Questions and Replies
17 February 2016 - NW16
Esterhuizen, Mr JA to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Whether he can furnish information on the measures that his department will put in place to ensure the continued survival and growth of the country’s domestic poultry market, specifically regarding trade policies that may be considered in order to assist local poultry producers to be able to compete better both locally and abroad; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
the dti continues to support the sustainability of the local poultry producers through a number of measures including the import tariff for bone-in chicken which was approved and implemented in September 2014. The anti-dumping duties on frozen bone-in portions against US companies also remain in place. The 65 000 ton exemption from the anti-dumping duty would constitute, in volume terms/tonnage, 13.6% of South Africa’s imports of poultry meat in 2015.
In addition an application for the designation of locally produced poultry meat for government procurement is in the approval process with implementation expected in less than 6 months’ time.
the dti continues to provide incentives for investment into poultry production and animal feed industry in order to help mitigate costs towards competitiveness of the industry. As an example, Astral’s Meadow Feeds investment of R193 251 000 was facilitated through an incentive to the value of R14 433 754 over a period of two years.
A further area of support is the work underway with the SA Poultry Association and DAFF towards opening up new market opportunities. An example is the upcoming mission to the United Arab Emirates.
South Africa and the United States agreed to a developmental component to assist poultry producers in South Africa, particularly historically disadvantaged individuals. This development component will be facilitated by the dti and DAFF together with relevant US stakeholders.
16 February 2016 - NW132
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)Whether he requested that a review of Proudly South African be conducted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when was this review conducted; (2) whether he will make the report of such a review available to Mr G G Hill-Lewis; if not, why not; if so, by when?
Reply:
1. A scoping review of Proudly South Africa (PSA) was undertaken by the dti in the second half of 2014. The purpose of the scoping review was to gather information which could assist engagements with the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and the PSA Board, which is constituted by NEDLAC, to strengthen the work of PSA.
2. Yes a copy of the scoping review can be made available to the member.
16 February 2016 - NW161
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
What (a) plans and (b) strategies have been put in place by the dti for (i) Armscor and (ii) the SA Defence Industry in order to benefit from the predicted growth in total sector revenues of the global aerospace and defence industry in 2016?
Reply:
(a) & (b) (i) (ii) the dti is working closely with the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industry Association, Armscor, Denel and a range of private sector companies in the aerospace and defence (land and marine) industry.The purpose of this work is to build upon existing domestic value added manufacturing capabilities to increase high value manufacturing both for domestic and export demand; broaden the supplier base; increase employment and contribute to economic growth.
Subject to strategic and confidentiality considerations this work includes stronger deployment of localisation criteria for domestic procurement; the inclusion of aerospace and defence companies in the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP); provision of export support through the Aerospace and Defence Export Council; establishment of Supplier Incentive Scheme for the Aerospace and Defence Industry to further broaden the supplier base and strengthen its integration into the global supply chains and the incorporation of state-owned Aerospace and Defence National Strategic Testing Facilities into the Critical Infrastructure Programme of which the majority are owned by Armscor .
In addition to the above the dti has an Aerospace Industry Support Initiative hosted at and managed by the CSIR. Its intent is to accelerate government strategic objectives such as industrialisation of technologies with stronger emphasis on technology transfer; job creation and industry transformation.
15 February 2016 - NW131
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)(a)Why did Proudly South Africa participate in South Africa’s delegation to the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland and (b) what was the total cost of their participation, including (i) travel, (ii) subsistence and (iii) the events they hosted or sponsored; (2) how does Proudly South African’s participation at Davos correlate with its mandate?NW131E
Reply:
1. (a)The Chief Executive Officer and staff of Proudly South Africa (PSA) report to a Board appointed through the Trade and Investment Chamber of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). With the possible exception of members of this Board having participated in their own or other capacity at the World Economic Forum (WEF) representatives of Proudly SA did not travel to the World Economic Forum which took place in Davos, Switzerland.
(b)Consequently, Proudly SA did not incur any costs associated with the World Economic Forum with respect to (i) travel; (ii) subsistence and (iii) events hosted or sponsored.
2. No correlation is possible or required since PSA did not participate.
26 January 2016 - NW2722
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What is the total number of schools in each province that was identified in December 2016 to (i) have been built with inappropriate materials, (ii) lack sanitation facilities, (iii) have pit latrines, (iv) have no water supply and (v) have no electricity connection and (b) in each case, how many schools are due to have the specified deficiencies corrected by the end of the 2016-17 financial year?
