Questions and Replies
02 March 2016 - NW338
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(a) What steps has his department taken to ensure that the abandoned students of the Vukani Aviation Project are provided with alternative training through a different flying school and (b) when were the specified students last contacted by his department in this regard; (2) (a) have the specified students been informed of their likely futures and (b) has his department apologised for the plight they have found themselves in; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any funding has been recovered from the service provider concerned; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he plans to take any legal steps against the service provider for failing to provide safe and adequate learning conditions to the students; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether the Civil Aviation Authority has taken any steps to investigate the service provider of the Vukani Aviation Project for deviations from flying/airline safety protocols; if not, why not; if so, what were (a) the findings and (b) consequences?
Reply:
1. (a) The students of the Vukani Aviation Project have not been abandoned as the Department is in the process of sourcing an alternate school for the cadets. To date presentations have been received from flying schools and the Department is in the process of finalising the selection of an alternate school.
(b) The Department is in contact with the students, informing and updating them of the progress made in securing alternative training with the last being on 4 January 2016.
2. (a) Yes, the students have always been assured that the Department has their interests at heart and that they will be awarded an opportunity to complete their respective training.
(b) The Department has on several occasions during meetings held with the students expressed its displeasure surrounding the circumstances that emerged from this project and have assured the cadets that this matter will be finalised in their favour. The Department has fully and comprehensively explained the situation to the students.
3. The contract between Vukani Aviation and the Department ended in December 2015, and the service provider is in the process of submitting a closeout report. It is important to note that payments to service providers are only processed on performance and delivery of programmes. Upon receiving the closeout report, the Department will determine whether there is any amount owed to the service provider.
4. The training provider has been fully accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the Department believes that only SACAA has the authority to take legal steps against the training provider if any air safety regulations have been flouted.
5. This matter lies within the competency of SACAA and it is suggested that this question be directed to SACAA.
Compiler/contact persons:
Contact number:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 338 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
02 March 2016 - NW325
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(a)Why did the National Crop Estimates Committee issue its preliminary production forecast for the summer 2016 crops in January 2016, (b) who requested such a forecast to be issued so early in the year and (c) what is the expected margin of error when releasing a forecast so early in a year
Reply:
a) At an emergency maize meeting held on 8 December 2015, it was agreed that if weather conditions did not improve, a formal industry-wide meeting should be held on 15 January 2016, to evaluate the impact of the drought, particularly on the production of maize; to acknowledge the necessity of industry cooperation in dealing with the situation; and, to reach consensus on actions required to address the looming shortage of food in the country.
Therefore, one of the actions strongly supported, was to release a production forecast for the new season a month earlier (during January 2016), because a reliable official estimate of inter alia the size of the expected maize crop, was required (as a result of the drought situation) in order for industry to plan properly. Kindly note that the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has traditionally released a preliminary area planted to summer grain crops estimate for the new season during January.
b) At the follow-up emergency maize meeting held on 15 January 2016, where about 70 Maize Steering Committee Members/Industry role-players/Interested parties were present, it was decided to send a formal request to the Department and the national Crop Estimates Committee, which falls under the auspices of the DAFF, to release a crop estimate prior to the traditional first estimate in February 2016.
Also, at this meeting, it was noted that an earlier crop estimate would assist the Grains and Oilseeds Supply and Demand Estimates Committee, under the auspices of the NAMC, to release information on the availability of maize regarding the new marketing season, which commences on 1 May 2016, a bit earlier.
c) Since this is the first time that the CEC has released a preliminary production forecast during January, and no previous data sets exist to compare it against, the CEC is not in a position to comment on the reliability of such an early forecast. However, it should be noted that the Crop Estimates Liaison Committee, an oversight body over the CEC, has set a norm for the CEC to be within 8% for the 1st to the 4th estimate from the final crop size; and to be within 5% for the 5th to 8th estimate from the final crop size.
In considering the accuracy of the estimates of the Crop Estimates Committee over the past 5 seasons, the Committee was (except for 2014) always within the required norm of 8% for the February estimate vs the final crop size.
Season |
Estimate within the required norm of 8% from the |
2010 |
+0,5% |
2011 |
+6,6% |
2012 |
-3,4% |
2013 |
+4,6% |
2014 |
-11,0% |
2015 |
-2,9% |
Furthermore, the preliminary production forecast released in January 2016, was exclusively based on information provided by farmers, with no inputs from other role-players.
02 March 2016 - NW113
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
What are the relevant details of the Ministerial Programmes that were allocated an additional R5 million under her department’s adjusted budget?
Reply:
The Minister of Social Development was involved in various Departmental and outreach programmes during the 2015/16 financial year. The additional funding allocated as part of the 2015 Adjusted Estimates process, was mainly for the following activities:
May 2015
- Post National Council of Provinces (NCOP) budget vote event, in Parliament, CPT
- Opening of an ECD, KwaLanga CPT
- DSD NCOP Budget vote
- Post NCOP Budget vote, Parliament, CPT
- MINMEC meeting
- Child Protection Week Activities
June 2015
- Opening address on the Day of the Africa Child
- International Day on Families
- DSD youth day celebration
July 2015
- International Day Against Substance Abuse, Eersterust ,PTA
- World Population Day
August 2015
- Launch of Cooperatives, Popo Molefe Informal Settlement, Rustenburg
- Launch of Food Security programme, Free State
September 2015
- National Summit on Social Development White paper, Boksburg
- 70th session of the UN general debate, at General assembly, NY (New York)
October 2015
- Active Ageing Programme
- International day to Old Persons
- Grandparents day
- Ministerial Luncheon with Gauteng struggle veterans
- 3rd National Parliament for Older Persons
- 1st National Choir Festival
- AGM of South African Older Persons Forum/ Conference of Older Persons
November 2015
- HIV/Aids Awareness Campaign
- Disability Month activities
- Launch of Community Nutrition and Development Centers (CNDC’s)
- Meetings of Minster and MEC (MINMEC)
- Various provincial Mikondzo Imbizos (DSD Services)
- 7th African Population Conference
December 2015
- Anti – Substance Abuse Festival Campaign, Durban
02 March 2016 - NW36
More, Ms E to ask the Minister of Social 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 does not have any frozen vacant positions. The organizational structure was approved in May 2015 and newly created posts are filled according to prioritization.
(a) Not applicable
(b) Not applicable
(c) Not applicable
02 March 2016 - NW453
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1) Whether the SA National Standards (SANS) 1795: Road Traffic Law Enforcement Systems, Part 5: Data Capturing Equipment and Capturing Equipment for Road Traffic Law Enforcement or any other SANS has, in terms of the Legal Metrology Act, Act 9 of 2014, and its preceding Act, been declared a legal metrology regulation that is valid and applicable to the Gauteng e-tolling instruments; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) what is the legal position of such SANS declaration(s) and (c) what are the further relevant particulars; (2) Whether the SA Bureau of Standards or any other standards organisation has declared SANS 1795, Part 5, or any other SANS to be valid for and applicable to the Gauteng e-tolling instruments; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) what is the legal position of such SANS declaration(s) and (c) what are the further relevant particulars?
