Questions and Replies
11 March 2016 - NW229
Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Communications
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?
Reply:
The Department has not awarded any contract to companies directly or indirectly owned by the said persons.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
11 March 2016 - NW504
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) (a) Who is the agency responsible for the implementation of the Elands Bay Infrastructure Improvement and Project Operational Phase of the Cederberg Fishing Infrastructure Development and Management Project on the West Coast, Western Cape and (b) what are the relevant details of the progress reports received to date; (2) whether the appointment of the implementing agency complies with all conditions and criteria stipulated by (a) supply chain management and (b) the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the tender process followed to appoint the implementing agency; (3) (a) how did his department compensate for the extension of employment of the military veterans in the budget for the specified project, (b) what additional deliverables were added to the said project and (c) what were the (i) employment and (ii) financial implications?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Cederberg Municipality has been appointed as the implementing agency for the Elands Bay Infrastructure Improvement Project.
(1)(b) The Cederberg Municipality submits monthly progress on project deliverables; Expenditure per budget item and EPWP employment details
(2)(a) Yes.
(2)(b) Yes.
The Cederberg Municipality is a public entity and the EPWP makes provision for the appointment of public entities and municipalities and other organs of government as implementing agencies.
(3)(a) Monies for the employment of the military veterans were allocated from Expanded Public Works Programme/Working for Fisheries Programme.
(3)(b)(i) The management of the Marine Anti-poaching Project (MAPP) Marine Anti-poaching projects was included as an additional deliverable.
(ii) Twelve Million and Five Hundred Thousand Rand (R12 500 000) was allocated to the Marine Anti-poaching project.
11 March 2016 - NW366
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
(a) Percentage of the total procurement of the Department of Environmental Affairs:
(i) SMMEs = 84% (Annual target is 65%)
(ii) co-operatives = 0%
(b) Percentage of the total procurement of the South African National Parks (SANParks):
(i) SMMEs = 46%
(ii) co-operatives = 0%
Percentage of the total procurement of the South African Weather Service (SAWS):
(i) SMMEs = 35%
(ii) co-operatives = 0%
Percentage of the total procurement of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI):
- SMMEs = 29%
(ii) co-operatives = 0%
Percentage of the total procurement of iSimangaliso
(i) SMMEs = 31%
(ii) co-operatives = 0%
Percentage of the total procurement of Green Fund
(i) SMMEs = 100% (5 SMMEs for a total budget of R421.642,51 – for catering, marketing and stationery)
(ii) co-operatives = 0%
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11 March 2016 - NW242
Ntobongwana, Ms P to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
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:
Currently, the department’s above-the-line advertising campaigns are placed through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in compliance with the Cabinet decision of 8 June 2011.
GCIS uses an independent tool to assist in determining the best mediums to procure from any specific media campaign request. The mediums chosen are based on the Telmar software tools which give guidance on the best option to propose to a department that is making the request. This tool is supported by Independent media research analysis based on South African Advertising Research Foundation, TAMS and RAMS complemented by Audit Bureau of circulation data.
From the time the GCIS brought the in-house media buying, it has reaped considerable savings and discounts for Government.
Although the question asks for advertising costs incurred from financial years 2012 to 2015, advertising is a standard line item in each department’s / entity’s budget, which is approved by Parliament annually.
Government departments and their entities account for expenditure by tabling annual reports every year, and this document, inclusive of this line item (i.e. Advertising) are audited by the Auditor-General, who makes recommendations on any findings. Annual Reports are widely available to the public.
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11 March 2016 - NW117
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What is the reason for the decrease in the number of monitored gauging sites from 1 458 in the 2013-14 financial year to 500 in the 2014-15 financial year?
Reply:
There is no decrease in the number of monitored gauging sites. My Department’s annual reports for financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15 indicate that we monitored 1458 sites for the 2013-14 financial year and 1641 sites for 2014-15 financial year.
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11 March 2016 - NW216
Ketabahle, Ms V to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
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?
Reply:
The Department of Public Enterprises awarded contracts to The New Age (TNA) as follows:
a) 2012-13: No award
b) 2013-14: One award for R153 900.00 for an advertisement placed in The New Age
c) 2014-15: One award for R213 921.00 for a business briefing session which we hosted and that I addressed on the 24 April 2014
11 March 2016 - NW516
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1) How many complaints were laid (a) altogether and (b) against (i) the Government, (ii) government departments and (iii) any government body from 1 January 2015 up to and including 31 January 2016 individually with the SA Human Rights Commission; (2) How many of the (a) total number of complaints and (b) complaints against (i) the Government, (ii) government departments and (iii) any government body were (aa) finalized, (bb) rejected on technical grounds, (cc) refused on merit, (dd) succeeded on merit and (ee) have still not been finalized; (3) What is the percentage of each of the different categories of complaint of the (a) total number of complaints and (b) complaints against the Government?
Reply:
Firstly, I wish to inform the Honourable Member that in terms of section 181 (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the State Institutions supporting Constitutional Democracy, including the South African Human Rights Commission, are accountable to the National Assembly, and must report on their activities and the performance of their functions to the Assembly at least once a year.
Therefore, the South African Human Rights Commission does not report to the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, but directly to Parliament.
However, because of the well-established working relationship between the South African Human Rights Commission and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the South African Human Rights Commission has reported as follows regarding the questions raised by the Honourable Member:
Kindly find attached hereto, a consolidated compilation of data, sourced from the South African Human Rights Commission’s (the Commission) nine provincial offices in response to the Parliamentary Question:
(a) List of complaints laid altogether and against the Government, government departments and any government body from 1 January 2015 up to and including 31 January 2016;
(b) An indication of which of the above matters were finalised, rejected, referred or pending (in terms of the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedures); and
(c) An indication of the different categories of complaints against the Government.
Due to the large volume of information sought, the data appears in its raw format. However, the SA Human Rights Commission has indicated that should a consolidated report of statistics and the generation of graphs be necessary, the Commission would require additional time in that regard.
Such a consolidated Report has been requested and will be submitted once received.
11 March 2016 - NW431
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
Who will build the Independent Communications Authority of SA’s (ICASA) third Digital Terrestrial Transmission radio frequency network, Multiplex (MUX) 3, and (b) who will operate MUX 3, since it will be shared by new free-to-air television licensees and Pay TV operators?
Reply:
(a) Multiplex 3 network does not belong to ICASA. ICASA regulates and facilitates the deployment of Multiplex 3 network as prescribed in the approved digital terrestrial television (DTT) Regulations and Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan of 2013.
