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15 March 2016 - NW290

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister Public Works

(1) What amount did each metropolitan municipality spend on Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) wages in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; (2) whether each specified metropolitan municipality provided any accredited training to EPWP workers in the specified financial years; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the specifics of each training initiative and (b) how many workers were accredited by each training initiative; (3) whether each specified metropolitan municipality opens the database used to fill EPWP opportunities to the public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of how the specified database is made public by each metropolitan municipality?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1) The amount spent by each of the Metropolitan Municipalities in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years on wages is shown in the table below:

Name of Metropolitan Municipality

Financial Year 2012-13

Financial Year 2013-14

Financial Year 2014-15

City of Johannesburg

182 045 060

196 318 269

188 678 230

City of Tshwane

116 678 960

157 825 210

169 630 527

Ekurhuleni

15 477 568

46 397 769

99 040 036

Mangaung

5 523 853

6 923 626

11 946 018

Buffalo City

4 902 035

1 934 783

3 261 455

Nelson Mandela

40 823 993

25 800 017

25 507 476

City of Cape Town

115 292 062

102 028 567

176 081 155

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

122 926 690

135 032 036

144 005 314

Total

603 670 221

672 260 277

818 150 211

(2) The table below reflects those Metropolitan Municipalities that provided accredited training to EPWP participants.

Through the National Skills Fund (NSF) training was provide to a total of 763 EPWP participants within the specified time period of 2012-13 to 2014-15. The participants were trained in three EPWP Programmes, namely: Skills Programmes; Learnership Programmes and Artisan Development Programmes. From the trained participants 577 were trained on Skills Programmes, 130 on Learnership Programmes and 56 went through the Artisan Development Programme. Below is a breakdown of the training Programmes offered:

Table 1

PROVINCE

NAME OF MUNICIPALITY

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

Eastern Cape

Buffalo City

10

Gauteng

Ekurhuleni

77

KwaZulu-Natal

eThekwini

106

Gauteng

City of Johannesburg

122

Gauteng

City of Tshwane

130

Western Cape

City of Cape Town

132

Total

 

577

Table 2

PROVINCE

NAME OF MUNICIPALITY

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

Eastern Cape

Buffalo City

60

KwaZulu-Natal

eThekwini

50

Free State

Mangaung

20

Total

 

130

Table 3

PROVINCE

NAME OF MUNICIPALITY

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS

Eastern Cape

Buffalo City

9

Gauteng

City of Tshwane

3

Gauteng

City of Johannesburg

3

Gauteng

Ekurhuleni

13

Western Cape

City of Cape Town

12

KwaZulu-Natal

eThekwini

8

Free State

Mangaung

8

Total

 

56

(3) The City of Cape Town is the only Metropolitan Municipality that uses a database to source EPWP participants. The database is open to the City of Cape Town residents looking for work. In the other Metropolitan Municipalities EPWP participants are sourced from communities through Project Steering Committees that involve relevant stakeholders, such as community leaders, municipal officials and projects managers. The Project Steering Committees assist in ensuring that recruitment of participants is done in a fair and transparent manner.

____________________________________________________________________

15 March 2016 - NW461

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Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether any technical schools serve the community within the Graaff-Reinet education district in the Eastern Cape; if not, what measures are being taken to ensure access to technical schooling for learners in this area; if so, what are the relevant details? NW515E

Reply:

Presently in Graaff-Reinet. Engineering Graphics and Design is offered at Hoer Volkskool. The school has expressed an interest in other Technical subjects. At present, the school is implementing Agricultural Science due to a grant from a donor in the Agricultural Sector.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education is in a process of establishing a Technical school in Somerset East at Gill College. The subject that will be introduced is Mechanical Technology with all its specialisations (Automotive. Fitting and Machining and Welding).

15 March 2016 - NW230

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Matlhoko, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Has his department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by 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:

(a) (b) (c)(i) (ii)

The department awarded one contract to The New Age (TNA) Media in the 2012-13 financial year. The contract amount was R486, 255.60.The department did not award any contract to companies indirectly or directory owned by Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 financial years.

15 March 2016 - NW19

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

Whether his Ministry has any frozen vacant positions; if so, (a) how many of the specified positions are vacant, (b) what are the designations of the specified positions and (c) for how long have the specified positions been vacant? NW19E

Reply:

The following response is based on information on the current (2015/16) financial year's organisational structure:

There are no frozen posts on the organisational structure.

 

15 March 2016 - NW78

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Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

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:

Yes, all Ministers are subject to Performance Agreements with the President.

(a) The Performance Management Framework (MTSF) fpr 2014-2019, which is the first 5-year implementation plan of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. The performance targets and indicators are derived from 14 outcomes which government seeks to achieve.

These outcomes and targets constitute government’s Programme of Actio (POA), against which performance is tracked and reported at least on a quartely basis. POA reports are publicly available on the govenments web site.

(b) to (e) Cabinet closely monitors the implementation of the NDP 2030/MTSF 2014-2019 through POA reports. The reports are tabled before an Implementation Forum of a Cluster of Ministers collectively responsible for MTSF outcomes, and then submitted to Cabinet, where progress is noted, bottlenecks to implementation are discussed, and recommendations to address bottlenecks are considered and approved.

SUBMITTED ON: 15 MARCH 2016

15 March 2016 - NW354

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Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What was the (a) salary and (b) performance bonus of the (i) Head of Department of each province and (ii) Director-General of her department in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?

Reply:

Year

  1. Salary per annum
  1. Performance Bonus (once-off)

Eastern Cape Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R763 776.00

Acting HOD

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R1 485 576.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R1 570 254.00

None

Free State Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R1 584 756.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R 1 673 502.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R 1 768 893.00

None

Gauteng Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R1 515 528.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R1 600 398.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R1 742 751.00

None

Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R1 406 796.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R1 485 576.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R1 570 254.00

None

Limpopo Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R1 406 796.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R1 485 576.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R1 570 254.00

None

Mpumalanga Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R 1 427 895.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R 1 530 483.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R 1 617 720.00

None

Northern Cape Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R 1 153 962.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R 1 238 040.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R 1 325 724.00

R61 902.00

North West Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R968 028.00

(Acting Head of Department)

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R1 022 238.00 (Acting Head of Department)

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R1 570 254.00

None

Western Cape Department of Education

(i)(aa) 2012/13

R1 515 528.00

None

(i)(bb) 2013/14

R1 600 398.00

None

(i)(cc) 2014/15

R1 811 427.00

R84 581.00

Department of Basic Education

(ii)(aa) 2012/13

R1 406 796.00

R142 789.50

(ii)(bb) 2013/14

R1 153 962.00 (Acting Director-General)

R115 396.20

(ii)(cc) 2014/15

R1 238 040.00 (Acting Director-General)

R61 902.00

15 March 2016 - NW463

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Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

(1) With regard to the appointment of a certain company (name furnished: Nation of Champions) to run the 2022 Commonwealth legacy project, (a) who are the directors of this company and (b) what is the estimated budget the specified company will receive From (i) the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and (ii) Sport and Recreation South Africa; (2) whether this project was called on a tender before the specified company was awarded the contract; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many other companies applied and (b) what are the detailed reasons for the company's successful tender bid?