Reply:
1. No SANS for e-tolling has been declared a legal metrology regulation. SANS1795-5 specifies mechanical, electrical and operational requirements for data capturing and recording equipment that is intended for road traffic law enforcement and prosecution purposes. The scope of SANS1795-5 does not include legal metrology requirements. In addition, SANS1795-5 is required to be read in conjunction with SANS1795-0. The scope of SANS1795-0 also refers to mechanical, electrical and operational requirements for speed measuring equipment and associated speed measuring systems that are intended for traffic law enforcement and prosecution purposes. Therefore in the opinion of the dti neither SANS 1795 5 or 0 is not valid and applicable to the Gauteng e-tolling instruments.
Legally, the declaration of the SANS is guided by the requirements set in Section 22 (2) c of the Legal Metrology Act until such time regulations are developed.
2. SANS 1795-5 has not been declared applicable for e-tolling instruments. SANS is referenced in the Road Traffic Safety Act which the National Department of Transport (NDoT) is the custodian of. Therefore the regulatory authority responsible for legally declaring SANS 1795-5 mandatory or compulsory including its enforcement would be NDoT.
02 March 2016 - NW327
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether his department completed the Agricultural Disaster Risk-Management Plan; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will the specified plan be completed; if so, (a) what is the current status of the plan and (b) under what circumstances will the plan be implemented?327/NW337E
Reply:
Yes the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has completed the development of the strategic and/or overarching Agricultural Disaster Risk Management Plan.
a) The draft strategic and/or overarching plan went through the sectoral consultative process and was finalised. It is currently going through the departmental processes or/and structures for approval to become a policy document.
b) 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 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.
02 March 2016 - NW174
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What are the relevant details of the process followed to obtain concessions to address the special needs of learners in order that they might fairly be tested in (a)(i) tests and (ii) examinations administered by schools, for all grades and (b)(i) tests and (ii) examinations administered by (aa) provincial and (bb) national education departments, in particularly for the final National Senior Certificate examinations; (2) whether any process of appeal against a decision exists; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of this appeal process; (3) whether prescribed guidelines are used by provincial education departments to communicate a decision to grant concessions or otherwise; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of such guidelines; (4) what (a) qualifications and/or (b) training must be possessed by the persons making the decisions on the granting or otherwise of concessions? NW174E
Reply:
(1) (a)(i) and (ii). The procedures to be followed to obtain concessions and accommodations for learners in all grades, at school, are outlined in the Policy on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) of 2014. Once a learner has been identified as needing additional support, the class teacher can apply a range of curriculum support mechanisms as outlined in the Support Needs Assessment Form 2 (SNA 2). One of these support mechanisms is to apply accommodations in assessment. Decisions on how the school will co-ordinate these accommodations are co-ordinated by the School-Based Support Team and tracked through the Individual Support Plan that has been developed for learners who have additional support needs. All decisions on how accommodations are applied in School-Based Assessment and Exams must be approved by the District-Based Support Teams.
(b)(i) and (ii) (aa) and (bb) The procedures for administration of concessions and accommodations in the conduct of any tests or examinations related to the National Senior Certificate, including examinations conducted by Provincial Education Departments, are outlined in Annexure C1 of National Policy Pertaining To The Conduct, Administration And Management Of The National Senior Certificate Examination (2014). The Policy outlines who is eligible to apply for accommodations and concessions, which mechanisms are available, what procedures should be followed to submit an application and which structures and officials are responsible for verifying and approving the application. The Policy states that “the assessment of the learner must be verified and confirmed by the District-Based Accommodation/Concessions Committee. Together, the School-Based and the District Based Accommodation/Concessions Committee will determine the form and level of support required. The information on the prescribed forms plus the necessary documentation compiled by professional experts, must be submitted to the Provincial Accommodation/Concessions Committee (established by the Head of Department) where, if approved, the necessary support will be captured on the Assessment and Examinations IT System.”
(2) Yes. The appeal process is outlined in Paragraph 2 (8) of Annexure C1 of National Policy Pertaining To The Conduct, Administration And Management Of The National Senior Certificate Examination (2014) which states that “an accommodation/concession decision may be appealed to the Head of the Provincial Education Department within two months of receipt of the original decision.” The Department reserves the right to request further assessment, if necessary.
(3) Provincial guidelines on the administration of the accommodations are being used by Provincial Education Departments. A National Guideline that aligns and co-ordinates all procedures are currently being finalised by the DBE. Training of officials at all levels of the system on the SIAS Policy, is in progress and includes the administration of accommodations in assessment. The training on the Guidelines on Accommodations, to be conducted by the DBE in 2016, together with the monitoring by the DBE will ensure that there is uniform application of this Policy.
(4) (a) Officials who serve on the District-Based Support Teams that review all applications, should be appropriately qualified specialist professionals such as education psychologists or learning support specialists.
(b) Provinces have conducted training on the administration of the Policy. This training will be extended and improved during the national training programme that will be conducted in 2016 as mentioned in Paragraph 3.
02 March 2016 - NW236
Mashabela, Ms N to ask the Minister of Basic Education
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:
(a) The Department of Basic Education has not spent money on advertising in The New Age newspaper,
i) N/A
ii) N/A
(b) The Department of Basic Education has not spent money on advertising in The New Age newspaper,
i) N/A
ii) N/A
(c) The Department of Basic Education has not spent money on advertising in The New Age newspaper,
i) N/A
ii) N/A
01 March 2016 - NW252
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
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. NW 256E
Reply:
The Department of Public Enterprises has not bought advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years.
(a) 2012-2013
(i) None
(ii) None
(b) 2013-2014
(i) None
(ii) None
(c) 2014-2015
(i) None
(ii) None
01 March 2016 - NW5
Khubisa, Mr NM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What measures does he intend putting in place to alleviate the difficulties at some offices of his department where well over 500 citizens queue up from as early as 04:00 am in order to obtain their unabridged birth certificates and are turned away at 16:00 due to his department not being able to process the certificates?
Reply:
In general there is no high influx of clients seeking unabridged certificates (UBC) at our offices. No long queues are experienced solely for the purposes of UBCs at any of our offices in the provinces. The only exception was during the past festive season and we envisage the same during holidays/ peak travel season. However, letters in lieu of Unabridged Birth Certificates are issued to clients who applied and did not receive the Unabridged Birth Certificates for travelling purposes within our turnaround time.