(b) The capacity of Mux 3 is earmarked for a new subscription television licensees and a new Free-To-Air (FTA) licensee with an allocation capacity of 45% and 55%, respectively. Licensing processes in respect of 45% capacity for subscription broadcasting service is currently underway. The licensee will select a signal distributor build the Mux 3 network. The selected signal distributor is expected to also distribute the 55% Mux 3 capacity that would be assigned by the Authority pursuant to finalisation of a process to license additional FTA licensee through a commercial arrangement and without prejudice.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
11 March 2016 - NW514
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(a)(i) How many local South African jobs and (ii) jobs for foreigners have been created from the construction of the Kusile power plant in Limpopo and (b) what is their occupational title in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) 16 814
(a)(ii) 1345
(b)(i) 3282 are unskilled workers; 5069 workers are semi-skilled; 6258 workers are skilled; and 2205 workers are supervisory and/or management.
(b)(ii) 0 unskilled workers; 0 semi-skilled workers; 1087 skilled workers; and 258 workers are supervisory and or management.
11 March 2016 - NW474
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether any investigations, both formal and informal, have been undertaken in Joubertina in the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape to determine the extent of the lack of water in the town; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the outcomes of these investigations in terms of infrastructure that needs to be (i) repaired and (ii) upgraded and (b) how (i) long will it take and (ii) will it be funded in each case; (2) whether her department is providing any assistance to the specified municipality to deliver water to the community in Joubertina, where there is reportedly no more water in the taps; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Yes, investigations were conducted most recently on 04 February 2016 to determine the extent of lack of water in Jourbertina, Koukamma Eastern Cape.
(1)(a) It was discovered that the dam level is critically low at 0,5m, the storage enough to last for a day or two.
(1)(a)(i) The gravity pipeline from Joubertina to the Water Treatment Plant is exposed due to flooding.
(1)(a)(ii) The pipeline has to be relocated and other sections have several leaks and have to be repaired/ upgraded.
(1)(b) Funding was made available by my Department to relocate the exposed pipeline including plugging the leaks, Amatola Water has been appointed and is already onsite.
(1)(b)(i) This part of the project should be completed by end March 2016.
(1)(b)(ii) Further repairs to the system will be funded through Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme (ACIP).
My Department has been involved in Koukamma Local Municipality (LM) since 2014/15 where a community water supply project was implemented to do research on existing water use within the Koukamma area, research on surface water resources within the Koukamma area, investigate raw water storage at Krakeel and investigate the condition of the Kareedouw Water Treatment Works (WTW) and on the groundwater resources within the Krakeel and Kareedouw area.
Based on the outcomes of the research done, the Water Treatment Works (WTW's) of Kareedouw was refurbished since it was basically non-functional. Several boreholes were drilled and equipped, chemical analysis of the water was done and electricity had to be provided where boreholes were drilled. Meters were also installed.
Water Conservation Demand Management (WCDM) Project was also implemented to develop a WCDM strategy. Water Safety Plans were prepared for each of the 11 water supply systems, retrofit Programme (Toilet Retrofit Project) was implemented, awareness and education program was implemented at schools, a water meter and leak audit was done for each and every town in Koukamma LM as well as water balances, marketing and publicity was done through posters, entrance town billboards, pamphlets and information.
2. Yes, my Department is providing assistance to the municipality in the following.
- A 18 000L tanker was sent to Joubertina and has been operational during
February 2016. - 200 X 25L of clean water was also sent to Jourbertina on
1 February 2016 - Amatola Water has been appointed to replace and relocate a section of the exposed bulk pipeline to the town. Leaks will also be detected and repaired. The project is currently under construction.
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11 March 2016 - NW522
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1) (a) What is the percentage of each of the different categories of complaints laid against, (i) government departments and (ii) any government body from 1 January 2015 up to and including 31 January 2016 with the SA Human Rights Commission; (2) how many complaints were laid against the President in the period from 1 January 2015 up to and including 31 January 2016; (3)(a) what is the percentage of each of the different categories of complaints against the President and (b) how many of the complaints were (i) finalized, (ii) rejected on technical grounds, (iii) refused on merit, (iv) succeeded on merit and (v) have still not been finalized?
Reply:
Firstly, I wish to inform the Honourable Member that in terms of section 181 (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the State Institutions supporting Constitutional Democracy, including the South African Human Rights Commission, are accountable to the National Assembly, and must report on their activities and the performance of their functions to the Assembly at least once a year.
Therefore, the South African Human Rights Commission does not report to the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, but directly to Parliament.
However, because of the well-established working relationship between the South African Human Rights Commission and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the South African Human Rights Commission has reported as follows regarding the questions raised by the Honourable Member:
Kindly find attached hereto, a consolidated compilation of data, sourced from the South African Human Rights Commission’s (the Commission) nine provincial offices in response to the Parliamentary Question:
(a) Complaints laid against the President in the period from 1 January 2015 up to and including 31 January 2016;
(b) An indication of which of the above matters were finalised, rejected, referred or pending (in terms of the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedures; and
(c) An indication of the different categories of complaints against the Government.
Due to the large volume of information sought, the data appears in its raw format. However, the SA Human Rights Commission has indicated that should a consolidated report of statistics and the generation of graphs be necessary, the Commission would require additional time in that regard.
Such a consolidated Report has been requested and will be submitted once received.
11 March 2016 - NW190
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1) Whether, following the completion of the R3 billion De Hoop Dam in Limpopo, the residents of the district municipalities of (a) Sekhukhune, (b) Waterberg and (c) Capricorn are being provided with piped water from the specified dam; if not, (i) why not and (ii) how many villages surrounding the specified dam are not being provided with water from the specified dam; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) what is the current status of the project to supply residents in the vicinity of the specified dam with drinking water from the specified dam and (b) when will the project be completed?
Reply:
(1)(a) Sekhukhune: has not yet benefited from De Hoop Dam. The Pump station and water treatment plant at the Steel Bridge as well as the main pipeline that will provide water to Jane Furse is the responsibility of the Sekhukhune District Municipality.
(1)(b) Waterberg: has not yet benefited from De Hoop Dam. Communities in the Waterberg area will only be able to receive water from the system once the Phase 2B pipeline and the extension of the pipeline from Pruissen to Sekuruwe has been installed. This pipeline is not yet constructed. This pipeline is largely commercial, and is highly contested by the Mining House. Discussions with the Mining House are now at a high level.