Reply:

With regard to the appointment of a certain company (name furnished:
Nation of Champions) to run the 2022 Commonwealth legacy project

(a) who are the directors of this company and

1. Mr Madoda Khuzwayo - CEO Nation of Champions
2. Mr Mnfve Nhlabathl·COO Nation of Champions
3. Mr Nikolaus Eberl

(b) what is the estimated budget the specified company will receive from

(i) the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and

There is no budget allocated to the Nation of Champions from SASCOC

(ii) Sport and Recreation South Africa;

The company will not receive any funding from Sport and Recreation South Africa

(2) whether this project was called on a tender before the specified company was awarded the contract; if not, why not;

This project was not put out on tender.

Open Tenders Company approached SASCOC to partner on a programme/project that wm engage the youth through social network platforms with regard to opportunities within sport and possible benefits during and post Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Board of SASCOC agreed to the partnership and a decision was taken to establish a company registered as "Nation of Champions". SASCOC saw this partnership as a vehicle to achieve shared objective& pertaining to youth development aimed at nurturing globally connected and skilled youth who will be job creators of tomorrow. The company shall also seek to generate revenue through advertising and sponsorship, part of which shall be invested back into sport development programmes.
Most of the above however, has been overtaken by the CGF•s insistence that they would like to work directly on the legacy projects for the Durban 2022 Games and therefore will work with SASCOC, the CGA In the country as the custodian of the Games In the country. Maybe the above may also be overturned when an MOU Is signed by the CGF with specific areas accommodating CGF's mandate and legacy project.

If so,

(a) how many other companies applied and

There was no can for tenders

(b) what are the detailed reasons for the company's successful tender bid?

Not applicable

NW517E

15 March 2016 - NW310

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Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

1. With reference to his reply to question 960 on 10 April 2015, which municipalities conducted customer satisfaction surveys in the (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-2014 financial years; 2. Whether he can provide the comprehensive database of all municipalities who have undertaken customer satisfaction surveys; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Below is a list of municipalities that have conducted Customer Satisfaction Surveys in the (a) 2012-2013 and (b) 2013-2014 financial years.

(a) Municipalities that have conducted Customer Satisfaction Surveys in 2012-2013 financial year are as follows:
i. City of Cape Town Metro
ii. Nelson Mandela Metro
iii. City of T shwane Metro
iv. EThekwini Metro
v. Maluti a Phofung local municipality in Free State
vi. Ekurhuleni Metro
vii. Baviaans Local Municipality in Eastern Cape
vii i. Swartland Local Municipality in Western Cape

(b) Municipalities that have conducted Customer Satisfaction Surveys in 201 3-2014 financial year are as follows:

i. Mangaung Metro
ii. Joburg Metro
iii. City of Tshwane Metro
iv. EThekwini Metro

2. Attached at (Tag A) is a database of municipalities that have conducted Customer Satisfaction Surveys in the (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-2014 financial years.

Notably, some of the local and district municipalities did not conduct the customer satisfaction survey in the period indicated based on capacity constraints in terms of personnel and budget. Most local and district municipalities rely on the surveys conducted by the Metros and provincial departments in their respective provinces

Attached please find here: Status of Citizens Satisfaction Surveys Conducted Currently

15 March 2016 - NW257

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Moteka, Mr PG to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation

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

Reply:

(i) The department reporting to the Minister bought the advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 for the following number of times:

2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015

 

None 3times None

(Ii) The department reporting to the Minister bought the advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 for the following amounts in each specified financial year:


2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015


R0.00 R1 498 567.38 R0.00

15 March 2016 - NW141

Profile picture: Kruger, Mr HC

Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) Who are the members of her department’s Advisory Council and (b) what is their current capacity?

Reply:

The following are the members of the Advisory Council Members and their capacity:

Mr T. Magingxa (Chairperson)

Members

Dr P.P Dyantyi

Mr A. Apleni

Mr K. Bokala

Col (ret) P.M Kubu

Brig Gen (Ret) M. Fihla

Mr O. Mabena

Ms D. Phama

Mr M. Vena

Ms N. Khwezi

Dr S. Zikalala

Mr Mika Xayiya

Dr T. Ndlovu-Molokwane

Ms Vuyiswa Lieta

Dr A. Mahapa

15 March 2016 - NW294

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

(1) Whether each metropolitan municipality has a programme to assist unemployed matriculants or young people to gain employment; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) what is the budget of the programme for the 2015-16 financial year and (c) how many young people have been assisted by each specified municipality since 1 January 2015?

Reply:


Yes, all Metropolitan Municipalities have programmes to assist unemployed matriculants or young people to gain employment. The details are as follows:

Attached please find here: All Metropolitan Municipalities

15 March 2016 - NW289

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:

(1) Whether each metropolitan municipality has an informal trading policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether each specified metropolitan municipality licenses informal traders operating in public spaces; if so; (a) how many licensed informal traders are in each such municipality, (b) does each specified metropolitan municipality receive licence fees from informal traders and (c) what is the cost of obtaining an informal trading licence; (3) Whether each specified metropolitan municipality provides any services to informal traders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

(1) The following Cities have approved informal trading policies: Cape Town; EThekwini; Johannesburg; Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Nelson Mandela Metro has a final draft policy for informal trading which is currently under review. Buffalo City and Mangaung do not have informal trading policies but have By-laws on Street Trading.