Applications taken are captured daily to improve turnaround time. All the queries received, including those for Unabridged Birth Certificates, are attended to on the spot and clients are not turned away due to this department not being able to process their certificates.
01 March 2016 - NW112
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
(1)With reference to CAS 420/11/2015 opened at the Temba Police Station, what is the current status of the investigation; (2) whether any suspects have been questioned; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any arrests have been made; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what is the anticipated date for the finalisation of the specified case?
Reply:
- The docket is under investigation.
The post mortem as well as toxicology reports are outstanding.
The Investigation Officer is still tracing independent witnesses in this case.
2. Identified suspects were interviewed in the presence of their attorney and they indicated to remain silent. Their attorney will submit their explanation in court.
3. Three suspects have been arrested.
(4) This incident happened on 13 November 2015 at 01:00 when the deceased was caught during the Burglary at Charles Metlhape’s place. The community was mobilized and the deceased was assaulted by the community during his apprehension. The police rescued him from the mob and took him to the George Mukhari hospital where he passed away on 18 November 2015. Although witnesses pointed out the three main suspects during this incident, the Senior Public Prosecutor still needs independent witnesses. The post mortem and the other expert statements are outstanding and not yet ready for collection. There are currently five housebreaking cases outstanding against the deceased and he was supposed to appear in court on these charges on 3 February 2016. The outstanding documents will be collected as soon as they are ready.
01 March 2016 - NW401
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, in the face of Eskom’s debts exceeding R350 billion, the utility will continue to be able to provide almost all of the country’s electricity requirements through the acquisition of additional coal-fired and nuclear power stations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, Eskom will be in a position to acquire additional coal fired power station capacity.
Eskom’s current level of debt at 31 December 2015 is R333 billion. The approved borrowing program contained in the 2015/16 Corporate Plan amounts to R237 billion. Consequently it is envisaged that the Eskom debt will exceed R350 billion over the next 5 years.
The 2015/16 Corporate Plan in addition makes provision for Eskom to continue with the Medupi, Kusile and Ingula Build Program that will add in excess of 9600 megawatt of additional capacity into the electricity grid.
The future nuclear build program will be dependent on an appropriate funding model being developed by Eskom and Government.
29 February 2016 - NW57
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a)What was the contracted term of the lease of the premises that the SA Post Office in Bryanston, Gauteng, used, (b) on what date was it signed and (c) what is the rental (i) period and (ii) amount; (2) what is the outstanding amount owed for (a) rent and (b) utilities at the specified premises; (3) Whether any mail and other postal items including equipment are still in the post office; if so, what arrangements have been made to retrieve these items; (4) have arrangements have been made to settle the outstanding rental; if not, when will the outstanding rent be settled; if so, what are the terms?
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
- (a) The Bryanston Post Office was on a 3-year lease.
(b) The lease was signed on 2015/10/09 for Retail, Mail delivery lease is in circulation for signature
(c) Rental is as follows: Retail= R89 877.60 per month, mail delivery = R147 507.16 per month
(i) Commenced on 2011/11/01 and expired on 2014/10/30, the renewal delayed due to negotiations;
2. According to the landlord the following amounts are overdue and SAPO is busy with its reconciliation of the outstanding amounts as it is not in full agreement:
(a) Mail delivery R422 609.47, Retail R18 703.23, Total due R441 312.70, all-inclusive and
(b) Amounts include utilities;
3. Mail has been retrieved. The equipment is still on site. The landlord will only release the equipment once the payment is made in full.
4. No settlement arrangements have been made because SAPO is currently doing a reconciliation of the outstanding amounts.
29 February 2016 - NW59
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
How many supplier invoices currently remain unpaid for more than (a) 30 days, (b) 60 days and (c) 90 days, in each case specifying (i) the name of the company and/or supplier, (ii) the amounts outstanding, (iii) the reason for non-payment and (iv) the envisaged date on which the amounts will be paid?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(a) Nil
(b) Nil
(c) Nil
29 February 2016 - NW61
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(1)Whether he has found that there is any link between cases of systemic corruption that are identified by the (a) Independent Police Investigative Directorate and (b) the findings of the last criminality audits in the SA Police Service (SAPS) that identified 1 448 members of the SAPS with criminal records that were employed in the police service; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) how many members of the SAPS with criminal records are currently employed in the police service according to its own internal figures?
Reply:
(1)(a) & (b) No, after comparing cases of corruption identified by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the criminal audit conducted in the South African Police Service (SAPS) that identified 1448 members with criminal records, no link could be established between the records. The criminal audit considered criminal offences committed by members up to 2009, whilst the Independent Police Investigative Directorate only came into effect in April 2012.
(2) The information that is required is not readily available as each case must be verified before the information can be submitted. A request is hereby made for an extension in order for us to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.
29 February 2016 - NW181
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
How many teaching days were lost to strike action in (a) 2011, (b) 2012, (c) 2013, (d) 2014 and (e) 2015 in respect of each district in each province?
Reply:
No teaching days were lost due to strike action in (a) 2011; (b) 2012; (c) 2013; (d) 2014 and (e) 2015.
29 February 2016 - NW173
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
(a) How many (i) drug raids in each of the specific sectors that fall under the jurisdiction of the Kempton Park Police Station took place in (aa) 2015 and (bb) from 1 January 2016 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (ii) arrests were made in each case and (iii) of these arrests ended in a successful conviction and (b) what (i) type and (ii) amount of drugs were confiscated in each case?
Reply:
(a)(i) Drug raids
(aa) 2015-01-01 to 2015-12-31 |
(bb) 2016-01-01 to 2016-02-15 |
191 |
29 |
(a)(ii) Arrests
2015-01-01 to 2015-12-31 |
2016-01-01 to 2016-02-15 |
316 |
63 |
(a)(iii) Convictions
2015-01-01 to 2015-12-31 |
2016-01-01 to 2016-02-15 |
04 |
00 |
(b) What (i) type and (ii) amount of drugs were confiscated in each case?
2015 |
|
TYPE (i) |
Amount (ii) |
Cannabis / Dagga |
7 360.46 grams |
Cannabis / Dagga plants |
12 grams |
Cocaine Powder |
160.6 grams |
Crack Cocaine / Rocks |
57.5 grams |
Crystal Meth (Tik Tik) |
83.5 grams |
Heroine / Thy white |
37.3 grams |
Khat |
97.2 grams |
Methcathinone |
20.8 grans |
Nyaope |
34.6 grams |
Chemichals to manufacture drugs |
38.700 grams |
Mandrax (tablets) |
74 grams |
2016 |
|
TYPE (i) |
Amount (ii) |
Cannabis / Dagga |
5 344.02 grams |
Cocaine Powder |
1 110.5 grams |
Crack Cocaine / Rocks |
26 grams |
Crystal Meth (Tik Tik) |
52 grams |
Heroine / Thy white |
2.9 grams |
Khat |
420 grams |
Nyaope |
23.8 grams |
Mandrax powder |
24 grams |
Mandrax (tablets) |
24 grans |
Dagga plant |
1 gram |
29 February 2016 - NW81
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
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:
Yes, I have entered into a performance agreement with the President.