(1)(c) Capricorn: The communities in the Capricorn district municipal area are currently receiving water from the Olifantspoort water treatment plant which is fed from the Flag Boshielo Dam. As soon as Phase 2D, 2E and 2F are completed, water will be delivered at the Olifantspoort treatment plant from the De Hoop Dam. The current shortages of water in that area will then also be augmented through these pipelines. These phases have not yet been constructed. The project is currently at design phase.
(2)(a) Phase 2C (pipeline from De Hoop Dam to Steelpoort) is under construction and is nearing completion. Phase 2B a pipeline between Flag Boshielo and Pruissen must still be constructed to provide water to platinum mines in the Pruissen area. In order for Phase 2C infrastructure to integrate the Olifants and Steelpoort system with the remaining sub-phases, there is a need to construct the remaining sub-phases (Phase 2D, E and F).
(2)(b) Although Phase 2C pipeline for bulk raw water is projected to be finished by July 2016, for the water to reach the people other works need to be completed by the municipality. The Department will commence with the construction of Phase 2 (bulk distribution system, phase 2D, E and F) in the 2016/17 financial year. The Department is in the process of engaging the municipalities involved in order to assist with the acceleration of reticulation so that the process can run parallel with bulk distribution. It must be noted that the pipelines will not be able to supply water to the villages if the three Water Treatment Plants in the area are not refurbished/ rehabilitated.
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11 March 2016 - NW187
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What is the total cost of the construction of a pipeline from the Gariep Dam to the KnellpoortDam; (2) Whether the entire cost of construction is currently funded; if not, how will the pipeline be financed; if so, what are the (a) funding sources and (b) amounts; (3) What is the estimated (a) start and (b) completion date of the pipeline?
Reply:
(1) Current capital cost estimate of the project to augment Mangaung and surrounding areas' water supply from Gariep Dam is in excess of R 7 billion.
(2) A Feasibility study will have to be done to confirm the preferred option to obtain water from the Gariep Dam. This is the only part that has been funded as yet and the funding model of the rest of the project will be confirmed as part of the work done during the Feasibility study. Options to be considered will include project finances both on-budget and off-budget..
(3) The fast-tracked implementation programme, consisting of a Feasibility Study, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, and Design and Construction phases, will take 5.5 years to completion. The Feasibility Study will be finalised over an eighteen (18) months period before design and construction can start. Construction is expected to start during financial year 2018/19 with completion during the 2022/23 financial year.
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11 March 2016 - NW234
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Has his department awarded any contracts to companies indirectly or directly owned by certain persons (Atul, Agiy & 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? NW237E
Reply:
By using the names provided, the department could not trace any contracts awarded to the names mentioned.
Please take note that the information is insufficient as the Department requires either the ID number(s) of the individuals or the names of their companies. It should however be noted that once the above information is provided, the Department will be able to reply to the enquiry.
11 March 2016 - NW432
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Communications
How much (a) did the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) pay to collect its television license fees in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13, (iii) 2013-14 and (iv) 2014-15 financial years and (b) revenue did the SABC generate from the collection of its television license fees in financial years?
Reply:
a) (i)- (iv) The SABC paid a total of R543 873 573.26 to collect television license fees.
b) For the same period, the SABC generated a total revenue of R3 647 764 688.63 from the collection of television fees.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
11 March 2016 - NW507
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)What steps have been taken to secure the fence of the Kruger National Park; (2) have the park’s rangers been paid their performance bonuses (a) in the (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) for the 2015-16 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; and (3) to what extent does the local community benefit from the income generated through tourism at the park?
Reply:
(1) Various censors are currently being installed on some parts of the perimeter fence to ensure early warning. The detail of such is classified;
(2) (a) (i) and (ii) and (b) No, the employees in question are part of the Bargaining Unit and therefore do not receive bonuses. However they receive 13th cheques as part of their annual remuneration packages. They received their 13th cheques for 2013-14 and 2014-15 financial years; and
(3) when one talks about “local communities” it is important to remember that the Kruger National Park perimeter is heterogeneous both in terms of land use as well as human densities, socio- economics and context. The Kruger National Park perimeter is over 1000 km long (1017km), approximately half of which is in South Africa. Sixty one percent of the boundary is bordered by conservation related land use (the remaining being agriculture, rural and urban settlements and a small amount of industry). On the South African side the park straddles two provinces (that is, Limpopo and Mpumalanga), three district municipalities and seven local municipalities. There are 37 Traditional Councils representing approximately 240 villages and towns in close proximity to the fence, comprising around 1 million people.
3.1 The 1.5 million tourists that visit the Kruger National Park annually contribute towards approximately 80% of the park’s operating budget, paying for the bulk of salaries of the 2243 staff, 90% of whom come from the villages and towns adjacent to it. Many of the staff is employed within the tourism sector. Although not employed directly by the Kruger National Park, over 12 000 conservation related jobs within the greater Kruger National Park are the direct result of employment through the Expanded Public Works Programme. The concessionaires operate in the park as well as in the adjacent private, communal and provincial reserves most of which focus on the high end tourism market.
3.2 Funding obtained from tourism contributes towards the implementation of various initiatives aimed at local capacity building through education and outreach, reaching on average 80 000 learners annually, most of which are from local schools.
3.3 In addition, tourists contribute directly to community development projects in areas adjacent to the Kruger National Park through a tourism fund of 1% that is ring fenced for community projects. To date this has been used for funding of local school infrastructure development including a state of the art school administration facility, a well-stocked computer centre and early childhood development play equipment.
3.4 Several small scale enterprise development initiatives enable local entrepreneurs to access the tourism market through various channels including five locally owned and run arts and crafts outlets (collectively turning over R3.1 million annually), community owned car wash facilities at major camps, community owned kiosks at day visitors picnic sites and local catering service providers for events (turns R328 289 annually). The community owned Park n Ride game drive business turns over approximately R250 000 annually.
3.5 The Kruger National Park contractor development programme builds capacity of local building contractors through both formal and practical training sessions, using the local contractors for new buildings and the maintenance of the existing tourism and other infrastructure facilities. To date the programme has successfully trained 29 contractors who have in turn employed 360 staff, and have collectively contributed towards an infrastructure spend on Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) of R628 million since 2006.
3.6 Focusing on high end five star tourism, the concessionaires in the Kruger National Park partner with the South African National Parks (SANParks) in community development, through using on average 200 local SMMEs for various service provision through the year, amounting to over R6 million annually in recent years.
