paid back in each case and (c) what amount was paid back by each of the specified individuals in each of the specified financial years?
Reply:
a) (i) 2012-13 : None (no employees were suspended)
a) (ii) 2013-14 : None
a) (iii) 2014-15 : None
b) Not applicable
c) Not applicable
Note: All officials were suspended with full pay as per Chapter 7, clause 2.7 of the SMS Handbook and clause 7.2.a. of the Disciplinary Code and Procedures (Resolution 1 of 2003) that prescribe that precautionary suspension is always with full pay.
04 April 2016 - NW633
Mulaudzi, Adv TE to ask the Minister of Transport
Is the infrastructure (details furnished) that is used in the issuing of driving licenses in all licensing stations across the country owned by her department or outsourced; (2) (a) which companies are contracted to provide the specified infrastructure, (b) when was each contract awarded and (c) for how much?
Reply:
- In accordance with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 0f 1996) section 8 and 8A, only a Department of State shall operate a Driving License Testing Centre (DLTC) once it has been registered in the prescribed manner. In other words the operation of a Driving License Testig Centre may not be outsorced to private individuals or companies. Current Act amendments are underway to only allow a Provincial Department responsible for transport to operate a DLTC.
National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) regulations 91 to 96 further determines the manner in which the MEC must deal with the applications for the registration of a DLTC, including the suspension or cancellation of the registration thereof. The MEC may, if he or she chooses, appoint a local authority to perform the functions on their behalf. Currently all the DLTC’s in the country except for the two mentioned further, are either operated by the respective Provincial Departments of Transport or a Local Municipality or Metros as determined by the MEC of the respective Province.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) currently also operates two DLTCs namely Bishop Lavis in the Western Cape and Benoni in Gauteng.
(2) (a) – (c)Not applicable. As stated above no private company is contracted to perform the DLTC function. The MEC of the Province may enter into service level agreements with the local authorities who perform the function on the MEC’s behalf. These Service Level Agreements are normally entered into for a three (3) year cycle, linked to the financial year and are related to the services that the DLTC renders on behalf of the Province.
04 April 2016 - NW784
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) How many comments have been received in response to her department’s call for comments on its National Rail Policy Green Paper, (b)(i) who and/or (ii) which organisations submitted comments, (c)(i) how are the comments being considered and (ii) by whom and (d)(i) what criteria are used to consider incorporating a comment in the final version of the specified policy and (ii) by when will such comments be incorporated into the final policy?
Reply:
a) Sixteen (16) formal written comments were received from stakeholders before the closing date indicated in the Government Gazette. These included Government Departments, State-Owned Entities & Agencies; the private sector, municipalities, and professionals (individually). It should also be noted that separate provincial consultations sessions were held, and inputs from these sessions were also considered.
b)(i)(ii) City of Cape town; Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape); Saldanha Bay Municipality; Department of Transport and Public Works (Western Cape); SALGA; Railway Safety Regulator; PRASA; Chambers of Mines; National Transport Forum; Transnet; Imana Development ; Rail Road Association; Sheltam Pty Ltd; EXXARO; NCT Forestry.
c)(i) Comments that were additions to the policy positions proposed in the Green Paper will be considered for inclusion in the draft White Paper on National Rail Policy. Comments for further work to be done were noted and are currently being investigated further. Bilateral are being held with organisations where clarity is being sort on comments submitted.
(ii)The Department consolidated and reviewed all comments submitted by stakeholders.
d)(i) All inputs submitted to the Department are considered valuable and has been considered in the development of the draft White Paper on National Rail Policy. The criteria for revision considers evidence-based policy positions, inputs that are plausible, without scientific evidence and policy views that are contrary to what the Green Paper proposed. Inputs are discussed with critical stakeholders to reach understanding and consensus on the policy positions where possible.
(ii) All inputs, pending the outcome of the investigation and engagement with critical stakeholders, where relevant, will be included in the draft White Paper by October 2016.
04 April 2016 - NW787
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What are the full details of the reasons that the construction of the Dunnottar train manufacturing facility in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, has been delayed, (b) what financial losses have been experienced due to the delay in construction of the specified facility, (c) how have the financial losses incurred been recouped, if at all, and (d) (i) who has been censured in this regard and (ii) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
a) The construction of the Local Factory at Dunnottar Park, Ekurhuleni was delayed due to conditions arising from the requisite Environmental Authorization and obtaining a Water Use License for the site before commencement of the construction activities. Both causes of the delay were due to wetland area that surrounds the site. In August 2014, PRASA applied for the Environmental Authorization and the approval was granted by the Department of Environmental Affairs on the 27th March 2015. However, the approval was granted on condition that PRASA amend the factory site plans due to the wetland area that surrounds the site. PRASA and Gibela made the requisite adjustments and submitted the revised application to the Department of Environmental Affairs for the final approval. This final approval was received on the 17th August 2015.
PRASA was required to obtain a Water Use License before commencement of the construction. PRASA submitted an application to the Department of Water and Sanitation for the Water Use License (WUL) after the environmental authorization was granted. The original target date for obtaining the WUL was the 29th September 2015. However, PRASA obtained the WUL on the 1st December 2015.
b) As it currently stands, PRASA has not experienced any financial losses. In line with the contractual agreement, PRASA and Gibela are currently assessing the exact nature of the financial impact of the delay. PRASA and Gibela are undertaking a rigorous process to interrogate any claims of financial impact to the programme, including an independent audit of the claims. Once the assessment has been conducted and the necessary reviews completed, PRASA will notify all stakeholders of the status and nature of the claims.
c) As stated above, PRASA has not sustained any financial loses.
d) i) No censuring is required as the delay was beyond PRASA’s control and is managed though the provisions of the contract.
ii) On the 8th December 2015, PRASA provided Gibela with access to the Factory Site to commence construction. Gibela has since appointed Trencon (a black owned construction company, based in Ekurhuleni) to perform plant rescue and relocation, build a nursery and maintain rescued plants and Bulk Earth Works. The plant rescue and relocation was a key condition from the Environmental Authorization.
To date, Gibela has performed site setup for the first set of activities and have performed plant rescue. Furthermore, Bulk Earthworks commenced in mid-February 2016 and is expected to be completed by end of May 2016.
On the 4th March 2016, the Department of Transport, PRASA and Gibela lead by the Minister of Transport performed the Sod Turning for the Local Factory.
04 April 2016 - NW652
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)How many (a) new staff members joined the Public Service as permanently appointed staff (i) in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2015 and (b) of the specified staff members (i) have successfully completed the full compulsory induction course for public servants, (ii) are currently in training or (iii) still need to commence training in the compulsory induction course; (2) (a) how many accredited trainers are there in the Public Service to facilitate training in the full public service induction programme in each province, (b) what are the targets going forward and (c) when will the public service reach a situation where all newly appointed employees in the public service would have completed the compulsory induction programme within two years of being appointed for the first time?
Reply:
- (a) new staff members joined the Public Service as permanently appointed staff:
Question |
Years |
Number permanently appointed to the Public Service[1] |
Number of officials eligible for CIP – that is officials with first time appointment after 1 July 2012[2] |
Number of officials that have completed the full CIP |
Number currently training on CIP |
Number still need to commence training on CIP |
(aa) |
2012 – 2013 |
40 547 |
18 776 |
43 |
326 |
18 407 |
(bb) |
2013 – 2014 |
46 592 |
32 499 |
25 |
7 897 |
24 577 |
(cc) |
2014 – 2015 |
53 881 |
37 773 |
188 |
15 563 |
22 022 |
(dd) |
2015 - 2016 |
43 005 |
34 125 |
143 |
8 861 |
|
(b) (i) 399 have completed the full CIP
(b) (ii) 32 647 are currently training on CIP
(b) (iii) 90 127 still need to commence training on CIP
(2) (a) Accredited trainers in the Public Service responsible to facilitate training of the induction programme:
Province /National |
Number of departmental officials ready to train |
Eastern Cape |
97 |
Northern Cape |
30 |
Western Cape |
21 |
Gauteng |
34 |
Limpopo |
19 |
Mpumalanga |
14 |
North West |
67 |
Free State |
28 |
KwaZulu Natal |
52 |
National |
260 |
National School of Government |
27 |
Total |
649 |
(b) For the financial year 2016-17 the target is 36 000
(c) The National School of Government process of putting in place necessary systems, capacity and procedures to ensure that all newly appointed employees in the public service complete their compulsory induction programme within two years of being appointed for the first time, is a work in progress.
04 April 2016 - NW651
Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
With reference to the 2014 Report on Management Performance Assessments that showed that a number of government departments were struggling to comply with the regulations regarding Human Resource Management (HRM), (a) what (i) will his department do to assist senior management in developing the knowledge and skills base of senior public officials regarding HRM and (ii) curricula have been developed by the National School of Government (NSG) to address these shortages, (b)(i) how many senior public officials successfully completed formal training programmes of the NSG in HRM regulations in 2015 and (ii) at what level(s) has/have the specified training programmes been pitched and (c) how many credits on the National Qualifications Framework does each of these training programmes entail?
Reply:
(a) (i) The Executive Development Programme (EDP) is tailor made primarily for the Senior Management Service (SMS) in the public service, as well as for specially identified Middle Managers working in the public service. The programme is aligned to the Senior Management Service (SMS) competency framework and aims to equip participants with necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively as senior managers and team leaders.
(ii) The design and delivery of the EDP is informed by extensive international research on management and leadership competency based programmes and a senior management training needs analysis. The EDP meets both competency-based needs (recruitment) and ongoing professional development of SMS members (PDP).
The following curricula were developed to assist public service managers and HRM&D specialists in developing knowledge and skills regarding HRM Regulations:
- Investigating Corruption is a five-day credit-bearing course developed by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and handed to the NSG for roll out. It is aimed at building and strengthening competencies of learners to investigate corruption in the public sector. The course is at NQF level 6 and has 10 credits. NSG roll-out is envisaged for April 2016.