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) 20130. 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 and sets out progress made in meeting the key indicators and targets.
Cabinet closely monitors the implementation of the NDP 2013/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 and obstacles to implementation are discussed and recommendations to address bottlenecks are considered and approved.
The annual report of the department provides more details on key progress made in addition to the information above.
-END-
29 February 2016 - NW58
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) How much does the SA Post Office owe Just Matric, vendor number 111421, detailing the amount in terms of an aged analysis per month and (b) by when will this amount be paid in full?
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
(a) The table below illustrates the age analysis of the outstanding amount of R127 080.00 on the Just Matric vendor.
VENDOR |
AC |
CURRENT |
+ 30 DAYS |
+60 DAYS |
+120 DAYS |
TOTAL |
111 421 |
Just Matric |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
127 080.00 |
127 080.00 |
(b) SAPO is clearing the backlog of supplier payments which includes Just Matric. Payments will be made depending on cashflow improvements.
29 February 2016 - NW10
Mncwabe, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether she intends to intervene in respect of the involvement of a certain teachers union (details furnished) in the selling of teacher posts in KwaZulu-Natal?
Reply:
The Chairperson of the Ministerial Task Team that probes the allegations of the selling of posts has provided the Minister with an interim report. The final report is envisaged to be made available at the end of February 2016, whereafter the Minister will implement the recommendations of the Ministerial Task Team.
29 February 2016 - NW123
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
With reference to his reply to question 4130 on 19 November 2015, what are the details of the process being undertaken to identify and appoint the lead agency for SA Connect?
Reply:
The process being undertaken by the Department involves detailed analysis of the various options that will facilitate the roll-out of broadband infrastructure and services in a cost effective and expedited manner whilst ensuring that there is value for money for Government. This will ensure that Government achieves its policy objectives of universal broadband services within the short period of time as outlined in the South Africa Connect targets.
29 February 2016 - NW124
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether the institution of charges against a certain person (name and details furnished) has been finalised; if not, what are the relevant details of the (a) process undertaken to date and (b) envisaged timeline to complete the process; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) outcomes of the process and (ii) charges instituted?
Reply:
No, the disciplinary process against the Director-General Ms Rosey Sekese has not been finalised, and is ongoing. In order not to prejudice the disciplinary proceeding, full details will made available once the process is finalised.
29 February 2016 - NW55
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
What was the status of the SA Post Office’s current account overdraft(s) as at (a) 30 November 2015, (b) 31 December 2015 and (c) 31 January 2016?
Reply:
I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
The current account balance on the corresponding dates was as follows:
a) 30 November 2015: R 230 264 199 (OD)
b) 31 December 2015: R 181 495 765 (OD)
c) 31 January 2016: R 218 439 294 (OD)
29 February 2016 - NW51
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) How many SA Post Offices were closed due to non-payment of rent during 2015, (b) what are their names, and (c) what amount was owed in each case; (2) of the specified post offices, (a) how many remain closed to date, (b) when will their outstanding rent amounts be settled and (c) when will they open for business again?
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
(1)(a) Fifteen (15) Post Office branches have been closed due to non-payment of rental.
(1)(b) The names and (c) amount owing in each case are listed below see the link:
www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW51-160229TABLE.docx
(2)(a) Of the (15) fifteen branches, (14) fourteen branches have been closed permanently, of which only (2) two have outstanding amounts owed. (1) One branch (the Bryanston West Depot) is still locked by the landlord requiring full settlement of the rental.
(2)(b) The outstanding amounts will be settled when there are cash flow improvements however, in the Bryanston Depot case, reconciliation of the outstanding amounts and escalations is in progress given that according to the landlord the total amount due is R 441 312.70, which does not reconcile with SAPO’s records.
(2)(c) The Bryanston Depot will be opened when the outstanding amounts are settled which is dependent on cash-flow improvements and the outcome of the reconciliation process. The Bryanston Post Office has in the interim been relocated to the Sloan Square Shopping Centre and is trading.
29 February 2016 - NW50
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Whether the SA Post Office (SAPO) received any complaints from the Universal Postal Union regarding the SAPO’s failure to deliver or dispatch international mail according to the contracted service delivery agreement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what was the nature of the specified complaints?
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
The South African Post Office has not received any complaints from the Universal Postal Union (UPU). SAPO informed its international counterparts (international postal operators) about the impact of the strike in 2014 via the UPU platform.
29 February 2016 - NW8
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to the high number of police officers who die at the hands of criminals, he intends to accelerate the process of establishing a large-scale intervention that includes different role players such as the security industry, civic organisations and police forums (SAPS, SANDF, PC on Police, Correctional Services, Dept of Justice, Social Services, Security Industry, Civic Organisations, Policing Forum, Public, etc.); if so, what are the envisaged time frames of the specified process?
Reply:
Yes, an integrated and multi-disciplinary Tactical Response Plan was developed for implementation on 7 August 2015 at tactical level for the duration of the 2015/2016 financial year. The impact of the Tactical Response Plan will be assessed at the end of the 2015/2016 financial year.
29 February 2016 - NW110
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 4246 on 14 December 2015, what specific (a) legislation and (b) regulations provide for the establishment of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure?
Reply:
Due to the nature of the information that is required we are not able to provide the reply within the given time frame, as the documentation required to answer this question is not readily available and must be obtained from archives.The reply will be provided as soon as the information is obtained.
29 February 2016 - NW122
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) What is the status of the production of the Rapid Deployment Policy, (b) when will the specified policy be gazetted for public comment and (c) what is the intended date of the ratification thereof; (2) (a) who was contracted to (i) research and (ii) draft the specified policy and (b) what amount was paid to the specified persons in each case; (3) whether the specified persons will be further involved in the (a) finalisation and (b) ratification of these guidelines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(1)(a) The research and report on consultations was finalised in September 2015. The Department used the research and report on consultations to prepare a draft Rapid Deployment Policy. The draft Rapid Deployment policy has been incorporated into the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy White Paper as it provides support to policies and processes contained in the White Paper.
(1)(b)&(c) National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper Policy will be submitted to Cabinet for approval in March 2016.
(2)(a)(i)&(ii) The Department contracted the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC), an agency of the National Treasury, established to provide advisory services, programme management, support high-impact government initiatives, and strengthen infrastructure planning to support the Department in the development of the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions on Electronic Facilities. Following a competitive bidding tender process run by GTAC with the involvement of the Department, Analysys Mason (Pty) Ltd, was appointed to liaise with stakeholders, conduct research and develop a draft rapid deployment policy.