(2) Yes, all Metropolitan Municipalities licenses informal traders operating in public spaces. The details are as follows:

Metropolitan Municipality

Number of licenses

Whether Municipality receives license fees

Cost of informal trading license

Cape Town

3701

Yes

R70 up to R465

EThekwini

10 000

Yes

R40.00 up to R1200.00

Johannesburg

9740

Yes

R80 - R 500

Ekurhuleni

3,000

No

No fee charged

Tshwane

1 500

Yes

R138,40

Nelson Mandela Bay

72

Yes

R90,00

Buffalo City

179

Yes

R513.00

Mangaung

178

Yes

R30.00


(3) Yes, all Metropolitan Municipalities provide services to informal traders as follows:
 

Metropolitan Municipality

Services provided

Cape Town

Hard surfacing of trading bays; provision of roof structures; Kiosks; training and development opportunities; access to markets through events; Area cleansing; Environmental Health and developing trading plans; education; training and trading permits.

EThekwini

Water; ablution facilities; storage facilities; trading shelters, 24 hour security and capacity building I training programmes.

Johannesburg

Maintenance and cleaning of the markets and streets, training and By-law education, workshops on business management and By-law enforcement to illegal traders who violate informal trading By-laws.

Ekurhuleni

Space and facilities including traders' market stalls and operational support such as compliance procedures and training.

Tshwane

Training and mentorship; personal and life-skills; business growth and success factors and appropriate business development support including training; and instruments to facilitate co-operatives' bulk buying.

Nelson Mandela Bay

Litter bins; refuse removal bags; storage facilities; ablutions; electricity and water/sinks.

Buffalo City

Umbrellas & training opportunities.

Mangaung

Training and skills development programmes focusing on Customer Care; Financial skills; Environmental Health - Food Preparation, Fire Dept. - Training to Informal Traders, Waste management and Street Traders By-law








 

15 March 2016 - NW253

Profile picture: Dlamini, Mr MM

Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Public Works:

Whether he and/or his 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 Minister of Public Works

The Department of Public Works has not bought advertising space in The New Age during the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years.

Thus (i) and (ii) fall away.

____________________________________________________________________

15 March 2016 - NW385

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Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of State Security

With reference to President Jacob Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the National Address delivered on 12 February 2016, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) his department and (b) every entity reporting to him went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?

Reply:

Our expenditure to date indicates that we are already on par with the presidential pronouncement that expenditure to SMMEs must be at 30% of our procurement spent.

This figure is expected to increase with the finalization of all procurement contracts by the end of financial year 2015/16.

57% (R18M) of the current finalized procurement contracts are awarded to level 1 and 2 BBBEE companies, of which 55% (R10M) there-of is awarded to SMMEs.

15 March 2016 - NW140

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Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) Who are the members of her department’s Appeals Board and (b) what is their current capacity?

Reply:

The following are the members of the Appeals Board Members and their capacity:

Mr M Msimang (Chairperson)

Mr F Hartzenburg (Member)

Adv C.O Morolo (Member)

Ms N.E Mkhwanazi (Member)

Adv M.A Tshivhase (Member)

15 March 2016 - NW309

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Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether each metropolitan municipality, (a) operates an independent fraud line and (b) is connected to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

The responses below were received from the metropolitan municipalities:

( a ) 6 out of the 8 metropolitan municipalities operates independent fraud / corruption hotlines. The table below illustrates the response per municipality:

Metropolitan Municipality

Details regarding fraud / corruption hotline

Buffalo City

The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.

City of Cape Town

The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.

City of Johannesburg

The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.

City of Tshwane

The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.

Ekurhuleni

The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.

eThekwini

The municipality operates an independent anti-corruption hotline.

Mangaung

The municipality does not operate an independent fraud hotline.

Nelson Mandela Bay

The municipality is finalising the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the service provider with regard to the fraud hotline. As soon as the SLA agreed and signed by relevant parties, the hotline will be operational.

( b ) All the 6 independent fraud hotlines are not connected to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH). There is no requirement for the independent fraud / corruption hotlines to be connected to the NACH.

15 March 2016 - NW451

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Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Home Affairs

Whether he will (a) enquire into the situation of a certain person (details furnished) that was declared undesirable through no fault of his own and (b) advise on (i) if and (ii) how the status of undesirable can be reversed?

Reply:

(a) I will ensure the department looks into this matter.

(b)(i) The status of undesirability can be reversed by appealing against the decision.

(b)(ii) The appeal can be sent to [email protected].

15 March 2016 - NW233

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Mbatha, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Economic Development

Has his department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (names furnished) in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; if so, in each financial year, (i) how many times were such contracts awarded and (ii) for what amount ?

Reply:

None. See reply to Parliamentary Question 263 in respect of media adverts.

-END-

15 March 2016 - NW77

Profile picture: Brauteseth, Mr TJ

Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Whether he 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 he 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:

1. Whether he 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,

The Performance Management Framework for Ministers is the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) for 2014-2019, which is the first 5-year implementation plan of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. The performance targets and indicators are derived from the 14 Outcomes which government seeks to achieve.

These Outcomes and targets constitute government’s Programme of Action (POA), against which performance is tracked and reported at least on a quarterly basis. POA reports are publicly available on the government’s website.

(a) Which key indicators and targets from the MTSF are reflected in the agreement?

Key targets for the MTSF include:

  • Increase in the percentage of households with access to a functional water service from 85% in 2013 to 90% by 2019.
  • Increase in the percentage of households with access to a functional sanitation service from 84% in 2013 to 90% by 2019, including elimination of bucket sanitation in the formal areas.
  • 1.4 million Additional households to be connected to the grid between 2014 and 2019, and 105 000 additional non-grid connections.
  • An increase in the level of public trust and confidence in local government from 51% in 2012 to 65% in 2019, as measured by the IPSOS survey.
  • An improvement in overall municipal audit outcomes, with at least 75% of municipalities receiving unqualified audits by 2019.
  • Income support to the unemployed through expansion of the Community Work Programme to reach 1 million participants in 2019.

(b) How many performance assessments has he undertaken in consultation with the President since the agreement was signed?

Cabinet closely monitors the implementation of the NDP 2030/MTSF 2014-2019 through POA reports. These reports are tabled before an Implementation Forum of a Cluster of Ministers collectively responsible for MTSF Outcomes and then submitted to Cabinet, where progress is noted, bottlenecks to implementation are discussed and recommendations to address bottlenecks are considered and approved.

(c) What progress has been made in meeting the key indicators and targets from the MTSF?