3.7 In cases where land restitution has taken place inside the Kruger National Park, relevant communities work with private partners to unlock additional benefits from tourism operations such as Nkambeni in the south of the park as well as Makuleke in the north with community land owners receiving preferential employment and business opportunities, as well as both rent and concessionaire fees based on turn over.
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11 March 2016 - NW189
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether there are any plans to desilt the (a) Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) Welbedacht Dam in the Free State; if not, why not; if so, (i) when will the project commence and (ii) at what cost?
Reply:
(a) The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been appointed to develop a dam basin management strategy for my Departmental dams, which will inform on where dredging and/or other operative methods could be employed to address the siltation phenomenon. Hazelmere Dam and the Welbedacht Dam are some of the dams subjected to the study which will inform this strategy and subsequent operational strategy development.
(b) The time lines and costs for each siltation management operations plan will be informed by the output of the CSIR project.
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11 March 2016 - NW390
Grootboom, Mr GA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
My department and its entities are performing well above the target of 30% in terms of procuring goods and services from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs).
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11 March 2016 - NW433
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether print media can see where its contributions in the form of funding to the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) have been allocated; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) how can the print media monitor where its funding to the MDDA is allocated, and (c) does the MDDA ensure that investors from the print media receive feedback on where their funding is allocated?
Reply:
Yes the MDDA has over the years published in its annual report details on all projects that have been funded from the Print and Digital Media South Africa (PDMSA) funding and these reports have been made available to the PDMSA, which has a representative in the MDDA Board.
a) The details included the name of the project; whether it is a magazine or newspaper; the district municipality; the province; the language of the publication; the nature of funding allocated - e.g printing, distribution, operational costs etc; and the grant amount allocated.
b) The print media can monitor the funding allocated by reviewing the Grant in Aid Agreements signed with individual projects, reviewing MDDA Monitoring and Evaluation reports, requesting copies of the publications and reviewing annual reports.
c) Yes, the MDDA is in a process of meeting all the print funders, and finalising commissioning an impact assessment study, which will be shared with the investors including the Government.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
11 March 2016 - NW361
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
(a) The percentage of the total procurement in the DoC is:
(i) 57.98%
(ii) 0%
(b) GCIS
(i) 64.76
(ii) 0%
SABC
(i) 12%
(ii) 0%
MDDA
(i) 100%
(ii) 0%
Brand SA
(i) 22%
(ii) 0%
ICASA
(i) 40%
(ii) 0%
FPB
(i) 81.4%
(ii) 0%
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
11 March 2016 - NW480
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with regard to Eskom’s strained financial position, any plans are in place to allow independent power producers to supply coal-fired electricity on behalf of Eskom to the national grid in order to reduce the need for Eskom to raise the cash needed to fulfil its commitments of supplying electricity to the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Energy (DOE) IPP office takes the lead in the domestic IPP strategy, including the sourcing and contracting component of these arrangements. This strategy is driven by the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The DOE bidding process for the coal base load IPPs is still in progress.
Once the participants are selected by DOE, the time lines are such that this programme will not affect Eskom’s financial position in the next 5 years. When the decisions have been made, there will be clarity on energy prices from these IPPs as well as the cost of connecting them which will be budgeted for accordingly.
10 March 2016 - NW417
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What was the road safety strategy during the 2015/16 festive season, (b) what measurable (i) targets, (ii) processes and (iii) procedures exist to measure the successes of this strategy, and (c) what was the outcome in each case?
Reply:
(a) What was the road safety strategy during the 2015/16 festive season
The objectives of the 2015 National Road Traffic Safety Festive Season Plan was to:
- Ensure high levels of visible traffic law enforcement on all major routes on a 24 hour 7 days basis;
- Maximize the impact of education and law enforcement operations by heightening the level of seamless operations;
- Sensitize road users about their road safety responsibility through communication and shock therapy techniques;
- Increse the presence of law enforcement officers on our roads through the deployment of high a level support team to the provinces;
- Provide on time auxiliary services to the deployed forces through the National Road Traffic Joint Operations Centre; and
- Deploy undercover anti-corruption officers to ensure ethical conduct by officers and road users.
The focus of the strategy was on the following areas -:
- Impaired Driving – Alcohol, Drug abuse, Fatigue
- Dangerous Driving - Excessive Speed, Dangerous Overtaking, All moving violations
- Occupants Safety - Front and Rear seatbelts, Child Restraints
- Public Transport - Passenger Transport, Freight Transport
- Vulnerable Road Users - Visibility, Drinking and Walking, Jay walking, Distracted Walking
- Vehicle Fitness - Road Blocks
- Road Traffic Information - Verified data
(b) (i) The targets are informed by the goals set out in United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety which commits the country to reduce road crashes and fatalities by 50% from 2010 to 2020.
(ii) the processes included a comparison undertaken with previous year’s data, in terms of the reduction of road crashes and fatalities. Other traffic information included vehicle population, traffic volumes as well as the human population in the analysis.
(iii) To measure the success of the strategy, data is collated during the festive period. This information is analyzed to identify new trends and causes of crashes. A report is then produced with all the factors that contribute to fatalities over the period
(c) What was the outcome in each case?
A closer look at the road crashes and fatalities over the 2015/16 festive season depicted the following trends.
- Small motor vehicles accounted for 47.9% of total crashes during this season, followed by light delivery vehicles at 22.7%, minibuses or combis at 10.1% and trucks contributed 4.8%.
- The majority of people who died were passengers at 38.3%, followed by pedestrians at 34.9%. Drivers contributed 23.9% of the fatalities and cyclists 2.8%.
- The age group with the highest percentage fatalities in the categories: drivers, passengers and pedestrians is 25 to 39 years, accounting for about 47,9% drivers fatalities, 38.5% passengers fatalities and 34,3% pedestrians fatalities respectively. Children aged from 0 – 4 contributed 10.4% of pedestrian deaths.
- The gender mostly affected, was males with a contribution of 74.4% to total fatalities. Females represent 25.2% of the fatalities. Very disturbingly, of this number 81.4% is apportioned to Blacks while the rest represents Coloured, Whites, and Asians.
- The gender of 0.4% of the deceased was undetermined because they were burned beyond recognition.
- Most crashes occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- The highest number of fatal crashes was recorded on Saturday at 22.2% of the total fatal crashes, followed by Friday and Sunday with 18.8% and 16.9% respectively.
- A new phenomenon was observed in the 2015/16 festive period where 51.4% crashes occurred between 14H00 and 23H00. This stark contrast to the norm might be attributed to the relentless and resilient implementation of the 24/7 law enforcement.