- Application of Policy and Procedure on Incapacity and ill-health retirement (PILIR) is a 5 day, non-credit-bearing course that capacitates learners to implement and apply the PILIR in the public service. The course has as its foundation the PILIR policy and addresses the management of absenteeism, ill-health and incapacity, thereby ensuring sustained service delivery and improved productivity in the public service.
- PILIR online for supervisors enables supervisors to implement the Policy and Procedure on Incapacity Leave and ill-health Retirement (PILIR) in their units on a daily basis. The main aim of this non-credit-bearing course is to develop capacity to comply with the PILIR Guide direct reports and/or team members with regard to the application of the PILIR process;
- Strategic HR Planning for the achievement of organisational results:. The course on Strategic Human Resource Planning for the achievement of organisational results is aligned to the DPSA Strategic Framework on HR Planning and enables learners to acquire knowledge and skills to develop human resource strategies and plans which are integrated with their departmental strategic and operational plans, in order to ensure that their future staffing needs are met. This 5 day credit-bearing course is at NQF level 6 and has 12 credits.
- Development of HRD Implementation Plans is a credit-bearing course intended specifically for senior and middle management in the public service who are involved in the development of Annual HRD Implementation Plans. This is a 5 day course at NQF level 5 and has 10 credits.
- Disability Management in the Public Service enables learners to facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace, and remove barriers that prevent their successful participation in the job market. It is at NQF level 5 and has8 credits.
- Investigating and Presiding Skills is developed for Public Servants and managers involved in workplace investigations related to employee misconduct, as well as persons appointed as Presiding Officers or Chairpersons at disciplinary enquiries. It is non-credit bearing.
- Grievance and Disciplinary Action Procedures is a 5 day credit-bearing course that equips learners with the requisite knowledge, skills and values to resolve employee grievances; monitor and adjust the application of the grievance procedure; and evaluate, analyse and address grievance patterns. It is at NQF level 5 and has 13 credits.
- Recruitment and Selection in the public service is a 5 day credit-bearing course that enables learners with knowledge and skills on how to effect the recruitment of employees in the Public Service. It is at NQF level 5 and has 9 credits.
- An online course in Managing Performance has been developed in the public service to assist senior management in developing the knowledge and skills base of senior public officials regarding Human Resource Management. The online performance management programme is not credit bearing.
(b) (i) Number senior public officials successfully completed formal training programmes of the NSG in HRM regulations in 2015
Course: |
Number trained: (2012/13 to 2015/16) |
|
• |
EDP: Strategic HRM Module |
453 |
• |
Investigating Corruption |
Envisaged roll-out is April 2016 |
• |
Application of Policy and Procedure on Incapacity and ill-health retirement (RUM |
757 |
• |
PILIR online for supervisors (launched during 2015) |
379 |
• |
Strategic HR Planning for the achievement of organisational results |
700 |
• |
Development of HRD Implementation Plans |
55 |
• |
Disability Management in the Public Service |
1 648 |
• |
Investigating and Presiding Skills |
503 |
• |
Grievance and Disciplinary Action Procedures |
651 |
• |
Recruitment and Selection in the public service |
217 |
• |
Managing Performance in the public service |
2 517 |
(ii) The online performance management programme is open to all public servant who manage their own and team performance.
(c) National Qualifications Framework (NQF) credits for each of these training programmes are follows:
- Investigating Corruption is at NQF level 6 and has 10 credits.
- Application of Policy and Procedure on Incapacity and ill-health retirement (PILIR) is a non-credit-bearing course.
- PILIR online for supervisors is a non-credit-bearing course,
- Strategic HR Planning for the achievement of organisational results is at NQF level 6 and has 12 credits.
Development of HRD Implementation Plans is at NQF level 5 and has 10 credits.
- Disability Management in the Public Service is at NQF level 5 and has 8 credits.
- Investigating and Presiding Skills is non-credit bearing.
- Grievance and Disciplinary Action Procedures is at NQF level 5 and has 13 credits.
- Recruitment and Selection in the public service is at NQF level 5 and has 9 credits.
- An online course in Managing Performance has been developed is not credit bearing.
04 April 2016 - NW627
Shivambu, Mr F to ask the Minister of Finance
What number of senior managers have (a) terminated their employment at the SA Revenue Service (Sars) due to (i) voluntary resignation, (ii) suspension that led to termination of employment, (iii) early retirement or (iv) other reasons since 1 September 2014 and (b) been (i) employed by Sars and (ii) appointed to what positions since 1 September 2014?
Reply:
a) The number of senior managers that have left the employment of SARS since
1 September 2014 per the requested categories is:
- Voluntary resignation - 39
- Suspension that led to termination - 1
- Early retirement - 1
- Other – 14
b) The number of senior managers that have been appointed in SARS since 1
September 2014 per the requested categories is:
- 21
- These appointments were made to the following positions:
-
-
- Chief Officers
- Group Executives
- Executives
- Senior Managers
- Senior Specialists
-
04 April 2016 - NW68
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What are the details of the steps (a) his department and (b) the Public Service Commission are taking to enforce the requirement that all government departments pay their suppliers within 30 days of receiving goods or services; (2) how he intends to (a) monitor the effectiveness of, and (b) ensure managerial accountability for, each of the steps he intends to take in this regard?
Reply:
- (a) The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and also the National Treasury are in a better position to provide details of steps to enforce the requirement for departments to pay suppliers within 30 days.
- The Public Service Commission (PSC) derives its mandate from Section 196(4) of the Constitution, 1996. In terms of this mandate, the PSC promotes the constitutional principles in Section 195, including ensuring that resources (in this case financial) are used for the purpose they are earmarked, that services are rendered fairly, that ethics are promoted and that public administration is development-oriented. In addition, the PSC is mandated in Section 196(4)(b) to inter alia investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation and administration of the public service and in Section 196(4)(c) to propose measures to ensure effective and efficient performance within the public service. Section 196(4)(f) tasks the PSC to monitor and investigate adherence to applicable procedures in the public service either on own accord or on receipt of a complaint.
In accordance with this mandate, the PSC conducted a series of public hearings at provincial and national level during the 2012/13 financial year. The hearings were intended to provide an overview of the challenges experienced in the payment of service providers and to develop possible solutions in this regard. The hearings were also designed to provide a forum for consultation and public participation with regard to the payment process. Departments with the highest incidence of non-payment (according to figures received from National Treasury) were also invited to these hearings. These departments were provided the opportunity to answer service providers’ questions, explain their challenges and solve cases of non-payment on the spot, where possible.
Reports on the individual hearings were compiled and coordinated through the relevant treasuries with government departments.
(2) (a) Outcome 12 Quarterly Report, which include monitoring of the 30 days payment of suppliers are tables at Cabinet as required. The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) is part of the Outcome 12 Implementation Forum and it is in a better position to provide details on the effectiveness of the mechanisms to enforce the 30 days payment of suppliers.
(b) To have performance Agreement of managers to also include payment of suppliers as key performance area, amongst other things.
04 April 2016 - NW691
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Transport
What is the current status of the Mabopane Transport Hub project in Pretoria, Gauteng, (b) how much has the project cost to date, (c) what are the reasons for the delays in completing the specified project and (d) when will the specified project be completed?
Reply:
The PRASA section of the Mabopane Transport Hub project is divided into two sub projects which are implemented by two different service providers. The two interlinked projects are outlined below;
i.The Bridge project, and
ii.The Concourse project
a) The current status of the two projects;
Bridge project: The contract was terminated on 01st April 2015 after matter had been taken to Arbitration as per clause 40 of the JBCC Contract. The Arbitrator determined in favor of PRASA and ruled that the Contractor had unlawfully suspended the works and walked off site without complying with the procedural and substantive requirements of the contract.
At the moment PRASA is in the process of resuscitating the project. What remains is the process of appointing a new contractor to finish the project. Currently the project stands at 70% completion. Major outstanding works remaining are parts of the roof, the link bridge over the railway lines, trading stalls, finishes and some remedial work on some structures constructed by previous contractor which were condemned by the consulting engineers and have to be demolished and rebuilt.
Concourse project: The project is 40% complete with the erection of the roof structure. Works on several platforms including platforms 5 and 6 are 100% complete and works on platform 7 and 8 which is the last platform have just commenced.
Progress on the concourse which focuses on ground floor demolitions, concrete works, brickwork and structural steel work is in progress. The roof structure is nearing completion and the mezzanine level steel structure is complete.
b) Project costs
Bridge project cost to date:
Item |
Description |
Value |
Comments |
1 |
Original Project Budget |
R 197 818 781 |
Including VAT |
2 |
Project Expenditure to date |
R 143 736 161 |
Including VAT |
Concourse project cost to date:
Item |
Description |
Value |
Comments |
1 |
Original Project Budget |
R 199 605 421 |
Including VAT |
2 |
Project Expenditure to date |
R91 128 353 |
Including VAT |
c) Reasons for the delays in completing the projects;
Bridge project: There were various reasons that delayed the project other than the process that led to termination.
- Land issues around ERF 433, Mabopane which resulted in the redesigning of the bridge to avoid the eminent land issues,
- Negotiations with traders associations, who refused to vacate the construction site until temporary trading structures were built for them,
- Community members and structures who demanded to be employed directly by PRASA instead of the appointed Main Contractor and therefore often stopped the site works in protest, and
- Strikes from workers demanding better remunerations than what the Main Contractor could offer.
Concourse project:
Item |
Problem |
1. |
Employment opportunities & subcontracting demands from community resulting in protests and work stoppages |
2. |
Project scope change. Increase in time and project cost |
d) When the project would be completed;
Bridge project: The project is expected to finish within 8 months from the date of site handover to the new contractor (once all the Supply Chain Management processes have been completed).
