Questions and Replies

Reply:

Minister of Communications

1. Vuk’uzenzele is a monthly newspaper, however since August 2015, the frequency of the newspaper has changed from once-a-month to twice-a-month production (one edition per fortnight) with the exception of December and January months when it’s published once a month. The paper is also available online as an App for Android and Apple phones and tablets.

1. Vuk’uzenzele is distributed as follows;
2. Refer to Annexure A

(ii) Vuk’uzenzele is being distributed through Bulk Drop and Knock and Drop distribution to 166 bulk points (87 285 copies) and 1 391 urban areas (762 715) via knock and drop situated in and around towns, townships and rural areas. (Refer to Annexure B)

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

The following response is based on the information provided by three Metropolitan Municipalities, City of Cape Town, eThekwini and Mangaung. The remaining five Metropolitan Municipalities, Buffalo City, City of Joburg, City of Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay and Ekurhuleni did not meet the deadline for submission of responses. Attempts are being made to obtain the information from the outstanding Metropolitan Municipalities and will be made available on receipt

thereof.

Hereunder are the responses from the responded Metropolitan Municipalities.

Reply by City of Cape Town

(a)"Yes, the City of Cape Town has average-speed-over-distance cameras installed on the M5, Nelson Mandela Boulevard and the N2 incoming.

(b) Yes, there has been a dramatic reduction in road accidents and fatality rates within four months following the installation of the cameras. 11

Reply by eThekwini Metro

(a) "This Municipality does not have any average speed over distance cameras, reason being that the majority of roads into and out of EThekwini are Provincial Roads and not Municipal roads, thus a Provincial mandate.

(b) Secondly it is not really practical in an urban environment where speeding is a short-distance-location problem with the road geometry and environment changing so much over the length. Generally, congestion and traffic signals/stop control would negate its effectiveness. In an urban environment it is the spot speed that is of concern and not the average speed per se. "

Reply by Mangaung Metro

(a) "Yes, the Municipality has procured fixed and mobile cameras. However, the average speed limit prosecution over extended distance requires that where the average offender is not immediately stopped and charged, the issuing authority that wants to use the camera for prosecution purposes shall obtain written permission from the Director of Public Prosecutions for the roads or sections of roads where it intends on doing such prosecution whether such camera is fixed or mobile. Each case is dealt with according to its own merits to make for the operational guidelines in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements results for fair prosecution the decision whether or not to prosecute still remains in the discretion of the prosecutor.

(b) Yes high volume of speed offenders are apprehended day and night it must a/so be noted that preparations using distance over time measuring

equipment prior to the instrument being used for prosecution purposes should be adhered to , site selection for the equipment to be used in any traffic condition provided that a clear view of identified markers must be visible and adherence to operational procedures for prosecuting guidelines for speed measuring equipment and traffic light violations monitoring equipment.
 

 

Reply:

Any matter of concern to the member’s political party should or can be raised in the litigation process if the law permits.

Reply:

Minister of Communications:

No debts were written off in the 2014/15 financial year.

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

No.

The report referred to by the Honourable Member was submitted to me by the Municipal Demarcation Board on 07 August 2015.

Prior to that, officials from the Department of Cooperative Governance met with their counterparts from the National Treasury to discuss similar related matters from the Minister of Finance and further addressed these matters during the Budget Forum meeting held on 8 June 2015.

It must be further noted that the Municipal Demarcation Board must consider the objectives for demarcation and the factors to be taken into account, as provided in sections 24 and 25 of the Municipal Demarcation Act, when determining or redetermining municipal boundaries.
1. BACKGROUND

1.1 Between December 2014 and April 2015, the Minister after consultation with all the MECs responsible for local government in the provinces, requested the Municipal Demarcation Board (MOB), in terms of section 22(2) of the Municipal Demarcation Act to determine or redetermine the boundaries of various municipalities with a view of optimising the financial viability and sustainability (Tag 1 ).

1.2 In total , 34 requests were made to the MOB, as follows:

 

PROVINCE	NUMBER	PROVINCE	NUMBER
Kwazulu-Natal	11	Limpopo	5
Eastern Cape	5	Mpumalanqa	5
Free State	2	North West	4
Gauteng	1	Northern Cape	1

1.3 Subsequent to that request, on 09 March 2015 the Minister of Finance wrote to the Minister of Cooperative Governance (Tag 2) pledging support to the initiative and suggesting that both Departments should work together to strengthen the proposal for further boundary changes for municipalities. The Minister of Finance proposed that the areas that could be strengthened include:

(i) The proposal should be consulted broadly;
(ii) The future role of district municipalities should be carefully considered;
(iii) The alignment of the new proposals for metros with other proposed urban reforms (including in the NOP and Department of Cooperative Governance's (DCoG's) Integrated Urban Development Framework) should be reviewed;

(iv) The implications for the local government fiscal framework must be established; and (v) Future analysis should take greater account of the structural change in allocations to municipalities that resulted from the implementation of a new local government equitable share formula.

1.4 The Minister of Finance further proposed that officials from the National Treasury (NT) and DCoG should engage further on the proposals as well as on any future proposal for the redemarcation of municipal boundaries before they are submitted to the MOB.

1.5 On 07 August 2015 the Minister received a letter from the MOB (Tag 3) notifying him of a letter from the Minister of Finance (Tag 4) objecting to the proposed municipal boundaries redetermination.

1.6 The main reason cited by the Minister of Finance for this objection was that there is no evidence to suggest that the re-determination of municipal boundaries will contribute towards or stimulate economic growth and development in the area as a whole.

2. DISCUSSION

2.1 On 15 April 2015 a meeting was held between the officials from DCoG and the NT to discuss the correspondence referred to in 1.3 above. It was agreed that there must be greater collaboration in this regard.

2.2 This matter was further discussed at the Budget Forum meeting held on 8 June 2015.

2.3 There have been continuous engagements with the NT, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) on determining the financial implications in this regard.

2.4 Regarding the claim by the NT that the process of amalgamation is expensive, it should be noted that whilst there will be change management costs involved, the view is that in the long-term, the reduction in the number of non-viable municipalities will have a significant impact on governance issues.

2.5 The argument about the reduced transfer of equitable share allocations to municipalities once amalgamated is a policy matter. If the funds are already in Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), it is assumed that in terms of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework the funds will be allocated to the municipalities for the next three years. Far and above, the funding formula can be reviewed to accommodate amalgamated municipalities.

2.6 It cannot be factually substantiated that when municipalities are amalgamated there will always be an increase in administrative costs. The non-viable municipalities are actually characterized by bloated organisational establishments.

2. 7 The general claim that the amalgamated municipalities will be less viable can also not be factually substantiated in terms of cost-benefit analysis. Whilst there are lessons to be learnt in the case of the Tshwane merger, it should be taken into consideration that there were many factors which also contributed to the challenges of this merger.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTIONS FOR WRITIEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER 2015/4201

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30 NOVEMBER 2015

Herewith a reply drafted by: Recommended

MS B NYEMBE DR MODJADJI MALAHLELA
Acting Executive Manager: Local Government Acting Deputy Director-General: Regional and Legislative Support and Institutional Urban Development and Legislative Support Establishment

Date: 10/12/15 Date 2015-12-11

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

MR V MADONSELA
DIRECTOR GENERAL
DATE: 11/12/2015

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

MR A NEL, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE: 15/12/15


DES VAN ROOYEN, MP
MINISTER
DATE:

Attached please find here: Route Form

Reply:

(a) A number of projects in various regional offices and municipalities will be affected by the disapproval of rollover in that their completion date will be delayed due to budgetary shortfall.

(b)(i) The risk will however be mitigated by the reallocation and prioritisation of the 2015/16 allocation towards some of the affected projects on rollover disapproval.

(b)(ii) This will delay the implementation of new projects which were to start in 2015/16 as their allocation would be reprioritised towards rollover.

--00O00---

Reply:

1. No contact has been made with my Department by an organ of state in the United States of America in respect of the on-going investigation and indictment into allegations of corruption in respect of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament. However, my Department contacted the US Embassy on 2 June 2015 to request (a) a copy of the indictment issued by the US Attorney General regarding bribery allegations against the South African Government and/or its officials in the awarding of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa and (2) for the US Attorney General to share with the South African Government any information, evidence and related aspects of its investigation of the allegations.
2. Furthermore, at the request of my Department, the South African Ambassador to Washington, Ambassador Mninwa Mahlangu requested a meeting with the US Department of Justice. On 26 October 2015, the Mission informed the Department that the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Shaun Abrahams and the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Nomgcobo Jiba were scheduled to arrive in Washington DC on 26 October 2015 at the invitation of the FBI to discuss the bribery allegations against the South African Government and/or its officials in the awarding of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
3. The National Prosecuting Authority is the South African authority that is handling this issue.

UNQUOTE

 

Reply:

1. (a) The Minister of Small Business Development received an invitation

from the CEO of the Women Forum for Economy and Society, Ms. Jacqueline Franjou, to attend the 11th edition of the Women’s Forum Global Meeting on the Economy and Society in Deauville, France.

The Minister of Small Business Development also received an invitation from Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to attend and participate in the 11th Session of the South Africa- UK Bilateral Forum in London.

(b) The Minister of Small Business Development visited France and the United Kingdom in October 2015 respectively.

(c) In France, the Minister spoke at the 11th edition of the Women’s Forum Global Meeting where the Minister engaged with women from different parts of the world including; Minister’s and Deputy Ministers, high level female entrepreneurs and executives, global thought leaders and think tanks, financiers, and youth innovators, amongst others.

In London, the Minister met with Minister’s in the Economic Cluster from the United Kingdom and fellow South African Ministers, (as part of the official Bi-Lateral proceedings).

Minister also met with the UK Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, Hon Sajid Javid and Ms. Baroness Scotland, Prime Minister Cameron’s Trade Envoy to South Africa.

Minister held a Business Breakfast Dialogue with Members of the South African Business Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom.

Minister also spoke at the Chatham House Business Round Table on the important role of SMME’s and Cooperatives in advancing economic growth and development.

(d) In France the meeting discussed the important role women play in entrepreneurship, and provided the South African and continental experience and perspectives as it relates to SMME development. Attendees were impressed at South Africa’s experience and strides made to integrate women into the mainstream economy through strong economic policies and institutions. This created an interest for some to consider using these best practices learnt from South Africa.

During the bilateral engagement, and as part of the Economic Working Group, discussions centred on the economic partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom. Both sides agreed to strengthen relations in this regard, with specific focus on increasing the levels of trade and investment, particularly amongst SMME’s in high end productive sectors, such as ICT, services sector and Agro-processing, amongst others. Both sides adopted a Joint Communique which focused on strengthening strategic sectors, increasing as well as creating and strengthening regional value chains.

Both the Meetings with the UK Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills and Prime Minister Cameron’s Trade Envoy to South Africa focussed on strengthening relations between the two countries as it relates to SMME development. The key focus areas included partnership in skills development, and vocational training, particularly in ICT, and Infrastructure Development, amongst other sectors. Discussions also included identifying opportunities for both sides in critical sectors such as; manufacturing and advanced manufacturing, Green Economy, and services sectors amongst other high end productive sectors. Support was also leveraged for the Departments newly launched Centres of Entrepreneurship. In addition, discussions included possible exchanges with Universities and Technical colleagues on entrepreneurship development.

The Business Breakfast Dialogue (as arranged by BrandSA) with the South African Chamber of Business in London focussed on the role of the Department of Small Business Development, including its products on offer for SMME’s and Cooperatives. In addition, it included discussing possible mechanisms of increasing the levels of trade between the two countries, as well as possible support to South African companies operating in the United Kingdom, and those returning to South Africa. Lastly, the meeting focused on the importance of the partnership between government and the private sector in jointly working together to improve the economy as well as contributing to job creation.

The Chatham House Round-Table focussed on South Africa’s experience in the SMME and Cooperatives space against the background of the establishment of the Department of Small Business Development. Discussions also included garnering support for the implementation of the National Development Plan. In addition, the round table emphasised the importance of the private sector in economic development. South Africa also emphasised the importance of regional integration within the context of creating regional value-chains and increasing intra-African Trade, and thereby advanced support for Agenda 2063. Lastly, both sides noted that we face similar challenges – especially as it relates to SMME development, and agreed that it was important to share experiences to this end.

2. The total estimated cost of the trips is approximately R689 600.

Reply:

(a) Business Case still to be compiled.
(b) They are complimentary to each other as it is a service offered to staff to improve on their wellness.
(c) R1 .9million
a. Gym is managed and
b. maintained by the current service provider
(d) same as above
a. same as above
b. same as above

Parliamentary question 2140 of 2015

Reply:

(1)(a), (b) and (2)(a) and (b)

The information pertaining to the South African Police Service between Gauteng and Cape Town based on an internal survey is as follows:

(1)(a) R2 062 377.37 spent on commercial air travel.

(1)(b) 371 commercial trips.

(2)(a) R855 862.98

(2)(b) Nil

Reply:

1. Since 2000, the South African government has been in discussion with the government of Zimbabwe with regard to the issue of land reform and how it affected South African farmers in Zimbabwe. However the discussions were constrained by the absence of an investment protection mechanism between the two countries. The Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (BIPPA) was signed in 2009 in Harare and came into force in 2010, but Article 11 thereof, does not provide for retrospective application. The South African government, none the less continues to engage the government of Zimbabwe to intercede on behalf of South African farmers within the provisions of the International conventions and applicable South African Legal Instruments.
2. The available steps for compensation include provision for the matter to be negotiated between the affected farmer and the relevant Zimbabwean Authorities. The applicable Zimbabwean law in this regard will be the Acquisition of Farm Equipment and Material Act of 2004, which stipulates that compensation is only paid for improvements on the land and equipment.
3. The steps that the Department takes upon receipt of information that South Africans’ rights have been infringed, is to engage diplomatically with the relevant Zimbabwean authorities, in accordance with the provisions of international conventions and applicable South African legal instruments

UNQUOTE

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Tlokwe City Local Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

1(a) Indeed, the South African government subscribes fully to the undertaking that was made in March 2002 to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, their property as well as South African-owned companies operating in foreign countries.

(b) It is our responsibility as Government, to protect South African citizens and their properties in foreign countries. And, we shall continue to carry out this responsibility.

2 We would not agree with the assertion that there was lack of assistance from Government on the matter of the South African farmers in Zimbabwe. Since 2000, the South African government has engaged the government of Zimbabwe regarding the issue of land reform as it affected South African farmers. Our engagements were constrained though by the absence of a legal instrument such as the investment protection agreement between the two countries. The South African government nevertheless continued to engage the government of Zimbabwe to intercede on behalf of South African farmers within the provisions of the International diplomatic conventions and applicable South African Legal Instruments.

3. The South African Government will continue to engage diplomatically with relevant Zimbabwean authorities, in accordance with the provisions of international conventions and applicable South African Legal instruments. Further, recourse for compensation is available under the applicable Zimbabwean law, the Acquisition of Farm Equipment and Material Act of 2004, which stipulates that compensation is only paid for improvements on the land and equipment. The matter of compensation remains open for discussion and negotiation between the affected farmer and relevant Zimbabwean authorities. As Government, we have highlighted this recourse to the South African farmers. Instrument between DTI and counterpart.

4. No, the South African Government is currently not considering drafting any additional legislation on this matter. We believe that the affected South African farmers can pursue the existing recourse.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

Quote:

1. Yes, funding is provided to a foreign Embassies
2. & (ii) The Funding is provided to the Embassy of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic as well as the Palestine Embassy
3. The amount paid by the country to the Embassy of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic is as follows:
4. 2012-13: R 1 464 000
5. 2013-14: R 1 610 000
6. 2014-15: R 1 610 000
7. The amount paid by the country to the Palestine Embassy is as follows:
8. 2012-13: R 1 393 000
9. 2013-14: R 1 393 000
10. 2014-15: R 1 393 000

UNQUOTE

Reply:

This information has been requested from the metropolitan municipalities and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

Department of Communications

Since inception, the Department of Communications has not purchased or leased any buildings considering that it is housed within the Government Communications and Information Systems

Government Communications and Information Systems

(a) (i) The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has not purchased any buildings.

(ii) GCIS has a combination of self-managed and Department of Public Works managed leases for its offices in all nine provinces which

(see Annexure A with respect to (aaa), (bbbb), (bbb), (ccc), (ddd) and (eee)

South African Broadcasting Corporation

(a) See attached response as Annexure B for further details

Media Development and Diversity Agency

(b) (i) MDDA has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aaa) (aaaa) 2012-13 R1,920,208.08

2013-14 R2,100,960.48

2014-15 R2,278,688.64

(bbbb) 2012-13 1400 square meters, and 30 parking bays

2013-14 1400 square meters, and 30 parking bays

2014-15 1400 square meters, and 30 parking bays

(bbb) The decision to lease is based on various factors including availability of funds, the size of the organisation and staff complement.

(ccc) The premises leased are used for administrative activities of the MDDA

(ddd) MDDA staff

(eee) MDDA’s budgeted staff complement of 32

Brand South Africa

(b) (i) Brand South Africa has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aaa) (aaaa) 2012-13 R1,722,880

2013-14 R2,933,378 (acquired additional space)

2014-15 R3,171,756 (acquired additional space)

(bbbb) 2012-13 Approximately 1,711.43m2

2013-14 Approximately 1,711.43m2

2014-15 Approximately 1,711.43m2

(bbb) The building was leased for Locality and proximity to the stakeholders.

(ccc) The building is used for administrative purposes and facilitating meetings and marketing events when required.

(ddd) The building currently accommodates the employees of BRAND SA

(eee) The number of people that occupy the building space:

2012-13, 33 out of 43 funded positions;

2013-14 32 out of 43 funded positions;

2014-15 41 out of 57 funded positions

Film and Publications Board

(b) (i) Brand South Africa has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aa) 1. Gauteng Head Office

2. Durban Regional Office

3. Cape Town Regional Office

(aaa) (aaaa) 2012-13 R 3,247,344

2013-14 R 3,204,015

2014-15 R 3,756,160

(bbbb) Size of the Gauteng Head Office is 1,775 m2

(bbb) For office accommodation/administration/regional compliance monitoring

(ccc) For office accommodation/administration/regional compliance monitoring),

(ddd) FPB employees

(eee) 79 employees

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

(b) (i) ICASA has not bought any building

(ii) Yes

(aa) 1. Cape Town

2. Bloemfontein

3. Port Elizabeth

4. Sandton

5. Durban

(aaa)

1. Cape Town:

2012-13 R0

2013-14 R0

2014-15 R57,130.42 monthly

2. Bloemfontein:

2012-13 R72,732.00 monthly

3. Port Elizabeth

2012-13 R113,000.00 monthly

4. Sandton

2012-13 R1,418,311.00

2013-14 R1,536,562.68

2014-15 R1,664,720.98

5. Durban

2013-14 R108,988.53

(bbb) 1. Cape Town 109 square meters

2. Bloemfontein 827 square meters

3. Port Elizabeth 791 square meters

4. Durban 591

(ccc) & (ddd) For use and occupation

(eee) 1. Cape Town: 12

2. Bloemfontein: 11

3. Port Elizabeth: 11

4. Sandton: 249

5. Durban 11

MR J RANTETE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

Yes.

( 1) (i) The following response is a follow up on Parliamentary Question 151 dated 26 February 2015 whereby only five (5) out of thirty (30) municipalities submitted the requested information. Of the twenty five (25) remaining municipalities, sixteen (16) have since submitted the outstanding information to the Limpopo Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Limpopo: COGHSTA). The legal costs incurred for 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years are tabulated in Annexure "A" hereto;

(ii) Nine (9) municipalities did not meet the deadline for submission of responses. However, the municipalities have been requested to respond accordingly; and

(iii) The outstanding information from nine (9) municipalities will be delivered to the Honourable Member as soon as it has been received by the Limpopo: COGHSTA.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER 2015/4188
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 04 DECEMBER 2015
 

Herewith a reply drafted by: Recommended

MS B NYEMBE DR MALAHLELA

Acting Executive Manager: LG LS & IE Acting Deputy Director-General: R& UD & LS

Date: 10/12/15 Date: 2015/12/11

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

MR V MADONSELA
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE: 11/12/2015

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

MR A NEL, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER

DATE: 11/12/2015

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

DES VAN ROOYEN, MP

MINISTER

Date:

Attached please find here: Route Form

Reply:

The Department of Communications is of the view that the reply provided to Parliamentary Question 3656 is comprehensive enough, unless if the Honourable member can be more specific.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

In response to (1), yes South Africa did vote on the 30th of October 2015 during the United Nations General Assembly 4th Committee’s meeting on the draft decision A/C.4/70/L.7 entitled “Increase in the membership of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space”.

In response to (2), the specific decision as well as background information on the United Nations General Assembly 4th Committee issues, is available to the public and can be found on the United Nations website at: http://www.un.org/en/ga/fourth/70/documentation.shtml

In response to (3), a recorded vote was requested during which South Africa voted in the affirmative. The voting process called specifically for the inclusion of all applicants namely: Qatar, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Israel. Furthermore, South Africa was a part of the general consensus which reflected 117 Member States voting “yes” with, 21 “abstentions” and 1 voting “no”.

Reply:

(1) The Ministry of Communications has taken steps to strengthen the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in order to promote the development of Information Communication Technology infrastructure that is reliable, secure and affordable. The Minister will be tabling the ICASA Amendment Bill 2016 to specifically address these issues. Some of the issues will also be dealt with in the Green Paper on Broadcasting Policy Review:

(a) ICASA will be strengthened once we finalized and agree on the policy positions in the Green Paper and Bill.

(b) ICASA will use its additional powers, if any will be given, once the above processes have been finalized.

(c ) The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services is the one addressing infrastructure issues, Ministry of Communications is now dealing with media and content issues

MR J RANTETE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

Department of Communications

(a) The Department of Communications has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

South African Broadcasting Corporation

(b) (i) No tickets were bought, the Production crew accessed the games through accreditation?

(ii) 4600 Rugby Shirts were bought for Some Staff members, as part of the Bok Friday Marketing campaign to create awareness and interest of the campaign to support our on air HABASHWE campaign.

(iii) None

(aa) None

(bbb) Total Cost of T-Shirts is 1.8 Million

(bb)(aaa) 4600

(bbb) Rugby Shirts were bought for some Staff members, as part of the Bok Friday Marketing campaign to create awareness and interest of the campaign to support our on air #HABASHWE campaign

(cc)(aaa) allocation was to most of SABC Employees including on air personalities within our RADIO NEWS TV Platforms and the SABC Staff

(dd)(aaa) the items were purchased to drive the SABC On Air and Below the line brand campaign of #HABASHWE,

(bbb) The Operations Committee of the SABC took the decision.

Media Development and Diversity Agency

(b) The Media Development and Diversity Agency has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

Brand South Africa

(b) (i) There were no tickets purchased for the Rugby 2015 World Cup,

(ii) Yes there was clothing

(iii) Yes there was paraphernalia

(aa) Scarves, Hand held South African Flags and South African flag branded tote bags.

(aaa) 500 scarves were distributed and 500 South African Flag branded tote bags and 500 hand held South African flags were purchased

(bbb) The total value for the scarves distributed is R40 000 (taken from the BSA existing stock), South African Flag branded tote bags purchased for GBP1257.60 and South African hand held flags is R9975.00

(bb)(aaa) 500 scarves, 500 South African hand held flags and South African Flag branded tote bags

(cc)(aa) The above stated collateral was distributed to all the fan zones

(bbb) To create awareness about South Africa

(dd)(aaa) The decision to purchase each specified item was on the basis of Brand South Africa to market South Africa as a brand.

(bbb) The decision was taken on the Acting Chief Marketing Officer Brand South Africa delegation of authority.

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

(b) ICASA has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

Film and Publications Board

(b) FPB has not purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup tickets, clothing and other specified paraphernalia.

MR J RANTETE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

1. Yes. All the provinces have been gazetted. The details are in the table below:

Province	Gazette date for drought
KwaZulu-Natal	17 December 2014 and 20 November 2015
North West	24 July 2015
Free State	4 September 2015
Limpopo	13 November 2015
Mpumalanga	25 November 2015 (Premier’s Notice)

2. (a) The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) allocated an amount of R24.6 million to KwaZulu-Natal in March 2015 as the province was the first to declare a state of drought disaster in this current drought cycle. The amount was made available to address immediate needs regarding water supply for human consumption in the declared areas. The Department of Water and Sanitation also allocated an amount of R352 million for affected municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

(b) The funds allocated to KwaZulu-Natal by the National Disaster Management Centre is from the Disaster Grant within the departmental budget vote. The indication from the Department of Water and Sanitation is that allocated funds were reprioritised from existing departmental grants.

3. (a) Areas affected in provinces:

Province	Areas affected by drought
KwaZulu-Natal	Ugu District Municpality Hibiscus Coast Umdoni Umzumbe Vulamehlo Umuziwabantu Umgungundlovu District Municipality uMshwathi Richmond Mpofana Mkhambathini Uthukela District Municipality Emnambithi/ Ladysmith Indaka Umtshezi Imbabazane Amajuba District Municipality Newcastle eMadlangeni Dannhauser Umzinyathi District Municipality Umvoti Nqutu Msinga Endumeni Zululand District Municipality AbaQulusi Ulundi eDumbe Nongoma uPhongolo uMkhanyakude District Municipality Umhlabuyalingana Jozini Big Five False Bay Hlabisa
North West	Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Ruth Mompati District Municipality Bojanala District Municipality Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality
Free State	Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Mantsopa Setsoto Dihlabeng Nketoana Maluti-a-Phofung Phumelela Fezile Dabi District Municipality Moqhaka Ngwathe Metsimaholo Mafube Xhariep District Municipality Letsemeng Kopanong Mohokare Naledi Lejweleputswa District Municipality Masilonyana Tokologo Tswelopele Matjhabeng Nala Mangaung Metropolitan (Premier’s Notice)
Limpopo	Capricorn District Municipality Aganang Polokwane Molemole Blouberg Lepelle-Nkumpi Mopani District Municipality Greater Giyani Greater Tzaneen Greater Letaba Baphalaborwa Maruleng Sekhukhune District Municipality Elias Motswaledi Ephraim Mogale Greater Tubatse Makhuduthamaga Feta-Kgomo Waterberg Bela-Bela Modimolle Mookgophong Mogalakwena Lephalale Thabazimbi Vhembe Makhado Mutale Musina Thulamela
Mpumalanga (Premier’s Notice)	Chief Albert Luthuli Local municipality Msukaligwa Local municipality Mkhondo Local municipality Dr J.S. Moroka Local municipality Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Local municipality Thembisile Hani Local municipality Dipaleseng Local municipality Govan Mbeki Local municipality Lekwa Local municipality Emakhazeni Local municipality Thaba Chweu Local municipality Nkomazi Local municipality Bushbuckridge Local municipality Umjindi Local municipality

(b) The priority currently regarding interventions is to address the immediate needs of the affected communities. The priority is on water for human consumption, water for livestock consumption as well as livestock feed.

(c) The implementation of specified measures have commenced already by the various sector departments. The affected sector departments have reprioritised resources from existing resources to address drought related challenges in the affected areas.

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

The following response is based on the information provided by five Metropolitan Municipalities, Buffalo City; EThekwini; Nelson Mandela Bay; Ekurhuleni and City of Cape Town. The remaining three Metropolitan Municipalities, City of Joburg; City of Tshwane and Mangaung did not meet the deadline for submission of responses. Attempts are being made to obtain the information from the outstanding Metropolitan Municipalities and will be made available upon receipt thereof.

(a) Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality:

FINANCIAL YEAR	ADVERTISNG COSTS	MEDIUM	DESCRIPTION	REMARKS
2014/15	R869,385 00	Print	12 x Monthly staff newsletters 6 x Bi-monthly Metro Voice service delivery newsletters 4 x Quarterly Ward-based newspaper 10 x External publications advertising (e.g. SA Business, Municipal Directory, Focus, Beat, Taxi Image etc) Print Adverts on Daily Dispatch. EC Today, Isolezwe	The monthly magazines cost about R30 000 per month (including printing and distribution) Bi-monthly Magazine costs about R34 000 (5000 copies) incl. printing and distribution Ward-based cost about R19 000 for 10 000 copies – including printing and distribution General advert placements for annual institutional activities and events
		Radio	4 x pre-recorded packages per month on 4 community radio stations within the Metro. The stations broadcast the municipal news every Wednesdays between 18h00-18h10. Below are the stations used: Kumkani FM, Mdantsane FM, Izwi Lethemba FM and Forte FM.	16 x 10 minutes radio packages cost R65 000 per month. General advertising of other activities like the annual ones: Examples: State of the Metro Address IDP/Budget roadshows Open Council Day Mayoral Imbizo
		Outdoors	Street Banners, Street Posters to market and advertise annual events	Examples: State of the Metro Address IDP/Budget roadshows Open Council Day Mayoral Imbizo
15/16 FY since 1st July 2015	Expenditure to date: R 417 037,43			The amount spent to date as reflected on the 2nd column was spent on the same items stated above.

Please note that the Communications Department of Buffalo City Metro has not advertised anything on Television and/or online to date.

(b) EThekwini Metropolitan Municipality:

FINANCIAL YEAR	ADVERTISNG COSTS	MEDIUM	DESCRIPTION	REMARKS
2014/15	13,896 504.00	Print	Ezasegagasini Metro Newspapers Workplace Staff Magazine	During the reporting period, the department printed 23 editions of Ezasegagasini Metro in isiZulu and English with a total print of 18.4 million copies. Distribution of Ezasegagasini Metro occurred as per schedule. The newspaper is mainly distributed through door to door in semi-urban and township areas, and as well as to municipal offices, clinics, libraries and Sizakala Centres. Other copies are inserted in The Mercury newspaper. To increase the reach of Ezasegagasini Metro, the unit started inserting Metro ezasegagasini in iSolezwe and Ilanga. This is one of the tools used by the Unit to create awareness and understanding among staff on municipal programmes and policies. The department produced six editions of the Workplace magazine and distributed it to all municipal offices.
		Radio	Ukhozi – 96 x 5min slots Lotus FM – 48 x 60min slots Izwi Lomzansi – 32 x 60min slots Vibe FM – 32 x 60min slots Inanda FM – 32 x 60min slots Gagasi FM – 21 x 60min slots	The Unit purchased additional radio slots to expand the Municipal radio programme. This was important for engaging with citizens on service delivery programmes as well as in conveying important information as part of a two way communication between the Municipality and its communities. Coordinated monthly talk shows on Ukhozi FM, Lotus FM and Gagasi FM. Additional air time was bought from community radio stations.
		Online	Ezasegagasini Metro is available online and also in Cd and audio-tape format. Website: The website is the main electronic communication platform for the City communication. Social Media: The Municipality has social media accounts such as: Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin and YouTube social. ITheku Bulletin: ITheku bulletin is the staff communication tool through which the Municipality disseminates information internally.	The Audio tapes and CDs formats of Ezasegagasini Metro are distributed to the visually impaired citizens. The distribution covers organizations for the blind and individual subscribers. 55 Tapes and 50 CDs are produced and delivered through the Post Office to 105 subscribers, of audio Ezasegagasini fortnightly. In the period under review, the following can be reported: The Unit updated information to ensure public has access to the latest information. In this regard 301 new items were added, 190 public notices uploaded, 233 tenders added, 59 Press releases added and the number of request for quotation added is 198. The Unit maintained these accounts by uploading news items daily and responding to queries. In the period under review: Queries received were redirected to the correct client department after providing a response to the client. Social media audience statistics: Facebook 20 837 likes, Twitter 14, 465 followers, LinkedIn 7, 234 Site statistics: Visits 1,285,769 Page views 2,415,377 Average time spent 00:02:01 New visits 406,413 During the period under review, the Unit published 23 editions of electronic newsletter.
		Outdoor	No report submitted

Please note that the Communications Department of EThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has not advertised anything on Television to date.

(c) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality:

FINANCIAL YEAR	ADVERTISNG COSTS	MEDIUM	DESCRIPTION	REMARKS
2014/15 July – Nov 2015	R4,565,228.00 R1,349,031.35	Print	The Herald Die Burger Daily Sun Die Son Sunday Times Weekend Post and relevant community newspapers	The purpose of the advertisements were as follows: Tenders to alert residents about business opportunities. Land applications and notices – rezoning, removal of restrictions, special consent etc. To alert residents about land related developments and opportunities for participation, comments and objections purposes. Vacancies – To inform local and national residents about employment opportunities in the Municipality. Electricity notices - To alert residents in advance of proposed planned electricity supply interruptions for maintenance IDP – to inform communities about public participation meetings for IDP and Budget purposes. Special events – To inform the public about celebration, commemoration and religious events such as Youth Month; Women’s Month; Eid Mubarak; Festive Season, etc. Art, Museum, Culture and Heritage – to alert residents about the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum and heritage events. Customer care and tariffs – To alert the public on tariff increases, valuation roll, opening and closing of customer care centres. Diverse – Once off notices such as career Expo, pound notices, annual return and midterm report.
	R120 000.00	Radio	IFM PE FM BAY FM KQ FM ALGOA FM	The radio slots were utilized to inform residents about the public participation programme on IDP and Budget meetings.
		Outdoors	No report submitted
		Online	No report submitted

(d) Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality only started with its communication campaigns in November 2014, hence there are no records for months prior to November.

The Metropolitan spent a total amount of R11,723,616.88 on advertising in print media, radio, television, online and outdoors. Refer to the attached Expenditure report.

The attached expenditure report reflects the names of the media houses where advertisements were flighted and the cost of each advertisement. (Refer to Annexure A)

The purpose of advertisement was to create awareness and transparency on all major projects of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipalities; also to educate, inform and share information with all the relevant stakeholders about the EMM projects.

(e) City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipalities

According to the City of Cape Town, for the 2014/2015 financial year the City’s total cost for advertising amounted to R26 466 516.55. The financial system for this financial year does not make provision for a breakdown per type or split between print, radio and online. That would require a manual breakdown per advert and will take weeks to do. No television advertising costs were incurred over the period.

Major communication campaign costs are excluded from the above amount as these are funded either via departments, or centrally for major campaigns. An approximate amount spent would be in the region of R17 million and includes the agency fees, development and design costs.

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Kannaland Local Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

(a) The conditions vary from province to province. Some of the severely affected drought areas are impacted by the wasteful usage of water, lack of maintenance of infrastructure, poor farming practices and non-implementation of measures to mitigate against the impact of drought. The Water and Agricultural Sectors are the most affected. Although some rainfall has fallen in some parts of the country, it has not been sufficient to have a meaningful impact on the drought situation. All the affected stakeholders continue to monitor the conditions on the ground and early warning and advisory information is regularly being disseminated to communities for preparedness and informed decision making.

(b) There are concerted efforts within the Department of Cooperative Governance, key government departments and stakeholders regarding the current drought conditions. The main focus is on the implementation of extraordinary measures to mitigate further impacts of drought such as the enforcement of water restrictions, the repair and maintenance of infrastructure and coordinated efforts on the awareness and advocacy campaigns.

Reply:

Minister of Communications:

(1) (a) In the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2015, the GCIS has placed advertising to the value of (i) R 5 497 932.58 in community radio stations, (ii) R 0 (nil) in community print media entities, (iii) R 0 (nil) in community TV stations, (iv) R 0 (nil) in small commercial publications as detailed per Annexure A

(b) A summary of the above advertising spend by (i) community radio station, (ii) community print media entity, (iii) community TV station and (iv) small commercial publication is attached as Annexure B.

(c) The dates of the specified adverts and individual radio stations are reflected in Annexure B.

(1) (a) 38% of the GCIS’s advertising budget is spent on community media, (b) 62%

on commercial media as per Annexure C.

MR DONALD LIPHOKO

ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

The following response is based on the information provided by four Metropolitan Municipalities: City of Cape Town, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni and Mangaung. The remaining four Metropolitan Municipalities, Buffalo City, City of Joburg, City of Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay did not meet the deadline for submission of responses. Attempts are being made to obtain the information from the outstanding Metropolitan Municipalities and will be made available on receipt thereof.

Hereunder are the responses from the responded Metropolitan Municipalities.

Reply by City of Cape Town

(1) "Total number of core fibres installed is 43 541km

(2) Digital Inclusion Project: In 2013 the City of Cape Town undertook a six month investigation followed by a proof of concept study into assessing the constraints, viability and potential uptake of a wireless mesh network in both Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha.

This study was funded to the value of $335 000 USO by the United States Trade and Development Agency. Our findings were later published and resultantly led to the roll out of the City's Wi-Fi Network which went beyond the two initial areas assessed for viability and which now boasts 188 AP's throughout the metro. The manner in which the project implementation materialised was indeed different to the initial objective in that it proved difficult to provide pole-to-home access by means of a mesh. Hence, we went with the AP's attached to Civic infrastructure model. The project has now progressed nicely.

The City of Cape Town's model around providing Wi-Fi access differs quite substantially to other metro's in the manner in which we provide both access and how we offer data to citizens. Our objective first and foremost is that our model is sustainable. It thus differs from what other South African metros are doing- which is most often outsourcing the service to companies that leverage from one site to pay for the next. The City is also exploring the feasibility of offering free Wi-Fi on the fleet of MyCiTi buses. A tender to contract with a service provider was evaluated in September and is now awaiting consideration for award by the Supply Chain Management Bid Adjudication Committee. This requires the appointed service provider to offer internet access to passengers at no cost to the City. "

Reply by eThekwini Metro

(1) "EThekwini has a broadband network in place and we have approximately 1650km of Fibre deployed already.

(2) We currently have over 80% of our Municipal Libraries offering patrons free Internet access through Wi-Fi and we are currently investigating the different models on how to expand this and provide Wi-Fi to the city's residents and visitors. This is to ensure that whatever route we take has been fully considered to take into account the broader objectives of becoming a smart city. "

Reply by Ekurhuleni Metro

(1) "Ekurhuleni is currently installing a broadband network. Ekurhuleni currently has 400km of fibre active, and the long term plan requires 1336km. The additional fibre required to complete the connectivity profile is expected to be implemented over the next 18 months.

(2) Ekurhuleni has active Wi-Fi hotspots. Ekurhuleni has approximately 900 hotspots active at present orientated around 160 sites. Future plans - Expansion to approximately 3000 hotspots in planned over the next 18 months. "

Reply by Mangaung Metro

(1) "The Metro is currently finalizing a broadband implementation model benchmarked against the City of EThekwini, whilst there a plans to roll out a broadband network, it is still in its initial phases and hasn't started.

(2) The Metro is currently in the process of planning for free Wi-Fi rollout within the Metro with an initial 42 sites to be identified. The project is expected to

begin implementation by March 2016."

Herewith a reply recommended by:

MR. T Faba
Deputy Director-General Corporate Services
Date: 11/12/2015
 

Reply:

This information has been requested from the metropolitan municipalities and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

(a) Red tape in the department of international relations and cooperation is seen as an obstructive bureaucratic routine or procedure that unduly hinders an official action.

(b) Specific interventions to reduce red tape in the department are to emphasise the application of SMART principles (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) in the execution of its duties, roles and responsibilities.

UNQUOTE

Reply:

(a)-(e). The department is in the process of reviewing the functional and organizational establishment which impacts on the placement and deployment of personnel, thus the information on vacancies at specific areas referred to cannot be made available. Such information has a direct impact on the police operations which

cannot be placed in the public domain.

Reply:

1. and (2)

A pre-qualification check was done by the MISA Supply Chain Management unit to check compliance with submission of tender compliance documents i.e. tax clearance certificates, BBBEE Certificates, CIDB rating certificates etc. The tax clearance certificate appeared to be legitimate and was taken at face value. Later MISA introduced an additional control measure or due diligence measure of verification of the authenticity of submitted documents (this verification is not a legal requirement in terms of National Treasury supply chain management regulations). It is through this process that MISA was able to detect that the tax clearance certificate that was submitted by Siyenza Group during tendering and the renewed tax clearance certificate were not issued by SARS, which resulted in MISA cancelling the contract.

(3)

MISA’s contract with the Siyenza Group was terminated by mutual agreement on 25 May 2015. Following the termination of the contract, the Department of Water and Sanitation (the project funder) informed MISA that the balance of the remaining projects under the Siyenza Group contract should be handed back to the Department. The Department of Water and Sanitation indicated that it will utilise other contractors already contracted by the Department to complete the project. There was therefore no need for MISA to proceed with any bidding process to finalise the project. .

Reply:

This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.

 

Reply:

Refer below for the supply and demand ration for each municipality supplied by each water board.

Water Board	Municipality	Supply and Demand Ratio
Amatola Water	Amathole District Municipality	6.49%
	Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality	6.28%
	Ndlambe	6.22%
Bloem Water	MangaungMetropolitan Municipality	91%
	Naledi Local Municipality	2%
	Kopanong Local Municipality	6%
	Mantsopa Local Municipality	1%
Lepelle Northern Water	Polokwane Municipality	1:1,4%
	Mogalakwena Municipality	1:1,09%
	Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality	1,41:1%
	Greater Letaba Municipality	1: 1,7%
	Greater Tzaneen Municipality	1:1,3%
	Elias Motswaledi/Fetakgomo/Makhuduthamaga municipalities	1,1:1%
	Tubatse Municipality	1:1,75%
	Ephraim Mogale Municipality	1:0,85%
Magalies Water	Bela-Bela Local Municipality	81%
	City of Tshwane Metro	44%
	ModimolleLocal Municipality	93%
	Moses Kotane Local Municipality	132%
	Rustenburg Local Municipality	135%
	Thabazimbi Local Municipality	126%
Mhlathuze Water	City of uMhlathuze	1:1%
	UThungulu	0,1:1%
Overberg Water	The Municipalities supplied are Theewaterskloof and Hessequa in the Western Cape. % cannot be provided per Municipality as the water schemes do not only provide to Municipalities, but also for agricultural customers. Below are schemes
	Duivenhoks	63.96%
	Ruensveld East	44.21%
	Ruensveld West	61.11%
Rand Water	Johannesburg Water	1,784%
	Ekurhuleni	1,185%
	City Of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality	864%
	Emfuleni	301%
	Mogale City Municipality	96%
	Metsimaholo Local Municipality	58%
	Rustenburg Municipality	113%
	Govan Mbeki Municipality	77%
	Midvaal	32%
	Merafong	88%
	Randfontein Municipality	32%
	Westonaria Local Municipality	51%
	Lesedi Local Municipality	22%
	Ngwathe Local Municipality - Heilbron Town Council	8%
	Delmas Local Municipality	17%
	Royal Bafokeng Nation	20%
	Madibeng Local Municipality	12%
	Thembisile Local Municipality	39%
Sedibeng Water Free State	Matjhabeng	1,79%
	Nala	1,79%
	Maquassi Hills	1,79%
Sedibeng Water Northern Cape	Dikgatlong LM	1,3%
	Tsantsabane LM	1,3%
	Gamagara LM	1,3%
	Joe Morolong LM	1,4%
	NamaKhoi LM	1,3%
	Khai Ma LM	1,5%
Sedibeng Water North West Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality	Mahikeng	1,10%
	Ditsobotla	1,16%
	RamotshereMoiloa	1,13%
Umgeni Water	eThekwini Municipality	99%
	Msunduzi Municipality	100%
	uMgungundlovu District Municipality	89%
	iLembe District Municipality	8%
	uGu District Municipality	100%
	Harry Gwala District Municipality	89%

---00O00---

Reply:

(1) The contracts awarded to the companies were not put to tender. A deviation from tender processes in terms of the SABC policies was used to appoint them because of the need for specialised skills on one hand and for continuity on the other hand.  

(a) N/A

(b) N/A

(2) Written submissions were received from the companies responding to the needs of the SABC.

(3) The approval of the amounts offered was in terms of the Delegation of Authority Framework. The amount of the awards were below the threshold necessitating Board approval.

(4) The contracts were awarded as a result of a deviation process. The deviation was in terms of an approved Delegation of Authority Framework (DAF).

(5) (a) As per the DAF, the amount of the awards were below the threshold necessitating Board approval.

(b) PFMA section 51(1)(a) (i), (iii) & (iv) , 51(1)(b)(ii) , 51(1)(c) read together with the DAF.

(aa) Deviations were approved on 9/12/2014, 2/3/2015 & 1/10/2015

(aaa) &(bbb) There is no requirement for the SABC to report this.

MR N MUNZHELELE

[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

Refer to Annexure A for the list of WWTW where the spillages occurred, progress and additional cases reported. The Blue and Green Drop reports, is still due to be submitted to Cabinet for approval in line with the exercise of executive authority in terms of section 85 of the Constitution.

---00O00---

Annexure A

 

No	Name of WWTW	Name of Municipality	Nature of Spillage	Water Use License
	Alexandria WWTW	Ndlambe Local Municipality	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.	No Water Use Licence application submitted.
	Cradock WWTW	Chris Hani District Municipality	Final effluent discharged not meeting prescribed General Standard limit.	General Authorisation by the Regional Office
	Bothaville WWTW	Nala Local Municipality	Final effluent discharged not meeting prescribed General Standard limit and malfunctioning pump station causing spillage.	No Water Use Licence application submitted.
	Manhole overflow	Mangaung Metro	Spillage at the manhole due to presence of solids in system.	Not Applicable
	Deneysville WWTW and Refengkgotso Pumpstation	Metsimaholo Local Municipality	Final effluent discharged not meeting prescribed General Standards limit and malfunction at the pump station causing sewer spillage.	Not Applicable
	No WWTW linked to the sewer line.	Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality	Spillage at the manhole due to presence of solids in system.	Not Applicable
	Mokopane WWTW	Mogalakwena Local Municipality	Spillage at the manhole due to presence of solids in system.	No Authorisation
	Matibidi District Hospital WWTW	Matibidi District Hospital WWTW	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.	No Authorisation
	Thabazimbi WWTW	Thabazimbi Local Municipality-	Final effluent not meeting limits prescribed in the Water Use License.	Authorised: Licence Issued for 21(c,f,g&i) 07/02/2014
	Barkley East WWTW	Joe Gqabi DM - Burgersdorp	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.
	Ekangala WWTW	Tshwane Metropolitan	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.
	Wemmershoek WWTW	Stellenbosch Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit
	Kathu WWTW	Gamagara Local Municipality	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.
	Dibeng WWTW	Gamagara Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit.
	Dingleton WWTW	Gamagara Local Municipality	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.
	Olifantshoek WWTW	Gamagara Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit.
	Barkley West WWTW	Dikgatlong Local Municipality	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.
	Warrenton WWTW	Magareng Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit.
	Randfontein WWTW	Randfontein Local Municipality	Untreated sewer discharged into the environment from the WWTW.

 

No	Name of WWTW	Name of Municipality	Nature of Spillage
	Standerton WWTW	Lekwa Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit.
	Bothaville WWTW	Nala Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit.
	Viljoenskroon WWTW	Moqhaka Local Municipality	Final effluent not meeting prescribed General Standards limit.

Reply:

(a) We indicated that the Nelson Mandela Intervention is supported by other sector departments, namely the National Treasury, Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs and the Department of Water and Sanitation. Further, the projected funding for the intervention will be made available over the MTEF period through various Interdepartmental Grants such as the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG), the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG), the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWIG) and the National Skills Fund.

The breakdown of the projected R4.6 billion is at as follows:

Houses (16,191) R1.806 billion

Bethelsdorp 6500 Houses R721m

Kayamnandi 7000 Houses R776m

Walmer 2200 Houses R244m

Chatty (Military Veterans) 491 Houses R65m

Serviced Sites (15,700) R785m

Bulk Infrastructure (link and reticulation) and WWTPs R1.2 billion

Planning (greenfields) R82,1 m

Programme Management R428m

National Skills Fund (Skills Training) R300m

Estimated total R4.6 billion

(b) Role of the HDA

The National Department of Human Settlements (DHS), the Provincial Department of Human Settlements (PDoHS) and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) concluded a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Implementation Protocol (IP), wherein the Housing Development Agency was appointed the implementing agent to implement and manage the NMBM Integrated Human Settlements Programme for a period of 4 years (1 July 2015 until 31 March 2019).

(c) Details of Agreement between the HDA, the Municipality and the Department

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), underpinning the institutional, funding and implementation arrangements was signed between the Minister of Human Settlements, the MEC for Human Settlements and the Executive Mayor of the NMBM – 30 June 2015. The three parties constitute the Executive Committee that exercises oversight over the Programme.

The relevant Departmental and Entity Accounting Officers comprising of the Director General, Provincial Head of Department for Human Settlements, City Manager and the Chief Executive Officer of the HDA signed an Implementation Protocol (IP) – 2 July 2015. The IP provides for establishment of a Project Steering Committee (PSC) comprising the Director-General, the Provincial Head of Department for Human Settlements and the City Manager to oversee the implementation of the programme.

The IP stipulates that a Technical Committee be established comprising senior officials from National, Provincial, Metropolitan Municipality and the Housing Development Agency (HDA) as a preferred Implementing Agent. The Committee is tasked with the day-to-day management of the projects forming part of the Programme.

In addition, the agreements provide for the following key elements:

• The Provincial Department of Human Settlements is the developer for the housing and human settlements programme and projects with regard to construction of houses funded through the HSDG.
• The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is responsible for all functions relating to spatial planning, bulk infrastructure and preparation of built environment performance plans, and will ensure that the USDG will be aligned to the HSDG allocations and targets and outputs.
• As Implementing Agent, the Housing Development Agency will undertake the implementation of the Programme in line with an approved implementation plan in conjunction with the Province and Municipality.

Reply:

(a) There are two programmes that focus on the provision of social and rental housing, namely the Social Housing Programme and Community Residential Units Programme. These have gained a measure of improved momentum since 2010 with projects being implemented in seven provinces. Planning is currently underway in the remaining two provinces for CRU. In addition, all the municipalities have approved restructuring zones for social housing developments. The Provinces and various Municipalities have projects in various stages of implementation as part of a project pipeline that extends up to 2019.

Honourable member, we have already acknowledged that we are not doing well in this area hence the current review of the social housing policy with a view to accelerating delivery in social housing.  Once the policy proposals have been agreed to by MinMEC, I will elaborate on changes we are making in respect of this matter.

 

The table below indicates the number of social and CRU units delivered since 2010:

PROVINCE	DELIVERY
	1 April 2010 to 31 March 2014	1 April 2014 to 30 September 2015
	Social	Cru	Social	Cru
EC	3 065	0	368	0
FS	3 867	1 094	315	451
GT	11 630	5 278	611	495
KZN	9 103	966	567	239
LP	197	197	0	0
MP	925	794	246	273
NC	352	332	0	0
NW	2 868	468	0	0
WC	10 964	6 096	864	1068
TOTAL	42 971	15 225	2 971	2526

 

(b) The Community Residential Units Programme is a public rental programme, which is funded by government through a subsidy, and as such private stakeholder participation is not mandatory, but is undertaken with relevant communities and stakeholders. The Department in conjunction with the Provinces and Municipalities has however facilitated number collaborative ventures, on various programmes including the Social and Rental Housing Programmes.

In the Social and Rental sector a project in the Free State is in the process of being planned, funded and implemented. It resulted in a locally based mining company (Harmony Gold Mines) donating land and buildings to the local municipality to redevelop. This will result in four hundred and sixty four (464) community residential units being developed as part of the regeneration of the buildings. A second collaborative venture was a fifty hectare land donation by Lonmin Mines in the North West Province for the development of an integrated housing project for the Marikana Community. To date, two hundred and fifty two (252) CRU units are at various stages of completion.

The Social Housing programme is designed to be a private sector driven in a joint venture with government. All social housing projects are implemented privately and/or community led Social Housing Institutions with government contributing towards the cost of the delivery of the unit via a subsidy. The private developers and private investors are encouraged and in fact participate in the programme.

(c) The location of the rental housing project is important hence the social housing projects can only be implemented in areas that have been declared restructuring zones in order to contribute to the achievement of spatial, economic and social restructuring. The restructuring area is an area that provides improved access to socio-economic amenities and transport nodes. Whilst it is not the norm, most of the rental projects form part of a mixed development of different types of human settlement typologies, in a mixed development project can comprise of social housing accommodation, subsidised housing, finance linked bonded houses, retail and commercial development.

In addition, a percentage of projects which will form part of the Catalytic Projects Programme will compromise of social and rental housing and it is pleasing to note a number of the projects will be initiated by private sector developers. At an appropriate time a more informative and comprehensive announcement will be made on the matter.

Reply:

(1)(a) The contract referred to is a bulk water supply contract.

(1)(b) The duration of the contract is for 30 years.

(1)(c) The contract did not go out on tender. My Department allocates water to Water Boards in general, the Water Board (Lepelle Northern Water in this instance) needs to find clients who will utilise such allocation and alternatively other businesses approach LNW to check if the board can meet their demands for either their expansion or extension or starting up a business.

The above is not done through the form of a tender but through water supply agreements between its customers, whether it is industries or Municipalities in LNW’s area of supply.

(2) No, there was no need as this was a normal bulk water supply agreement between LNW and Southern Palace 440 (Pty) Ltd.The contract is valid but has outstanding suspensive conditions which have not yet been agreed to.

(3)(a) R0, 07658 cents per m3 adjustable annually,

(3)(b) Through meters.

(3)(c) The water was intended for Agricultural purposes.

(4) The contract has not been implemented.

(5) No, my Department does not approve agreements, the LNW signs agreements with clients, in line with the delegations of authority.

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Reply:

 

(1) Yes, my Department has taken steps in line with the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998 against Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in terms of Section 19 to ensure that pollution or potential pollution does not have a detrimental impact on water resources.

(1)(a) A “notice of intention to issue a directive” and a “directive” (all in terms of Section 19 of the NWA) were issued to Govan Mbeki Local Municipality for pollution incidents as per Table 1 below.

Table 1

Name	Relevant details	Date issued
A directive was issued to Bethal Wastewater Treatment Works	Sewerage spills associated with pump stations failures. A task team was established with other relevant Departments such as (Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Gert Sibande District Municipality to monitor progress on the plan required as per the directive. Currently all the pump stations are operational.	13 January 2013
A notice was issued to Embalenhle Wastewater Treatment Works	Sewerage spills associated with pump stations failures. The plant is currently being refurbished to cater for an extra load.	01 September 2015

(1)(b) See relevant dates as provided in Table 1.

(2) My Department does not allow effluent from being discharged to the environment before being suitably treated. The water quality in the Vaal River system is slightly affected as the current infrastructure of the wastewater treatment works has aged, overloaded and there is lack of maintenance. My Department is responding to this threat by implementing programmes such as Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant. Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant and Accelerated Infrastructure Programme. In addition, the Green Drop reports are compiled annually to provide an indication on the level of compliance of wastewater treatment works and whether conditions of authorisation are met.

(3) There are no health hazards which have been exposed to the communities of the specified towns as the sewerage spills have been localised and the areas rehabilitated speedily after the municipality was notified. In addition, no water is drawn from the adjacent rivers by the communities as potable water is provided by the municipality. Furthermore, my Department’s ongoing regulation and enforcement measures will ensure that any current and future wastewater impacts on the water resources are adequately addressed.

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Reply:

The country has entered a new radical phase to implement socioeconomic transformation. The National Development Plan (NDP) is South Africa’s plan to address poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The MTSF (Medium Term Strategic Framework) is government’s first five year implementation plan of the NDP, covering the financial years 2014/15 to 2018/2019. At the heart of the MTSF is the need for the radical transformation of our economy to ensure that it is more inclusive and its benefits are shared more widely. The MTSF sets out the priorities and actions that need to be undertaken. The MTSF is being implemented in line with already existing activities and programmes of different government departments and various other government agencies.

Faster economic growth is both a key objective of the NDP and a necessary condition to raise the resources needed to support social and economic transformation. As indicated in my State of Nation Addresses to overcome the difficulties we are currently experiencing, South Africa needs to reconstruct a social consensus behind a path of accelerated economic growth. This is the opportunity presented by the NDP.

Given current global and domestic economic conditions I further announced the Nine-Point Plan in my State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 11 February 2015. The purpose is to ignite growth and create jobs. The nine point plan is about alleviating the most binding constraint to growth – inadequate electricity supply – and sets out a series of urgent economic reforms to build a more competitive economy. These include:

• Continuing to invest in economic infrastructure, especially in the transport, logistics and energy sectors (over R800 billion will be invested by government in the current MTSF period)
• Reforming the governance of state-owned entities, rationalising state holdings and encouraging private-sector participation.
• Effecting labour-market reforms that can help avoid protracted strikes.
• Expanding the independent power producer programme.
• Encouraging affordable, reliable and accessible broadband access.
• Promoting black ownership of productive industrial assets.
• Finalising amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (2002), and continuing dialogue with the industry.
• Reviewing business incentive programmes in all economic sectors to ensure that resources support labour-intensive, job-creating outcomes

Efforts to reduce the electricity constraint and improve labour relations are priorities in the short term. Alongside the structural reforms set out in the National Development Plan, this will lay the foundation for faster growth and economic transformation.

Reply:

(1) The Modimolle Wastewater treatment plant is functional.

(1)(a) The municipality has appointed contractor to upgrade the wastewater treatment works from the initial capacity of 3.5 megalitres per day to 6.5 megalitres per day and to also repair aerators.

(2) To date two Directives dated 22 April 2014 and 21 August 2014 have been issued to the Municipality for the abattoir manhole blockages and ongoing site inspections are conducted to ensure compliance to the Directive and monitor the situation of which the latest inspection was conducted on the 06 November 2015 and it was found that the manhole was operating well and there were no blockages.

(3)(a) The anticipated completion date for Modimolle Waste Water Treatment is February 2016.

(3)(b) The capacity of the new plant will be 6.5 megalitres per day. (c) The final cost will be R43 million.

(3)(d) The budget amount for the project is R43 million.

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Reply:

(1)(a)There are 7 boreholes used in Vaalwater in Limpopo.

 

(1)(b)(i) There are 7 equipped boreholes.

(1)(b)(ii) All 7 boreholes are functional.

 

(1)(c) The quality of water is within the required standard which is SANS 241 of 2015.

(2) The Modimolle Local Municipality (LM) is a Water Service Authority and Water Service Provider, however my Department has allocated an amount of R10 million under the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWIG) in the current financial year 2015/16 for Modimolle LM. Out of R10 million, Vaalwater is allocated R3.8 million which will be used to supplement the water supply.

(3) The Modimolle LM supplies water through water tankers at Vaalwater merely where there is no reticulation system and any affected areas within Vaalwater.

(4)(a) The cause of the leaks is dilapidated infrastructure.

(4)(b) The Modimolle LM is finalizing the procurement processes of appointing contractors to seal the leaking reservoirs/towers.

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(5)(a) Medium term solution is that the municipality is currently sourcing to explore groundwater development to supplement the current water supply to Vaalwater.

(5)(b)My Department is currently conducting the Mokolo Crocodile Feasibility Study where Vaalwater is anticipated to be covered by the outcomes.

 

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Reply:

(1) Yes, the draft Strategy to address Air Pollution is supported by my Department.

(2) Steps have been taken to address the ongoing harmful health impacts of domestic fuel burning being suffered by residents of dense low-income settlements. These include adjusting the norms and standards of building a BNG housing unit to be in line with agreement reached with the Minister of Energy. The policy and its cost implications was discussed and approved by Human Settlement MinMec in November 2013. The new norm and standard has since been implemented by all Provinces with effect from 1 April 2014. The revised standard provides for building environmental sustainable and energy efficient subsidy financed houses comprised of the installation of ceilings and above ceiling insulation, the plastering of all internal walls and rendering on all external surfaces plus the replacement of Ready Board electrical installation with a fully-fledged basic electrical installation for the whole house. All these new measures lead to a better thermal performing dwelling making it less dependent on cooling and heating and there is no more need for burning fossil fuels for cooking purposes.

The Department remains committed towards the re-development of all informal settlements and is collaborating with municipalities in providing basic services which, in collaboration with the Department of Energy includes the provision of a basic electrical installation for each household

Reply:

Yes, the Minister has entered into a performance agreement with the President with regard to the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework for 2014-2019.

(a) The Minister is the coordinator of Outcome 4: Decent employment through inclusive economic growth. He further supports the implementation of the following outcomes:

Outcome 2: A long and healthy life for all South Africans.

Outcome 6: An efficient, competitive and responsive economic infrastructure network.

Outcome 7: Comprehensive rural development and land reform.

Outcome 9: Responsive, accountable and efficient local government.

Outcome 11: A better South Africa, contribute to a better and safer Africa in a better world.

Outcome13: A comprehensive, responsive and sustainable social protection system.

(b) to (e) A Programme of Action is presented to Cabinet on a quaterly basis where progress is noted, bottlenecks to implementation are dicussed, and recommendations to address bottlenecks are considered and approved.

the dti further submit quarterly performance reports to DPME and NT as well as to the relevant parliamentary committees. The Annual Report of the department is tabled in Parliament. The member is requested to refer to the department’s quarter and annual reports.

Reply:

(1) There are only Six (6) wastewater treatment works (WWTW) under the metropolitan municipalities reusing effluent. The following are WWTW that are currently treating effluent for reuse:

• eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality reuse wastewater treated at Durban Water Reclamation Plant;
• Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality re-use wastewater treated at Eastbank WWTW;
• City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality re-use water at Baviaanspoort WWTW, Daspoort WWTW;
• Rooiwal WWTW; and
• Zeekoegat WWTW.

Refer to table below for the percentages and purpose of the effluent reused.

Name of Metro	Name of WWTW	Percentage of Re-use	Purpose of effluent reuse
eThekwini Metro	Durban Water Reclamation Plant	100%	100% of 47.5 Ml/d treated at Durban waste reclamation plant is being re-used.
Buffalo City Metro	Eastbank wastewater treatment works (WWTW)	20%	20% of 50 Ml/d treated at Eastbank WWTW is being reused
City of Tshwane Metro	Daspoort WWTW	46.5%	Effluent from Daspoort WWTW flows via the Bon Accord Dam and used for agricultural irrigation. This agricultural use is not measured at point of abstraction by the Municipality.
	Rooiwal WWTW	49.4%	The effluent of the Rooiwal WWTWs used by the Rooiwal Power Station at a rate of 8.6ML/d. There is a long standing operational agreement that the neighbouring farmers must get 8ML/d and the average is currently at about 5ML/d.
	Zeekoegat WWTW	61.4%	The effluent from Zeekoegat WWTW is also used by a Dry Beans Seed Test Centrum (0.8ML/d)and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) (0.6ML/d)
	Baviaanspoort WWTW		Effluent re-use is with respect to internal use for process water and supply of treated effluent to the Pretoria Power Station for cooling purposes. Also it is estimated that a volume of 1.2 Ml/d being re-used for irrigation purposes for internal purposes only.

(2) My Department has encouraged recycling of effluent by municipalities more especially in water stressed areas of our country. Recently Lephalale LM has signed a contract with Resource Generation, which plans to open Boikarabelo Mine in Limpopo. Under the terms of the agreement, Resource Generation will build, operate and maintain a wastewater treatment facility at Marapong for the Boikarabelo mine site. The treated water will be pumped to the firm's planned Boikarabelo mine site through a new pipeline. Resource Generation will pay for the Marapong wastewater treatment plant upgrade works and expansion works to extend capacity to 4Ml a day, increasing to a daily 16Ml by January 2017.

Also in Lephalale, Waterberg Coal Company entered into an agreement with the Lephalale Municipal Council (LMC) to take over the management and operation of the Paarl WWTW for the purposes of supplying water to the Waterberg Coal Projects (WCP). The facility has a treatment capacity of 10 million litres per day.

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Reply:

a) Yes. South Africa's scientific output, measured by publications in internationally accredited journals, increased at an average rate of 10% per year from 2003 to 2012, representing an average growth of 624 publications per year. This is much higher than the world average, with a steady increase in the country’s share of the world’s journal publication (from 0.49% in 2003 to 0.73% in 2012).

Several reports (Africa Innovation Outlook -2012; Global Research Report – 2010, and UNESCO Institute for Statistics Information Bulletin) confirm that South Africa leads the continent in for example, the largest proportion of researchers per employed population in Africa, spending on research and development (R&D) in US dollar terms (based on purchasing power parity, and the number of internationally recognized research outputs).

b) Yes. Trends from the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) provide indication of progress with regard to the economic and professional exploitation of knowledge in South Africa. NIPMO has now been in place for five years and systems are in place to collect information on invention disclosures (in the form of patents, designs, copyrighted work, new software, plant breeders’ rights and trademarks) arising from scientific and technological research activities as well as formation of new enterprises and technology transfer activities.

For example, invention disclosures arising from publicly funded R&D, statistics collected by NIPMO indicate a growth in these activities with over 1000 disclosures having been reported to NIPMO since 2010 starting with 96 disclosures during 2010/11 financial year and increasing progressively to 252 disclosures during 2014/15.  During 2015/16 disclosures are on track to exceed the figures of 2014/15 financial year.  These disclosures are being tracked to monitor whether the intellectual property is being protected in terms of a granted patent, design, trade mark, etc. and the status of commercialisation/exploitation of this intellectual property. 

Furthermore, it is noted that since 2010 the number of granted patents being managed by an office of technology transfer has doubled while the number of licenses granted has almost tripled.  Over 5% of more than 1000 disclosures have been commercialised with revenue in excess of R2,5 million accruing to the institutions.  Based on an internationally accepted 5:95 rule this means that R47.5 million has accrued in terms of economic growth to the country as a whole.  These are very encouraging figures considering the early days of this piece of legislation, having only celebrated its five year anniversary in August 2015.

c) Yes. In the 2014/15 financial year, the DST was able to secure R354 600 000 of foreign funds from international partners through agreed science, technology and innovation instruments for knowledge production, technology transfer, enhance innovation, and STI human capital development.

To ensure that the DST is leveraging private sector funding for innovation, the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan now includes a specific indicator to monitor the level of investment in research, development, and innovation (RDI) partnerships by government and the private sector. Nevertheless, the current low levels of business confidence do impact on the willingness of the private sector to commit to long-term spending on RDI. The DST is however addressing this constraint in a number of ways. For example, the DST is utilising the R&D Tax Incentive, as well as the Sector Innovation Funds (SIFs) as vehicles to attract private sector investment.

d) Yes. The DST has various initiatives and programmes for strengthening knowledge generation and knowledge-exploitation capabilities of historically disadvantaged higher education institutions. For example, in the bioeconomy arena through the initiative of the DST a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pfizer Inc. and the North-West University (NWU) was signed for the potential use of Pfizer's genetically modified animal models for evaluations in oncology, inflammation and immunology, as well as central nervous system and cardiovascular system disorders. Furthermore, other initiatives which are meant to empower the previously disadvantaged higher education institutions include the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) indicated in the Table below. The main goal of the Research Chairs initiative is to strengthen and improve research and innovation capacity of public universities for producing high quality postgraduate students and research and innovation outputs.

Table: South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI)

Research Chairs awarded	Previously disadvantaged institution
Computational Modelling of Materials	University of Limpopo
Biodiversity Value and Change in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve	University of Venda
Nanotechnology	University of Zululand
Indigenous Knowledge Systems	Walter Sisulu University
Social Change	University of Fort Hare
Nuclear Engineering	North-West University
Astrophysics & Space Physics	North-West University

e) Yes. In terms of developing and strengthening regional and provincial innovation systems and capabilities, the DST supports the establishment of Regional Innovation Forums (RIF) to promote the development of regional and provincial innovation systems through the interaction of academia, industry/business, communities and government to support Provincial Growth and Development Strategies, Integrated Development Plans and development plans of local municipalities. The most active RIFs currently are in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape and there is effort to scale up to other provinces.

Through the RIFs, the DST has supported hosting of strategy and planning workshops that led to regional innovation interventions with regard to the development of Regional/Provincial Innovation Strategies, feasibility studies and business plans for science parks or innovation hubs such as:

• the networking, mentorship programme and innovation strategy workshops managed by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) that led to  establishment of the Propella Business Incubator at NMMU. The Propella supports technology start-ups and accelerates existing SMMEs in the areas of energy  efficiency, renewable energy technology, advanced manufacturing and supply chain optimisation;
• the Eastern Cape Provincial Innovation Strategy;
• the Free State Feasibility study for the establishment of a Science Park;
• the Science Park development in Southern Gauteng at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT);  and
• support for networking and innovation forums in Western Cape.

 

Other areas planned for  receiving DST support for RIF and Science Park development include Kwa-Zulu Natal in support of the 4 Regional Technology Hubs that are currently being implemented, and  Science Park development in one of the Gauteng SEZs in collaboration with the Chinese Government.