Reply:
(a) i, ii, iii, iv& iv
Province |
Inappropriate |
Sanitation |
Pit only |
Water |
Electricity |
EC |
800 |
61 |
1 585 |
58 |
187 |
FS |
18 |
5 |
196 |
23 |
25 |
GP |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
KZN |
0 |
0 |
1 379 |
0 |
343 |
LP |
0 |
0 |
932 |
0 |
0 |
MP |
16 |
0 |
392 |
0 |
13 |
NW |
5 |
0 |
130 |
0 |
3 |
NC |
29 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
WC |
129 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
1 017 |
66 |
4 625 |
81 |
571 |
(b) The water and sanitation backlogs will be completed in the current 2016/17 financial year and electricity backlogs, which are at different stages of implementation, will be completed in the 2017/18 financial year. Provinces are addressing pit toilets and it is estimated that these will be addressed by the 2018/19 financial year. Inappropriate structures that are part of Accelerated School Infrastructure Development Initiative (ASIDI) will be dealt with by the 2018/19 financial year and additional inappropriate structures that were identified, and are not currently funded, are being factored into the provincial infrastructure programmes. A determination is being made by provinces with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), on the timelines for addressing these.
16 January 2016 - NW2714
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he has taken any action against the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for allegedly ignoring the court judgment issued on 14 April 2014 with regard to the closing down of an illegal shebeen at 102 Handel Street, Kempton Park West, Kempton Park, Gauteng, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No.
I have been informed that (i) the Office of the Chief Justice is not in a position to provide a response, as the Court has done its part by delivering the judgment and to date, there has not been any application for contempt of the relevant court order; and (ii), the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gauteng Local Division, has informed me that this matter was heard in the civil court. No criminal case has been opened.
Therefore, the question should be redirected to the Minister of Safety and Security and/or the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
21 December 2015 - NW4023
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3656 on 3 November 2015, she will provide a comprehensive answer to all questions posed; if not, why not; if so, by when can the comprehensive reply be expected?
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
21 December 2015 - NW4060
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether his department 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; if not, why not; if so, (a) how has ICASA been strengthened, (b) what has ICASA done with its additional powers and (c) to what extent does South Africa now have Information Communication Technology infrastructure that is robust, reliable, secure and most importantly, affordable?
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:
21 December 2015 - NW4030
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any of the entities reporting to her purchased any 2015 Rugby World Cup (i) tickets, (ii) clothing and/or (iii) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (aa) what (aaa) are the details and (bbb) is the total cost of the items purchased, (bb)(aaa) how many items were purchased and (bbb) why, (cc)(aaa) to whom has each specified item been allocated and (bbb) why have the specified items been allocated to the specified persons and (dd)(aaa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each specified item and (bbb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make the specified purchases?
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:
21 December 2015 - NW4187
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) Whether any of the metropolitan municipalities is currently installing a broadband network; if not, why not; if so, (a) which metro and (b) how many kilometers of fibre cable have been installed in each specified metro; (2) Whether each of these municipalities has any free Wi-Fi hotspots; if not, why not; if so, (a) which metros, (b) how many and (c) what is the specified municipality's future plans in this regard?
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
21 December 2015 - NW3066
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
a) How does her department define red tape and b) what (i) specific interventions/or (ii) systems have been implemented to (aa) identify and (bb) reduce red tape in (aaa) her department and (bbb) the entities reporting to her?
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
21 December 2015 - NW4183
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether any of the metropolitan municipalities have any average-speed-overdistance cameras installed in the municipality; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details in each case and (b) has there been any positive results from the installation of these cameras?
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.
21 December 2015 - NW3274
Mhlongo, Mr P to ask the Minister of Police
(1)What (a) total amount did his department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) what is the total amount that his department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?
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
21 December 2015 - NW2991
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
(1) If, given the fact that the protection of investment treaty between SA and Zimbabwe does not retroactively make provision for the protection of the property rights of SA citizens against confiscation and/or illegal occupation before the treaty entered into force, she has had any discussions with the Zimbabwean Government to discuss compensation for the group of South Africans whose property was taken from them unlawfully and which is not protected by the protection of investment treaty; if not, why not, seen against the background of the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the RSA, 1996, and applicable international law; if yes, what are the relevant details; (2) If she is considering taking steps to promote the rights of SA citizens who, before the coming into force of the treaty, were disadvantaged by the Zimbabwean authorities and/or illegal occupiers, and to claim compensation for their losses; if not, why not; seen against the background of the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the RSA, 1996, and applicable international law; if yes, what are the relevant details; (3) What steps will she take with regard to the current unlawful confiscation of the property rights of South African citizens in Zimbabwe by the Zimbabwean Government and/or illegal occupiers?