(2)(b) The agreed upon deliverables and other project costs between the department and GTAC is R 4 996 732.00. GTAC has, to date, paid Analysys Mason, the service provider R 3 695 444.00.
(3)(a) Analysys Mason (Pty) Ltd, will not be further involved in both the finalisation and ratification of the policy because the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions have been incorporated into the ICT White Paper and will therefore not be finalised and ratified as a standalone policy.
29 February 2016 - NW79
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Energy
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?
29 February 2016 - NW125
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) What is the status of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) reports into (i) the SA Post Office, (ii) the Media Corner contract, (iii) the State Information Technology Agency, (iv) the Department of Communications’ role in the ICT Indaba and (v) the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa and (b) in respect of each case, what (i) progress has been made in respect of investigations, (ii) subsequent action has been undertaken arising from recommendations made by the SIU and (iii) is the status of the specified actions?
Reply:
I have been advised as follows:-
South African Post Office (SAPO)
(a) The President referred the SIU Report to myself for implementation. I in turn submitted it to the Board of the SAPO, with an instruction to comply with the recommendations made in the SIU Report. SAPO is in the process of implementing these recommendations.
(b) The SIU and SAPO are instituting a court process to have the Eco Point lease contract set aside.
(c) At least two matters are being dealt with by the SAPS and NPA:
i) The one matter involves a contravention of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, 2001, which has been set down for hearing in early March 2016;
ii) The other matter involves Eco Point lease, where the SAPS indicated that it should be able to complete the investigation docket by the end of February 2016, where after the docket will go back to the assigned prosecutor. In this regard, the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has secured an interim attachment of property to the value of approximately R 2 million. This case is defended and on-going.
Media Corner
(a) The SIU is in the process of finalising its report.
(b) The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services and the SIU instituted civil proceedings against Media Corner (Pty) Ltd and others in the High Court (Gauteng Division) under case number 66037/14 in which the Department and the SIU are requesting the court to declare the tender worth approximately R756 million and the resulting contract unlawful and void ab initio. Since only approximately R58.7 million was paid to Media Corner to date, the Department and the SIU are also claiming approximately R12.7 million from Media Corner and requesting for a type of debating of accounts (to ascertain value for money) in respect of the remaining approximately R 46 million. This case is defended and on-going.
Seven recommendations for the institution of disciplinary proceedings against certain officials of the Department were referred to the Department. Two officials resigned. The Department is instituting disciplinary proceedings against the remaining officials and these have not been finalised and are on-going.
State Information Technology Agency (SITA)
(a)(i) & (b)(i) The SIU’s investigations are being conducted on the basis of the following Proclamations:
(1) The investigation mandated in terms Proclamation R. 48 of 2012:
This investigation has been concluded and a report has been submitted to the relevant authority but it has not yet been referred to us. However, the SIU informed us as follows;
- Evidence pointing to the commission of Fraud, forgery, and uttering of a false document, involving an invalid and/or false Tax Clearance Certificate submitted as part of bid documents i.r.o. the so-called “IFMS” contract was referred to the relevant Prosecuting Authority and is currently still be reviewed with a view to decide whether to proceed with prosecution.
- The above matter was also referred to the Asset Forfeiture Unit, who has commenced with certain investigations pending the outcome of the decision of the National Prosecuting Authority.
- A settlement was reached between the SIU, National Treasury, SITA and the supplier/IFMS contractor concerned (Accenture South Africa (Pty) Ltd) to the effect that:
(aa) The contract allocated to Accenture (to the value of R 223 585 246.00) would be terminated (due to having been procured and awarded on an irregular basis).
(bb) SITA would pay Accenture an additional amount of R 19 060 553.83 for work already completed but not yet paid for. At the time of the settlement, payments to the value of R 93 175 991.25 for work satisfactorily completed had already been made to Accenture.
(cc) The IFMS contract was therefore terminated and the balance of the of the contract amount (R 111 348 700.92) was listed as a saving as result of the termination of the agreement.
- The SIU has forwarded 26 disciplinary recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SITA recommending that disciplinary action be instituted against the identified SITA officials for failing to comply with various SITA policies in respect of declaring their Conflict of Interest (in 22 instances) and for failing to comply with the provisions of section 57 of the PFMA (in 4 instances). The matter is currently still with SITA’s labour department for consideration of institution of disciplinary action
- As at 31 March 2014 a total of R 24 644 470.01 had been collected from other SITA debtors who were served with letters of demand issued by the SIU. In addition to serving the letters of demand, the SIU also assisted and interacted with debtors who requested information and invoices on accounts.
(2) The investigation mandated in terms of Proclamation R. 53 of 2014, as amended by Proclamation R. 15 of 2015.
- The one leg of this investigation (i.e. the one relating to an entity named iFirm) has largely been concluded. In respect of the remaining leg (pertaining to contracts entered into with IBM) significant progress has been made and a report is expected to be submitted to the President by end of June 2016.
- The SIU found and reported to SITA various irregularities with regard to the irregular award of the R265 million contract to an entity named iFirm. SITA thereupon instructed their own attorneys who, with the support and assistance of the SIU, lodged an application in the High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, under case number, 2847/2016 to have the contract declared invalid. The case is still on-going.
The Department of Communications’ role in the ICT Indaba
(a) The SIU is in the process of finalising its report.
(b) Evidence pointing to the commission of an offence has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.
Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa USAASA
(a) The SIU is in the process of finalising its report.
(b) The SIU instituted civil proceedings against Mr. Zami Nkosi, USAASA and others in the High Court (Gauteng Division) under case number 43250/14 in which the SIU is requesting the court to declare the appointment of Mr. Zami Nkosi as the Chief Executive Officer of the USAASA unlawful. This case is defended and on-going.
29 February 2016 - NW228
Dlamini, Mr MM to ask the Minister of Energy
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 contracts to Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years.
29 February 2016 - NW39
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1)(a) How many members of the SA Police Service in each rank were promoted to a higher rank in the (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-13 and (iii) 2015-16 financial years and (b) how many of the promotions for each individual rank were (aa) black, (bb) white, (cc) coloured and (dd) Indian; (2) whether he will make a statement about the matter?