This response is based on information received from Department of Water and Sanitation, Energy, Environmental Affairs, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and National Treasury and Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS). Progress provided hereunder on basic services is as at April 2015. The impact of the key indicators and targets is measured annually by sector departments. As a result, the latest measurement as at end of March 2016 on the key indicators and targets will be provided to the honourable member as soon as it has been finalised by respective Outcome 9 delivery partners.

Indicator

Baseline

Target

Progress

Progress rating

Number or percentage of hhs with access to a functional service at acceptable levels as per norms and standards

Water: 85% operational service

65% reliable service as benchmarked by Census 2011 (this equates to 85% operational service)

90% by 2019

Access to Water Infrastructure increased from 96.2% in April 2015 to 96.5% in December 2015, which constitutes an estimated 85 000 households that have been served with water supply infrastructure during the first 3 quarters of 2015/16 financial year.

66% households have access to reliable services, i.e. access to water services without frequent and lengthy interruptions in supply.

 
 

Sanitation: 84%

New baseline proposed by Sanitation of 74%

90% by 2019

Sanitation delivery through the Rural Household Infrastructure Grant and Municipal Infrastructure Grant was 133 508 households served cumulatively since April 2015. This translates to a 0, 7% annual increase.

 
 

HHs using bucket sanitation 88127 in formal areas

 

88127 buckets eradicated in formal areas by 2015.

32 500 buckets eradicated in formal settlements by March 2016

As at June 2015, bucket sanitation has been removed in 24 559 households over the past year against the initial target of 88 000.

The Department has planned to replace 32 500 buckets by the end March 2016

 

Indicator

Baseline

Target

Progress

Progress rating

 

Electricity: 12,8 million hhs connected to grid

1.4 million additional HHs connected by 2019

Access to electricity (grid) increased from 88.13% in April 2014 to 88.23% in April 2015. This percentage increase constitutes 233 455 households connected to grid from.

 
 

Refuse: 72%

80% by 2019

According to the General Household Survey results, access to refuse removal increased from 74.5% in July 2013 to 74.6% in July 2014.

The percentage increase constitute 162 046 households with access to waste collection services. The GHS is conducted annually and the results are release in July every year. The latest report will be released in July 2016.

 

Public trust and confidence in local government

51% (Ipsos 2012)

65% by 2019

Decreased from 55% in November 2014 to 49% in November 2016. This is according to a survey conducted by Ipsos.

 

Number of municipalities that improve their audit outcomes

20% adverse and disclaimers

25% qualified audits

50% unqualified audits (2014)

Number of municipalities with disclaimers and adverse opinions

Maximum of 25% municipalities with Qualified audits

At least 75% of municipalities with unqualified audit opinions by 2019

The audit outcomes for the MFMA 2013/14 Financial Year are as follows:

17% of municipalities and entities had disclaimers and adverse, which is a reduction of 6% from 23%.

22% of municipalities and entities had qualified opinions

58% municipalities and entities had unqualified opinions. As at 17% of municipalities and entities had disclaimers and adverse opinion

The 2014/15 preliminary audit results for 2014/15 were released by the Auditor-General in December 2015. The final consolidated report will be released in June 2016. The improvement in audit outcomes can only be measured after the release of the consolidated AG report.

 

Number of participants reached

172 000 (actual participation rate end March 2014)

1 million participants by 2019

The total CWP participation rate as at end of December 2015 was 214 013 cumulatively

 

 

(d) What are the key obstacles to implementation?

  • The provision of reliable services remains a challenge across all services due to backlogs in infrastructure refurbishment and neglect of operation and maintenance and asset management. There are no proper investments for infrastructure maintenance, which results in service interruptions.
  • The challenge of connecting households in rural areas, to bulk electricity infrastructure remains an issue. Most of these connections are concentrated in remote areas far from the grid, which necessitates installation of additional bulk infrastructure to connect these households. Installation of new bulk infrastructure necessitates environmental impact assessments, acquiring servitudes and project design functions, which have long lead times, to complete leading to delays in reticulation.

(e) What is the plan to address such obstacles?

  • Improving service delivery performance requires a programme management approach to proactively address the planning, coordination and institutional constraints experienced in the 27 priority districts. In this regard, a Service Delivery Business Strategy (Attached) was developed and approved by Cabinet on 02 June 2015 which entailed the establishment of a Programme Management Office (PMO) which is currently being coordinated by MISA and comprises key sector departments (DWS, DoT, DEA, DOE, NT, DCoG, & DPME).
  • To date, the PMO has completed the diagnostic assessments at the Amathole District to determine and confirm the status quo of the backlogs on access to reliable services. Umzinyathi, Sekhukhune and Bojanala Districts municipalities are currently being assessed.

 

  • The Department of Energy has recognized the need to enhance performance through project management of the electrification programme, to establish stakeholder forums aimed at managing expectations and to ensure alignment with planned electrification targets. Separate funding from Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) will be allocated to address bulk infrastructure requirements for targeted electricity connections specifically in deep rural areas.

 

15 March 2016 - NW82

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether he 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 he 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:

Minister has a signed performance agreement that is translated into a Medium Term Strategic Framework for a 5 years period.  This is broken down into an annual performance plan. 

These documents form the basis of the department being held accountable by Parliament on a quarterly basis and also held accountable by the public.  The performance agreement of the Minister is therefore publicly assessed through the Portfolio Committees on a regular basis. 

Additionally, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) compels all the Executing Authorities to subject their departmental expenditure to the Auditor General. This again is a measure that ensures full accountability to the public funds. 

15 March 2016 - NW197

Profile picture: van der Merwe, Ms LL

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Service

Whether his Ministry has any frozen vacant positions; if so, (a) how many of the specified positions are vacant, (b) what are the designations of the specified positions and (c) for how long have the specified positions been vacant?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

There are no frozen vacant positions.

a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

c) Not applicable

15 March 2016 - NW160

Profile picture: Macpherson, Mr DW

Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)(a) How many (i) military vehicles are in the ambit of the (aa) SA National Defence Force and (bb) Armaments Corporation of South Africa and (ii) of the specified vehicles, are (aa) officially in operation, (bb) actually in usable condition but not operational and (cc) in storage, both serviceable and unserviceable and (b) what is the detailed breakdown of each of the specified vehicles; (2) whether any strategies are in place to optimise the usability of specified vehicles, especially the vehicles that are in storage; if not, why not; if so, how will South African (a) companies and (b) workers benefit from this in terms of (i) business and entrepreneurship opportunities, (ii) training and (iii) job creation?