Concourse project: The project is expected to be complete by end December 2016
04 April 2016 - NW788
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) What criteria are used by the Airports Company of SA (ACSA) when (i) allocating retail space at airports and (ii) determining the size of retail space allocated to retailers, (b) what (i) analysis was undertaken at each airport to determine the type of businesses that were allocated retail spaces and (ii) were the outcomes of the analysis; (2) (a) what financial analyses reflecting historic outcomes were undertaken and (b) what were the outcomes of such analyses; (3) (a) what financial analyses reflecting predictive future outcomes were undertaken and (b) what were the outcomes of such analyses?
Reply:
- (a) (i)
As a policy, every retail store is awarded through an open, fair, equitable and transparent process. The award of retail leases through a tender process is subject to approval of the Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA) designated governance committees.
The principal determining factor in the provision of retail space relates to the passenger volumes which are considered over the medium to long term. An internationally accepted rule of thumb is that every one million passengers can support between 800 and 1000 square meters of retail space. This is however at best an average indicator as many other factors make each airport unique.
(a) (ii)
The size of retail space at the airport is determined in terms of the merchandise mix. Merchandise mix is defined into major concepts/categories such as core duty free, arts and craft, electronics, books, fashion apparel, foreign exchange, food and beverage. Each of these categories require different size retail stores ranging from large stores of over 1,000 sqms to very small stores of only 50 sqms.
(b) (i)
Market research is undertaken before each major retail expansion or reconfiguration project. Market research of current demand and trends at other successful airports coupled with the empirical evidence of successful historical performance would be utilised in determining the scope or range of products that should comprise the offer in any given area. An airport’s duty free area would feature mostly high-end products in line with the passenger profile, the legislative environment (mostly tax- and duty free) and the longer dwell time prevalent in these areas.
Whilst the above area only caters for passengers on airside, the landside offer must also cater for the non-passenger consumer which would include airport staff.
(b) (ii)
The outcome of this analysis will confirm that the exiting location and retail space is adequate or not. If not, a revised retail spatial plan together with the merchandise plan is agreed upon. If the retail space is deemed to be adequate, the merchandise plan is agreed upon based on the historical trading densities achieved.
2. (a)
The starting point is to understand the retail categories/concepts that underperform which are normally reflected in the turnover trading density per sqm achieved. Another indicator is based on rentals paid as a percentage of turnover which are higher than the concession rate. ACSA is also able to benchmark trading density performance on similar retail categories across its airports, or within zones in the airport. Rentals are set and turnover performance are different across differing retail categories/concepts but also influenced by the proximity of trading areas to the flow of passengers.
(b)
The tenant mix and merchandise plan are changed where the retail concept is not achieving the planned outcome. ACSA carefully considers failure of the concept against the operator’s poor performance which could be due to a store being located in the wrong area or sometimes having to many stores providing the same concept.
3. (a)
The drivers influencing retail turnovers are:
- The disposal income predicted;
- the current and forecast ZAR rate of exchange that influences input costs and propensity to spend;
- the expected passenger traffic growth;
- the impact of available and new retail space planned;
- The impact of internal and external competition on the current and new retail concepts; and
- Changes to duty free and other legislation.
Therefore, the above factors are considered in determining the appropriateness of the historic performance as a proxy for setting the future minimum rentals and reviewing the business plans presented by the bidders against these parameters.
(b)
The response to item 3 (a) influences the outcome. If retail concepts are not achieving the desired outcome for the operator or ACSA, these are substituted by better performing concepts and/or new concepts proposed by bidders. Sometimes minimum monthly rentals are revised lower in the new bid where the historic minimum rentals as a percentage of the trading density were bid too high, or not affordable or sustainable.
04 April 2016 - NW621
Shivambu, Mr F to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)With reference to his announcement of a special voluntary disclosure programme to give opportunity to noncompliant taxpayers to voluntarily disclose offshore assets and income during the presentation of the Budget on 24 February 2016, how much has SA Revenue Service collected in revenue in all previous voluntary disclosure programmes since 2012, (2) how many (a) persons and (b) corporations have participated in the programme since 2012?
Reply:
- The South African Revenue Service has collected R6, 3 billion as on 14 March 2016 with the voluntary disclosure programme since 2012.
- (a)(b) The voluntary disclosure programme (VDP) data is kept per tax type, not per taxpayer type. The total number of VDP applications since 2012 is 8401. Of the approved applications, 35% relates to income tax, 13% to PAYE, 49% to VAT and 3% to other taxes.
01 April 2016 - NW545
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
(1)With reference to his reply to question 3447 on 13 October 2015, (a) what is the current status of the investigation and (b) what are the charges contained in the docket; (2) whether any suspects have been arrested to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any (a) suspects or (b) witnesses have been interviewed; if not, why not in each case; if so, (i) when and (ii) what are the further relevant details in each case; (4) when is the investigation anticipated to be finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a) The investigation is finalised.
(1)(b) Malicious Damage to Property.
(2) Nobody has been arrested to date. No suspect has been arrested yet, due to the nature of the offence, which first requires a decision by the Senior Public Prosecutor.
(3)(a) Yes, the suspects were interviewed and warning statements have been obtained.
(3)(b) All the witnesses have been interviewed.
(i)-(ii) Eleven relevant witnesses were interviewed on various dates.
(4) The investigation is finalised and the docket was taken to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision on 8 March 2016.
01 April 2016 - NW544
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
(1)With reference to (a) Lichtenburg CAS 193/02/2016, (b) Lichtenburg CAS 194/02/2016 and (c) Lichtenburg CAS 199/02//2016, (i)(aa) on what date and (bb) at what time was each docket opened, (ii) who was the officer capturing each specified docket and (iii)(aa) what are the charges contained in each docket and (bb) who is charged in each specified case; (2) whether any suspects have been (a) arrested and/or (b) interviewed for any of the specified dockets; if not, why not in each case; if so, (i) when did the specified event occur and (ii) was due process followed in each case; (3) (a) what is the current status of the investigations into the specified dockets and (b) when is it anticipated to be finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a) Lichtenburg CAS 193/02/2016
(i) (aa) Date: 2016-02-19
(i) (bb) Time: 04:15
(ii) Ms. J Mookaneng
(iii) (aa) Assault Common and Crimen Injuria
(iii) (bb) Stephanus Johannes Jansen van Vuuren
(1)(b) Lichtenburg CAS 194/02/2016
(i) (aa) Date: 2016-02-18
(i) (bb) Time: 21:58
(ii) Ms. E M Miyase
(iii) (aa) Assault Common
(iii) (bb) Obakeng Mothupi
(1)(c) Lichtenburg CAS 199/02/2016
(i) (aa) Date: 2016-02-19
(i) (bb) Time: 04:16
(ii) Ms. J Mookaneng
(iii) (aa) Crimen Injuria
(iii) (bb) No arrests.
(2)(a) Suspects were arrested in Lichtenburg CAS 193/02/2016 and 194/02/2016.
(2)(b) The suspect in Lichtenburg CAS 199/02/2016 is still to be interviewed and warning statement obtained.
(i) 2016-02-18
(ii) Yes
(3)(a) Lichtenburg CAS 193/02/2016 and 194/02/2016 were before court and postponed to 2016-03-07. Lichtenburg CAS 199/02/2016 is still under investigation. Witness as well as warning statements are outstanding. After the investigation is finalised, the docket will be sent to the Senior Public Prosecutor for decision.
(3)(b) 2016-03-31
01 April 2016 - NW615
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Police
Whether he has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly to withdraw, cancel or expunge his report on Nkandla upgrades and to tender a public apology to the Public Protector for as the President’s Counsel in the Constitutional Court conceded that he has in a sense shot his bolt in making findings; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister has not written to the Speaker of the National Assembly to withdraw, cancel or expunge his report on the Nkandla upgrades. It must be noted that the consession made by the President’s Counsel does not render the report invalid. So far the Minister’s report has not been tested against it being factually incorrect in any legal forum.
01 April 2016 - NW668
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Police
(a) What are the names of each police station in the (i) City of Tshwane Metropolitan, (ii) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, (iii) City of Johannesburg Metropolitan, (iv) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan and (v) Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipalities and (b) which suburbs does each of the specified police stations serve?
Reply:
(a)
(i)
City of Tshwane |
|
Police Station |
Number of Suburbs |
AKASIA |
32 |
ATTERIDGEVILLE |
14 |
BOSCHKOP |
45 |
BRONKHORSTSPRUIT |
19 |
BROOKLYN |
42 |
CULLINAN |
15 |
DUBE |
12 |
EERSTERUST |
8 |
EKANGALA |
8 |
ERASMIA |
25 |
GA-RANKUWA |
29 |
GARSFONTEIN |
48 |
HAMMANSKRAAL |
9 |
HEIDELBERG |
|
HERCULES |
34 |
KAMEELDRIFT |
20 |
LAUDIUM |
6 |
LOATE |
14 |
LYTTELTON |
50 |
MABOPANE |
20 |
MAMELODI |
29 |
MAMELODI EAST |
29 |
OLIEVENHOUTBOSCH |
58 |
PRETORIA CENTRAL |
25 |
PRETORIA MOOT |
16 |
PRETORIA NORTH |
25 |
PRETORIA WEST |
25 |
RIETGAT |
40 |
SILVERTON |
31 |
SINOVILLE |
31 |
SOSHANGUVE |
29 |
SUNNYSIDE |
26 |
TEMBA |
36 |
VILLIERIA |
23 |
WELBEKEND |
19 |
WIERDABRUG |
55 |
WONDERBOOMPOORT |
16 |
(ii)
Nelson Mandela Bay |
|
Police Station |
Number of Suburbs |
MOTHERWELL |
5 |
IKAMVELIHLE |
4 |
KINKELBOS |
7 |
KWADWESI |
4 |
KWAZAKELE |
7 |
NEW BRIGHTON |
3 |
SWARTKOPS |
7 |
MOUNT ROAD |
13 |
ALGOAPARK |
4 |
BETHELSDORP |
5 |
GELVANDALE |
8 |
HUMEWOOD |
4 |
KABEGA PARK |
13 |
WALMER |
4 |
UITENHAGE |
11 |
KWANOBUHLE |
13 |
(iii)
City of Johannesburg |
|
Police Station |
Number of Suburbs |
ALEXANDRA |
11 |
BOOYSENS |
46 |
BRAMLEY |
44 |
BRIXTON |
32 |
CLEVELAND |
31 |
DIEPKLOOF |
19 |
DIEPSLOOT |
19 |
DOBSONVILLE |
19 |
DOUGLASDALE |
63 |
ELDORADO PARK |
14 |
ENNERDALE |
19 |
FAIRLAND |
9 |
FLORIDA |
44 |
HILLBROW |
14 |
HONEYDEW |
74 |
IVORY PARK |
9 |
JABULANI |
11 |
JEPPE |
34 |
KLIPTOWN |
25 |
LANGLAAGTE |
20 |
LENASIA |
13 |
LENASIA SOUTH |
11 |
LINDEN |
39 |
MEADOWLANDS |
23 |
MIDRAND |
74 |
MOFFATVIEW |
46 |
MONDEOR |
44 |
MOROKA |
23 |
NALEDI |
8 |
NORWOOD |
44 |
ORANGE FARMS |
17 |
ORLANDO |
23 |
PARKVIEW |
26 |
PROTEA GLEN |
12 |
RABIE RIDGE |
16 |
RANDBURG |
44 |
ROODEPOORT |
52 |
ROSEBANK |
14 |
SANDRINGHAM |
52 |
SANDTON |
58 |
SOPHIA TOWN |
29 |
YEOVILLE |
18 |
(iv)
Erkhuleni |
|
Police Station |
Suburbs |
ACTONVILLE |
15 |
ALBERTON |
43 |
BEDFORDVIEW |
46 |
BENONI |
66 |
BOKSBURG |
34 |
BOKSBURG NORTH |
53 |
BRACKENDOWNS |
18 |
BRAKPAN |
68 |
CRYSTALPARK |
33 |
DAVEYTON |
8 |
DAWN PARK |
23 |
DUDUZA |
16 |
DUNNOTTAR |
12 |
EDENPARK |
12 |
EDENVALE |
36 |
ELSBURG |
31 |
ETWATWA |
16 |
GERMISTON |
44 |
KATLEHONG |
29 |
KATLEHONG NORTH |
41 |
KEMPTON PARK |
60 |
KWA THEMA |
31 |
NIGEL |
20 |
NORKEMPARK |
27 |
OLIFANTSFONTEIN |
37 |
PRIMROSE |
39 |
PUTFONTEIN |
19 |
REIGERPARK |
15 |
SEBENZA |
37 |
SPRINGS |
72 |
TEMBISA |
50 |
TEMBISA SOUTH |
30 |
TOKOZA |
17 |
TSAKANE |
14 |
VOSLOORUS |
33 |
ZONKIZIZWE |
9 |
(v)
Buffalo City |
|
Police Station |
Number Of Suburbs |
EAST LONDON |
25 |
KIDDS BEACH |
8 |
CHALUMNA |
13 |
DUNCAN VILLAGE |
8 |
GONUBIE |
10 |
BEACON BAY |
7 |
BUFFALO FLATS |
12 |
KING WILLIAM'S TOWN |
17 |
BHISHO |
13 |
NDEVANA |
7 |
DIMBAZA |
17 |
KEI ROAD |
2 |
KUBUSIEDRIFT |
3 |
BOLO |
|
PUNZANA |
12 |
STEVE VUKILE TSHWETE |
18 |
STUTTERHEIM |
8 |
TAMARA |
20 |
ZWELITSHA |
18 |
ZELE |
18 |
01 April 2016 - NW86
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she has entered into a performance agreement with the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, with regard to the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2014-2019; if not, why not; if so, (a) which key indicators and targets from the MTSF are reflected in the agreement, (b) how many performance assessments has she undertaken in consultation with the President since the agreement was signed, (c) what progress has been made in meeting the key indicators and targets from the MTSF, (d) what are the key obstacles to implementation and (e) what is the plan to address such obstacles?
Reply:
Indeed Honourable member, I have signed a performance agreement with the President.
(a) The Performance Management Framework for Ministers is the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2014/19. The performance targets and indicators are derived from the fourteen (14) Outcomes which government seeks to achieve. To assist the Honourable member, the outcome applicable to my portfolio is outcome eight (8).
The outcomes and targets constitute government’s Programme of Action (POA), against which performance is tracked and reported on at least on a quarterly basis.
(b) to (e) The monitoring of the Performance Agreements is done through Cabinet when assessing the progress of government’s programme of action. The latter is submitted periodically and discussed extensively in Cabinet after which a Cabinet Statement is issued to the public. Cabinet discusses implementation bottlenecks and make recommendations to address the identified bottlenecks.
01 April 2016 - NW693
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1)Whether the seller of the 19 firearms (name and details furnished) has a licence to sell such weapons; (2) is she allowed to sell her weapons from a residential home which could be a target for criminals and place the lives of nearby residents in danger; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Ms Alex Gagiano (580606 0116 089) cannot be in possession of or deal with 19 firearms or any other fireams as she is not in possession of a relevant dealers licence.
(2) No. When any person wishes to deal in firearms, the following process applies;
- An application for a competency certificate to deal in firearms is lodged with the South African Police Service.
- Upon approval of such an application the person concerned is legally permitted to deal in fireams.
- This person becomes registered on the EFRS as a dealer, under the Firearms Control Act, 2000.
- Over and above a competency certificate, a person must apply for a licence to deal in firearms.
- There are also other requirements that must be met before a licence to deal in firearms is issued, such as compliance with municapal bi-laws and safety measures. A house is not normally used as a dealership premises for firearms.
01 April 2016 - NW127
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
With reference to his reply to question 4179 on 14 December 2015, and with respect to his department’s post on his department’s official Facebook page on 12 December 2012, what was the nature of the relationship between the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Dambuza Community Development Trust (Dambuza) in respect of the project referred to in the specified post as the Ceta-Dambuza Community Trust Project; (2) did any other Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have a relationship similar to the relationship between CETA and Dambuza and/or any of its subsidiaries in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case (a) which SETA(s) had such a relationship with Dambuza or the relevant subsidiary, (b) what amount did each specified SETA pay to Dambuza or the relevant subsidiary as a result of that relationship and (c) what services were rendered as a result of the respective relationship; (3) does each specified SETA have a record of (a) how many students were trained as a result of projects arising from the specified relationships, (b) the fields in which the students were trained and (c) the accredited authority that offered the specified training; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (4) did each specified SETA request information with respect to the identity of the (a) chief executive officer of the trust and (b) board members; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
- This relationship was one of discretionary grant funding in line with CETA’s discretionary grant policy.
-
- AgriSeta did not disburse funds during the period under consideration, and
- As of 31 December 2015, an amount of R6, 568 929.26 was paid by CETA which includes disbursements and learner stipends.
(a) Name of SETA |
(b) Line items paid |
|
|
Construction Education and Training Authority |
Learner Stipend |
R1 581 840 |
Learnerships |
Administration fees |
R 236 200 |
||
Learning material |
R 94 200 |
||
Facilitation |
R140 500 |
||
Assessments |
R46 500 |
||
Internal moderations |
R6 700 |
||
Toolkit |
R73 600 |
||
Consumables |
R480 000 |
||
Protective clothing |
R60 000 |
||
Learner Stipend |
R1 147 017 |
Apprenticeships (First year) |
|
Learning materials |
R47 000 |
||
Administration fees (R300 X 12 months) |
R257 400 |
||
Facilitation (R500 p/m X 4) |
R172 000 |
||
Assessments (R500 X 2) |
R0 |
||
Internal moderations (R350 X 2) |
R0 |
||
Mentorship (R500 p/m X 8) |
R 257 000 |
||
Toolkit |
R0 |
||
Consumables (R1600 X 3 months) |
R 150 400 |
||
Protective Clothing |
R 56 400 |
||
Learner Stipend |
R 1 045 650 |
Apprenticeships (Second year) |
|
Learning Materials |
R0 |
||
Administration (R300 x 12 months) |
R 223 900 |
||
Facilitation (R500 p/m x 4) |
R 142 500 |
||
Assessments (R500 x 2) |
R0 |
||
Internal Moderations (R350 x 2) |
R0 |
||
Mentorship (R500 p/m x 8) |
R 232 000 |
||
Toolkit |
R0 |
||
Consumables (R1600 x 3) |
R0 |
||
Protective clothing |
R 42 600 |
3. Yes, the information is tabulated below:
SETA |
|
|
|
CETA |
94 |
Leanerships |
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations |
74 |
Apprenticeship: Bricklaying |
||
25 |
Short Skills Programmes (Plumbing) |
||
25 |
Short Skills Programmes (Carpentry) |
||
25 |
Short Skills Programmes (Masonry) |
||
TOTAL |
243 |
4. The due diligence undertaken in the ordinary course would reveal the details sought and more.
Compiler/Contact persons: Mr MZ Ngubane
Ext: 5896
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 127 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
01 April 2016 - NW801
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
During the period 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2016, (a) what was the reduction, if any, in the consumption of electricity across the country, (b) what amount was electricity consumption reduced by in (i) households and (ii) industries and (c) how many new residential connections were made during the specified period?
Reply:
(a) There was an increase of 367 GWh nationally over the specified period.
(b)(i) There was an increase of 262 GWh across the household sector over the specified period.