Reply:
The South African Police Service promoted the following number of members to higher ranks as follows:
(1)(a)(i) 2013-2014
Sergeant: 6196
Warrant Officer: 1405
Lieutenant/Captain: 203
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 267
Colonel: 53
Brigadier: 14
Major General: 2
Lieutenant General: 0
Total: 8140
(1)(a)(ii) 2014-2015:
Sergeant: 25
Warrant Officer: 248
Lieutenant/Captain: 566
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 626
Colonel: 158
Brigadier: 67
Major General: 17
Lieutenant General: 4
Total: 1711
(1)(a)(iii) 2015-2016:
Sergeant: 3430
Warrant Officer: 3750
Lieutenant/Captain: 1854
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 1004
Colonel: 173
Brigadier: 76
Major General: 22
Lieutenant General: 9
Total: 10318
Promotions for each individual rank were as follows:
(1)(a)(aa) Black:
Sergeant: 7552
Warrant Officer: 3809
Lieutenant/Captain: 2049
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 1461
Colonel: 278
Brigadier: 117
Major General: 31
Lieutenant General: 12
Total: 15309
(1)(a)(bb) White:
Sergeant: 351
Warrant Officer: 1096
Lieutenant/Captain: 294
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 233
Colonel: 65
Brigadier: 17
Major General: 4
Lieutenant General: 0
Total: 2060
(1)(a)(cc) Coloured:
Sergeant: 1642
Warrant Officer: 259
Lieutenant/Captain: 202
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 133
Colonel: 21
Brigadier: 19
Major General: 3
Lieutenant General: 1
Total: 2280
(1)(a)(dd) Indian:
Sergeant: 106
Warrant Officer: 239
Lieutenant/Captain: 78
Major/Lieutenant Colonel: 70
Colonel: 20
Brigadier: 4
Major General: 3
Lieutenant General: 0
Total: 520
(2) No.
29 February 2016 - NW60
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
Whether, with reference to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) participation in the investigative task team that was established in terms of the recommendation of the Farlam Commission, any accommodation of the resourcing requirements was made during the IPID budget adjustments in November 2015 to improve the resource allocation for its work relating to the Task Team; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) has costed and made a request during the 2015 Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure (AENE) for an amount of R5 million as part of unforeseeable and unavoidable expenditure application in order to fully implement the Farlam Commission recommendations that were announced after the approval of the current financial year` budget. However, according to the National Treasury feedback communique of the 18 September 2016, the request was not approved by the Ministers` Committee on the Budget. Reference is made to paragraph 4 of the attached response by National Treasury.
29 February 2016 - NW70
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)Whether the Miller Congregational School in the Graaff-Reinet district in the Eastern Cape has been closed; if so, (a) why, (b) when, (c) how many learners have been affected and (d) what alternative arrangement has been made to accommodate the learners who were attending the school; (2) whether the requirements for the closure of a school as described in the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996, have been complied with in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Information received from the Eastern Cape Department of Education indicates that the Miller Congregational (Primary) School in the Graaff-Reinet district in the Eastern Cape was closed down.
(a) The reason for its closure was that it had 17 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 7 and had one educator. The only educator was appointed as a Head of Department at Willowmore Secondary School. The school was therefore unviable as it did not have the minimum enrolment figures of 135 learners required in terms of the Regulations Relating to Minimum Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure.
(b) The school was closed down at the end of the second term on 26 June 2015.
(c) 17 Learners were affected by this closure.
(d) The Learners were transferred to Willowmore Primary School and are being accommodated in a School Hostel.
2. The requirements in terms of the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996 were complied with in the process of closing the school.
29 February 2016 - NW102
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
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:
Yes, Minister is subject to Performance Agreements with the President.
(a) The Performance Management Framework for Minister 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.
(b) To (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 collectivity 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.
29 February 2016 - NW12
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) How many students have registered to write supplementary exams in each province; (2) are there any measures in place to assist these students in order to pass the specified exams; if not, why not; if so, what are those measures?
Reply:
1) The table below represents the number of full-time candidates who registered to write the 2015 supplementary examination:
Province |
Total Entered |
EASTERN CAPE |
22 696 |
FREE STATE |
4 168 |
GAUTENG |
12 518 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
35 102 |
LIMPOPO |
17 465 |
MPUMALANGA |
7 097 |
NORTH WEST |
4 043 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
2 741 |
WESTERN CAPE |
7 785 |
NATIONAL |
113 615 |
Source: NSC Computerised Exam system as per 27/02/2016.
(2) Yes. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched the Second Chance Programme on 6 January 2016.
The programme will be implemented in three phases, of which phase I and II will be piloted in 2016:
- Phase I – Support to learners who qualified to write the Supplementary examinations in February/March 2016;
- Phase II – Support to progressed learners who opted to modularise and therefore did not attempt all 6 subjects in the 2015 October/November examinations, and who will write the May/June 2016 examinations; and
- Phase III - Support to candidates who did not meet all the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and who will register to write the October/November examinations. This phase will be planned for in 2016, and implemented in 2017.
The pilot provides support as follows:
- Face to face classes in two districts per province and in two venues per district chosen by the provinces;
- The subjects offered for the pilot are Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Accounting, Geography, Business Studies and Economics;
- Broadcast solutions – at venues where the Mindset content may be viewed via satellite on the HD Open View decoders;
- Internet – Vodacom Centres/ teacher centres – learners may access content via the Vodacom website or the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website where the telematics and Internet Broadcasting Programme (IBP) video lessons, amongst others, are available, at no cost to the learner;
- Any learner who is a Vodacom subscriber may access all material via the Vodacom website www.vodacom.co.za/e-school, at no cost to the learner;
- A Face book page – Second Chance Programme has been created for learners to request information or support. Subject specialists will provide answers; and
- All lists of available access points as indicated are available on the DBE website www.education.gov.za with the Second Chance Link.
29 February 2016 - NW54
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
What revenue was received from the Universal Postal Union by the SA Post Office for each month from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
The South African Post Office did not receive any revenue from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 2015.
29 February 2016 - NW62
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 3723 on 2 November 2015, what is the current status of his department’s investigation into CAS 123/03/2014 opened at the Nkandla Police Station?
Reply:
The case docket is at the National Director for Public Prosecutions for decision. The decision is not yet made.
29 February 2016 - NW53
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1) (a) How many set top boxes were delivered to households in the Northern Cape during January 2016, (b) what was the cost of (i) delivery and (ii) installation of each unit and (c) what is the name of the (i) person and/or (ii) company that installed the specified units; (2) (a) how many of the specified units were subsidised and (b) by what amount; (3) whether every household that received the specified units was in possession of a valid TV licence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) how many of the specified units delivered to households in the Northern Cape were delivered in the area of the Square Kilometre Array, (b)(i) how many of the specified units were subsidised and (ii) by how much and (c) when will the rollout be completed? NW53E
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
(1)(a) 62
(b)(i) Costs of delivery = R 14 768. 40 (R 238.20 per unit including VAT)
(ii) Cost of Installation =R 550 (VAT included) per unit
(c)(i)&(ii): The following 7 installation Companies appointed by USAASA were utilised for the installations:
- AMIGEN INVESTMENT (PTY) LTD
- DURAMICS TRADING & PROJECT T/A NAKA TELECOMMS SYSTEM ENGIN
- KETELELO TRADING CONCEPTS
- KROXWORX TRADING (PTY) LTD
- LAMEC TRADING (PTY) LTD
- MAZIYA GENERAL SERVICES CC
- SILVERWELL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
(2)(a) 62
(b) All the units were fully (100%) subsidised. The subsidy amount is approximately R1 500 per household. This includes the set top box, antenna and the installation costs.