Reply:

Any question which relates to the capacity or capabilities within the defence force shall not be made available to the public and therefore we are not able to answer this question.

15 March 2016 - NW258

Profile picture: Ketabahle, Ms V

Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

Whether he and/or his 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:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) & (b) Not Applicable: The department was not in existence during the years in question.

(c) No: The department did not buy advertising space in The New Age in the year in question.

 

15 March 2016 - NW394

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)With reference to the Armed Forces Day to be celebrated in Port Elizabeth on 21 February 2016, (a)(i) what is the motivation and (ii) what are the objectives regarding the specified celebration, (b) what is the budget for this, (c) how does this compare with the expenditure of previous years and (d) how is the expenditure justified in the present constrained spending climate; (2) whether there were any other greater priorities on which the budget for the specified day could rather have been spent; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

  1. (a) (i-ii) The motivation is to honour our soldiers and to encourage the citizens on what the SANDF is made of and to promote patriotism.

(b,c and d) The budget cannot be compared but can be justified on economic benefits of the businesses around Port Elizabeth. The business community can indicate economic benefit out of Armed Forces Day.

(2) This is one greater priority that makes public awareness about the SANDF capability. The South African citizens deserve to know how their money is utilised.

15 March 2016 - NW1

Profile picture: Mulder, Dr PW

Mulder, Dr PW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1) What are the (a) annual salaries and (b) other financial benefits that (i) King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo and (ii) the abaThembu royal family receive from the State; (2) whether any of the financial contributions that the State pays the specified king should be suspended because of the sentence and incarceration that he is currently serving; if not, why not; if so, (a) which contributions have been suspended and (b) from which date the contributions have been suspended; (3) whether the State is paying or will pay any financial remuneration and contributions to the abaThembu king; if not, why not; if so, (a) what (i) amount or (ii) respective amounts have been or will be paid to him, (b) on what date the funds were or will be paid to the acting king and (c) in terms of which legislation the payments were or will be made to the acting king? NW1E

Reply:

(1) The salaries, allowances and benefits of all Public Office Bearers, thus including Kings, are determined by the President based on recommendations made by the Independent Commission on the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers. This Commission also makes recommendations in respect of resources which are necessary to enable a Public Office Bearer to perform his or her functions effectively. Further to this determination, the Department has developed minimum norms and standards for the provision of resources to recognised traditional leaders which have been endorsed at MINMEC on 26 September 2013. Thus, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo annual remuneration is R 1 137 922 as per the determination.

(2) Yes, the remuneration, allowances, benefits and tools of trade have been suspended. The King's car that was allocated by the State was withdrawn soon after the Kings incarceration on 30 December 2015. As for the remuneration of the King, the Province has reported that his salary would be suspended with effect from March 2016. It should be noted that there are no provisions in legislation governing Public Office Bearers to stop the payment of his salary. However, the Minister intervened as follows:

• Sent the DG to engage the Provincial Accounting Officer to use the provisions of Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999.

• To explain the national process to unite the different factions of the royal family delaying the implementation of section 10 of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, Act 41 of 2003.

• Furthermore, the Minister wrote to the MEC advising him to stop the salary in accordance with section 38 of the PFMA, Act 1 of 1999.

(3) No, the King is in prison and can no longer perform his duties-continuing to pay him will constitute irregular, wasteful and fruitless expenditure and the Eastern Cape Accounting Officer is expected to prevent it.(b) The issue of the acting King has not been finalised. The Royal family is still consulting on this matter. As soon as an acting King has been nominated, the Royal family is expected to make a submission to the Premier in accordance with section 14 of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, Act 41 2003.

15 March 2016 - NW438

Profile picture: Ketabahle, Ms V

Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

When does he intend to release the Public Service Commission inquiry related to the Director-General’s conduct?

Reply:

I have been advised as follows:-

After considering the contents of the report and applying my mind to the matter, I notified the PSC on 23 February 2016 that I have accepted the report without any amendments. The report is available to the affected parties.

15 March 2016 - NW364

Profile picture: Cardo, Dr MJ

Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development

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

Reply:

a) For the period 1 April 2015 to date, 26.8% of the department’s total procurement spent was allocated to SMME’s including Co-operatives. This amounts to R5 926 304.97.

b) The entities total procurement spent allocated to SMME’s is as follows:

IDC

The IDC has awarded procurement contracts to the value of R78 951 498.00 during 1 April 2015 to 29 February 2016 of which 57% of the total contract value was awarded to SMME’s.

ITAC

ITAC total spent on SMMEs is 31%, at a total value of R5 227 410.49

Competition Commission

Due to the nature of the Commission’s business being an investigative and prosecutorial agency, the majority of its procurement is on legal counsel, economists and experts. The total spent from 1 April 2015 until 30 September 2015 is at 4% at a total value of R63,7 million.

Competition Tribunal

The Competition tribunal does not currently keep statistics with regard to procurement from SMME’s or co-operatives. EDD has now requested that such data be collected in future.

-END-

15 March 2016 - NW362

Profile picture: Brauteseth, Mr TJ

Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

With reference to President Jacob Zuma's undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), Co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) his department and (b) every entity reporting to him went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) Co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?NW374E

Reply:

(a) (b) (i)(ii)

The Department:
The percentage of the department's procurement from SMME's for the period 1 April 2015 to 26 February 2016 equals 88%. This percentage includes procurement from township enterprises. The department did not procure any goods or services from co-operatives.

Entities:
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
The percentage of SALGA's procurement from SMME's (Levels 1 to 4) for the period April 2015 to February 2016 equals 35%. This percentage includes procurement from township and rural enterprises. The SALGA did not procure any goods or services from co-operatives.

South African Cities Network (SACN)
The percentage of the SACN procurement from SMMEs for the period April 2015 to February 2016 equals 46%.The SACN did not procure any goods or services from co-operatives.

Municipal Demarcation Board (MOB)
The percentage of the MDB procurement from SMME's (Levels 1 to 4) for the period April 2015 to February 2016 equals 29.64%.The MDB did not procure any goods or services from co-operatives.

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: PQ2016/362

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 FEBRUARY 2016

Herewith a reply drafted by:

MS D SNYMAN
Acting Deputy Director-General: Financial Services
Date: 2016/03/26

RECOMMENDED/...............