(ii) A decline of 334 GWh across the industrial sector over the specified period.
(c) There was a total of new 225 785 residential connections during the specified period. New connections refers to new grid connections and excludes customers who have migrated from conventional to prepaid, or who have terminated and subsequently reconnected their services.
01 April 2016 - NW546
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
(1)What (a) is the current status of the investigation of Loate CAS 29/02/26 and (b) are the charges contained in the specified docket; (2) whether any suspects have been arrested to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any (a) suspects and/or (b) witnesses have been interviewed; if not, why not; if so, (i) when and (ii) what are the further relevant details; (4) when does he expect the investigation to be finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a) The investigation into Loate CAS 29/02/2016 is finalised.
(1)(b) Intimidation.
(2) Yes, two (2) suspects were arrested on 3 February 2016, and released on warning on the same date. The Prosecutor did not place the docket on the court roll and gave instructions to obtain further statements regarding the actions of the accused.
(3)(a) Yes, 2 suspects were interviewed.
(3)(a)(i) 3 February 2016.
(3)(a)(ii) The suspects submitted a warning statement and said that they were going to make a statement in court.
(3)(b) Yes, 3 witneses were interviewed.
(3)(b)(i) 3 February 2016.
(3)(b)(ii) There were 3 witnesses who pointed out the suspects that were detained and interviewed.
(4) The docket was sent to the Senior Public Prosecutor on 9 March 2016 to be placed back on the court roll.
01 April 2016 - NW650
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
What steps he is taking to ensure the safety and right to safe accommodation and study of students who are currently studying at universities and establishments of higher education where violent protest action on campus is a problem?
Reply:
The responsibility to run institutions, including managing conflicts that arise within institutions and ensuring the safety of students and staff lies with the Management of our respective universities. Universities implement safety measures through their own security service departments or outsourced security services. Where required, they may call upon the South African Police Service for further assistance. Security operations is not the responsibility of the Department and is accordingly not directly monitored by the Department. However, the Department provides infrastructure funding to universities, some of which contributes towards security systems at student residences and academic buildings, for example access control, biometric systems, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and security fencing to safeguard campuses.
The Department has confidence in university Councils to appoint competent managers capable of managing public higher education institutions efficiently and effectively. The Department strongly opposes and condemns illegal activities, violence, destruction of property and threats to the lives’ of individuals, and supports university Management in their efforts to ensure the safety of their students, staff and property. The Department also supports university Management in taking decisive action to ensure the safety of students and staff by closing affected campuses, where necessary.
Compiler/contact persons: Dr P Vukea and Ms B Swart
Ext: 5251 and 5262
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 650 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
01 April 2016 - NW343
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
How many students who were supported by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Fund since its inception (a) have graduated, (b) are still studying or (c) have dropped out; (2) in respect of students who dropped out, (a) why did the specified students drop out and (b) what is being done to curb this dropout rate; (3) (a) what (i) total amount do the specified students owe to the fund and (ii) percentage of the specified students are earning enough to begin payments back to the fund, (b) how many of the specified students have been blacklisted as a result of their NSFAS debt and (c) what plans are in place in respect of the specified students and their debts?
Reply:
1. (a) The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has funded 1 700 533 students since its inception.
(b) and (c) NSFAS does not hold a complete data set on dropouts, and is currently augmenting this data from data sources such as the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS). NSFAS, in collaboration with the Department, is currently in the process of conducting a full cohort study looking at cohorts of students from 2005 through to 2014. It is expected that the results from this study will be finalised by the end of June 2016.
Stellenbosch University conducted a cohort study for NSFAS in 2012, which revealed that 34% of the first-time entering student cohort for the 2000 academic year had qualified, 29% were still studying and 37% had dropped out. After a full nine years, 55% of this same cohort had qualified, 6% was still studying and 38% had dropped out.
This study goes on to conclude that NSFAS non-funded students have a slightly higher drop-out and lower qualification rate, with 48% having completed their qualification, 6% still studying and 46% having dropped out. These figures are consistent with figures released annually by the Council on Higher Education, which includes both NSFAS non-funded and funded students.
2. (a) Data shows that students from poor socio-economic backgrounds are disproportionately at risk of failing and dropping out of their studies, i.e. most of these students are NSFAS recipients.
(b) Over the recent years, considerable resources have been provided to address the needs of these students, which amongst others include:
- The establishment and expansion of “First-Year Experience” projects, which take a holistic view of the academic and psychosocial (non-academic) factors that impact on student performance, particularly during the difficult school-to-university first-year transition. All universities now have some version of this programme;
- The effectiveness of the abovementioned strategies are monitored through progress reports submitted by each institution. There has been some improvement in the success rates, however it is still too early to determine the outcome of these programmes;
- Greatly expanding the provision of mentoring and tutorial support, targeting particularly first-year and at risk students;
- The development and strengthening of Writing Centres and other forms of language support, including the development of multilingual online concept glossaries;
- Resources to support the development of e-learning approaches and materials to enhance student learning both in and outside of the classroom;
- Foundation provisioning programmes which support underprepared students though extended curriculum programmes; and
- Improved data analytics at institutional level to identify students at risk and develop interventions to support them.
3. (a) (i) Based on NSFAS loan book data, there are 247 913 students who have dropped out before graduating.
(ii) NSFAS becomes aware of the income status of debtors when they are registered as taxpayers. This information is provided to NSFAS by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and is used to make contact with non-paying debtors. Of the 247 913 students referred to above, 190 284 (77%) students are registered as taxpayers with SARS.
(b) None of these students have been blacklisted by NSFAS.
(c) NSFAS has a number of measures in place to recover debts from students who have become debtors. The strategy that NSFAS is implementing for debt collection comprises of the following measures:
- Sending statements to debtors;
- Appointment of Collection Agencies;
- Data analysis to identify opportunities to improve collections;
- Ongoing improvements to the outstanding debt recoveries campaign;
- Adversely listing defaulting debtors, i.e. those who are capable of paying and are refusing in terms of Section 21 of the NSFAS Act;
- Ongoing data cleansing of contact details; and
- Establishment of a whistle-blowers facility.
Compiler/contact persons: Ms P Whittle and Ms J Skene
Ext: 5248 and 5099
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 343 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
01 April 2016 - NW666
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Police
(1)(a) What are the specific details of the intervention by the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) that he announced at a community meeting in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth on 22 February 2016 in terms of how will the SAPS and the SANDF work together, (b) what aspects of combatting gang and drug violence will the SANDF be responsible for in the specified areas and (c) for how long will the SANDF be deployed in Port Elizabeth; (2) whether similar arrangements will be implemented in any other parts of South Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(1)(a) It is the continuation of the crime prevention and combatting intervention in the Northern Area of Port Elizabeth which is code named “Operation Coastal Dragon” and the intervention has been elevated to Cluster level (JCPS).
(1)(b) The SANDF, as member of the JCPS Cluster, will continue to play a role in the Cluster initiated interventions such as parcitipation in the planning process and logistic support.
(1)(c) No decision has been taken to deploy the SANDF in Port Elizabeth.
(2) The JCPS adopted the multi-discipline and integrated approach which is shared to all provinces for implementation.The same approch is applicable to all affected areas.
01 April 2016 - NW671
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Police
(1)What (a) is the current status of the investigation of CAS 31/12/2015 lodged at the Lothair Police Station in Mpumalanga and (b) are the charges contained in the docket; (2) whether any suspects have been arrested to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any (a) suspects or (b) witnesses have been interviewed; if not, why not; if so, (i) when and (ii) what are the further relevant details; (4) when is the investigation anticipated to be finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a) The case is fully investigated.
(1)(b) A charge of culpable homicide was opened.
(2) No one has been arrested. A warning statement was taken and sent to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision, who will forward it to the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
(3)(a) The driver was interviewed and a warning statement was obtained.
(3)(b) Witness statements were obtained.
(i) 24 December 2015.
(ii) The case docket was forwarded to the Senior Public Prosecutor on 29 January 2016 for decision.
(4) The investigation has been finalized and the case docket was forwarded to the Senior Public Prosecutor at Ermelo on 29 January 2016.
01 April 2016 - NW667
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) amount of the total funding allocated for contingent liabilities in the SA Police Service was spent (i) in the (aa) 2011-12, (bb) 2012-13, (cc) 2013-14 and (dd) 2014-15 financial years and (ii) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) is the breakdown of this expenditure in the specified financial years and period?
Reply:
(a) The expenditure on contingent liabilities in the different financial years are as follows:
(i)(aa) 2011/12 R 105 960 million (Annual Report 2011/12 page 200)
(i)(bb) 2012/13 R 187 132 million (Annual Report 2012/13 page 257)
(i)(cc) 2013/14 R 251 192 million (Annual Report 2013/14 page 336)
(i)(dd) 2014/15 R 256 188 million (Annual Report 2014/15 page 416)
(ii) 2015/16 R 214 666 million (1 April – 31 December 2015 not audited yet)
(b) The breakdown of expenditures for 2011/12 up to 2014/15 are contained in the various Annual Reports as indicated above. The breakdown of expenditure for 2015/16 as at 31 December 2015 is as follows:
Nature of Liability |
R’000 |
Vehicle accidents |
11 724 |
Legal expenses |
1 529 |
Damage to property |
14 |
Assault |
8 140 |
Police Actions |
144 234 |
Shooting incidents |
49 024 |
Total |
214 665 |
01 April 2016 - NW710
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(1)(a) Has the SA Police Service (SAPS) initiated an investigation into the incident of shooting on a minibus taxi in Dunoon, Cape Town, on 24 February 2016 that resulted in one death; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) which (a) National Instructions, (b) SAPS regulations and/or (c) standard operational procedure(s) should have been complied with to prevent the incident?
Reply:
(1)(a) A case has been registered at Milnerton SAPS; (1) Murder, (2) Attempted Murder with Milnerton CAS number 834/02/2016 and is being investigated by IPID.
(2)(a)(b)&(c) National Instruction 1/2016 and Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act (Act No. 51 of 1977) as amended have been complied with.
01 April 2016 - NW708
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to the intention of the SA Police Service (SAPS) to establish a counterintelligence unit under a divisional commander, which was recently announced by the Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, as part of the transformation of the SAPS, what (a) is the rationale for this, (b) will be the mandate of the specified unit and (c) are the estimated (i) cost implications and (ii) time frames in this regard?
Reply:
(a) The intention is to isolate intelligence products, noting the diverse intelligence projects of Crime Intelligence and the need to plan forward and respond promptly, and place management control under direct leadership of the National Commissioner.
(b) According to the National Strategic Intelligence Amendment Act, Act No 39 of 1994 as amended, Act No 11 of 2013, section 1(b) “Counter-Intelligence means measures and activities conducted, instituted or taken to impede and to neutralise the effectiveness of foreign or hostile intelligence operations, to protect intelligence and any classified information, to conduct (security screening), vetting investigations and counter (subversion, treason, sabotage and terrorism aimed at or against personnel, strategic installations or resources of the Republic) any threat or potential threat to national security”.
(c) Current financial expenditures within programme 4, Crime Intelligence will be allocated for the operationalization of this.
(i) Only personnel expenditure can be indicated at this stage as the establishment is an upgrade to Divisional level. Some or most of the posts will be filled by redeploying current skilled members to the new outfit.
(ii) Implementation will commence 1 April 2016.
01 April 2016 - NW669
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Police
(1)With reference to the total state of collapse and disrepair of the Op Die Berg Police Station in the Koue Bokkeveld and the wholly inadequate resources available at the specified police station to service its vast rural and farming area, (a) when will (i) upgrades and/or (ii) repairs to the specified station take place and (b) what are the relevant details of the (i) upgrades and/or (ii) repairs that will take place; (2) (a) when will additional (i) police vehicles and (ii) personnel be allocated to the specified police station and (b) what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(1)(a)(i)(ii)(b)(i)(ii) Op die Berg Satellite police station, is currently not on any priority list for upgrading. Day to day maintenance is the responsibility of the main station, Prince Alfred Hamlet.
(2)(a)(i) Vehicles are allocated according the total personnel on the station as per the Efficiency Index System (EIS). Op die berg is a satellite station of Prince Alfred Hamlet and is resourced from the mentioned station.
The station currently has a surplus of vehicles in terms of the EIS for January 2016.
Efficiency Index system:
GRANTED |
ACTUAL |
SURPLUS |
|
OVERALL |
17 |
22 |
5 |
VISPOL |
9 |
12 |
3 |
DETECTIVES |
5 |
7 |
2 |
SUPPORT |
2 |
2 |
0 |
(2)(a)(ii) Personnel have been allocated to the station in order to address staff shortages.
(2)(b) Entry level constables for recuitment have been allocated to the station.
In addition, posts have been advertised for promotion purposes. The Prince Alfred Hamlet police station prior and post to the establishment of the satellite police station in Op die Berg is resourced with human capital in accordance with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework as well as the Medium Term Personnel Framework of the South African Police Service on an ongoing basis. The staffing levels at all police stations in the Province are constantly monitored in order to address vacancies through the employment of existing human resource processes.
Further, the trainee post allocation to Prince Alfred Hamlet for the 2015/2016 trainee intake was recently reviewed and additional trainees were contracted to undergo training for deployment within the Prince Alfred Hamlet precinct to cater for the increasing demand on policing. This is evident of the commitment of the South African Police Service to facilitate, (on a continuous basis), the maintenance and increased staffing of police stations In order to meet their Constitutional obligation(s).
01 April 2016 - NW332
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(a) What was the precise financial standing of the (i) University of Fort Hare, (ii) University of Zululand, (iii) Walter Sisulu University, (iv) University of the North, (v) University of Venda and (vi) University of KwaZulu-Natal as at the end of the 2014-15 financial year and (b) what will the estimated financial standing of each of the specified universities be at the end of the 2015-16 financial year in each case?
Reply:
(a) The Annual Reports of all universities are published on their respective websites and can be obtained for further analysis. The financial analysis of these universities for the 2013 and 2014 financial years are as follows:
(i) University of Fort Hare
Net assets decreased from R519.3 million in 2013 to R407.8 million in 2014. Unrestricted net assets decreased from R330.6 million to R210.4 million in 2014.
(ii) University of Zululand
Net assets decreased from R1.6 billion in 2013 to R1.4 billion in 2014. The University continues to show growth in unrestricted net assets increasing from R82.5 million to R186 million in 2014.
(iii) Walter Sisulu University
Net assets increased from R59.8 million in 2013 to R116.3 million in 2014. The University decreased its accumulated deficits from R330.8 million to R273.7 million in 2014, another indicator that the University is dealing with the deficits incurred in prior years.
(iv) University of Limpopo (formerly known as University of the North)
Net assets has increased from R2.4 million in 2013 to R2.8 billion in 2014. Unrestricted net assets increased from R225.5 million to R262 million in 2014.
(v) University of Venda
Net assets increased from R1 billion in 2013 to R1.4 billion in 2014. Unrestricted net assets increased from R523.8 million to R548.4 million in 2014.
(vi) University of KwaZulu-Natal
Net assets increased from R3.896 billion in 2013 to R3.915 billion in 2014. However, the University has increased its deficits on unrestricted net assets from R568.9 million to R773.7 million in 2014.
(b) The 2015 information is currently not available, as universities are only required to submit their 2015 Annual Financial Statements on or before 30 June 2016.
Compiler/contact persons: Ms P Whittle
Ext: 5248
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 332 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
01 April 2016 - NW300
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a) Whether each metropolitan municipality has a transparent housing database that is (i) open to the public and (ii) accessible online and (b) how many applicants are on each metropolitan municipality’s housing database?
Reply:
(a) The following metropolitan municipalities utilize the National Housing Needs Register that enables citizens to register their needs for adequate shelter per household:
- Buffalo City;
- Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Council;
- City of Ekurhuleni;
- City of Johannesburg;
- City of Tshwane and
- City of eThekwini
(i) Yes it is open to the public. This means that citizens with a need for adequate shelter can register their household information at the offices and/or satellite offices of a metropolitan and or municipalities utilizing the National Housing Needs Register.
(ii) No. At the moment, the registration is done at the municipal offices and the following information is recorded per household on the NHNR system:
- Geographical details regarding, town, area, street address / house number and ward number;
- Type of dwelling the household is currently living in;
- The main toilet facility that the household has access to;
- The main water facility that the household has access to;
- The main energy type that the household has access to ;
- Monthly income;
- Migration history;
- Preference regarding different housing opportunities;
- Per household member highest qualification attained;
- Per household member, where applicable, the sector In which they are employed;
- Per household member, where applicable, current employment status;
- Per household member, where applicable, social grant received from government;
- Per household member, where applicable, type of disability and
- Per household member, where applicable, special needs.
(b) The information is provided in the table below:
Table 1: Number of applicants registered for adequate shelter
Municipality |
Number of Applicants |
Buffalo City |
48,184 |
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Council |
82, 163 |
City of Ekurhuleni |
202, 329 |
City of Johannesburg |
356,427 |
City f Tshwane |
163, 511 |
City of EThekwini |
The information is being uploaded |
01 April 2016 - NW224
Mokause, Ms MO to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Has her department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (names furnished - Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta) in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, in each specified financial year, (i) how many times were such contracts awarded and (ii) for what amount?
Reply:
No. However, the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) paid for services rendered by companies which are indirectly or directly owned by certain persons as follows:
(a) Financial year 2012-13: None.
(b) During 2013-14 financial year, DHS paid for services rendered by the TNA Media (Pty) Ltd.
(i) once
(ii) R 19 900.00
(c) During 2014-15 financial year, DHS paid for services rendered TNA Media (Pty) Ltd.
(i) Once
(ii) R 9 950.00.
01 April 2016 - NW719
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Whether the goal of the National Development Plan to bolster teacher training has been implemented across the country in a manner that was fully equipping new teachers with (a) accurate and detailed subject knowledge, (b) innovative methodology and modern classroom practice techniques, (c) evolving philosophy on education and modern principles of education, (d) psychological insights in dealing with learners and (e) scientific methods of assessing and testing learners; if not, why not; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of how teacher training is being thoroughly bolstered and (ii) outcomes are being achieved as a result thereof?
Reply:
Yes, the goal of the National Development Plan to bolster teacher education is being implemented as follows:
(i) In 2011, I published the policy on Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (MRTEQ) in the government gazette for implementation, which was updated in 2015 in alignment with the revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework.
The MRTEQ replaced the Norms and Standards for Educators (2000) and its main purpose is to refocus teacher education programmes to unambiguously focus on the development of teacher knowledge and practice.
The MRTEQ requires that initial teacher education programmes develop teacher knowledge and practice in five key areas of learning:
- Disciplinary learning refers to disciplinary or subject matter knowledge and it includes the study of education and its foundations, including but not limited to the philosophy, psychology, politics, economics, sociology and history of education. Secondly, it includes the study of specific specialised subject matter relevant to the academic disciplines underpinning teaching subjects or specialisations. Professional ethics and issues related to knowledge of, and relationships between the self and others are crosscutting themes that are theoretically located in the study of education and its foundations.
- Pedagogical learning includes general pedagogical knowledge, which refers to the study of the principles, practices and methods of teaching, knowledge of learners, learning, curriculum, general instructional and assessment strategies, and specialised pedagogical content knowledge, which includes knowing how to present the concepts, methods and rules of a specific discipline in order to create appropriate learning opportunities for diverse learners, as well as how to evaluate their progress. Inclusive education forms an important aspect of both general pedagogical knowledge and specialised pedagogical content knowledge.
- Practical learning involves learning from and in practice. Learning from practice includes the study of practice, using discursive resources to analyse different practices across a variety of contexts, drawing from case studies, video records, lesson observations, etc., in order to theorise practice and form a basis for learning in practice. Learning in practice involves teaching in authentic and simulated classroom environments. Work-integrated learning (WIL) takes place in the workplace (classrooms and schools) and can include aspects of learning from practice, e.g. observing and reflecting on lessons taught by others, as well as learning in practice, e.g. preparing, teaching and reflecting on lessons presented by oneself.
- Situational learning refers to knowledge of the varied learning situations, contexts and environments of education (classrooms, schools, communities, districts, regions, countries and globally), as well as to the prevailing policy, political and organisational contexts. This includes learning about the complex and differentiated nature of the South African society, learning to work in nuanced ways in confronting the diverse challenges faced by children in schools and the communities they serve, for example HIV/AIDS, poverty and the lingering effects of apartheid, dealing with diversity, promoting inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
- Fundamental learning in the context of teacher education in South Africa refers to learning, converse competently in a second official language,[1] the ability to use Information and Communication Technologies competently and the acquisition of academic literacies, which lay the foundation for effective learning in higher education contexts.
The MRTEQ sets standards for how teacher education programmes must address development of these areas of learning through specifying levels at which learning in these areas must take place as well as number of credits that must be allocated to these areas of learning.
The MRTEQ also closely regulates the teaching practice component of teacher education programmes to strengthen this component of initial teacher education programmes. It sets standards regarding the nature of schools to be used for teaching practice, the nature of the teaching practice component within initial teacher education programmes, and the time spent in schools.
A national Teacher Education Programme Evaluation Committee (TEPEC), comprising of the Department of Basic Education, South African Council of Educators and Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority, chaired by the Department of Higher Education and Training has been set up. This Committee reviews all teacher education programmes to ensure that they meet the requirements stipulated in the policy on MRTEQ.
In addition to the above evaluation process, teacher education qualifications are also evaluated for inclusion on the Programme Qualification Mix of universities, and most importantly, evaluated for accreditation purposes by the Higher Education Qualifications Committee of the Council on Higher Education, prior to applying to the South African Qualifications Authority for registration on the National Qualifications Framework.
Together with strengthening teacher education through a focus on the quality of teacher education qualifications and programmes, the Department has put in place a number of other initiatives to bolster teacher education. They are as follows:
- Allocated ring-fenced funding to universities to develop teacher education infrastructure. In the 2012/13 - 2014/15 funding cycle, R662.4 million was invested in teacher education infrastructure.
- Provided funding and organisational support to JET Education Services to conduct a large-scale, longitudinal study into initial teacher education and identify issues that need to be addressed. The findings of the research are being taken up in the re-curriculation processes that are underway at universities.
- Supported research into the establishment of teaching and professional practice schools with a view to the research informing the development of these schools.
- Implemented the Strengthening Foundation Phase Teacher Education Programme. R141 million has been invested over the period from 2010 to 2015. As a result, the number of universities involved in Foundation Phase teacher education has grown from 13 to 21 universities. The 21 universities have been involved in a range of research, programme development and material development projects, and this has resulted in new teacher education programmes that will prepare Foundation Phase mother tongue teachers in all South African languages.
In addition to the measures that have already been put in place to strengthen teacher education, the Department is implementing a five year (2015/16 - 2019/20) Teaching and Learning Development Capacity Improvement Programme (TLDCIP) that will support universities to strengthen teacher education programmes at the level of curriculum structure and curriculum delivery.
The TLDCIP will:
- Support academic communities of practice focused on priority teaching subject specialisations (Mathematics, languages and literacy), which would have the responsibility to understand university practices across the system with respect to the specialisation, with a view towards the development of knowledge and practice standards for the teaching specialisation, and could assist to achieve greater convergence and rigour in teacher education curricula.
- Support appropriate research, programme development and material development activities that will improve the quality of initial teacher education programme delivery.
- Finalise norms and standards for professional practice schools and teaching schools and mechanisms for their establishment.
- Develop a national database of schools that will be developed as professional practice schools.
- Support universities to develop business plans for the establishment of teaching schools.
- Develop a national programme to support the professional development of school teachers that act as tutors and mentors to initial teacher education students, which can be delivered in a blended mode, with a significant online component.
- Develop an online platform/course for the teaching practice/work-integrated learning component of teacher education programmes.
(ii) The outcome of the implementation of the new policy regulating teacher education qualifications is that all universities have been required to redesign their teacher education programmes and submit them to the national TEPEC for review, prior to having them accredited by the Council on Higher Education. The new policy, re-curriculation process, strengthened national oversight processes and the range of concrete activities that have been undertaken to support policy implementation will result in stronger teacher education programmes producing teachers that are more strongly grounded in the knowledge and practice required to teach their subject specialisations in diverse South African classroom contexts.
Compiler/contact persons: Dr WJ Green
Ext: 5912
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 719 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
-
In the case of students whose language of choice (or first language) is English or Afrikaans, this needs to be one of the nine other official languages or South African Sign Language. ↑
01 April 2016 - NW547
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Police
What is the current status of (a) CAS 817/7/2013 that was opened in Silverton and (b) CAS 55/8/2014 that was opened in Pretoria Central?
Reply:
(a) The case docket mentioned was withdrawn on 13 April 2015 at the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
(b) This case has been referred to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
01 April 2016 - NW642
Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the report in which he concluded that the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, does not have to pay anything towards the upgrades at his private residence in Nkandla, relies on any legal standing in law or the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; if not, why is he insisting that he is standing by the specified report; if so, what is the legal or constitutional standing on which the specified report relies?
Reply:
The Minister’s report responded to the ad hoc committee’s report that was adopted by a resolution of the National Assembly during November 2014 in addressing the remedial action made by the Public Protector in paragraph 11 of her report. The Minister insists that he stands by his report because his report has not been jettisoned on the basis of it being factually incorrect, but its legality was tested against the lawfulness of the National Assembly’s instructions and the court decision in that regard is still pending.
01 April 2016 - NW601
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1)How many applications for the renewal of firearms the SA Police Service received (a) in 2015 and (b) from 1 January 2016 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) how many of the specified requests were (a) approved and (b) refused in each case; (3) how many of the specified applications were submitted three months after the expiry date in (a) 2015 and (b) 2016; (4) how many of these late applications were (a) approved and (b) refused in each case; (5) whether he will make a statement about the matter?
Reply:
(1)(a) Renewal of firearm licence applications for both Individual and Business received in the year 2015 were 95 474. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual firearm licences- 83 065
Business firearm licences- 12 409
(1)(b) Renewal applications received from 1 January 2016 to 7 March 2016 for both Individual and Bussiness were 41 240. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual firearm licences- 37 034
Business firearm licences- 4 206
(2)(a) Renewal applications issued (approved) in 2015 for both Individual and Business licences were 62 927 and not issued (refused) were 1 868. The number is broken down as follows:
Renewal for Individual fiream licences issued (approved)- 57 235.
Renewal for Business licence firearm issued (approved)- 5 692.
Renewal for Individual firearm licence applications not issued (refused)- 1 840.
Renewal for business licence applications not issued (refused)- 28.
(2)(b) From 1 January 2016 to 7 March 2016, Renewal applications issued for both Individual and Business licences were 3 385 and not issued (refused) 14. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual fiream licence issued (approved)- 3345.
Business firearm licence issued (approved)- 40.
Individual firearm licence applications not issued (refused)- 14.
Business licence applications not issued (refused)- Nil.
(3)(a) Renewal applications submitted three months after the expiry date for both Individual and Business licences were 24 281. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual firearm licences were submitted late in 2015- 23 389.
Business licence applications submitted late in 2015- 892.
(3)(b) Renewal applications submitted three months after the expiry date from 1 January 2016 to 7 March 2016 for both Individual and Business licences were 3 991. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual Licences applications- 2 823.
Business licence applications- 1 168.
(4)(a) Renewal applications for both Individual and Business licences issued (approved) in 2015 were 16 613 and and not issued (refused) were 801. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual fiream licence issued (approved)- 16 247.
Business firearm licence issued (approved)- 366.
Individual firearm licence applications not issued (refused)- 801.
(4)(b) Renewal applications for both Individual and Business licences issued from 1 January 2016 to 7 March 2016 were 292 and not issued (refused) were 4. The number is broken down as follows:
Individual fiream licence issued- 288.
Business firearm licence issued (approved)- 4.
Individual firearm licence applications not issued (refused)- 4.
(5) No.
01 April 2016 - NW827
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
Whether there are any (a) statutory and/or (b) policy bases for vehicles of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to form part of VIP Protection convoys; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) what purpose would the usage of DPCI vehicles as part of VIP Protection convoys serve in line with the DPCI’s specialised mandate?
Reply:
No.
DPCI vehicles are utilized only for the prevention and investigation of crime in accordance with the provisions of chapter 6A of the South African Police Service Act, Act 68 of 1995 as amended. DPCI vehicles are not referred to as VIP vehicles.
01 April 2016 - NW694
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(1)Whether the seller (name and details furnished) of a semi-automatic gun, Norinco AK47, has a special licence to own such a weapon; if not, (a) how can the specified person own such a dangerous weapon without a licence and (b) what action does he intend to take; (2) whether the specified person (details furnished) has a licence to sell such a weapon?
Reply:
- Ms Alex Gagiano does not have a special license to own Norinco AK47, semi-automatic firearm.
(1)(a) When any person wishes to deal in firearms, the following process applies:
- An application for a competency certificate to deal in arms is lodged with the Police.
- Upon approval of such an application the person concerned is legally permitted to deal in fireams.
- This person becomes registered on the EFRS as a dealer, under the Firearms Control Act, 2000.
(1)(b) In terms of Section 31(1) of the Firearrm Control Act (Act No.60 of 2000) “No person may trade in any firearm or ammunition without a dealers licence”.
(2) Ms Alex Gagiano (580606 0116 089) cannot be in possession of or deal with a semi automatic gun, Norinco AK47 or any other fiream without a relevant licence.
01 April 2016 - NW799
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
(1)Whether the Bringwater farm in Wakkerstroom in the Pixley ka Seme Local Municipality in Mpumalanga is currently under any land restitution claims; if so, what is the status of such claims; (2) is the owner of the specified farm allowed to evict the people who have lodged the claims for the land until the claims are finalised; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how will his department be able to locate the specified claimants once the claim is finalised; (3) whether he has found that his department’s issuing of letters of acknowledgement to both (a) owner and (b) claimant when receiving land restitution claims has proven effective; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (4) whether any mediation processes have been put in place to allow peaceful proceedings while his department is investigating the claim to ensure that no one is disadvantaged throughout the process; if not, (a) why not and (b) what must one do if there are no mediation processes; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- As at 27 March 2016 there are no claims lodged against the above property.
- Falls away.
- Falls away.
- Falls away.
01 April 2016 - NW825
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 2730 on 24 August 2015, what is the (a) statutory and/or (b) policy basis for deeming information concerning just the (i) number and (ii) cost of trips undertaken by the VIP Protection Services to transport the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, without including operational, geographical, chronological or other details, to be confidential and unable to be provided?
Reply:
The required information has direct security implications, which cannot be disclosed.
01 April 2016 - NW435
Mokause, Ms MO to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she and/or her department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, (i) what number of times and (ii) for what amount in each specified financial year?
Reply:
The department’s spending on advertisement in the New Age newspaper:
(a) 2012-2013
Human Settlements |
Budget Vote |
R92,836.93 |
Each One Settle One – Masimong CRU |
R121,777.99 |
|
Estate Agency Affairs - New Board |
R73,453.39 |
|
Govan Mbeki Awards - Outcomes |
R293,813.56 |
|
Human Settlement Awards 2012 |
R108,335.00 |
|
Promoting Social Housing |
R146,906.78 |
|
Total |
R837,123.65 |
(b) 2013-2014
Human Settlements |
Govan Mbeki Awards 2013 |
R1,421,340.50 |
(c) 2014-2015
Human Settlements |
20 Years of Freedom (Business Network Campaign) |
R 799,428.42 |
01 April 2016 - NW792
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
(a) Which SA Police Service stations currently serve wards (i) 9, (ii) 12, (iii) 19, (iv) 20, (v) 21, (vi) 22 and (vii) 22 in the City of Tshwane, (b) what are the station boundaries of each of the specified police stations serving the specified wards and (c)(i) how many (aa) officers, (bb) Public Service Act, Act 103 of 1994, officials and (cc) operational vehicles are at each of the specified stations and (ii) what is the breakdown of (aa) rank and (bb) division in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) Loate and Mabopane police station
(a)(ii) Mabopane police station
(a)(iii) Loate police station
(a)(iv) Mabopane police station
(a)(v) Mabopane police station
(a)(vi) Mabopane police station
(b) An annexure is attached with the boundaries of Loate and mabopane police stations.
(c)
MABOPANE SAPS |
|
(aa) Officers |
Officers = 18 Vispol = 06 Detective = 07 Support = 05 |
(bb) Public Service Act, Act 103 of 1994, |
Public Service Act = 22 Vispol = 05 Detective = 04 Support = 13 |
(cc) Operational vehicles |
39 |
(ii) what is the breakdown of (aa) rank |
Colonel = 1 Lieutenant Colonel = 3 Majors = 0 Captains = 11 Lieutenants = 2 Warrant Officers = 51 Sergeant = 02 Constable = 48 Total strength for station = 176 |
(bb) division in each case? |
5 Wards = Members posted per ward is 35 Vehicles per ward = 7 |
LOATE SAPS |
|
(aa) Officers |
Officers = 16 Vispol = 06 Detective = 06 Support = 04 |
(bb) Public Service Act, Act 103 of 1994, |
Public Service Act = 20 Vispol = 06 Detective = 02 Support = 12 |
(cc) Operational vehicles |
38 |
(ii) what is the breakdown of (aa) rank |
Colonel = 1 Lieutenant Colonel = 1 Majors = 2 Captains = 8 Lieutenants = 2 Warrant Officers = 28 Sergeant = 08 Constable = 65 Total strength for station = 137 |
(bb) division in each case? |
Ward 9 =40 members with 10 vehicles Ward 19 =42 members with 11 vehicles |
01 April 2016 - NW314
Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
How many title deeds were handed over by each metropolitan municipality in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
(a) As part of the Housing and Human Settlement Programmes, a total of 15321 title deeds were delivered to households in 2013-2014 financial year by the respective Metropolitan Municipalities.
(b) During the 2014-2015 financial year, a total of 12911 title deeds were delivered to households by the respective Metropolitan Municipalities as part of the Housing and Human Settlement Programmes.
A comprehensive representation of the figures per Metropolitan Municipalities is detailed in the following table:
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS |
BUFFELO CITY METRO |
NELSON MANDELA BAY METRO |
MANGAUNG METRO |
EKURHULENI |
CITY OF JOBURG METRO |
CITY OF TSHWANE |
ETHEKWINI |
CITY OF CAPE TOWN METRO |
TOTALS |
|
2013/14 |
Number of Title Deeds transferred to eligible beneficiaries |
0 |
0 |
2181 |
1486 |
0 |
4599 |
904 |
6151 |
15321 |
2014/15 |
Number of Title Deeds transferred to eligible beneficiaries |
2925 |
0 |
849 |
97 |
1758 |
3297 |
2212 |
1773 |
12911 |
01 April 2016 - NW829
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Police
(1)(a) When was a personnel verification audit of the SA Police Service (SAPS) last conducted to verify that all SAPS employees reflected on PERSAL are real people working in the SAPS and (b) what were the findings of the specified audit; (2) how often is the specified personnel verification audit supposed to be conducted; (3) has the specified routine been complied with; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what were the findings of each previous personnel verification audit conducted since 1 January 2009? (2) how often is the specified personnel verification audit supposed to be conducted; (3) has the specified routine been complied with; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what were the findings of each previous personnel verification audit conducted since 1 January 2009?
Reply:
(1) (a) and (b) Personnel verification is done by means of a monthly payroll certification in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 and Part VII of Chapter 1 of the Public Service Regulations, 2001.
(2) & (3) Payroll certification is done monthly, in terms of Treasury Regulation 8.3.4. Payroll certification is also an MPAT requirement, which is monitored by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Salaries are stopped immediately when discrepencies are identified.
01 April 2016 - NW638
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
With reference to the people of Lower and Upper Zingcuka Location in Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape, who submitted their land claims for land restitution before 1998 and have had no indication to date of what has happened to their land claims, (a) when will his department finalise the specified community’s land claims, (b) how many land claims which have been submitted before the cut-off date in 1998 are still unresolved and (c) by when will his department resolve the specified land claims?
Reply:
(a) Settlement of the specified claims is projected for Quarter 4 of 2016/2017 financial year. Finalization of the claims will dependent on all identified beneficiaries receiving restitution as per the settlement agreements.
(b) As at 15 March 2016, 853 claims are outstanding.
(c) All claims lodged before the cut-off date of 31 December 1998 will be researched by not later than 31 March 2017 as per the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan submitted to Parliament during 2015. Outstanding claims are all at different restitution phases, and will be finalized once all restitution phases have been completed.
01 April 2016 - NW543
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Police
What is the current status of the investigation into the Anti-Corruption Task Team Enquiry 1/12/14?
Reply:
The enquiry was converted to a case docket, Mafikeng CAS 256/04/2015. The matter is still under investigation. Investigation is at an advanced stage (80%). Additional witnesses were identified. These witnesses must be interviewed and their statements obtained. A prosecutor in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mmabatho has been assigned to the case.
01 April 2016 - NW695
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) How many times has the SA Broadcasting Corporation Board of Directors met since 1 January 2015, (b) what was the agenda for each meeting, (c) who was present at each meeting and (d) what decisions were taken at each meeting?
Reply:
The SABC Board reports directly to the Shareholder. Information about the frequency of meetings and attendance registers thereof are contained in the annual report of the SABC, the same will apply to meetings of SA Broadcasting Corporation Board of Directors held from 1 January 2015 to date. The agendas and decisions that were taken at these meetings are confidential and not intended for public discussion.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
31 March 2016 - NW245
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
1 (a)Whether she and/or her department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, (i) what number of times and (ii) for what amount in each specified financial year? NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO: 245(NW249E) PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO:2-2016 OF 19 FEBRUARY 2016 MS S H.O Hlophe (EFF) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION: (a)Whether she and/or her department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, (i) what number of times and (ii) for what amount in each specified financial year? UNQUOTE REPLY: (i)The number of times her Department used advertising space in The New Age were as follows: (aaa)2012/2013: None (bbb)2013/2014:None (ccc)2014/2015:None Thus no advertising space was used on The New Age. (ii)The amount that her Department spent advertising space in The New Age were as follows: (aaa)2012/2013: None (bbb)2013/2014:None (ccc)2014/2015:None No money spent as there was no advertising space used in The New Age
Reply:
(i) The number of times her Department used advertising space in The New Age were as follows:
(aaa) 2012/2013: None
(bbb) 2013/2014: None
(ccc) 2014/2015: None
Thus no advertising space was used on The New Age.
(ii) The amount that her Department spent advertising space in The New Age were as follows:
(aaa) 2012/2013: None
(bbb) 2013/2014: None
(ccc) 2014/2015: None
No money spent as there was no advertising space used in The New Age