(3) TV Licence Requirement Details:-
Yes. The TV licence verification process was streamlined via the SABC’s web portal confirmation process. A pending registration file process for the needy households that do not have TV licence or whose TV licence is in arrears has been introduced on the request of the Department of Communications during mid-October 2015. The total number of pending file registrations for the period ending 31 January 2016 amounted to 447 in total. The SABC’s decision on the way forward in this regard is awaited.
(4)(a) All units delivered were in the Square Kilometre Array area.
(4)(b)(i) Number of subsidised units = 62 units
(4)(b)(ii) All the units were fully (100%) subsidised. The subsidy amount is approximately R1 500 per household. This includes the set top box, antenna and the installation costs.
(4)(c) The targeted rollout completion date is 2019, if required uptake materialises.
29 February 2016 - NW56
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) Why did the SA Post Office (SAPO) in Westridge Mall in Mitchell’s Plain close in January 2016 and (b) what arrangements have been made to ensure continuity of service in the area; (2) (a) why has the SAPO in Ennerdale in Johannesburg been closed and (b) what arrangements have been made to ensure continuity of service in the area? NW56E
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
(1)(a) The Post Office branch in the Westridge Mall was temporarily closed by the landlord due to rental arrears, and
(1)(b) The branch is currently operational, when it was temporarily closed, neighbouring post offices were used as contingency branches.
(2)(a) The Ennerdale South Post Office was running at a huge loss and was situated only 1.4 km from the Ennerdale Post Office, hence it was decided to close this Branch.
(2)(b) Ennerdale Post Office in only situated 1.4km from this branch and all operations have been moved to that branch without inconveniencing the clients.
29 February 2016 - NW182
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education
How many (a) principals and (b) educators in each province resigned from their posts in (i) 2011, (ii) 2012, (iii) 2013, (iv) 2014 and (v) 2015?
Reply:
(a) (i) In 2011/12, (a) principals and (b) educators in each province resigned from their posts.
PROVINCE |
(a) |
(b) |
GRAND TOTAL |
||
PRINCIPAL |
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL |
HOD |
TEACHER |
||
EASTERN CAPE |
60 |
16 |
51 |
550 |
677 |
FREE STATE |
17 |
7 |
32 |
269 |
325 |
GAUTENG |
7 |
23 |
107 |
1 190 |
1 327 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
47 |
26 |
156 |
1 034 |
1 263 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
46 |
9 |
45 |
263 |
363 |
MPUMALANGA |
11 |
6 |
17 |
147 |
181 |
NORTH WEST |
18 |
6 |
20 |
150 |
194 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
6 |
3 |
7 |
105 |
121 |
WESTERN CAPE |
2 |
2 |
4 |
55 |
63 |
GRAND TOTAL |
214 |
98 |
439 |
3 763 |
4 514 |
Source: Persal
(ii) In 2012/13, (a) principals and (b) educators in each province resigned from their posts.
PROVINCE |
(a) |
(b) |
GRAND TOTAL |
||
PRINCIPAL |
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL |
HOD |
TEACHER |
||
EASTERN CAPE |
50 |
12 |
67 |
532 |
661 |
FREE STATE |
10 |
10 |
37 |
259 |
316 |
GAUTENG |
37 |
32 |
171 |
1 153 |
1 393 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
93 |
39 |
217 |
1 274 |
1 623 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
26 |
12 |
39 |
246 |
323 |
MPUMALANGA |
21 |
18 |
52 |
418 |
509 |
NORTH WEST |
20 |
8 |
22 |
177 |
227 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
5 |
2 |
12 |
106 |
125 |
WESTERN CAPE |
7 |
7 |
30 |
400 |
444 |
GRAND TOTAL |
269 |
140 |
647 |
4 565 |
5 621 |
Source: Persal
(iii) In 2013/14, (a) principals and (b) educators in each province resigned from their posts.
PROVINCE |
(a) |
(b) |
GRAND TOTAL |
||
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL |
HOD |
PRINCIPAL |
TEACHER |
||
EASTERN CAPE |
19 |
75 |
73 |
641 |
808 |
FREE STATE |
14 |
51 |
20 |
301 |
386 |
GAUTENG |
48 |
287 |
36 |
1 198 |
1 569 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
45 |
240 |
105 |
1 086 |
1 476 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
16 |
59 |
42 |
293 |
410 |
MPUMALANGA |
20 |
96 |
30 |
449 |
595 |
NORTH WEST |
17 |
47 |
22 |
214 |
300 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
6 |
13 |
10 |
85 |
114 |
WESTERN CAPE |
13 |
66 |
18 |
404 |
501 |
GRAND TOTAL |
198 |
934 |
356 |
4 671 |
6 159 |
Source: Persal
(iv) In 2014/15, (a) principals and (b) educators in each province resigned from their posts.
PROVINCE |
(a) |
(b) |
GRAND TOTAL |
||
PRINCIPAL |
HOD |
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL |
TEACHER |
||
EASTERN CAPE |
166 |
192 |
34 |
1068 |
1460 |
FREE STATE |
28 |
105 |
24 |
478 |
635 |
GAUTENG |
44 |
442 |
77 |
1 639 |
2 202 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
96 |
227 |
46 |
936 |
1 305 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
104 |
135 |
38 |
750 |
1 027 |
MPUMALANGA |
26 |
113 |
20 |
444 |
603 |
NORTH WEST |
49 |
135 |
43 |
685 |
912 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
33 |
44 |
9 |
160 |
246 |
WESTERN CAPE |
5 |
35 |
17 |
178 |
235 |
GRAND TOTAL |
545 |
1 428 |
308 |
6 338 |
8 619 |
Source: Persal
(v) In 2015/16, up to December 2015 (a) principals and (b) educators in each province resigned from their posts.
PROVINCE |
(a) |
(b) |
GRAND TOTAL |
||
PRINCIPAL |
HOD |
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL |
TEACHER |
||
EASTERN CAPE |
61 |
56 |
9 |
690 |
816 |
FREE STATE |
12 |
25 |
11 |
324 |
372 |
GAUTENG |
18 |
81 |
21 |
1 005 |
1 125 |
KWAZULU-NATAL |
44 |
71 |
15 |
854 |
984 |
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
21 |
49 |
10 |
595 |
675 |
MPUMALANGA |
7 |
13 |
8 |
224 |
252 |
NORTH WEST |
5 |
21 |
7 |
249 |
282 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
2 |
15 |
5 |
124 |
146 |
WESTERN CAPE |
1 |
15 |
4 |
149 |
169 |
GRAND TOTAL |
171 |
346 |
90 |
4 214 |
4 821 |
Source: Persal
29 February 2016 - NW164
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Why have vehicle license renewal reminders not been sent to motorists on time and (b) what is being done to ensure that reminders are delivered timeously in the future?