MR V MADONSELA
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE: 02.03/2016

SUPPORTED/.................

ANRIES NEL, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE: 03/03/2016

APPROVED/...................

DES VAN ROOYEN, MP
MINISTER
DATE: 10/03/2016
 

15 March 2016 - NW395

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) How many burglaries were reported at the Military Police Service in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years, (b) what was the nature of the stolen goods in each case and (c) what was the monetary worth of such losses, if they have already been determined by the SA National Defence Force?

Reply:

(a) (i) 2012/13 - 260

(ii) 2013/14 – 252

(iii) 2014/15 – 224

(b) Garden tools, weed eater & extension cord, Water pump, Laptop, desktop, printer & TV, Electric cables, fencing poles, Sound system, cd case, till drawer, beers & shooters, Camouflage uniform and civilian clothes, Liquor, PlayStations, Mini HIFI system, home theatre system, Copper, Handbags, ID books, bankcards & cell phones, Bicycle/Golf Equip, Bicycles, Paint and thinners, Washing machine

(c) (i) (ii) and (iii) The monetary worth of such losses have not yet been determined by the SA National Defence Force

15 March 2016 - NW386

Profile picture: Krumbock, Mr GR

Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

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

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and Entities as follows:-

(a)(i) The Department has spent 28% on SMMEs from April 2015 to January 2016.

(a)(ii)The Department does not have a specific classification for Co-operatives.

(b) Entities:

Sentech SOC Ltd

(b) (i)The percentage spend on SMMEs for period 1 April 2015 to January 2016 was 15% of the total procurement expenditure.

(b)(ii) Sentech does not have a specific classification for Co-operatives.

SITA SOC Ltd

(b) (i)The percentage spend on SMMEs for period 01 April 2015 to 31 December 2015 was 10%.

(b)(ii) SITA does not have a specific classification for Co-operatives.

Broadband Infraco SOC Ltd

(b)(i) The percentage spend on SMMEs for a period 01 April 2015 to date is 34.56%.

(b)(ii) Broadband does not have a specific classification for Co-operatives

ZA Domain Name Authority

(b)(i) The zaDNA has spent 100% of its procurement budget on SMMEs from 1 April 2015 to date.

(b)(ii) zaDNA does not have a specific classification for Co-operatives.

Universal Service and Access and Agency of South Africa (USAASA)

(b)(i) USAASA does not have a system to track procurement by SMMEs but this will be a requirement of their new electronic system. The current system does however track spending on BBEEs. The BBEE target is set at 80%. The overall budget of USAASA during the current financial year is R24, 591 million. Of this amount, about R19, 672 million have been spent on BBEEs.

(b)(ii) USAASA does not have a specific classification for Co-operatives.

National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa

(b)(i) NEMISA has spent 0.9% on SMMEs for a period 01 April 2015 to February 2016.

(b)(ii) None

South African Post Office

(b)(i). SMMEs spending from 01 April to date is 6.60% of the total procurement spend.

(b)(ii) 14.41%

 

15 March 2016 - NW45

Profile picture: Maynier, Mr D

Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister, (c) the director-general and/or (d) any officials from his department attended a certain political party (name furnished) Lekgotla which took place between 25-27 January 2016; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) why did the (aa) director-general and (bb) officials attend and (ii) what is the (aa) name and (bb) designation of each specified official who attended; (2) whether his department incurred any expenditure as a result of the specified Lekgotla if not, why not; if so, what was the (a) total cost and (b) a breakdown of such cost?

Reply:

1. (a) & (b) & (c) & (d): Yes

(aa) Mr. Lungisa Fuzile is an ANC Member and he attended in his personal capacity.

(bb) Mr. Michael Sachs, Deputy Director General: Budget Office also attended in his personal capacity.

All officials who attended; attended in their personal capacity as Members of the ANC.

2. No expenditure was incurred by the National Treasury in terms of the Lekgotla.

15 March 2016 - NW95

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Public Works:

Whether he 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 he 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:

The Minister of Public Works:

Yes, all Ministers are subject to Performance Agreements with the President of the Republic.

(a) The Performance Management Framework for Ministers is the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2014-2019, which is the first 5-year implementation plan of National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. The performance targets and indicators are derived from the 14 Outcomes, which Government seeks to achieve.

These Outcomes and targets constitute Government’s Programme of Action (POA), against which performance is tracked and reported at least on a quarterly basis. POA reports are available to the public on the Government website.

(b), (c), (d) and (e) Cabinet closely monitors the implementation of the NDP 2030/MTSF 2014-2019 through POA reports. These reports are tabled before an implementation forum of a Cluster of Ministers collectively responsible for MTSF Outcomes and then submitted to Cabinet on a quarterly basis, where progress is noted, challenges to implementation are discussed and recommendations are considered and approved.

15 March 2016 - NW212

Profile picture: Sonti, Ms NP

Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development

Has her department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (names furnished) 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? Companies owned by Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta

Reply:

The Department of Social Development has checked its records and could not find companies with above mentioned names which have been awarded contracts within the abovementioned financial years.

a) None

b) None

c) None

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

 

Supported/ Not Supported

_______________________________

Ms. S Mgwaba

Chief Director: Financial Administration

Date:

Supported/ Not Supported

_______________________________

Mr. C Appel

Chief Financial Officer

Date:

Supported/ Not Supported

_______________________________

Ms. L Oliphant

Chief Director: Communications

Date:

Supported/ Not Supported

_______________________________

Mr. A Phahlamohlaka

Chief of Staff

Date:

Supported/ Not Supported

_______________________________

Ms. N Ndabankulu

CD: Executive Support & IGR

Date:

Recommended/ Not Recommended

_______________________________

Mr. T Magwaza

Acting Director-General

Date:

15 March 2016 - NW506

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

Whether, with reference to her statement made in a speech on 30 January 2016, that she would take the verdict handed down in Kruger and Another v Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs and Others (details furnished) to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), she has lodged her appeal to the SCA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The application for leave to appeal was filed on 3 March 2016. As Minister, I am appealing the Court’s decision to set aside the moratorium retrospectively.

---ooOoo---

15 March 2016 - NW158

Profile picture: Mackay, Mr G

Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

What (a) plans and (b) strategies have been put in place for the (i) Armaments Corporation of South Africa and (ii) South African defence industry to benefit from the predicted growth in total sector revenues of the global aerospace and defence industry in 2016?

Reply:

Armscor’s Strategy departs from the premises as indicated below and contains objectives as indicated.

  1. The SANDF is Armscor’s client and as such Armscor must firstly focus on the SANDF’s requirements as defined and scheduled by them.
  2. Armscor is, however, also sensitive to the greater socio-economic issues that come into play with defence expenditure. In this regard Armscor had studies conducted to assess the socio-economic impact of different types of acquisition programs related to the requirements of the Defence Review.  The insights from these studies are used to advise the SANDF, to try and position the local defence industry for optimal socio-economic impact in the RSA or to define the required characteristics of agreements with international suppliers where necessary, for example to protect the balance of payments and to transfer skills to the RSA.  
  3. Armscor is also in consultation with the Departments of Science and Technology and Trade and Industry to optimize possible defence expenditure with their departmental initiatives.
  4. Armscor is not the representative body for the local defence industry (AMD), but it is cooperating with the body to define and implement initiatives to strengthen the local defence industry.
  5. In addition to existing support to marketing events such as the upcoming Africa Aerospace Defence (an international and continental) event, Armscor reacts to opportunities as they show themselves within the relevant oversight policies. The approach is not only reactive but also proactive as Armscor Research and Development is involved in forums that are aimed at optimizing the continent’s military output through improved logistic support and interoperability. Armscor Research and Development is also providing insights to the focusing of technology development to ensure an ability to react to opportunities.

SUBMITTED ON: 15 MARCH 2016

15 March 2016 - NW227

Profile picture: Ntobongwana, Ms P

Ntobongwana, Ms P to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

Has her department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by 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:

(a) (b) (c) (i) (ii)

The information requested in the format that appears in the aforementioned question is not available as only the particulars of companies are recorded within the financial systems in the Department and not the details of any directors.

 

---ooOoo---

15 March 2016 - NW159

Profile picture: Mackay, Mr G

Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)(a) What are the reasons for not renewing (i) contracts and (ii) agreements with South African entrepreneurs to service military vehicles and equipment, who have been servicing the specified vehicles and equipment since 1994, (b) how will the work done by the specified entrepreneurs be replaced, (c) who will now be responsible for carrying out this work and (d) what is the cost-benefit of this strategy; (2) whether any study has been conducted to determine the extent of (a) job losses and (b) the potential negative impact of this decision on the economy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

a. Ref Par 1 (a): The intention of the SANDF is not to have contracts for servicing of military vehicles and equipment.

b. Ref Par 1 (b): First and second line maintenance and repair tasks including limited depot repairs will be performed by internal capability.

c. Ref Par 1 (c): Through Project Thusano, internal capability and capacity the SANDF will do the internal work.

d. Ref Par 1 (d): It will save cost, military vehicles and equipment will be maintained and repaired as a far less cost as it will be done internally.

It is important that the SANDF becomes self-sustainable. We are not ruling out possibilities of working with the private sector on some of our projects. However, the SANDF must develop internal capacity to deal with such matters.

15 March 2016 - NW136

Profile picture: Krumbock, Mr GR

Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

With reference to the 18 key issues raised by the Auditor-General’s Report in her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, what has her department done to correct the specified issues, item by item, up to the 3rd Quarter of the 2015-16 financial year?

Reply:

Annual report 2014-15

The Minister appointed a Turnaround Support Initiative (TSI) team during September 2015 for a renewable period of six (6) months to address audit findings identified in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 Auditor General South Africa reports and to assisting with implementation and/or operationalisation of the projects and programmes to complement the long term service delivery capacity challenges of the Department.

The TSI is characterized of a steering committee led by Convener Mr S Majombozi through a programme management office and the deputy programme manager, Mr T Nemahagala, and a resource panel.

15 March 2016 - NW157

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)(a) What is the operating status of Airforce Base Langebaan and (b) what are the (i) medium-term and (ii) long-term (aa) plans and (bb) objectives for using the specified airforce base for both training and operational purposes; (2) are there any plans to commercialise the specified airport; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Questions (1) (a)

SAAF Response

What is the operating status of AFB Langebaanweg?

The main function of this base is to provide basic flying training to the SAAF pilots. The utilisation of the base as SAAF basic flying school is planned to continue for the foreseeable future.

Question (1) (b) (i and ii)

 

What are the medium and long term plans and objectives for using AFB Langebaanweg for both training and operational purpose?

To make SAAF combat ready.

Question (2)

 

Are there plans to commercialise the base?

The DOD (SAAF) has no intention or plans to commercialise the base.

15 March 2016 - NW472

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Whether the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) engaged in any disaster relief actions and activities from 1 January 2015 to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details in terms of (i) drought and (ii) flood disaster relief actions that the SANDF was engaged in and (b) what were the costs of the related activities in each case?

Reply:

Yes, the South African National Defence Force participated in the disaster relief operations from 01 January 2015 to the latest specified date.

(a) Relevant details:

i) Drought: Water supply in Smithfield in the Free State during period of 13–30 November 2015.

ii) Flood disaster: No flood disaster relief actions were conducted during this period.

(b) Cost: R504 845.34

The SANDF is always ready to give support and assist the communities in any disaster relief operations.

15 March 2016 - NW307

Profile picture: Ross, Mr DC

Ross, Mr DC to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

How much was spent on major road upgrades in each metropolitan municipality in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years; (2) How many kilometres of municipal roads were resurfaced in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years; (3) How many kilometres of municipal gravel roads were tarred in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years; (4) How many potholes were repaired per square metre in (a) the 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years?

Reply:

1 (a) and (b); 2(a) and (b); 3(a) and (b) and 4 (a) and (b):

It is not clear whether questions 2, 3 and 4 refer to all municipalities or metropolitan municipalities only. To collect this information from all municipalities in the country is a major task which we have initiated but is not yet complete. The Metropolitan Municipalities have this information in their annual reports but many other municipalities do not have this information in their annual reports.

According to the Metropolitan Municipalities’ Annual Reports for 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years, the answers to these questions for the Metropolitan Municipalities are provided in the table below:

Name of Metropolitan Municipality

Total amount spent on major roads upgrades

Kilometres of roads resurfaced

Kilometres of gravel roads tarred

Square metres of potholes repaired

Year:

2013/14

2014/15

2013/14

2014/15

2013/14

2014/15

2013/14

2014/15

Buffalo City

R65m

R130m

4.9km

33.7km

28.99

59.1

149 000

161 389

City of Cape Town

R2.9bn

R3bn

13.2km

15km

2

3

450 000

550 000

City of JHB

R57.7m

R60.0m

623km

654km

7.05

8.1

87 075

91 234

City of Tshwane

R1.6 bn

R303m

131km

154km

658.97

121,4

65 100

75 233

Ekurhuleni

R404m

R173m

93km

25km

93

25

29 025

31 234

eThekwini

R69.6m

R141.9m

315km

184.5km

11.6

23.65

114 000

202 000

Mangaung

R28.02

R51.0m

35km

40.5km

4.67

8.5

387 754

398 894

Nelson Mandela Bay

R106.86

R66.0m

20.4km

25.3km

17.81

11

30 123

35 234

Reference: All Metropolitan Municipalities’ annual reports for 2013/14 and 2014/15

15 March 2016 - NW317

Profile picture: McLoughlin, Mr AR

McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)How many (a) SA Air Force (SAAF) Gripen aircrafts are serviceable and (b) are unserviceable; (2) what (a) is the precise and comprehensive reason for the unserviceability of each of the specified aircrafts and (b) steps are being taken to bring each specified aircrafts to a serviceable condition, (3) (a) when last was each of the serviceable aircrafts serviced and (b) what is the exact cost of servicing of each of the specified aircrafts; (4) (a) how many fully trained pilots for the specified aircrafts are currently employed by the SAAF and (b) in what specific roles are these pilots utilised when they are not engaged in flying or flight training duties?

Reply:

Due to security reasons, the response to this question can only be presented to the closed session of the JSC on Defence.

15 March 2016 - NW215

Profile picture: Sonti, Ms NP

Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Public Works:

Has his department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (names furnished) 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:

The Minister of Public Works

No.

Thus (a), (b) and (c) (i) and (ii) fall away.

____________________________________________________________________

15 March 2016 - NW202

Profile picture: Sithole, Mr KP

Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Public Works:

Whether his ministry has any frozen vacant positions; if so, (a) how many of the specified positions are vacant, (b) what are the designations of the specified positions and (c) for how long have the specified positions been vacant?

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

No.

Thus (a), (b) and (c) fall away.

____________________________________________________________________

15 March 2016 - NW138

Profile picture: Krumbock, Mr GR

Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(a) What changes are envisaged with regard to the (i) Burial Support Policy and (ii) Medical Healthcare Policy, (b) what are the financial implications of such amendments and (c) how does her department intend to fund the specified changes?

Reply:

(a) (i) There are currently no approved changes to the burial support policy.

(ii)

In lieu of the current Act, there are no envisaged changes on the Healthcare Policy.

(c) Not applicable since there are no approved changes at present.

15 March 2016 - NW135

Profile picture: Esau, Mr S

Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Why did her department underspend with (a) 42,2% on its Goods and Services and (b) 56,8% on its Payment of Capital Assets?

Reply:

Programme classification

Goods and services

Payment for capital assets

Reasons for underspending on goods and services

Reasons for underspending on capital assets

Administration

94.3%

38.7%

The underspending was mainly because of billing not received from the Department of Public Works for infrastructure and property management

The department budgeted for furniture for the new employees but because of limited space capacity the process of purchasing the furniture was withheld.

         

Socio Economic Support

16.0%

29.3%

Dependency on other departments to roll out benefits

The department budgeted for furniture for the new employees but because of limited space capacity the process of purchasing the furniture was withheld.

         

Empowerment and Stakeholder Management

78.9%

100%

Dependency on other departments to roll out benefits

The programme spent its budget accordingly

TOTAL

51.8%

43.2%

   

15 March 2016 - NW269

Profile picture: Groenewald, Dr PJ

Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 4116 on 8 December 2015, the security clearance of the military judges in the Permanent Force has been completed in order to expedite their appointment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant particulars; (2) (a) how many cases in military courts are still in arrears and (b) what is or are the reason(s) for this; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

Question 1. Yes, Defence Intelligence is in the process of vetting the outstanding security clearance applications of members to be assigned as Senior Military Judges and Military Judges.

Question 2(a). The number of outstanding cases in military courts is 2 176.

Question 2(b). The reasons for the number of cases in arrears in the military courts are (i) unavailability of witnesses or accused and (ii) finalisation of specialised investigations. The vetting back log also causes delay. No military courts were conducted to date for the FY 2015/16.

Question 3. No.

15 March 2016 - NW142

Profile picture: Lotriet, Prof  A

Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Is a letter of authorisation still required in order for a bona fide registered and verified military veteran to access medical healthcare; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether a military veteran, that may access healthcare from a general hospital, a day hospital and local clinic as an ordinary citizen, may only access a military hospital as a bona fide registered and verified military veteran; (3) whether a military veteran may resort to private medical practices to receive the necessary treatment where a military hospital and public medical healthcare facilities are not available and may only be reimbursed by her department if he/she is duly registered and verified on the National Military Veterans Database; (4) whether she has found that the incomplete database of military veterans has become a serious threat to the health of deserving military veterans who are not registered and verified?

Reply:

(1) According to Regulations in terms of the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011, a bonafide registered military veteran must apply for all benefits of which healthcare is one of them. Upon application, DMV will issue a once off  authorization letter to the South African Military Healthcare Services (SAMHS) in order to capture the details of the approved military veteran. The military veteran will then have access to healthcare for life at SAMHS and SAMHS approved private facilities.

(2) A military veteran has accesss to health care as outlined in the Constitution of South Africa. Military Veterans are free to access healthcare at the public institution and military hospitals.

(3) The military veteran can access private medical practice only when authorised to do so either by DMV through  SAMHS and /or authorised directly by the SAMHS.

(4) NO. Section 5 benefits are provided to registered and/or verified military veterans.

15 March 2016 - NW240

Profile picture: Khoza, Mr NP

Khoza, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

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 of Defence did not spend on any advertisement in the New Age newspaper during the above mentioned period.

SUBMITTED ON: 15 MARCH 2016

15 March 2016 - NW210

Profile picture: Ketabahle, Ms V

Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

Has his department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (names furnished) 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:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) & (b) Not Applicable: The department was not in existence during the years in question.

(c) No: The department did not award any contract to the persons in question.