Key factors that contributed the most to the fatalities were jay-walking, speed that was too high for circumstances, overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic, hit and run accidents, driving under the influence of alcohol, tyre bursts, faulty brakes, and smooth tyres. Sharp bends, wet surfaces and poor visibility also played a significant role in the contributing factors.
10 March 2016 - NW412
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Transport
With regard to the Bus Rapid Transit system in the City of Tshwane, (a) what are the detailed reasons for reducing the car lanes into one, (b) which (i) engineer and (ii) report states that this is the best option, (c) what are the reasons for reducing the car lanes in each case, (d) when was this report signed off and (e) by whom?
Reply:
a) Reasons for the dedication of existing car traffic lanes for the BRT system are best addressed under the NLTA, no. 9 of 2009 wherein public transport systems are to be promoted over car based transport systems in urban areas. This is also a well recognised approach internationally under the sustainable transport agenda where the most optimum use of road space is gained through the promotion and development of public transport systems.
The City of Tshwane IRPTN (Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network) Strategy also adopts this policy position. The policy is however also reflective of the need to provide sufficient capacity on its road network for all users and in this regard even where a lane of traffic is dedicated to public transport the junction capacities along a particular corridor are protected in so far as is possible.
b) (i) & (ii)
In regard to the specific issues raised in the above question the City appointed a reputable consulting engineering company to undertake a TIA (traffic impact assessment) of the specific BRT project (Lynwood Road / Atterbury Road to Menlyn). The results of which confirm the adequacy of the surrounding road network to cater for the allocation of a general traffic lane to a BRT lane on Atterbury and Lynwood Roads. However, mitigation measures are also proposed to maintain junction capacities on these roads.
c) The allocation of existing car lanes to BRT reduces capital costs of the project, eliminates the need for extensive property expropriation, makes more efficient use of roadspace (as a general traffic lane will only carrying 1000-1500 passengers per hour whereas the BRT lane can carry up to 6000 passengers per hour) and most importantly promotes the use of public transport by existing car users.
d & e)
The report will be finalised by 12th March 2016 and will be processed by the Municipality, after which it will be realised to the public.
NW425E
10 March 2016 - NW485
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the construction and supply of locomotives to the Passenger Rail Agency of SA from overseas, (a)(i) when were the tenders in this regard issued and (ii) to whom, (b) what is the value of each tender, (c) what are the timelines and timeframes from initiation to (i) delivery, (ii) testing and (iii) final use of the locomotives by the public and (d) to which provinces will such locomotives be delivered to?
Reply:
a) (i) On the 26 July 2012
(ii) Mafori Financing t/a Swifambo Rail Leasing
b) R3.5 Billion
c) The time lines were 42 months from the date of initial payment which was 31 March 2013
(i)(ii)(iii) The seller was to complete, adjust and test the locomotives, including all material and components used for the manufacturing of the locomotives, both abroad before shipping and within South Africa in strict adherence to the agreement and to ensure that each of the locomotives supplied shall be fully operational and ready for use by PRASA.
d) The locomotives were going to be used on the mainline long distance services, whereby the main hub is Johannesburg, hence locomotives would be allocated in Gauteng, Durban, East London and Cape Town.
10 March 2016 - NW420
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with regard to the bus rapid transit system in the City of Tshwane, any consultations and/or negotiations have taken place with the various taxi associations operating in the area; if not, why not; if so, (a) in what form did the consultations and/or negotiations take place, (b) on what dates, (c) which taxi routes were covered and (d) what were the outcomes of the specified consultations and/or negotiations in each case?
Reply:
The legal basis, background and motivation for these payments are set out below:
a. Compensation payments to the taxi industry or any other public transport operator affected by the introduction of BRT Services, are based on provisions of Section 41(1)(a) of the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009 (NLTA). Such compensation is for the loss of business rights when the affected operators’ services are terminated and replaced by the BRT systems. The implication of the current Compensation Agreement is that regardless how long the dispensation will last, it will not increase the eventual total agreed compensation cost. It is therefore merely a re-arrangement of the timing of compensation payments. The target date for the last Permanent Compensation Agreement is no later than the second quarter of 2016.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed with the Taxi Industry during May 2013. The MOA provided for a structured approach with regards to engagements with the affected taxi industry.
The negotiations were undertaken with the affected taxi operators per implementation phase, in conjuction with the broader taxi representative structures to ensure peaceful engagements and to avoid the emergence of splinter groups due to lack of proper information dissemination within a volumenous industry such as the taxi industry. This approach proved to be effective in that even those operators that are not affected became fully conversant with the implementation of the BRT within their area of operation.
b & c
The affected taxi operators were all identified on the proposed BRT line and are being engaged in line with each implementation phase as approved by Council. The City of Tshwane implemented their Phase 1A between the Pretoria CBD and Hatfield during November 2014 and identified 3 taxi associations operating along that route. Compensation negotiations were finalised and agreement was with affected operators from the 3 taxi associations. Negotiations have commenced with an additional 3 taxi associations affected by the planned implementation of Phase 2A. It is envisaged that agreements will be concluded with the affected taxi operators from the 3 associations.
d. An interim compensation package was agreed in November for Phase 1a to Hatfield. The compensation negotiation for Phase 2a to Wonderboom is currently underway and is expected to conclude before the end of March 2016
NW433E
10 March 2016 - NW377
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to President Jacob G Zuma’s undertaking in his State of the Nation Address delivered on 12 February 2015, that the Government will set aside 30% of appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises, what percentage of the total procurement of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her went to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
From 1 April 2015 to date, the Department used the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2011 for procuring goods, which does not make provision for set aside towards the targeted suppliers for procurement of goods, services and works. The Preferential Procurement Regulations 2011 makes provision for the award of the contract after technical evaluation (where required), price and BBBEE status and therefore procurement was not done in terms of the Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises based on set aside provision.
10 March 2016 - NW278
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether she has initiated any investigations into individuals and groups in the transport industry who have begun to operate as a mafia by using intimidation and force to obtain control of the industry; if so, what has each investigation revealed; (2) whether she will publicly invite transport operators to provide information on any overt intimidation tactics that are being used against them to surrender their interests in the transport business; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The department is not investigating any individuals or companies that are running public transport operations.
2. The department informs me that they are not aware of any intimidation in the transport sector, and has no details on this matter
10 March 2016 - NW403
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the high demand for speed bumps in various areas across the country, and the high cost of placing such speed bumps, when will she propose changes to the National Road Safety Act, Act 9 of 1972, to permit the implementation of the cheaper bolt-down-type speed bumps?
Reply:
The legislation quoted speaks to the Road Safety Council and not to traffic calming measures. It must be noted that the latter can even cause more dangerous situations on urban and rural mobility roads as per Road Classification and Access Management Manual (TRH26). With regard to the bolt down type speed-bumps, the department cannot be seen as promoting individual products, but will set norms and specifications as per SABS.
10 March 2016 - NW481
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Transport
How many persons have died in all forms of minibus taxi accidents (a) in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) since 1 April 2015?
Reply:
The table below provides the number of fatal crashes and fatalities with minibuses, per financial year, as received from the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
Period |
Crashes |
Fatalities |
April 2014 - March 2015 |
425 |
590 |
April 2015 - Jan 2016 |
740 |
1024 |
The information above depicts that there were 425 fatal crashes with 590 fatalities during 2014/15 financial year. For financial year 2015/16 there were 740 fatal crashes involving minibuses with 1 024 fatalities.
10 March 2016 - NW486
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
When will the National Rail Safety Strategy be (a) finalised and (b) tabled in Parliament?
Reply:
a) The National Rail Safety Strategy will be finalised during the 2016/17 financial year.
b) The Strategy will be tabled in Cabinet by March 2017.
10 March 2016 - NW414
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether any research was conducted to reclassify certain traffic offences under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977; if not; why not; if so, (a) according to what (i) local and/or (ii) international research findings were the specified reclassifications made and (b) what future research is planned in this regard?
Reply:
(a) (b)From analysis of road crashes over the years and law enforcement operations it has become clear that certain offences are committed repeatedly and consequences are strong enough in deterring road traffic offenders from engaging in dangerous behaviour.
10 March 2016 - NW482
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether, with _, the specified R329 will be (a) widened and/or (b) repaired; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what are the relevant details and (ii) when will this commence?
Reply:
a) Geotechnical investigations will be conducted in the 2016/17 financial year due to the budget constraints that limit the widening of the road.
b) (i) (ii) The road is in a fair condition however the routine maintenance contractor will attend to routine road repairs by the second quarter of 2016/17 to ensure the road is trafficable.
10 March 2016 - NW527
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Indusrty
(1) (a) Which (i) officials from his department and (ii) Chief Executive Officers, (iii) Chairpersons and (iv) Board members of agencies reporting to him attended the Budget delivered on 24 February 2016, (b) what was the cost for each of the specified individuals to attend the event, (c) what class of travel did each of the specified individuals use to attend the event and (d) (i) what accommodation costs were incurred and (ii) where did the specified individuals stay; (2) what benefit was derived from each of the specified individuals attendance at the budget speech event as opposed to simply watching it on the television? NW633E
Reply:
(1) (a) (i) (b) (c) (d) (i) (ii) and (2)
Only the Director General attended the budget speech on 24 February 2016. He was in Cape Town at the time of the event attending other Parliamentary meetings and therefore the department did not incur any additional cost in this regard.
Entities Response
1. (a) (ii) (iii) (iv) (c) (d) (i) (ii)
The CEO of the NEF attended the budget speech on 24 February 2016 at a total cost of R7419.44 which relates to her travel. No costs were incurred for car rental and accommodation. No other entity attended the budget speech.
2. In her capacity as the CEO, Ms Mthethwa always looks for opportunities where she can efficiently and effectively engage with NEF stakeholders. The stature of the budget speech event is such that it brings various strategic stakeholders together in a central place. She therefore used the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders on the sides of the event, for the benefit of the implementation of the mandate of the NEF.
10 March 2016 - NW598
Mulder, Dr PW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)What were the total gold exports in (a) metric tons, (b) rand value and (c) dollar value in (i) 2011, (ii) 2012, (iii) 2013, (iv) 2014 and (v) 2015; (2) what were the causes of the (a) decrease an/or (b) increase in gold exports in each specified year; (3) (a) which five countries were the greatest importers of South African gold in each specified year and (b) what was the value of the gold exports to each of the top five importers of South African gold in (i) (aa) metric tons, (bb) rand value and (cc) dollar value and (ii) in each specified year; (4) (a) whether South Africa has shown a positive or negative nett export of gold in each specified year and (b) what was the major reason for the positive or negative nett export value?NW709E
Reply:
Information on exports of gold is classified and, as such is not reported on in terms of the South African Revenue Services (SARS) values and quantities, consequently it is also not reflected in the dti trade database. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) though does track information on gold, however it only measures change in ownership and not the physical movement of goods across borders, as general SARS reporting does. We have requested data from these authorities responsible for the management of data on exports of gold, namely, the South African Revenue Services, as well as the South African Reserve Bank in order to compile a response to these questions. We request two weeks extension for submission of response to these questions.
04 March 2016 - NW448
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
“Whether, in view of the fact that the fiscus was severely constrained and that every single rand for the public good had to be protected from being corruptly siphoned off as has been happening for a long time, the Government was taking very urgent and decisive steps to enhance protection and encouragement to a considerable level for whistleblowers to lift the lid on corruption and allow no opportunity for corrupt politicians, officials and individuals to escape exposure and rapid prosecution; If not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?”
Reply:
1.1 The Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 (“the Act”), aims to protect employees from being subjected to occupational detriment on account of having made protected disclosures. The Act also establishes procedures in terms of which employees may disclose information regarding workplace improprieties. The Protected Disclosures Amendment Bill, 2015 (“the Bill”), which was introduced into Parliament on 8 December 2015 aims, among others, to extend the ambit of the Act beyond the traditional employer and employee relationship and to grant an employee who makes a protected disclosure immunity from criminal and civil liability.
1.2 The proposed amendment of section 1 of the Act aims to bring about an extension of the ambit of the Act. The ambit of the Act is determined in terms of the definition of “employee” which essentially restricts the application of the Act to the traditional employer and employee relationship. Independent contractors are expressly excluded from the provisions of the Act. Since there is a notable increase in the use of part-time and temporary workers coupled with the trend of outsourcing, the restricted definition of “employee” excludes a growing number of people from the ambit of the Act. The aforementioned category includes independent contractors, persons employed by temporary employment services and former employees.
1.3 The proposed new sections 3A and 3B aim to introduce joint liability and a duty to inform employees who make disclosures whether such disclosures will be investigated or not. As far as joint liability is concerned the introduction of the definition of “worker” gives rise to the situation that a worker who is rendering services to a client will have two ‘employers’. This will mean that if a protected disclosure is made by a worker who is employed by an agency to either the agency or to the institution where he or she works and the entity to which the disclosure has been made meets the disclosure with an occupational detriment, the worker will be entitled to the remedies provided in terms of the Act.
1.4 A number of employees who make protected disclosures experience difficulties where they, in the absence of an obligation to give feedback or to be notified, are not notified of a decision not to investigate the disclosure or of a decision to refer the matter to another body to investigate, or the outcome of an investigation. The proposed new section 3B aims to give effect to the aforementioned.
1.5.1 The restrictive nature of the remedies currently provided for in terms of section 4 will also, in view of the proposed extension of the ambit of the Act, receive attention. The section 4 remedies, read with the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995), are limited to “employees” in the strict sense and do not cater for independent contractors, consultants and agents. The proposed amendment of section 4 therefore aims to ensure that workers (independent contractors, consultants and agents) will also be enabled to exercise certain remedies if they are subjected to occupational detriment as a result of having made protected disclosures.
1.5.2 The proposed new section 4(1B), for example, will make it clear that a court may order an employer to pay compensation or actual damages to an employee or worker and further provides that a court may issue an order directing an employer to take steps to remedy the occupational detriment.
1.6 Clause 10 of the Bill aims to introduce a new section 9A in the Act which deals with the exclusion of civil and criminal liability. Since the Act does not protect persons from criminal or civil liability, it is argued that the introduction of such protection would help achieve one of the aims of the Act, namely, to facilitate and encourage disclosures. It should be noted that the new provision does not introduce blanket immunity. The need to protect certain information either in the national interest of the country or in the interest of the livelihood of an employer militates against granting blanket immunity from liability for disclosures relating to all improprieties provided for in the Act. Exposing an employer to such a risk would only be justified where the content of the disclosure is sufficiently serious, namely, where the disclosure relates to the commission of an offence. Immunity from civil and criminal liability will, in terms of the proposed new section 9A, not be automatic but will be granted subject to the discretion of the court in which an action is brought.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has ensured that officials are informed of the protected ways of reporting corruption and fraud through workshops and displayed posters. The DCS Whistle-blowing Policy which is informed by the Protected Disclosure Act provides the whistle-blowers of the process to be followed when reporting, for example, the relevant telephone numbers are provided where one can report, and also one is at liberty to remain anonymous when reporting if she/he fears victimization.
A Departmental Investigation Unit (DIU) was established in terms of Section 95A of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, as amended by Act 25 of 2008.
03 March 2016 - NW265
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
1)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:
- Expenditure by the department for advertising space in the New Age newspaper are as follows:
(a) 2012/13 financial year:
(i) 7 adverts
(ii) Total amount of R 393 922.30
(b) 2013/14 financial year:
(i) 3 adverts
(ii) Total amount of R 206 325.18
(c) 2014/15 financial year :
(i) 5 adverts
(ii) Total amount of R 378 511.92
03 March 2016 - NW27
Nkomo, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether her 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 Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) does not have any frozen posts on the current establishment.
03 March 2016 - NW218
Gardee, Mr GA to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Has The Presidency 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 wish to inform the Honourable Member that The Presidency and the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation did not award contracts to companies owned by the mentioned persons in the financial years in questions.
03 March 2016 - NW73
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
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? NW73E
Reply:
Minister Zokwana has a signed performance agreement that is translated into a Medium Term Strategic Framework for a 5years 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 ensure full accountability to the public funds.
03 March 2016 - NW276
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) Whether his department has any models of the long-term impact of climate change and altered rainfall patterns in various parts of South Africa; (2) Whether his department is using the specified models to inform the agricultural sector of the changes they needed to effect and the strategies they needed to employ to remain economically viable; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether he will make a statement on recorded high temperatures in South Africa between 1 December 2015 and 15 February 2016; (4) Whether the department is sufficiently responsive to the likelihood of western South Africa becoming hotter and drier in the foreseeable future and what needed to be done to deal with an altered climate?
Reply:
(1) My department draws from models designed in collaboration academic and research institutions within the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management fields. These institutions provide climate projections for long term adaptation and mitigation scenarios to assist the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) on the development of short – long term planning and strategies. Furthermore, the department in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) commissioned a research on “Sensitivity of crop suitability to climate change in South Africa” which addressed the potential shift of climate regions over South Africa and the potential shifts in crop production areas, driven by projected changes in temperature and rainfall.
The product of these models is disseminated on monthly basis to alert farmers on the seasonal forecast as well as suggested measures/strategies to prevent and mitigate against the impact of hazards and disasters under the auspices of the National Agro-meteorological Committee (NAC) chaired by DAFF. These contribute in the implementation of disaster risk management measures founded on prevention and mitigation as provided for under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).
2. My department draws from models designed in collaboration academic and research institutions within the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management fields. DAFF utilises the products of the models to advise the agricultural sector to plan ahead as well as the required measures in their farming practices. Furthermore, the daily extreme weather warnings issued to the agricultural sector are aimed at assisting farmers to be prepared for the pending hazards on the short-term for prevention and mitigation to ensure minimal impact to the sector.
3. As stated on items 1 and 2 above, the department issues advisories and warning messages to the farming sector as received from expert agencies such as SAWS and the ARC. As you will recall, the press release issued by DAFF on 3 November 2015 already reported on heat waves that occurred in September and October 2015 and provided advice on mitigation measures. This press statement further indicated the expected above normal temperatures and farmers were advised to implement precautionary measures to mitigate the impact associated therewith. The NAC Advisories further emphasised these conditions on monthly basis including the provision of precautionary measures. The NAC meeting held on 17 February 2016 deliberated on the observed weather conditions including on the above average temperatures where provinces were further advised to encourage the farmers to implement precautionary measures to mitigate these conditions. The outcomes of this meeting will be circulated to all involved including to the farmer organisations.
4. The mandate on climate resides with the Minister of Environmental Affairs. My Department is a user department. The department’s response to climate change in terms of the Sector Plan alluded to above is geared at addressing climate change across the country in line with national, regional and international frameworks. Based on the long term prediction scenarios, DAFF developed Climate Change Sector Plan for the implementation of an effective climate change adaptation and mitigation programme for the sector in compliance with the National Climate Change Response White Paper (NCCRWP, 2012) and in conformity with the Disaster Risk Management system. Some provinces have also developed climate change plans for their local scenarios which further assist in addressing the negative impact of climate change.
Climate change is a cross cutting issue and affects us all hence the need for the involvement of all role players and relevant stakeholders.
03 March 2016 - NW375
Groenewald, Mr HB to ask the Minister in the Presidency
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) the Office of the Presidency 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:
The Presidency procured 44%, and the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation procured 22.8% from SMMEs in the period in question.
03 March 2016 - NW358
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
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? NW370E
Reply:
The Policy of set aside has not been implemented as yet by the National Treasury. Therefore, it is not possible to supply information with regards to (i) SMMEs and (ii) co-operatives from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date.
However, the Department does keep record of quotations awarded from R10 000 to R500 000 and bids awarded above R500 000 in terms of B-BBEE. Attached herewith is Annexure A with regards to bids awarded from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2015 and Annexure B quotations awarded from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2015.
03 March 2016 - NW250
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Whether he and/or the Office of The Presidency 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 Presidency and the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation did not buy advertising space in The New Age newspaper in the period in question.
02 March 2016 - NW199
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
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:
No
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) Not applicable
02 March 2016 - NW331
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(a) What is the project timeline, with specific milestones, for the forensic investigation into the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and (b) when will (i) the specified investigation be concluded and (ii) Parliament receive a report on it?
Reply:
(a) The Department of Higher Education and Training appointed Nexus Forensic Services on 23 September 2015 to conduct an investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption in the allocation of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme loans and bursaries at ten identified public higher education as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.
(b) (i) The investigation is expected to be concluded within a period of 12 months from the date of the appointment of Nexus Forensic Services.
(ii) The forensic investigation is conducted within the legal framework of the Constitution and applicable legislation, taking into account any limitations in order not to infringe individual rights. Once the report has been received and after applying due diligence, a decision will be made on releasing of the report.
Compiler/contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 331 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
02 March 2016 - NW324
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) Whether the National Agro-Meteorological Committee released any reports since 2012; if not, why not; if so, (a) How many reports were released each year, (b) what was the purpose of each report and (c) How was this information distributed? 324/NW334
Reply:
a) The National Agrometeorological Committee released 12 reports every year.
b) The purpose of each report is to update the agricultural sector on the seasonal climate forecast for the specific period as well as the strategies to be implemented in line with the expected rainfall and temperature conditions since the South African Weather Service updates the seasonal climate forecast.
c) The information was distributed through e-mails to the Provincial Departments of Agriculture (Head of Departments, provincial management and disaster risk management coordinators) and Organized Agriculture amongst others, for further dissemination to the farming communities. The information was further distributed and discussed with the farmers during awareness campaigns on disaster risk management, roving seminars on impacts of weather and climate to agriculture as well as farmers days organized by province. In addition, the information is disseminated during uptake of early warning information meetings in the provinces. Furthermore, the extension officers continue to discuss the advisories with the farmers as part of their scheduled meetings including facilitation of study groups.
02 March 2016 - NW149
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) How many lawyers have been (i) reported to the law societies and (ii) successfully prosecuted for (aa) hiding the must-mediate requirement of section 6(4) of the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005, from their divorcing clients and (bb) for selling a litigation strategy, and (b) what is her department doing to close the gaps and enforce the Act to protect children in divorces?
Reply:
(a) There are no lawyers (i) who have been reported to the law society and (ii) successfully prosecuted for (aa) hiding the must-mediate requirement of section 6(4) of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005), from their divorcing clients and (bb) for selling a litigation strategy. A relationship between a client and his or her legal representative is privileged and therefore it is not possible for the Department to be aware of the conducts in question unless it is reported to the Department by either the clients or some other whistle blower who has inside information. In this regard, no cases have so far been reported to the Department. (b) The protection of children involved in a divorce is regulated by section 6 of the Divorce Act, 1979 (Act No. 70 of 1979) section 4 of the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, 1987 (Act No. 24 of 1987). It is therefore not necessary for this matter to be regulated under the Children’s Act.
02 March 2016 - NW151
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)By what date will her department circulate the proposed draft amendments to the Older Person’s Act, Act 13 of 2006, to (a) provincial departments of social development and (b) interested NGOs; (2) how much time will (a) provincial departments and (b) interested NGOs have to give feedback on the proposed draft amendments; (3) what is her department’s deadline for the finalised draft amendments to be submitted to parliament for consideration?
Reply:
1. The Department has developed draft amendments to the Older Person’s Act 13 of 2006. Consultations were done in provinces during the past year.
In terms of the legislative process, the provincial departments and interested NGOs will make inputs again once the draft Bill has been gazetted for public comments and during public hearing conducted through Parliamentary processes.
2. The time frames for feedback will be determined in the gazette itself.
3. The finalised draft Bill will be submitted to Parliament by 31 March 2017.
02 March 2016 - NW244
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
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 information is tabulated hereunder:
|
|
|
|
(i) |
O times |
Two adverts - once |
One advert - once |
(ii) |
R0 |
R 521,887.44 |
R 126,840.96 |
The placement of the adverts on the New Age Newspaper for the respective years was on the following matters:
2013-14:
- Duplicate ID Case Resolution Campaign
- Government Plan on the Extension of Working Hours During Festive Season at Ports of Entry.
2014-15:
- Multimedia Campaign to intensify Communication on the National Population Registration Campaign (NPRC).
It, however, must be noted that the department has similarly also bought advertising space on the above matters in other newspapers such as The Star and Beeld during the respective 2013-14 and 2014-2015 financial years.
02 March 2016 - NW328
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether his department completed the Agricultural Drought-Management Plan; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will the specified plan be completed; if so, (i) what is the current status of the plan and (ii) under what circumstances will the plan be implemented? NW338E
Reply:
Yes the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has completed the development of the Agricultural Drought Management Plan. The plan will form part of the strategic and/or overarching Agricultural Disaster Risk Management Plan.
(b) (i) The draft Agricultural Drought Management Plan went through the sectoral consultative process and was finalised is currently going through the departmental processes or/and structures for approval to become a policy document.
ii) The draft plan is currently being implemented whilst waiting for all the structures/processes to be completed for approval as policy document. The implementation of the plan is as per the draft Agricultural Disaster Risk Management Plan Disaster Management Act, act 57 of 2002, Disaster Management Amendment Act, act 16 of 2015, and the Disaster Management Framework of 2005 mandate and prescripts, in line with agricultural production related policies and with the Climate Change Sector Plan for agriculture.