Reply:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
21 December 2015 - NW3921
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether the Government provides any form of funding to any of the various foreign (a) embassies and/or (b) diplomatic missions located in the country; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, which state’s (i) embassy and/or (ii) diplomatic mission is funded by the Government and (iii) what amount did the country pay to the specified state in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
Quote:
- Yes, funding is provided to a foreign Embassies
- & (ii) The Funding is provided to the Embassy of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic as well as the Palestine Embassy
- The amount paid by the country to the Embassy of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic is as follows:
- 2012-13: R 1 464 000
- 2013-14: R 1 610 000
- 2014-15: R 1 610 000
- The amount paid by the country to the Palestine Embassy is as follows:
- 2012-13: R 1 393 000
- 2013-14: R 1 393 000
- 2014-15: R 1 393 000
UNQUOTE
21 December 2015 - NW4185
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether any of the metropolitan municipalities measure the average time it takes to fix (a) potholes, (b) street lights and (c) traffic lights; if not, why not; if so, (i) which metros, (ii) what is the average time in each case, (iii) how is this measured and (iv) what is the specified municipality doing to improve performance in this area?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the metropolitan municipalities and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4188
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 151 on 26 February 2015, (i) he has received the outstanding information; (ii) if not, why not; if so, (iii) when will the specified information be provided?
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
21 December 2015 - NW4258
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) How many vacancies are there currently in each metropolitan municipality in respect of each job (i) category and (ii) level and (b) for how long has each specified post in each job (i) category and (ii) level been vacant?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4224
Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
(1) Whether South Africa voted in the vote taken on 30 October 2015 in respect of the resolution to accept, among other states, the State of Israel as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space Affairs; if not, why not; if so, in what committee did South Africa vote; (2) Whether the specified resolution will be made available to the public; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the further relevant details; (3) Did South Africa vote in favour of the specified resolution; if not, why not; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details?
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”.
21 December 2015 - NW4228
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether each of the five provinces which have been declared drought disaster areas have been gazetted; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will this be done; if so, on what date in each case; (2) (a) how much money has been allocated for drought relief for each affected province and (b) from which budgets will the specified funds be allocated; (3) (a) which areas are affected in each province, (b) what kind of intervention measures are planned and (c) when will the specified measures commence?
Reply:
- Yes. All the provinces have been gazetted. The details are in the table below:
Province |
Gazette date for drought |
|
17 December 2014 and 20 November 2015 |
|
24 July 2015 |
|
4 September 2015 |
|
13 November 2015 |
|
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 |
|
Ugu District Municpality
Umgungundlovu District Municipality
Uthukela District Municipality
Amajuba District Municipality
Umzinyathi District Municipality
Zululand District Municipality
uMkhanyakude District Municipality
|
|
Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Ruth Mompati District Municipality Bojanala District Municipality Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality |
|
Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality
Fezile Dabi District Municipality
Xhariep District Municipality
Lejweleputswa District Municipality
Mangaung Metropolitan (Premier’s Notice) |
|
Capricorn District Municipality
Mopani District Municipality
Sekhukhune District Municipality
Waterberg
Vhembe
|
(Premier’s Notice) |
|
(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.
21 December 2015 - NW4251
Topham , Mr B to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng has been approached by Rand Water to assist in installing a telemetry system at all its reservoirs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date was the specified municipality approached and (b) what was the response of the specified municipality; (2) (a) what has he found it would cost to install a telemetry system at all the reservoirs in the Ekurhuleni metro and (b) by when could this be done?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4257
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What amount was spent by each metropolitan municipality on advertising in (a) print media, (b) radio, (c) television, (d) online, (e) outdoors and (f) any other medium in the (i) 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since 1 July 2015; (2) in respect of each of the specified advertisements, (a) in which media was it flighted, (b) what was the purpose of the advertisement and (c) what was the cost in each case?
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
The Herald Die Burger Daily Sun Die Son Sunday Times Weekend Post and relevant community newspapers |
The purpose of the advertisements were as follows:
|
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.
21 December 2015 - NW3863
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(1)(a) What was the purpose of her overseas trip in October 2015, (b) which countries did she visit, (c) who did she meet and (d) what were the relevant outcomes of each meeting; (2) what was the total cost of the specified trip?
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.
21 December 2015 - NW3688
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATIONinter
(1) Whether, with reference to the reply to question 103 of 27 March 2002, in which her predecessor stated in paragraph four that the South African Government would continue to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, their property as well as South African-owned companies operating in foreign countries, the Government (a) still subscribes to the undertaking as contained in the said reply and (b) considers itself legally bound to it; if so, (2) Why was there a lack of assistance for farm owners in Zimbabwe during the extensive alienation campaign by the Zimbabwean government in the period prior to the signing of an investment protection agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2009; (3) What does the Government propose to do to add substance to the said undertaking in respect of farms, properties and businesses that had already been alienated in Zimbabwe before the commencement of the said investment protection agreement; (4) Whether the Government is considering the drafting of legislation to create an opportunity to institute claims against Zimbabwe, where the Zimbabwean government’s assets in South Africa can accordingly be claimed as compensation for South African citizens; if not, why not, seen against the background of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and relevant international law; if so, what are the further relevant details? NW4356E
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
21 December 2015 - NW3833
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) How regularly is Vuk’unzenzele published, (b) how many copies of the specified newspaper are distributed in each (i) province and (ii) town and (c) in which towns is the specified newspaper distributed?
Reply:
Minister of Communications
- 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.
- Vuk’uzenzele is distributed as follows;
- 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:
21 December 2015 - NW4152
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any of the entities reporting to her (i) purchased and/or (ii) leased any buildings in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the (aaaa) cost and (bbbb) size of the specified buildings, (bbb) why was it bought or leased, (ccc) what will it be used for, (ddd) who will occupy it and (eee) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building?
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:
21 December 2015 - NW4202
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What are the reasons for (a) his and (b) the Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board’s failure to (i) table and/or (ii) issue the intergovernmental report commissioned by the Minister of Finance on the financial viability and sustainability of the affected municipalities of the latest round of the redeterminations of their outer boundaries to the North Gauteng High Court, which presided over the case that related to the specified redeterminations?
Reply:
Any matter of concern to the member’s political party should or can be raised in the litigation process if the law permits.
21 December 2015 - NW3955
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to R93 million that was written off by her department as reflected in its 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) what are the names of the (i) companies and/or (ii) persons whose debt was written off and (b) what are the reasons in each case?
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:
21 December 2015 - NW4255
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, for each of the metropolitan municipalities, any (a) municipal mayors, (b) deputy municipal mayors, (c) municipal speakers and (d) other municipal official are provided with bodyguards; if so, (i) why are the specified persons provided with bodyguards and (ii) what is the (aa) current monthly cost and (bb) total cost for the 2014-15 financial year in each case?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4201
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether he had any form of consultation with (a) the Minister of Finance and/or (b) any other (i) person or (ii) entity regarding the contents of an intergovernmental report commissioned by the Minister of Finance on the latest round of the redeterminations of municipal boundaries to assess the financial viability and sustainability of the specified proposed amalgamations; if not, why not; if so, what were the outcomes in each case?
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
21 December 2015 - NW3959
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With reference to the R918 million under spending of her department’s Programme 4: Regional Implementation and Support, as indicated in its 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) which (i) regions and (ii) municipalities are affected and (b) what are the full relevant details of each project that is affected in each of the specified (i) regions and (ii) municipalities?
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---
21 December 2015 - NW3829
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
(1) Whether she or her Department contacted or been contacted by any 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; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the relevant details of the communication? NW4575E
Reply:
- 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.
- 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.
- The National Prosecuting Authority is the South African authority that is handling this issue.
UNQUOTE
21 December 2015 - NW2140
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What amount has the SA Broadcasting Corporation budgeted to upgrade its gym at Auckland Park to a wellness studio (details furnished), (b) what is the difference between a gym and a wellness studio which motivated for a wellness studio, (c) how much does the current gym cost per annum to (i) staff and (ii) maintain and (d) how much will the envisaged wellness studio cost per annum to (i) staff and (ii) maintain? NVV2451E
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
21 December 2015 - NW4236
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) What amount was spent on legal fees by the Tlokwe City Local Municipality in the North West in the (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) what is the breakdown of the specified amounts?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Tlokwe City Local Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4264
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What total amount does the Kannaland Local Municipality in the Northern Cape pay for (a) salaries and/or (b) wages in each month; (2) whether the size of the specified municipality’s wage bill is in line with those of municipalities of a similar size; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details;
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Kannaland Local Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4259
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What amount of capital budget of each metropolitan municipality was spent on refurbishing infrastructure in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years; (2) (a) what are the details of each project and (b) how much was spent on each project; (3) whether any capital funds were used to pay salaries; if so, (a) why and (b) how much?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4182
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
With reference to his comments at the inter-ministerial briefing on drought held on 13 November 2015, where he requested municipalities to report on the extent of the drought and water shortages they are facing, for each municipality, (a) what is the situation as reported and (b) what assistance is being offered to mitigate the reported water problems?
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.
21 December 2015 - NW3806
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) (a) What total amount has the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) spent on advertising in each month on (i) community radio stations, (ii) community print media entities, (iii) community TV stations and (iv) small commercial publications in the period 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2015, (b) what individual amounts were spent on each (i) community radio station, (ii) community print media entity, (iii) community TV station and (iv) small commercial publication and (c) on what dates were the specified adverts placed; (2) what percentage of the GCIS’s advertising budget is spent on (a) community media and (b) commercial media? NW4550E
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:
21 December 2015 - NW4186
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether any of the metropolitan municipalities measure the time it takes to respond to burst water pipes; if not, why not; if so, (a) which metros, (b) what is the average time, (c) how is this measured and (d) what is the specified municipality doing to improve performance in this area?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the metropolitan municipalities and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
21 December 2015 - NW4239
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
What was the vacancy rate at each police station in the (a) City of Tshwane, (b) Nelson Mandela Bay, (c) City of Johannesburg, (d) Ekurhuleni and (e) Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipalities (i) in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2015?
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.
21 December 2015 - NW4114
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) What due diligence was conducted by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency prior to it entering into a contract with the Siyenza Group to construct toilets in the Northern Cape? (2) were any checks conducted on Siyenza Group with respect to their (a) tax clearance and (b) Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) status; if not, why not in each case; if so, (i) what were the outcomes of the specified checks and (ii) why were the (aa) discrepancies and/or (bb) fraudulent nature of the evidence provided not revealed; (3) whether the way forward to regularising the specified contract will involve an open, competitive bidding process; if not, why not; if so, will the (a) process be open to new contractors and (b) CIDB compliance be verified?
Reply:
- 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. .
21 December 2015 - NW4256
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether each metropolitan municipality has taken any steps to enable citizens to become physically fit by (a) providing outdoor gym equipment, (b) initiating fitness programmes and/or (c) any other initiatives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Metros and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
18 December 2015 - NW4001
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department implemented the recommendation of the 2012 National Education Evaluation and Development Unit’s report dated 2 May 2013, which stated that principals must be held accountable for time use in the school; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, the Department is implementing the recommendation progressively. The recommendation as contained in the 2012 National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU) report focuses mainly on the role of the Circuit Manager (CM) and principal in time management practices; and Human Resource (HR) policies and procedures including leave management.
Principals are responsible for maintaining efficient time management practices in their schools. Circuit Managers are responsible for ensuring that principals do their jobs in this regard. Circuit Managers must work with principals in schools in which time is not optimally used for teaching and learning. Principals must be assisted to exert firm leadership and sound time keeping practices throughout the school. CMs and principals must be equipped with training in basic HR procedures. Each province needs a strong HR school strategy, including leave management, and a provincial level capacity to deal with problematic cases.
In line with the recommendation, the Department has strengthened the National Strategy for Learner Attainment (NSLA) to monitor and support teaching and learning in schools. One of the key pillars of the NSLA is strong leadership and management. The National Development Plan (NDP) outlines the importance of having sound management in the school to build a strong and coherent set of institutions for delivering quality education, namely “Skilled and dedicated principals to foster a vibrant but disciplined environment that is conducive to learning”. The objectives of the NSLA framework include:
- Enhanced accountability at all levels of the system;
- Greater focus on basic functionality of schools;
- Protecting time for teaching and learning;
- Improved support for teaching and learning; and
- Increased efforts on time on task.
a) Training has also been offered in provinces for school principals and circuit managers on curriculum management. A total of 1 224 Circuit Managers and 8 020 principals respectively, were trained from March to September 2015. Among others, the training sought to optimise and strengthen the implementation of the time on task in the delivery of curriculum through teaching and learning in schools.
b) The policy on the South African Standard for Principalship has been approved and should be published in a gazette beginning of 2016. The policy foregrounds some key areas for leadership and management in response to the recommendation in the report pertaining to principals, for example:
- Leading teaching and learning in the school – five main kinds of leadership;
- Managing quality of teaching and learning and securing accountability;
- Managing the school as an organisation; and
- Managing human resources (staff) in the school.
c) With regard to time management, Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) have their own uniquely tailored programmes to monitor schools according to their contexts. As part of monitoring, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has developed an instrument to verify management documents such as school time tables, class timetables, personal teacher time tables, leave registers, time book/registers, et cetera. District officials (including Circuit Managers) regularly visit schools for monitoring and support purposes in this regard. At both the provincial and district levels the officials analyse the monitoring reports and develop action plans to support schools.
d) The accountability of school principals will be strengthened through the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) for school based educators. The QMS makes provision for principals to agree on and sign work plans with their immediate supervisor (i.e. Circuit Manager). The work plan will have clear deliverables that are time bound. Circuit Managers must work with principals in schools to ensure that time is optimally used for teaching and learning.
Although the QMS was agreed to by all parties to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) in November 2014, the QMS will be implemented once all parties signs.
18 December 2015 - NW4028
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) Whether the contract awarded by the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to a certain company (name furnished) to secure a studio for the 2015 Rugby World Cup was put out to tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that submitted bids for the tender and (b) what are the further relevant details of each tender; (2) whether any written submissions were received by the SABC before the specified contract was awarded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the written submissions that were received; (3) whether the SABC Board of Directors approved the final amount offered to the specified company in the specified contract; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of its approval; (4) Whether the awarding of the specified contract involved any deviation from the SABC’s tender procedures; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, (5) whether any form of approval was sought from the SABC Board of Directors for said deviation; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what statutory provisions did the SABC’s (i) Chief Operating Officer and (ii) Chief Financial Officer rely to deviate from the SABC’s tender procedures; if so, on what date was the deviation in the SABC’s tender procedures (aa) approved and (bb) communicated to the (aaa) National Treasury and (bbb) Auditor-General in line with Treasury regulations?
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.
(a) Not applicable
(b) none
(2) Written submissions were received from the company responding to the needs of the SABC, including Architectural design, including references
(3) The approval of the amounts offered was in terms of the Delegation of Authority Framework. The amount of the awards was 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) No
(a) As per the DAF, the amount of the awards was 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 NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
18 December 2015 - NW3809
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)With regard to the contract for water rights signed between the Lepelle Northern Water Board and Southern Palace 440 (Pty) Ltd in 2012, (a) what is the extent of the specified contract, (b) what is the period of the contract and (c) did the contract go out on tender; if not, why not; if so, what (i) is the tender number and (ii) are the names of the other parties who submitted tenders; 2) was this contract ever investigated by her department; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the outcome of the investigation, (b) did her department take any steps in this regard and (c) is the contract valid; (3) (a) what is the price per cubic metre at which water is sold to the specified company, (b) how is the specified company’s usage measured and (c) at what price does the specified company resell the water; (4) (a) when did the specified contract start, (b) how many cubic metres of water in total has been sold to the specified company by the end of September 2015 and (c) does the specified company owe any money to the Lepelle Northern Water Board; (5) whether her department approved the specified contract; if not, why not; if so, (a) who approved the specified contract, (b) when was it approved and (c) can she supply the approval letter?
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.
---00O00---
18 December 2015 - NW3961
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What is her department’s policy position in respect of the established practice of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to broadcast live coverage of the monthly breakfast briefings of The New Age and (b) what are the relevant details of the (i) cost incurred by the SABC to cover the specified briefings and (ii) who is responsible for paying these costs?
Reply:
(a) The SABC's core principle in such partnerships is that the SABC maintains its editorial control and objectivity in line with the Editorial policy and conduct. The New Age/ SABC Business Briefings affords SABC news content that is extraordinary. Based on the news value brought about by this partnership, the SABC will continue to seek similar partnerships with other stakeholders with same vision.
(b) (i) SABC is responsible for the technical and Editorial production of the broadcast
while The New Age covers logistical costs.
(ii) This means the SABC provides human resources like Presenters and cameraman while The New Age is responsible for venue hiring costs, breakfast, as well as branding and marketing costs.
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
18 December 2015 - NW4161
Lekota, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic
(1) Whether, in view of the fact that the national debt will have topped two trillion rand in early December and the debt service cost is currently at R125 billion, remaining the largest line item in the budget, the Government was taking proactive measures to downsize Government substantially and immediately, as Brazil had to do because of its financial woes, in order to put the brakes on consumption side expenditure and to prioritise funds for infrastructure development and service delivery without having to resort to hiking taxes to unbearable levels; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the envisaged downsizing and the resultant savings; (2) whether he will make a statement on the affordability and sustainability of the Government in all three spheres?
Reply:
- Government’s central fiscal objective over the medium term is to stabilise the growth of debt as a share of GDP. Continued revenue growth and strict adherence to the planned expenditure ceiling are projected to result in gross debt stabilising at 49.4 per cent of GDP in 2018/19. While the 2015 MTBPS fiscal framework does not assume further increases to taxes over what was announced at the time of the 2015 Budget, spending growth is expected to slow during 2016/17. From 2017/18, the fiscal framework allows for moderate real growth in spending aligned with the longer-term trend of economic growth. The sustainability of our spending path is further illustrated when looking at the split between current and capital expenditure. Between 2016/17 – 2018/19 the current balance (the gap between revenue and operational spending) gradually moves into surplus, while the deficit on capital payments and transfers declines by the outer year. Other measures to improve efficiency of spend and realise savings include: greater use of expenditure reviews, rationalisation of staff establishments, procurement reforms and the development of a capital budgeting framework.
- The national budget looks at consolidated spend – which includes national departments and provinces, as well as transfers to local government under the division of revenue. To improve how money is spent at each sphere, a number of reviews have started to take place. These include: relooking at the division of revenue formula to ensure it takes spending pressures across provinces into account fairly, and changes to local government infrastructure grants which emanate from a review process that the National Treasury is leading in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, the South African Local Government Association, and the Financial and Fiscal Commission.
18 December 2015 - NW3734
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)With reference to her reply to question 3440 on 1 October 2015, how many newly built schools were delivered in the Eastern Cape in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) (a) what is each specified school’s (i) name and (ii) location, (b) when was each specified school completed, (c) when did teaching commence at each specified school and (d) through which (i) programme or (ii) implementing agent was each specified school financed?
Reply:
- A total of 90 schools were completed and delivered in the Eastern Cape during the 2014/15 financial year, with 35 under the ASIDI Programme and 55 under the Provincial Equitable Share and Education Infrastructure Grant Programme. Information is still awaited from the Eastern Cape Department of Education to confirm the number of newly built schools from the 55 that were completed.b
- The response to Questions 2 (a) (i), 2 (a) (ii); 2(b), 2(d) (i) and 2(d) (ii) is provided on the attached spreadsheet.
The response to Question 2(c) is that the construction activities do not interrupt teaching activities. Teaching continues as the construction activities take place with access to construction sites being barred off from access by school children, thereby responding to Occupational Health and Safety requirements. Where the existing school structures need to be demolished and replaced with new ones, temporary structures are provided, thus further ensuring that teaching continues.
18 December 2015 - NW4029
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) Whether the contracts awarded by the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to certain companies (names furnished) were put out to tender; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the companies that submitted bids for the tenders and (b) what are the further relevant details of each tender; (2) whether any written submissions were received by the SABC before the specified contracts were awarded; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the written submissions that were received; (3) whether the SABC Board of Directors approved the final amounts offered to the specified companies in the specified contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each approval; (4) whether the awarding of the specified contracts involved any deviation from the SABC’s tender procedures; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, (5) whether any form of approval was sought from the SABC Board of Directors for said deviations; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what statutory provisions did the SABC’s (i) Chief Operating Officer and (ii) Chief Financial Officer rely to deviate from the SABC’s tender procedures; if so, on what date was the deviation in the SABC’s tender procedures (aa) approved and (bb) communicated to the (aaa) National Treasury and (bbb) Auditor-General in line with Treasury regulations? NW4897E
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:
18 December 2015 - NW4254
Balindlela, Ms ZB to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether any of the country’s metropolitan municipalities are currently treating effluent for reuse; if not, why not; if so, for each specified metro, (a) what percentage of effluent that passes through the treatment works is currently being reused, (b) how many of the wastewater treatment works are equipped to produce treated effluent for reuse and (c) for what purpose is the effluent being reused; (2) whether she has taken any steps to encourage the recycling of effluent by municipalities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
---00O00---