Reply:
a) The delay was due to non-payment of Post Office outstanding fees, and now has been settled.
b) The facility has been activated at Post Office, there will be no further delays with regards to this service
29 February 2016 - NW111
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
(1)With reference to CAS 186/01/2012 opened at the Kempton Park Police Station, (a) what are the complaints contained in the docket and (b) what is the current status of the investigation; (2) whether the person(s) charged have a criminal record; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any further action has been taken against the persons indicted to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) Perjury
(1)(b) The docket was filed at the station on the 2012-03-29 as unfounded.
(2) No one was charged.
(3) Not applicable.
29 February 2016 - NW52
Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(a) How many set top boxes were delivered to households in the Northern Cape during December 2015, (b) what was the cost of (i) delivery and (ii) installation of each unit and (c) what is the name of the (i) person and/or (ii) company that installed the specified units; (2) (a) how many of the specified units were subsidised and (b) by what amount; (3) Whether every household that received the specified units was in possession of a valid TV licence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? (2) (a) how many of the specified units were subsidised and (b) by what amount; (3) Whether every household that received the specified units was in possession of a valid TV licence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-
- (a) 149
(b)(i) Cost of delivery = R 31 543.30 (R 211.70 per unit including VAT)
(b)(ii) Cost of Installation = R 550 (VAT included) per unit
(c)(i)&(ii) The following (7) seven Installation Companies appointed by USAASA were utilised for the installations:
- AMIGEN INVESTMENT (PTY) LTD
- DURAMICS TRADING & PROJECT T/A NAKA TELECOMMS SYSTEM ENGIN
- KETELELO TRADING CONCEPTS
- KROXWORX TRADING (PTY) LTD
- LAMEC TRADING (PTY) LTD
- MAZIYA GENERAL SERVICES CC
- SILVERWELL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
(2)(a) 149
(2)(b) All the units were fully (100%) subsidised. The subsidy amount is approximately R1 500 per household. This includes the set top box, antenna and the installation costs.
(3) TV Licence Requirement Details:-
Yes. The TV licence verification process was streamlined via the SABC’s web portal confirmation process. A pending registration file process for the needy households that do not have TV licences or whose TV licence is in arrears has been introduced on the request of the Department of Communications during mid-October 2015. The total number of pending file registrations for the period ending 31 December 2015, amounted to 414 in total. The SABC’s decision on the way forward in this regard in awaited.
29 February 2016 - NW34
Mncwango, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Police
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 Ministry has not frozen any positions.
27 February 2016 - NW259
Matshobeni, Ms A to ask the Minister of Tourism
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:
a) 2012-13: No
b) 2013-14: No
c) 2014-15: No
27 February 2016 - NW103
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Tourism
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:
Yes, all Ministers are subject to Performance Agreements with the President.
(a) Key indicators and targets from the MTSF reflected in the Agreement:
Outcome |
Key indicator |
4 |
Tourism strategy interventions towards growth, employment creation and higher incomes for poor households underway. |
Develop and review realistic and sustainable strategy to grow output and employment and improve equality, support alignment across the state, manage monitoring of actions, address blockages and identify new opportunities and risks as they arise. |
|
Sector and cross cutting interventions towards growth, employment creation and higher incomes for poor households underway in specified jobs drivers. |
|
7 |
Differentiated plans for economic development in targeted areas of economic potential in rural areas completed. |
Number of rural enterprises in rural district municipalities established. |
|
Number of new industries in rural district municipalities established. |
|
Number of people employed in rural enterprises. |
|
Percentage of enterprises in rural district municipalities supported. |
|
Percentage of existing industries in rural district municipalities supported. |
|
11 |
Increase international tourism revenue contribution to the economy. |
Increased international tourist arrivals. |
(b) Performance is presented to Cabinet on a quarterly basis.
(c) to (e) Refer to the department’s Quarterly and Annual Reports.
27 February 2016 - NW43
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)(a) What are the reasons for the resignation of the South African Tourism’s (SAT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), (b) what interim management measures have been put in place to ensure the effective operation of SAT and (c) what measures have been put in place to facilitate the appointment of a new CEO; (2) what steps have been taken, to date, to implement the recommendations issued by the full-scale review, launched last year to ensure the creation of jobs, given the importance of growing South Africa’s tourism sector within the current economic climate?
Reply:
1. (a) By mutual agreement, Mr Thulani Nzima gave notice of his departure from South African Tourism with effect from 04 December 2015, following discussion with the Board.
(b) Ms Sthembiso Dlamini, the current COO has been appointed as the Acting CEO as of 05 December 2015.
(c) The Board is working on appointing a new CEO. The position was advertised in the SA Tourism social media platforms and the Sunday Times and City Press on 07 February 2016.
(2) In light of the findings of the Ministerial Review of the organisation, SA Tourism has undertaken an exercise to evaluate its Tourism Growth Strategy with the aim to bolster tourism’s contribution to the overall economy and job creation. The intervention is focused on reviewing the performance of South Africa as a tourism destination, understanding the key growth drivers and barriers, defining the goal of the organization and identifying the critical steps towards achieving that goal.
27 February 2016 - NW76
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Communications
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, the Minister of Communications has signed the Performance Agreement with the President JG Zuma.
(a) The following indicators and targets are reflected in the Minister’s Performance Agreement:
Impact Indicators |
Target 2019 |
Identity based on self-description |
60% of population describing themselves as South Africans |
Pride in being South African |
75% of South African reflecting to be South African by 2018/19 |
Pride in our national sporting teams |
66% percent of South Africans proud of our national sporting teams |
A diverse broadcasting system that preserves informs and reflects the cultural heritage of all South Africans |
70% of content reflects South Africans |
b) Performance assessments are done on a quarterly basis, and presented to Cabinet.
c) The following is a synopsis of the progress made thus far:
Impact Indicators |
Target 2019 |
Q3 |
Identity based on self-description |
60% of population describing themselves as South |
82% of population describe themselves as South Africans |
Pride in being South African |
75% of South African reflecting to be South African by 2018/19 |
96% of South African are proud to be South Africans |
Pride in our national sporting teams |
66% percent of South Africans proud of the national sporting teams |
82% of South Africans are proud of the national sporting teams |
A diverse broadcasting system that preserves informs and reflects the cultural heritage of all South Africans |
70% of content reflects South Africans |
70% of content reflects South Africans |
d) None
e) Not applicable.
MR N MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
27 February 2016 - NW38
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Communications
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:
(a) There are no frozen vacant positions in the Ministry.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE