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1. The Limpopo Department of Education has addressed 2339 sanitation challenges, out of a total of sanitation challenges at 3589 schools, leaving a remainder of 1250 schools, which will be addressed during the 2023/24 financial year.
2. The Limpopo Department of Education reported that 2339 schools have already been served with appropriate toilets.
3. According to our records, there are 380 learners in Lekgwareng Primary School in Limpopo.
4. In order to conform to the minimum uniform norms and standards for school infrastructure, the school require 24 appropriate toilets.
5. Limpopo Department of Education reported that there are only 4 appropriate toilets and 10 basic pits at the school.
6. Limpopo Department of Education reported that the sanitation project for additional toilets at this school is scheduled for tender in August 2023, with construction to start in January 2024. 

Reply:

The Limpopo  Department of Education has allocated the projects to the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to implement. The IDT is currently busy with procurement processes for the appointment of contractors. The following monitoring mechanisms are implemented by the province to ensure that the projects are completed on time

• Bi- weekly technical and progress meetings to monitor progress at site level.:
• Monthly meetings with all the implementing agents to review progress on all the projects under their management.
• For IDT specifically there is an additional monthly progress review meeting which includes PSPs and contractors. 
• The HODs office hold quarterly meetings with IAs to review performance and to discuss specific project issues

Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation office regularly conducts inspections and audits on the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Collector Systems (WWCS) including wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and sewer networks in all Water Services Institution (WSIs) in the Free State Province including the Mangaung Metro Municipality. The inspections are intended to assess if WWCS are operated and maintained in a manner that does not pose risks contamination of water resources thus increasing risks to human health and the environment.

The final effluent released back to the water resource is also monitored to ensure compliance with water use authorization conditions or general authorization limits where water use authorization is not available. Administrative Enforcement by issuing of non-compliance notices or directives is done to the WSIs. This is to ensure that there is improvement on the status of sanitation infrastructure operation and maintenance and the quality final effluent released back to the water resources. In areas where there are material breaches, DWS can follow the civil or criminal measures.

Ward 6 in Mangaung is served by the Sterkwater WWTW and Bloemspruit WWTW. The Sterkwater WWTW is non-operational while the Bloemspruit WWTW is partially operational. The non-functionality of the wastewater systems affects sewer network and causes sewer spillages in. The DWS issued with Directive in 2021 by DWS for poor operation and maintenance which causes sewer spillages with respect to the Bloemspruit WWTW.

The DWS is in the process of issuing with a Notice for intention to issue a Directive with respect to the Sterkwater wastewater plant. During routine inspections, Sterkwater WWTW was found to be operational albeit with some operation and maintenance problems. Upon follow up in July 2022, the plant was found to be non-functional.

The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) was funded with R100 million through the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) in February 2023 to address the refurbishment of WWTWs and pump stations and eradicate sewer spillages amongst other municipal challenges. The scope of work for the water and sanitation projects included the following:

• Condition assessment and refurbishment of sewer pumpstations, WWTW as well as bulk and reticulation sewer networks.
• Preventative maintenance on the sewer network components
• Emergency attendance to sewer infrastructure blockages and failures

Based on the report submitted by MMM to DWS in June 2023, the status of the project to refurbish the Bloemspruit WWTW was at 50% while the status for the project Sterkwater WWTW project was at 35%.

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The question falls under the Executive Authority of the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Gauteng. The Member is kindly requested to refer the question to the MEC for Gauteng as per section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 134 (5)(b) of the NA rules. 

Reply:

a)  The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) monitors the condition of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure through three incentive-based regulatory mechanisms:

• The Green Drop Report, which focuses on sanitation (waste-water treatment systems and effluent quality)
• The Blue Drop Report, which focuses on water (water treatment and water quality)
• The No Drop Report, which focuses on non-revenue water and water losses through leakages

The Blue and Green Drop Assessments results have shown that numerous municipalities lack the financial and technical capacity to manage water services adequately. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has a constitutional obligation to support municipalities, as well as to regulate the provision of water and sanitation services. The Minister has crisscrossed the country visiting those municipalities with severe challenges with water and sanitation services. In many of the worst performing municipalities, Minister and municipal leadership have agreed on improvement plans. In certain instances, the Minister has set-up both Political and Technical Committees comprising of various institutions to oversee and drive the implementations of these plans/projects.

b) Based on the Blue and Green Drop assessment findings, municipalities are required to develop and submit corrective action plans to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The improvement plans include a range of short, medium, and long-term projects to improve water and sanitation infrastructure.

Furthermore, the DWS together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Department of Human Settlement and National Treasury are in the process of developing the National Action Plan to implement the corrective or improvement plans.

Both these plans will be funded through the DWS’ Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and CoGTA’s Municipal Infrastructure Grant.

Furthermore, the Minister is strengthening the capacity of Water Boards to assist municipalities to implement these improvement plans. There are a number of projects that are being implemented throughout the country with the assistance of Water Boards and the DWs’ Construction Unit.

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Reply:

Raw water is drawn from rivers and dams and treated in Water Treatment Works by either water boards or municipalities before it is supplied to households. The treated water is required by law to meet drinking water standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards in South African National Standard (SANS) 241. Municipalities and water boards are also required to conduct regular tests on the treated water to ensure that it complies with the standard.

After the water has been utilised by households, it goes through the sewer system to municipal Waste Water Treatment Works. The Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) processes the sewage and effluent is discharged into the rivers. The effluent from WWTW is also required to meet minimum standards, set by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

In terms of SANS241 and the norms and standards issued by DWS under the Water Services Act, when the tests carried out by a municipality indicate that the water supplied poses a health risk, the municipality must inform its consumers that the quality of the water that it supplies poses a health risk. To date, the original sources of the cholera infections in different parts of the country have not been located.

It is important to note that cholera is not only spread through polluted water. Outbreaks of cholera are caused either by people ingesting sewage-polluted water, or by faecal-oral means; through poor hygiene, eating contaminated food, or by coming into contact with the faeces of an infected person. Sewage pollution of rivers can also result in cholera bacteria entering the rivers via the faeces of an infected person or people.

In terms of the National Water Act, the Department issues compliance Notices and Directives to municipalities that are not compliant with norms and standards, instructing them to remedy the non-compliance. Where the Notices and Directives are not acted upon, the Department institutes legal action against the municipalities.

The Department is also supporting and intervening in many municipalities across the country with grant funding to address infrastructure deficits and improve water and sanitation services. The Department, collaborating with Water Boards is also assisting the municipalities with technical expertise and management support.

The Department is in the process of strengthening its role as the regulator of water services. This includes developing more comprehensive and more stringent norms and standards for water service and standardising its regulatory processes so that it is more consistent with its regulatory actions.

To conclude, the results of the 2023 Watch Reports also indicate that legislative reforms may be required to ensure that water service providers are professionally managed, capable, efficient and financially viable institutions. The Department is in the process of consulting with water sector stakeholders regarding such reforms.

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Reply:

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Nkomazi Local Municipality (LM) conducted a site inspection that included Ericsville and surrounding villages including Ericsville, Ka-Hhoyi, Goba and Mbangwane. The inspection covered six reservoirs (three concrete and three elevated steel tanks) as well as the Masibekela Water Treatment Works.

The water scheme comprises of three phases of 7ML/day per phase producing a total of 21ML/day. The Nkomazi LM reported that 10.5ML of water is supplied to the eastern side of the scheme, which Ericsville is part of, and 10ML of water is supplied though the Sibande Water Supply Scheme on the western side.

However, the Masibekela Water Supply Scheme was damaged by the February 2023 floods which resulted in about 90% of the raw pumping house being submerged in the Komati River. More damage was caused to the two 55kw water pumps were damaged which were subsequently replaced with one emergency 37kw water pump. Due to the reduced capacity of the Masibekela scheme, the Nkomazi LM currently relies on the three 7ML concrete reservoirs that are on southern side of Mbangwane to store and supply water to the community.

The municipality reported that Ericsville has grown rapidly over the years and that the water supply status in the area is as follows:

• There are portions of Ericsville that are reticulated but are not receiving water on a daily basis due to damage sustained by the Masibekela water supply scheme in February 2023.
• The new extension of Ericsville where the 100 households are located, is not yet reticulated and is part of 10 other villages that are supplied by a 18 000L water tanker owned by the municipality.
• The bulk line that supplies reservoirs at Mbangwane also has illegal connections which also contribute to water shortages in Ericsville.
• There are plans for the municipality has plans to procure two more water tankers in the 2023/24 financial year as a short term measure to address water supply shortages.

The municipality also reported that it has received disaster funds R8 million to restore the pumpstation at Masibekela so that can operate at full capacity. While this will not eliminate water shortages for all the households in Ericsville, it will assist the communities that are reticulated to receive water more frequently.

The municipality indicated that it requires R740 million to implement long term interventions to upgrade the water treatment works, bulk and associated infrastructure to ensure the communities in Masibekela are supplied with water sustainably. The DWS will provide financial support of R90 million for reticulation projects in the municipality over the medium term through the Water Supply Infrastructure Grant. The municipality will have to apply to the DWS to access Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant funding for the upgrade of the Masibekela water supply scheme and associated bulk water infrastructure projects.

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Reply:

Outbreaks of cholera are caused either by people ingesting sewage-polluted water, or by faecal-oral means - through poor hygiene, eating contaminated food or by coming into contact with the faeces of an infected person. Sewage pollution of rivers can result in cholera bacteria entered the rivers via the faeces of an infected person or people.

DWS released its Green Drop report in 2022, which indicated that the performance of many municipal wastewater treatment systems is deteriorating. The report identified 334 wastewater systems in a critical state of performance, in 90 municipalities. This means that many municipalities are discharging effluent from their wastewater (sewage) treatment works which does not meet the specified treatment levels, which in turn is resulting in pollution of rivers. The Vaal River is one of the worst polluted rivers in South Africa.

DWS has been carrying out weekly tests for cholera in the Vaal River at the point in Ngwathe where AfriForum tests initially indicated the presence of cholera bacteria, which was as a result of the proximity of a sewage-spilling manhole situated near the watercourse. DWS tests at the

site have not yet identified cholera bacteria. However, this does not mean that the AfriForum tests were incorrect. Cholera-infected faeces can be present at a particular point in the river at a particular time but may later flow downstream. DWS will conduct further tests downstream.

DWS has been informing members of the public that rivers, dams, and streams contain raw (untreated) water, and this water is not suitable for human consumption. Members of the public are therefore urged to avoid consuming untreated water sourced from such water bodies unless it is first disinfected. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has also set out guidelines that should be followed regarding safe drinking water.

Municipalities are required by law to carry out regular tests of treated drinking water before it is provided to communities. Drinking water provided by municipalities is safe to drink if municipalities are carrying out the tests as required and if the tests show that the water meets the standards for drinking water as set by the South African Bureau of Standards.

Beyond producing the Blue, Green and No Drop monitoring reports, DWS is engaged in several initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of pollution of rivers by municipal wastewater treatment works. Firstly, the Minister has agreed on action plans to address infrastructural deficiencies in many of the worst performing municipalities, and DWS is assisting municipalities with funding from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to address these deficiencies. Secondly, DWS is taking regulatory action in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities. Thirdly, DWS is drafting amendments to the Water Services Act to strengthen its role as the regulator of municipal water and sanitation services and to enable the Minister to intervene effectively when there is non-compliance with directives to stop pollution.

a) Since the announcement of the cholera outbreak in the Free State Province in May 2023, in the Ngwathe Local Municipality (Vredefort and Parys), DWS has been collecting water samples on weekly basis to ensure that communities are receiving drinking water which is compliant to the South African National Standard (SANS) 241 and is safe for human consumption. Water samples were also collected at drinking water sources such as:

• Boreholes and Water Treatment Works (WTW) from the 2 towns (Parys and Vredefort)
• Raw water at the inlet into both Parys and Vredefort WTW
• Effluent discharged back into the Vaal River from both the Parys and Vredefort Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW).

b) The DWS has been working with all relevant stakeholders to deal with the cholera outbreak in Free State and is is part of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) established to deal with the cholera outbreak in Ngwathe Local Municipality (LM). The team includes the Ngwathe LM, Fezile Dabi District Municipality (DM), and Department of Health. This team meets twice a week a week and the RRT briefs the Member of Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Health in the Free State on a number of issues including water supply and quality issues every Sunday evening.

To maximise the impact on the ground in terms interventions, a task team has also been established to coordinate the responses specifically on the improvement of water quality. This team is led by the DWS, and includes the Department of Health, Fezile Dabi DM, and Ngwathe LM. Sample collection is carried out as follows:

• • The DWS collects samples from all the drinking water sources (boreholes and WTW) in Vredefort and Parys, raw water at the inlet at the Parys and Vredefort WTW, and

Wastewater final effluent discharged back into the Vaal River from both the Parys and Vredefort Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW).

• • The Fezile Dabi DM collects samples in the distribution network for the Vredefort and Parys towns including the water tanks.
  • The Ngwathe LM continues with their operational monitoring including parts of the distribution network.

c) DWS has been providing financial support to the Ngwathe LM with water and Sanitation projects through its grants. There is a project to refurbish the Parys WTW intended to bring relief to the area and ensure that water quality is compliant with norms and standards. For the 2023/24 financial year, the DWS has allocated R50 million under RBIG and R14,021 million under WSIG for water and sanitation interventions in Ngwathe LM.

The DWS also established a War Room with the Ngwathe LM to deal with all the water supply and water quality challenges in the municipality so that immediate interventions can be implemented. The War Room is comprised of the Ngwathe LM, Fezile Dabi DM, the DWS, CoGTA and MISA. The meetings are held twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Reply:

a) There were 2 294 lifer profile reports that were considered by the Minister between 1 January 2022 and 31 May 2023.

b) There are 146 lifer profile reports that are still being processed.

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CDC: INCARCERATION AND CORRECTIONS

DATE

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The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) as the custodian of agriculture, gears its efforts to ensure the attainment of sustainable food security in the country. Rising food prices is regarded by DALRRD as one of the major drivers for food access challenges in the country. As such, tracking the trends of food prices, deriving insights for the prevailing trends that drive food and commodity price margins is critical for the Department towards identifying actions when food security is threatened. Vigilance is ensured through assessments that are continuously conducted by the Food Price Monitoring Committee at the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC). According to the NAMC’s monthly food price monitor, the nominal cost of the 28-item urban food basket increased by 10,1% in May 2023 compared to May 2022, costing R1 182,76 versus R1 073,86 in 2023. During this period, vegetables contributed the most to the observed food inflation followed by dairy and eggs. Food inflation has a particular negative impact on the poor who spend a greater proportion of their income on food, even when they consume the cheapest options.

(a),(i),(ii),(ii) The South African producers / farmers at various scales of production have generally been affected by the high agricultural production inputs costs. These include the price trends for domestic fertilizers that were experienced building up to the summer crops production season in 2022. Fertilizer prices increased drastically and fluctuated throughout the summer crops production season due to the global markets price volatility in response to lower global supply. Energy insecurity further exacerbates the situation of high inputs costs. This eventually translates to lower profit margins from farm gate prices for the producers, especially for those that are at the small scale, yet it also translates to higher prices paid by consumers from retailers. However, on the positive note for consumers, including small scale producers as consumers of other food items that they do not produce; the RSA food inflation is anticipated to reduce in the coming months due to the new good local grain stocks being harvested.

(b) Interventions to insulate poor households from hunger and chronic poverty: DALRRD remains committed to supporting agricultural producers with several programmes that are implemented as a deliberate effort to cushion households against hunger and food insecurity in the country. The overall objective of these programmes is to expand domestic food production through strengthening subsistence (vulnerable and household producers), smallholder and medium commercial producers to ensure basic food availability and livelihoods resilience at household level as well as to retain self-employment in agriculture sector.

In addition to the annual support that is provided by DALRRD through the Comprehensive Producer Support Programme (CASP) and Ilima Letsema, DALRRD is currently supporting subsistence producers through the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). The support is rendered through provision of agricultural production inputs or vouchers for commodities such as fruits & vegetables, grains, poultry, small and large stock. The support targets the women, youth, child-headed households, people living with disabilities and Military Veterans. The provision of inputs to this category of producers has cushioned several producers against the high inputs prices and has strengthened the household’s livelihoods and resilience against shocks and hazards.

Reply:

(1) – (5) As stated in many previous public statements and I reiterate that nothing was loaded onto Lady R, but rather, Lady R was delivering equipment that was ordered by SANDF pre –Covid in 2018/19. When the pandemic struck it affected every aspect of our lives and things came to a standstill. Thus the delay delivery of the equipment. We want to reiterate that the order for such a delivery stands and that there was no export of anything from our entities through Lady R.

The President of the country and Commander in Chief of the South African National Defence Force, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed an independent panel under the chairmanship of Judge Mojapelo to conduct an inquiry into the Russian ship, Lady R.

Any disclosure could reasonably prejudice the investigation or may result in a contravention or possible contravention of the law, on conclusion of the inquiry which is about to commence or is in progress.
It is therefore prudent that the panel be granted space and time to finilize its investigation and to bring this matter to its ultimate conclusion within its mandate.

(T.R. MODISE)

MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS: MP

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The former CEO of Eskom indicated in passing that he was undertaking an investigation into corruption in Eskom.

I did not approve any “R500 million security tender”,

I do not get involved in tender issues by SOEs,

I did not approve, nor was I asked to approve any investigation.

It is now a well-established fact that massive corruption took place during the State Capture period by foreign and local companies and individuals within Eskom. Some of these activities continue to occur, involving both “outsiders” and “insiders”.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

1. The role and responsibilities of a Shareholder Representative on behalf of the Government requires that the negotiated Shareholder’s Compact, is agreed to between me and the Board, annually. My role is, therefore, to assist the Board to meet these targets within the context of the State-Owned Companies (SOC’s) operating environment. As a Shareholder Representative such support is extended to the CEOs and considered critical to ensure success. My support to the Chief Executives of the SOCs is therefore underpinned by good governance principles as espoused in the PFMA, 1999, and the Companies Act, 2008. As a Shareholder Representative, I continue to support the leadership of Eskom, working with stakeholders, to ensure sustainable improvement in performance.

2. In terms of Eskom’s governance framework, the Chief Executive’s employment and performance contract is with the Board of Directors and not with the Shareholder Representative. The Chief Executive is responsible and accountable to the Board for his performance, strategy implementation and the management of the affairs of the company. According to Eskom, the performance indicators for the Group Chief Executive are agreed to at the beginning of each financial year.  These indicators are based on the Shareholder’s Compact.  Performance at year-end is based on the achievement of the shareholders compact. During the tenure of the former Chief Executive, it is extremely disappointing to note that Eskom’s power stations Energy Availability Factor (EAF) was 78% in 2018.  The EAF declined to 69.9% in 2019 and has continued to current levels (May 2023) of 52%.  At the time of announcement of the resignation of the former GCE, in December 2022, EAF was 57.2% with different levels of loadshedding daily.

As the Executive Authority, I intervened to assist in improving EAF. I have met with Power Station Managers on numerous occasions as well as Power Station Cluster Managers in order to assist in improving the EAF performance.

I reiterate that the entire recruitment process was managed by the then Board in 2019. The Board formulated a shortlist of candidates. The Board conducted the interviews. The Board submitted two candidates for the shareholder to consider. Both candidates were engaged with by four Ministers, whereafter the concurrence of Cabinet was obtained.

Ultimately the Board is responsible for the performance of the CEO and management team. Despite the many efforts, as set out above, to assist the team, it would appear that, the CEO’s focus was misdirected. This is now receiving the attention of the new Board.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

Department

The board is responsible for ensuring that:

1. Eskom has procurement policies and procedures that comply with procurement laws applicable in the public sector; and
2. any procurement initiative that the company undertakes is done consistently with prescripts.

The department does not get involved in operational activities of Eskom, including procurement of goods and services by the company. However, the department has a process in place to oversee that when allegations of maladministration are reported concerning the affairs of Eskom, an investigation is conducted; and should the allegations be confirmed, recommendations are fully implemented.

To this end, the department is monitoring Eskom’s investigation into the matter as part of the process that is in place to track forensic investigations and implementation of recommendations emanating from them. If the board of a SOE is unable to comply with the PFMA provisions, the failure to comply must be disclosed to the Minister of Public Enterprises. The Department of Public Enterprises is not aware of any investigation concerning the affairs any of the SOEs under the Ministry that is funded by private companies and/or through donor funds. Records available to the department indicates that none of the SOEs are conducting any investigation that is funded by a private company or through donor funding. The department is aware of investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies into the affairs of SOEs, and is actively monitoring progress relating to this, including implementation recommendations emanating from them.

According to information received from ESKOM

Eskom has its own Forensics and Anti-Corruption Department which provides an independent and objective forensic service into fraud, corruption, and general and financial irregularities in the company. Our internal capacity is augmented by a panel of external investigators. This service, including the costs of the panel, are funded from Eskom’s own operating account, and no investigations are funded by external entities or private donors. In cases where our forensic investigations uncover criminal conduct, these are referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

Furthermore, the Eskom Forensic Department is already investigating the security tender and the question raised is part of what will be looked into. Eskom will public the findings of its investigation once the process has been concluded.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to the information received from SAA

a) In December 2019, SAA was placed under business rescue due to poor financial performance. SAA exited business rescue on 30 April 2021 having substantially implemented the business rescue plan and passed both the liquidity and solvency tests. SAA received from Government R10.5 billion out of R14 billion required to implement the business rescue plan in 2020/21 financial year. A further R1 billion was received in 2022/23 financial year.

The airline has managed to settle some of the business rescue obligations from its own resources and an amount of R1.566 billion now remains to complete paying the business rescue obligations.

b) To date, the airline has paid R2.5 billion of the R3.6 billion of unflown Ticket Liability (UTL) that was outstanding when SAA ceased operations during business rescue process. The airline continues to settle UTL monthly as requests for refund are submitted by passengers. The balance of the UTL not settled from the monthly refunds will be paid when the funds from Government of the outstanding R1.566 billion mentioned above is allocated.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to the information received from Transnet

1. Transnet SOC has presented its full plan covering all the Operating Divisions including Freight Rail to the Select Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Public Enterprises 31 May 2023, chaired by the Honorable Mr Zolani Mkiva and to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises. This plan provides details on the Turnaround Strategy for Transnet Freight Rail. The plan is anchored principally on partnerships with the private sector in dealing with the challenges associated with infrastructure investment, addressing security and vandalism of infrastructure and provision of efficient operations for the benefit of the economy.

(2)(a) Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has commenced with the separation of its accounting of rail infrastructure management activities from its rail operations to create the transparency and visibility of accounting information required for regulation by the economic regulator and has made strides in defining an interim access regime and fees model. The process of accounting separation is aimed to be completed by October 2023. TFR has done a lot of work in this regard and is currently getting systems in place to meet this date. Transnet commenced with slot sales as a pilot that will enable the seamless implementation of third-party slots (3PA). The implementation of the trial is currently being concluded, and the successful bidder has indicated that it will commence operations on 01 July 2023. Thereafter, Transnet will publish a network statement and commence with the next round of slot sales, which is envisaged to be open to the market by 01 April 2024.

The following provides detailed inputs to the progress that has been made in fast-tracking the participation of the private sector across Transnet Freight Rail’s major corridors:

Table 1: Corridor performance for private sector participation and timeframes, 2023.

CORRIDOR	(a) PRIVATE-SECTOR PARTICIPATION PROGRESS	(b) TIMEFRAMES
CapeCor	Phase 1 Slot Sales: Kroonstad to Berlin conditionally awarded on 01 November 2022. Currently in the contract negotiation phase.	The contract Start date is delayed, pending the conclusion of the contracting process and Traxtion’s application for RSR permit to operate.
	Phase 2 Slot Sales	01 April 2024
ContainerCor	Estcourt Intermodal Terminal	Complete - 2022
	Catoridge Inland Port	Awarded Terminal Operations – 2022
	Container Corridor Operating Lease	RFQ closed on 31 May 2023 (evaluations to follow).
	Development of intermodal Agrihubs in Bethlehem and Durban and investment in specialized wagons.	Opportunity development is underway.
CentralCor	Kaalfontein PSP Project	As per the project plan timeline of the Container Corridor Operating Lease transaction.
NorthCor	Development of LP Gas Terminal and investment in specialized tank wagons	Facility design and environmental assessment are underway. Wagons identified and condition assessment conducted to conclude Sale Agreement.
	Strategic customer collaboration on wagons to address volume growth plans for Ammonia.	Contract negotiations are underway.
	Provision of revised rail logistics solutions for the Timber industry.	Commercial contract.

(2)(b)(ii) The details of the interested parties for private sector participation are commercially sensitive. This information will be shared once processes have been successfully concluded.

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to Information Received from Eskom:

Eskom is currently embarking on various strategies, including revitalising its Energy Advisory Service, to assist customers through these challenging times. In addition, the cost to connect photovoltaic (PV) systems to the grid is being reviewed in terms of affordability and the time it takes to connect.

Eskom is also engaging various businesses and agricultural forums and their members on ways to mitigate the impact of load shedding.

The demand management initiatives that are focused on the industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors reduce demand during the constraint evening peak periods. Customers benefit from a tariff perspective, whilst Eskom reduces expensive generation costs in the short term while delaying generation expansion in the long term, providing a win-win solution.

Furthermore, Eskom is driving Demand-Side Management (DSM) programmes to guide the industry, including small businesses, on the efficient use of energy and on minimising the impact of load shedding through communication and the dissemination of marketing material.

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

Reply:

a) In terms of the Share Purchase Agreement signed between the Department of Public Enterprises and Takatso Aviation (Pty) Ltd, the required funds will only be provided towards the conclusion of the transaction and after obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals, including the report of the Competition Tribunal.

b) SAA funded the business rescue practitioners’ receivership obligations from its working capital.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

According to the information received from Transnet

(1)(a) The reason for the reduced capacity for the period of 8 – 21 May 2023 (two weeks) was the increase in theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure which reduced TFR’s operational capacity. The frequency and scale of theft increased beyond previous levels. We experienced back-to-back incidents, not allowing adequate time for repair and resumption of the train service. Longer spans were stolen, thus increasing the Mean Time-to-Repair (MTTR).[1] For three consecutive days, every 6 – 8hrs an incident occurred. Ten (10) spans stolen requires more time to replace than two (2) spans.

Further, the heavy rains in Durban and surrounding resulted in sand washing over the railway lines which required inspection and clearance before the opening of the line and the resumption of the rail service. Typically, TFR would have on average between 6 – 10 trains staged across the corridor; however, between 6 - 21 May 2023, the average number was between 27 – 33 staged trains.

(1)(b) TFR’s Security and Forensics department continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to reduce theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure. The process of implementing additional security interventions within TFR has commenced and resulted in a reduction in incidents. TFR has undertaken several actions to improve operational efficiencies by implementing performance-based contracts with specialised security service providers, including the use of technology and improved business intelligence and information management.

In addition, TFR will ensure continued implementation and exploration of alternative funding models for rolling out additional security technology to protect committed volumes, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders, as part of its security improvement rollout plan.

(2)(a) The line was operational from Monday 22 May 2023, where TFR focused on clearing staged trains to deliver consignments to customers and decongest the system. The line was operational at 50% capacity, indicating that the system had stabilized, with seven (7) trains staged along the line. Operational recovery can take up to three (3) days, dependant on the scale of the disruption. In this case, on the 27th of May 2023, we reduced the staged trains from 28 to 8.

(2)(b) The impact on the economy has been not quantified. However, given that the Container Corridor transports time-sensitive cargo (Containers, Automotive and Fuel makeup 90% of the volumes moved on the Corridor), delays of this scale have a significant impact on supply chain services across the corridor.

 

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

1. As a safety precaution, repair teams are required to sufficient rest to mitigate the risk of fatigue. ↑

Reply:

Department

The Public Finance Management Act prescribes that the boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must:

1. Exercise the duty of outmost care to ensure reasonable protection of the assets and records of the company.
2. Act with fidelity, honesty, integrity and in the best interests of the public in managing the financial affairs of the company.
3. Comply with tax laws, which include donor funds.
4. Have and maintain an effective, efficient, and transparent system of financial, risk management and internal control.
5. Have and maintain an appropriate procurement and provisioning system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.

If the board of a SOE is unable to comply with the PFMA provisions, the failure to comply must be disclosed to the Minister of Public Enterprises. The Department of Public Enterprises is not aware of any investigation concerning the affairs of any of the SOEs under the Ministry that is funded by private companies and/or through donor funds. Records available to the Department indicate none of the SOEs are conducting any investigation that is funded by a private company or through donor funding. The Department is aware of investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies into the affairs of SOEs, and is actively monitoring progress relating to this, including implementation of recommendations emanating from them.

ALEXKOR

No private investigations are being conducted and no funding was received from private donors or companies. The only investigation, which is currently underway, is that of the SIU under Proclamation No: R. 42 of 2021.

DENEL

Denel SOC Ltd is not conducting any private investigation that is not linked to the SA Police Services and that is funded by the companies and/or private donors.

ESKOM

Eskom has its own Forensics and Anti-Corruption Department which provides an independent and objective forensic service into fraud, corruption, and general and financial irregularities in Eskom. Eskom’s internal capacity is augmented by a panel of external investigators. This service (including the costs of the panel) is funded from Eskom’s own operating account, and no investigation is funded by external entities or private donors. In cases where our forensic investigations uncover criminal conduct, these are referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

Eskom Group Security did not conduct, is not conducting nor has it authorised any private investigation that is funded by other companies or private donors to date. The Security Department, through its internal investigation mandate, has contracts in place for outsourced specialised investigation services focusing on high impact crimes such as coal, diesel, and fuel oil crimes affecting Eskom or infrastructure crimes. These types of contracts are fully funded by Eskom. All Eskom criminal investigations are conducted by the SAPS.

SAA

South African Airways (SAA) is not conducting any private investigations. SAA does conduct internal investigations, which could result in internal disciplinary and/or criminal referrals and/or civil referrals. SAA does not rely on funding from other companies and/or private donors. The airline funds its own internal investigations from working capital when these are required.

SAFCOL

The South African Forestry Company SOC Ltd (SAFCOL) and its subsidiaries do not conduct private investigations that are unrelated to the SA Police Services and are funded by companies and/or private donors. SAFCOL investigates questionable cases internally and, where feasible, appoints investigators using current procurement procedures.

TRANSNET

Transnet Corporate Centre

Investigations at Transnet which pertain to fraud and corruption (Financial Crimes) are conducted by the Investigations Function which resides within the ambit of Transnet Group Security. The mandate to perform these investigations is derived from paragraph 25 of the National Treasury Irregular Expenditure Framework which states that, “the accounting authority must conduct an investigation if he/she suspects any possibilities of fraudulent, corrupt criminal acts emanating from the incurrence of irregular expenditure”. Allegations which relate to fraud and corruption are initially conducted either by in-house Transnet personnel or by firms which have duly been appointed and serve on a Forensic Investigations Panel dedicated to investigating such matters. The forensic panel is paid by Transnet like any other creditor and is not financed in any way by private donors. All matters which are found to have a criminal bearing are reported to the South African Police Service or the Directorate Priority Crime Investigations where such matters that are related to the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.

Transnet Freight Rail

Investigations at Transnet Freight Rail, which pertain to network theft and sabotage, as well as Goods in Transit Theft, are conducted by the Investigations Function supported by service providers. The mandate to perform these investigations is derived from the following policy regulations:

• National Railway Safety Regulator Act 16 of 2002. (Specific reference to Section 38)
• Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 (Specific reference to Sections 40 to 42).
• Critical Infrastructure Protection Act 8 of 2019 (Specific reference can be made to Chapter 4, Section 24).
• The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act No. 12 of 2004 (Specific reference to Section 34(1) of the Act, Sections 3 to 16, 20 to 21 and Section 34) and
• Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA).

Transnet is authorised to investigate any incident or occurrence where prima facie evidence indicates any reasonable possibility that Transnet is, or maybe, the victim of a criminal, unlawful, or irregular act. Transnet will be regarded as a (potential) victim of a criminal, unlawful, or irregular act if such an act (potentially) causes loss of or damage to, Transnet`s assets, reputation and/or if it endangers the safety or well-being of Transnet personnel in their official capacity.

An incident or occurrence is investigated/attended to, either by in-house Transnet personnel or by service providers duly appointed. Information gathering, evaluation, business intelligence, and investigation is conducted for each incident of theft and/or sabotage.

Matters of criminal nature are reported to SAPS for investigation. The process involves compilation of identification statements done. This is in addition to comprehensive dockets comprising incident detail, photo albums, witness statements, and impact statements. Transnet provides support to SAPS during investigations. The above must be considered in terms of national occurrence and is relevant to network theft and sabotage as well as Goods in Transit Theft, thus showcasing the task of effectively combating network theft and sabotage.

The service providers are funded by Transnet like any other creditor and are not financed in any way by private donors. All incidents and business intelligence gathered that is found to have a criminal bearing are reported to the South African Police Service for their finalisation.

Transnet Pipelines (TPL)

Forensic Investigation – referred to as Group Forensics.

1. Security Incident investigations (Pipeline breach) – Contracted Security Service Provider provides a suite of services, amongst which, Security incident investigations are included.
2. Security Incidents in TPL buildings and offices (laptops and other personal effects Theft, etc.) – TPL investigator (junior employee) investigates these matters.

Transnet Engineering (TE)

All investigations emanating from security breaches are reported to SAPS as per the PFMA. TE’s investigation function works closely with the appointed detectives from SAPS. The TE’s team’s role in investigations is to identify and close existing security gaps. All “white collar” investigations are undertaken by Group Security Investigations where that portfolio is centralized. Contractors or independent panels are in the employ of Transnet to extend its arm and act as Transnet contractors. These independent contractors are fully funded by Transnet.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)

TNPA neither makes use of any private investigation firms or receives any funding from private companies or donors to conduct investigations. Any inquiry is conducted internally when necessary.

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT)

TPT does not have any investigations being conducted by private investigators. Any security incident is investigated by the in-house security personnel to identify root causes and control failures to put corrective measures in place. Where necessary, criminal cases are opened with SAPS for investigation.

Transnet Property (TP)

1. Forensic Investigations are referred to Group Forensics.
2. Security Incident investigations are investigated by internal resources and or appointed security service providers through the open, fair and transparent procurement system as approved by National Treasury. These service providers are normal creditors.

Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

Find here: Reply

Reply:

1) Airplanes have landed at the Air Force Base Waterkloof during the past five financial years. Please see the attached appendix detailing the authorised landings. The information is summarised as follows:

Year 2018/19 over the period 19 July 2018 to 28 March 2019

a. Countries/Institutions: BRICS countries, including Namibia, Angola, Rwanda, Zimbabwe Air Force, USA, Algeria, Botswana and Togo landed at AFB Waterkloof over the said period.

b. Reasons: Government to government, BRICS, MD2018 and SADC Summit.

Year 2019/20 over the period 02 October 2019 to 09 March 2020

a. Countries/Institutions: Nigeria, Germany, Kenya, Angola, Lybia and CAR landed at AFB Waterkloof.

b. Reasons: Government to government, Kenya Aviation engagement with SANDF, Defence Sub- Committee meetings and High Commission visit.

Year 2020/21 over the period 26 April 2020 to 19 March 2021

a. Countries/Institutions: Cuba, Angola Air Force, Botswana landed at AFB Waterkloof.
b. Reasons: Transporting Cuban doctors, transporting SADC goods, repatriation of human remains and government to government.

Year 2021/22 over the period 03 August 2021 to 11 March 2022

a. Countries/Institutions: Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya landed at AFB Waterkloof.
b. Reasons: SAMIM deployment, SADC Summit and government to government.

Year 2022/23 over the period 18 April 2022 to 28 March 2023

a. Countries/Institutions: Botswana, Ukraine, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Saharawi Republic, US Embassy, Spain, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Lesotho, Algeria, Tanzania, Belgium and Uganda landed at AFB Waterkloof.

b. Reasons: Government to government, cargo flight in support of SANDF Personnel in deployment, repatriation of human remains & patient from Mozambique, transporting cargo and Pax from USA, UN troop rotation and transportation of SAMIM/SADC goods. ·

2) All the above-mentioned landings at Air Force Base Waterkloof followed the correct approval processes and as such, were actioned by the South African Air Force Command Post.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

a) Following the storm that affected the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre on the 3 April 2023, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Facility Management and Professional Services teams visited the site on the 4 April 2023 to prepare an assessment report on the damages that occurred. The details of the report revealed that the scope of works to be done required a project of a larger scale to be registered and prioritised by the Department of Correctional Services. The DPWI had then written to the Regional Commissioner’s office on the 6 April 2023 requesting the DCS to accept the findings of the report and either prioritise and fund a CAPEX project or confirm whether the DCS will carry out the repairs using implementing agents.

The DCS did not respond to the letter but forwarded an invite for the DPWI Professional Services to form part of a compulsory site briefing meeting with their National Project Management Team and service providers on the 12 April 2023. The DPWI officials observed in the meeting that DCS was preparing a specification and inviting service providers to tender for the work to be done on site. The observation of DPWI team on the day was that DPWI in any capacity will not be carrying out the repairs to the Qalakabusha CC following the storms in April 2023 as DCS will be carrying out this service themselves utilising their own budget. To date no response has been received from DCS regarding prioritizing funding and registering a project for Qalakabusha CC repairs after the storm damage.

b) DPWI is unable to provide timeframes as a response has not been received from DCS regarding registering a project.

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1927 (Written Reply) Ms A M Siwisa (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1927 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Durban Regional office and Construction Projects Management Business Units.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1927 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MR. N VILAKAZI

REGIONAL MANAGER: DURBAN

DATE:

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1927 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MR. B MOKHOTHU

DEPUTY-DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS MANAGEMENT

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1927 (Written Reply) Ms A M Siwisa (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

(a) The Department has since 2019 processed the release of 69 land parcels measuring approximately 2 668 hectares, through the Special Power of Attorney to the Housing Development Agency (HDA). The land released to the HDA, will therefore ultimately be transferred to Municipalities for hand over to housing beneficiaries and management, once developments are finalised.

(b) The total number of properties held by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and utilized to house User departments are 19 252 properties measuring 3 285 531 hectares.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 2410 (WRITTEN REPLY) Ms A M Siwisa (EFF) ASKED THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 2410 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 2410 is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. M MABINJA

ACTING-DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

___________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

The Department received the Engineers report for the reconstruction of the collapsed roof. The new construction of the roof was not on the initial scope of work for the Repairs and Renovations project that is currently underway in Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court.

The Department invited quotations from roof specialists for the construction of the roof and the variation order application was submitted to the Variation Order (V.O.) Committee for consideration and upon approval of the V.O, the remedial work will start to reconstruct the roof.

 

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1508 (Written Reply) Ms S J Graham (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1508 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Construction Project Management Branch.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1508 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. R MATLALA

REGIONAL MANAGER: MMABATHO REGIONAL OFFICE

DATE:

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1508 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. C LOMBAARD

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1508 (Written Reply) Ms S J Graham (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

MINISTRY

PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Department of Public Works l Central Government Offices l 256 Madiba Street l Pretoria l Contact: +27 (0)12 406 1627 l Fax: +27 (0)12 323 7573

Private Bag X9155 l CAPE TOWN, 8001 l RSA 4th Floor Parliament Building l 120 Plein Street l CAPE TOWN l Tel: +27 21 402 2219 Fax: +27 21 462 4592

www.publicworks.gov.za

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NUMBER: 1508 [NW1751E]

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.: 15 of 2023

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 05 MAY 2023

DATE OF REPLY: MAY 2023

1508. Ms S J Graham (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

What progress has been made to date with implementing the necessary repairs to the roof of the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court that partially collapsed in September 2022? NW1751E

REPLY:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

The Department received the Engineers report for the reconstruction of the collapsed roof. The new construction of the roof was not on the initial scope of work for the Repairs and Renovations project that is currently underway in Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court.

The Department invited quotations from roof specialists for the construction of the roof and the variation order application was submitted to the V.O. committee for consideration and upon approval of the V.O, the remedial work will start to reconstruct the roof.

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Reply:

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) receives expropriation applications from Eskom in line with the Electricity Regulations Act of 1996, read with Expropriation Act No 63 of 1975. Accordingly, the Department considers the applications after due diligence process is done. If the Executive Authority is satisfied with application as per Acts guiding this process, the application is processed.

According to current plans over the next 10 years Eskom’s Transmission division is supposed to build about 15000 km of transmission lines. For all these, Eskom will be acquiring servitudes from land owners. Therefore during 2023/24 as Eskom rolls out its servitude acquisition programme, there could be some “DPWI” land that may be needed, and Eskom will only approach the Department at that time.

Eskom only becomes aware of the land owners after the route has been confirmed and the Service Provider will then be appointed in this regard. The Appointed Service Provider identifies the affected land owners and the process of acquiring the servitudes starts by negotiations. If negotiations do not yield positive results, the expropriation process follows thereof. It is therefore difficult, to be explicit in terms of the total number between 2023 and 2025.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 2151 (WRITTEN REPLY) Mr S S Zondo (IFP) ASKED THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 2151 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Policy, Research and Regulations Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 2151 is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. L NDOU

CHIEF DIRECTOR: POLICY, RESEARCH AND REGULATIONS

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

___________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), was never requested to identify any specialized industrialized sites anywhere in RSA, especially in the area of Umhlabuyalingana in KwaZulu-Natal. However, it will be advisable to refer this question to our sister department, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 2246 (WRITTEN REPLY) Ms. A M Siwisa (EFF) ASKED THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 2246 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been consolidated by the Inter-Governmental Relations Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 2246 is true and correct, as informed.

________________________

MR. A MTHOMBENI

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

___________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(a) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 16 June 2022. However, they were recorded during a count carried out by the Sheriff of the Court in August 2022 as 4880.

(b) No further demolitions were carried since February 2022.

(c) The number of structures were not recorded at the end of the security company’s contract. However, they were recorded in August 2022 as 4880.

(d) The number of completed structures were not recorded when the security took over.

(e) There were no further demolition of structures since February 2022.

(f) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 29 July 2022. However, they were recorded during a count carried out by the Sheriff of the Court in August 2022 as 4880.

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1646 (Written Reply) Mrs C Phillips (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1646 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Cape Town Regional office and Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1646 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MS. T.KOLELE

ACTING REGIONAL MANAGER: CAPE TOWN

DATE:

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1646 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MR. M. MABINJA

ACTING DEPUTY-DIRECTOR-GENERAL: REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

 

Reply:

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is ready and able to protect the Republic against any international terror threat.

The continued decline in the budget has had an adverse effect on the department and SANDF capabilities over the MTEF. The constrained fiscal environment has forced the Department to look at prioritising all activities for optimising effectiveness and efficiency to all aspects of the defence organisation in the quest to achieve our Constitutional mandate and responsibility as prescribed in section 200 (2) of the Constitution, which is to defend and protect the Republic of South Africa, its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the constitution and the principles of international law regulating the use of force.

In my Defence budget vote of May 2023, I have noted that a revised Level of Defence Ambition and a revised Defence Strategic Trajectory must be developed to provide a realistic and sustainable future-orientated defence value-proposition, cognisant of current fiscal realities, that delivers against the constitutional mandate of Defence, South Africa’s national interests and Government’s priorities and risk-appetite.

Furthermore, work is also continuing on the five military priorities that were outlined in my 2022 Budget Speech which contribute to the readiness and ability of the SANDF to protect and defend the Republic:

• Priority 1: Promoting Nation Building through the pursuance of a common national identity coupled to values and ethics that reinforce such an identity.

• Priority 2: Safeguarding the Nation and building internal stability by strengthening the institutions of the State and growing the economy.

• Priority 3: Securing Regional Development by creating conditions conducive to regional security and stability as well as increased investment that drives regional growth and development through consumer economies.

• Priority 4: Enhancing Cyber Resilience through a focused strategy that enhances the resilience of critical digital infrastructure.

• Priority 5: Enhancing the Hard Power Capability of the SANDF through a small but core major combat capability that is relevant and ready to meet future conflict challenges.

It is vital to note that the SANDF has demonstrated numerous capabilities that it is ready, willing and able to respond to international, regional and internal threats. The SANDF has participated in various peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, African Union, and Southern African Development Community, showcasing its ability to work alongside other forces and contribute to regional security efforts. The SANDF has also conducted joint military exercises and training programs with international partners to enhance its readiness. While there are challenges, these efforts indicate a willingness to address security concerns and improve the SANDF's readiness against international terror threats. However, continued investment in funding, training, and equipment upgrades will be crucial to ensure the SANDF's ability to protect the Republic effectively.

Reply:

 

 

Reviving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects, including leadership, funding, training, and strategic planning. The South African Defence Review 2015 is, and remains, the National Policy on Defence. The Defence Review 2015 remains largely valid and appropriate, even though it was predicated on a steady-stream improvement in defence allocation, agreed to by Cabinet at that time, but which did not materialise.

I am on record as having said that the Defence Force is becoming progressively more unsustainable in terms of the declining defence baseline allocation and we have now reached the point where the Republic must decide on the kind of Defence Force it wants and what it can afford.

It is within the context of a constrained fiscal environment, that a review and analysis of the National Defence Policy on defence, the South African Defence Review 2015, will be required by 31 March 2024, to provide a realistic and sustainable future-orientated defence value-proposition, cognisant of current fiscal realities, that delivers against the constitutional mandate of Defence, South Africa’s national interests and Government’s priorities and riskappetite.

Following my Defence Budget Vote Speech 2023 I promulgated a Ministerial Directive to the Department of Defence and Armscor that provides concrete strategic direction to the Defence Function for multiple Medium-Term Strategic Frameworks on the development of the Revised Level of Defence Ambition, namely:

• Firstly, the development of a Future RSA Defence and Security Policy Concept, cognisant of the emerging security environment and the constraints facing the Defence Function.

• Secondly, the development of a Future Military Capstone Concept that will provide the strategizing concepts on how to pursue our national defence and security policy.

• Thirdly, the development of the Chief of the SANDF’s Long-Term Capability Development Strategic Plan which will direct the development path of the SANDF for the next twenty years. The Chief of the SANDF has coined this the “Journey to Greatness”. Work has continued strongly in these areas, focused on the five military priorities that I outlined in my Budget Speech, namely:

• Priority 1: Promoting Nation Building through the pursuance of a common national identity coupled to values and ethics that reinforce such an identity.

• Priority 2: Safeguarding the Nation and building internal stability by strengthening the institutions of the State and growing the economy.

• Priority 3: Securing Regional Development by creating conditions conducive to regional security and stability as well as increased investment that drives regional growth and development through consumer economies.

• Priority 4: Enhancing Cyber Resilience through a focused strategy that enhances the resilience of critical digital infrastructure.

• Priority 5: Enhancing the Hard Power Capability of the SANDF through a small but core major combat capability that is relevant and ready to meet future conflict challenges.

I intend to bring in all stakeholders to participate in a number of work sessions, which will lead to engagements with the two Parliamentary Committees in the next four months,

where we will discuss the draft Defence and National Security Policy Concept as well as the Future Military Capstone Concept.

I trust that this process will lead us to a new Long-Term Capability Development Strategy.

Reply:

I have been advised that:

A planned post-investment exercise by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) will be undertaken once all the planned handovers for the targeted districts have been concluded. This approach allows for a more comprehensive undertaking that begins to direct government efforts towards Provincial, District and Local Development Plans for the inclusion of supported beneficiaries.

This activity will be tied to programme assessment and the enhancement of the instruments that we develop in response to needs as identified by beneficiaries.

Assessments and post-investment monitoring will be conducted in the Eastern Cape by the department and Seda from the second quarter of the current financial year.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(a) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 19 October 2021. However, they were recorded during an operation carried out by the Sheriff of the Court in February 2022 as 3800.

(b) The number of demolished structures was not recorded when the security company took over. However, the structures were recorded during an operation carried out by the Office of the Sheriff of the Court during February 2022 as 48.

(c) The number of structures were not recorded at the end of the security company’s contract. However, they were recorded on 22 February 2022 as 3800.

(d) The number of completed structures were not recorded when the security took over. However, it was recorded on 22 February 2022 as 3800 structures.

(e) The number of demolished structures was not recorded when the security company took over. However, the structures were recorded during an operation carried out by the Office of the Sheriff of the Court during February 2022 as 48.

(f) The number of structures were not recorded at the end of the security company’s contract. However, they were recorded in August 2022 as 4880.

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1645 (Written Reply) Mrs C Phillips (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1645 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Cape Town Regional office and Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1645 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MS. T. KOLELE

ACTING REGIONAL MANAGER: CAPE TOWN

DATE:

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1645 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MR. M. MABINJA

ACTING DEPUTY-DIRECTOR-GENERAL: REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

Reply:

NDPWI Regional team visited the property on the 18/05/2023 to do a physical verification of the property in question which is situated in 39 Arbuckle Street in Himeville under The Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality. The findings of the property are as follows:

1. The property was allocated to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the provision of residential accommodation for the then appointed Magistrate;
2. The current building is not being used (vacant) and it was officially returned by DOJ to NPWI in 2013;
3. Since the property is vacant and currently there is no maintenance being done, however the department is paying for rates and municipal services (basic charges). However, our records reflects that there was maintenance done between the periods of 2003 to 2011.
4. The department is currently paying for rates and basic charges for services, which is up to-date;
5. No maintenance has been done in the property in the past five years;
6. The property is currently vacant and not being used;

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1659 (Written Reply) Ms S J Graham (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1659 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Durban Regional Office and Facilities Management Business Units.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1659 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. N VILAKAZI

REGIONAL MANAGER: PORT ELIZABETH

DATE:

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1659 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. C LOMBAARD

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1659 (Written Reply) Ms S J Graham (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

1. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has already completed the R500 million refurbishment programme to the 13 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours in the Western Cape and has ensured local beneficiation as elaborated under question (2b).

2. (a) The timeline of the refurbishment programme commenced in April 2016 and was completed in March 2023.

(b) The Department through the refurbishment programme to the 13 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours in the Western Cape empowered over 100 local SMMEs to the value of over R116 million as well as created 925 local jobs during the programme. The beneficiaries of both SMME empowerment and job creation included women, youth as well as people with disabilities.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1735 (Written Reply) Mr S S Zondo (IFP) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1735 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1735 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MR. N. KUBEKA

ACTING DEPUTY-DIRECTOR-GENERAL: PMO

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

CAPE TOWN:

(a) The total cost amount to fumigate one ministerial home is R1 600.00 over a term of 6 months and R12 800.00 over period of 4 four years

(b) The projected costs to fumigate all the houses of Ministers is: R 233 600 over a one year period,

(c) The cost is considered sustainable and cost effective compared to the marked standard rates.

PRETORIA

(a) The total cost amount to fumigate one ministerial home is R7 900.00 over a term of 12 months and R31 600.00 over period of 4 four years;

(b) The projected total cost to fumigate all ministerial houses is R474 000.00 over a one year period,

(c) The cost is considered sustainable and cost effective compared to the marked standard rates

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 2089 (Written Reply) Mr S S Zondo (IFP) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 2089 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Prestige Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 2089 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MR. M SAZONA

CHIEF DIRECTOR: PRESTIGE

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

1. There are varying estimates of the cost of load shedding to the South African economy. It has been widely reported that the South African Reserve Bank estimates that Stage 3 (up to 6 hours a day) and Stage 6 (up to 12 hours a day) load shedding detracts between R204 million and R899 million respectively on a daily basis from the South African economy.

1. The impact of load shedding on economic activity differs depending on its severity (stage) and duration (number of days). Additionally, the impact on various economic sectors is also not the same with electricity, gas, water and electricity-intensive mining and manufacturing generally being the most impacted. It is recognised that the calculation of the cost of load shedding to the economy is a complex matter.

3. However, we can all agree that the negative effects of load shedding are pervasive, affecting every part of our economy and all walks of life. In particular low-income households and communities often lack the financial means to afford alternative energy sources or the additional energy costs during load-shedding and cannot access basic services such as healthcare, education, and social services. Quality of life is suffering as a consequence.

4. President Ramaphosa has stated that it is our overriding priority to end load shedding and achieve energy security. It is not good enough to merely implement measures to reduce the severity and duration of load shedding to minimise economic impacts, we must end it.

5. In his address to the nation on 25 July 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a bold set of actions to address loadshedding and achieve energy security. The President subsequently established the National Energy Crisis Committee to ensure that the Energy Action Plan is fully implemented and appointed a dedicated Minister of Electricity in the Presidency to provide a single point of execution for the energy crisis response.

6. There are five (5) key interventions to end load shedding, comprising of the following:

a) Fix Eskom and improve the availability of existing supply

b) Enable and accelerate private investment in generation capacity

c) Accelerate procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas, and battery storage

d) Unleash businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar

e) Fundamentally transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security

7. The Minister of Electricity will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the electricity crisis response and driving the various actions being coordinated by the National Energy Crisis Committee to end load shedding as a matter of urgency.

8. The immediate measures to alleviate load shedding and the impact on the economy are to improve the performance of the existing Eskom base load fleet, maximise the performance and output of peaking stations and reduce demand through an aggressive demand side management programme.

9. Additionally, measures are being taken to substantially and urgently increase the construction of new generation capacity. The reforms already implemented have resulted in a significant increase in investment in new generation projects, with many more in the pipeline.

10. Finally, it should be recognised that the System Operator only imposes load shedding to the severity and duration required to protect the National Power Grid and as a last resort, once it has exhausted all of the other Generation, Emergency and Demand Side resources at its disposal. We are, in fact, on real-time basis mitigating the impact of load shedding on the South African economy by only effecting the level of load shedding necessary to maintain a stable and reliable electricity supply and avoid a Grid collapse, which would have much more dire consequences for our country and the economy.

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister

Date: Date:

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

(a) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 15 April 2021. However they were recorded during an operation carried out by the Sheriff of the court in May 2021 as 382.

(b) The number of demolished structures as at May 2021 was recorded as 100.

(c) The number of structures were not recorder at the end of the security company’s contract. However they were recorded as 382 in May 2021.

(2)

(a) The number of completed structures were not recorded on 1 June 2021. However the next count was in February 2022 where 3800 structures were recorded.

(b) The number of demolished structures in February 2022 was recorded as 247.

(c) The number of structures were not recorder at the end of the security company’s contract. However they were recorded as 3800 in February 2022.

 

 

ATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1644 (Written Reply) Mrs C Phillips (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1644 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Cape Town Regional office and Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1644 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MS. T. KOLELE

ACTING REGIONAL MANAGER: CAPE TOWN

DATE:

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ No. 1644 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________

MR. M. MABINJA

ACTING DEPUTY-DIRECTOR-GENERAL: REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

Reply:

The Department of Public Enterprises and entities it is responsible for, maintain a wide network of relationships with international and national institutions.

The purpose of such relations is the exchange of information, tracking innovations and technology development for various relevant fields.

Eskom, for example, has affiliate status with State Grid Cooperation of China (SGCC), in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which was finalised in 2015 and more recently, a tripartite MOU was signed with China Development Bank (CDB), SGCC and Eskom.

A Transnet delegation has just visited Germany to understand the operations of Deutche Bahn.

In order to deepen our understanding of the framework and operations of the Holding Companies and their relationship with SOEs, we have interacted with TEMASEK, KAZANAH (Malaysia) SASAC (China) and OECD.

During the visit to China, I interacted with SASAC and several energy - related companies including China Energy, State Grid and The National Energy Administration.

State Grid has investments and experience in many jurisdictions: Brazil, Portugal, Philippines. State grid also has a long-standing MOU with Eskom, which will be reviewed. Eskom and State Grid have had technical cooperation and exchanges.

We were introduced to some of the technological advances that have been made in China. Similar, exchanges will also be undertaken with Germany and similar jurisdictions.

 

Remarks: Approved / Not Approved

Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP

Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises

Date: Date:

Reply:

1. The SIU has been proactive in ensuring that the needs from the various spheres of government are met. This is evident in the recent Resourcing Strategy Indaba held, to ensure that the influx of Proclamations currently experienced can be accommodated.

2. a) 199.

b) By 31 March 2024.

3. a) R11,744,481

b) R 5,487,191 is still within 30 days. R 6,257,289 is above 30 days and it is currently under investigation.

4. The SIU, in its normal day to day operations, sends out Statements of accounts on monthly basis to different State Institutions, indicating the amount owing at a particular period. Attached to the Statement of Accounts would normally be a Progress Report, indicating progress on the investigations and allowing the State Institutions a preview of what activities took place during the period being reported on.

On a regular basis, Managers on the investigations are requested to follow up with the various State Institutions on outstanding payments and once a year, the Finance Department sends out letters to the State institutions requesting them to settle the outstanding debts.

During the 2022/23 financial year, the SIU embarked on a more intense project dubbed “Project Khokhela” to deal with the outstanding debt. During the year, various face to face engagements were held with some institutions and this process yielded positive results and payments were received from these institutions.

Reply:

South Africa has a total road network of 750 000 km. The responsibility for building and maintaining the network is shared amongst SANRAL, Provincial and (Municipalities) Local government authorities.

(a) 159 272 Paved Network within the Republic 21% and 590728 gravel road 21%.

(b) Government to address funding requirements, the Department, together with SANRAL and CSIR are leading the use/piloting of the Nano-Technology based product to be showcased in KZN on 29 June 2023 to demonstrate the use of traditionally available stabilizing agents such as bitumen emulsions at much lower application rates, achieving improved strength characteristics and more water-resistant layers on gravel roads at lower unit costs. The nano-technology based product/material has potential to reduce surfacing costs by >50%. We are also embarking on a process that includes the transfer of the strategic roads by Provinces to SANRAL heighted operation Vala Zonke

Reply:

In each of the past five years,

(a) The Department of Health monitors the incidence of severe acute malnutrition which represents the number of children under five years of age who are diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) per 1,000 children in this age group. Increases in the incidence may represent a real increase in cases or better case detection as a result of intensified case-finding and early identification and intervention.

Provincial figures for SAM incidence for the past five financial years are shown in the table below:

	2018/2019	2019/2020	2020/2021	2021/2022	2022/2023
South Africa	1,9	1,9	1,5	2,0	2,4
Eastern Cape	0,7	0,9	1,6	2,0	2,7
Free State	4,9	5,9	4,2	5,5	6,4
Gauteng	1,6	1,4	1,1	1,6	1,9
KwaZulu-Natal	2,1	2,0	1,3	1,6	1,9
Limpopo	1,2	1,1	1,5	2,2	2,9
Mpumalanga	1,6	0,8	0,7	1,0	1,3
Northern Cape	5,5	6,9	4,6	6,1	6,2
North West	3,7	4,2	2,1	2,7	3,7
Western Cape	1,7	1,6	1,0	1,3	1,5

The following provinces have reported an increase in the incidence of SAM over the past five years: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo and Northern Cape.

(b) The percentage increase (or decrease) in SAM incidence in each province per financial year is shown in the table below.

	2018/19	2019/220	% increase	2020/21	% increase	2021/22	% increase	2022/23	Over five year period
South Africa	1,9	1,9	0,0%	1,5	-21,1%	2,0	33,3%	2,4	26,3%
Eastern Cape	0,7	0,9	27,1%	1,6	79,8%	2,0	25,0%	2,7	285,7%
Free State	4,9	5,9	20,4%	4,2	-28,8%	5,5	31,0%	6,4	30,6%
Gauteng	1,6	1,4	-12,5%	1,1	-21,4%	1,6	45,5%	1,9	18,8%
KwaZulu-Natal	2,1	2,0	-4,8%	1,3	-35,0%	1,6	23,1%	1,9	-9,5%
Limpopo	1,2	1,1	-8,3%	1,5	36,4%	2,2	46,7%	2,9	141,7%
Mpumalanga	1,6	0,8	-50,6%	0,7	-15,2%	1,0	49,3%	1,3	-18,8%
Northern Cape	5,5	6,9	25,5%	4,6	-33,3%	6,1	32,6%	6,2	12,7%
North West	3,7	4,2	13,5%	2,1	-50,0%	2,7	28,6%	3,7	0,0%
Western Cape	1,7	1,6	-5,9%	1,0	-38,8%	1,3	32,7%	1,5	-11,8%

(c) Interventions implemented in the past five years:

Eastern Cape	A mother and child development programme forum was established, facilitated by the Department of Social Development to foster collaboration by all departments to play their part in addressing child malnutrition. Growth monitoring at community level by the Ward Based Outreach Teams (WBOT’s) with periodic door to door campaigns in areas identified with high malnutrition incidence. Implementation of a multi-sector action plan to address prevention and management of acute malnutrition.
Free State	Provision of nutrition supplements to eligible children to improve their nutritional status. Immediate reporting of children with SAM to the district nutrition managers to conduct disease surveillance for further management. Community health workers conduct tracing and tracking of SAM patients who are treated at home. Ongoing efforts on screening, assessments and referrals of malnourished children for care and support. Collaboration between Health, Social Development and Agriculture to ensure that identified malnourished children benefit from social protection support measures on malnutrition, hunger and food insecurity.
Gauteng	Implementation of the food supplementation programme in all registered ECD in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education Continuous capacity building of health workers on infant and young child feeding, nutrition assessment classification and support.
KwaZulu-Natal	Implementation of poverty eradication focusing on the most deprived municipalities (Operation Sukuma Sakhe). Ongoing online training and competence assessment for all clinicians on inpatient management of severe acute malnutrition, led by the provincial office. Capacity building has been conducted on infant and young child feeding to prevent malnutrition in children under 5, and optimise nutritional status. A draft multi-sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Plan 2022-2025 has been developed and implementation is monitored and reported on quarterly.
Limpopo	Provincial Child health and Nutrition Strategy for 2023-2027 was developed. Nutrition assessment counselling and support at all facilities including Primary Health Care and hospital level. Monitoring of the SAM incidence at all levels of the province, district, sub-district and facility
Mpumalanga	Anthropometric equipment (length boards and height metres) were procured for all hospitals. Annual capacity building of clinicians on the Integrated Management of Common Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) was conducted in all districts which include growth monitoring and promotion and management of children with SAM, as well as ongoing Breastfeeding and Infant and young child feeding training at district level. Nutrition assessment counselling and support at PHC and hospital level. Implementation of the provincial multi-sector Food and Nutrition Security Plan to address malnutrition, hunger and food insecurity.
Northern Cape	Community nutritional screening and classification through community outreaches and outreached to ECD centres for early identification of acute malnutrition and referral for care and support. Severe acute malnutrition is included as discussion point at perinatal mortality meetings. Auditing and reporting of all SAM deaths to identify factors influencing the occurrence of malnutrition to inform prevention strategies. Malnutrition and early identification has been included in the Provincial multi-sector Food and Nutrition Security plan that is still being finalized.
North West	Community-based nutritional screening of all children under 5 years of age by CHWs Continuous capacity building of front-line staff in the initial management of children with SAM including on emergency triage and treatment. Collaboration between the districts WBOT’s with other government departments such as DSD, DHA, SAPS and SASSA to address social determinants of health. Implementation of Food and Nutrition Security plan to address malnutrition in collaboration with other Departments.
Western Cape	Continuous capacity building of front-line staff in the initial management of children with SAM including on emergency triage and treatment. Nutrition assessment counselling and support at PHC and hospital level Community Based growth monitoring using MUAC tapes. Skills development for facility-based staff to improve growth monitoring practices and frequency. Endorsement of District trainers to cascade growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) training in the districts. Training of health care workers Implementation of Nutrition Therapeutic Programme across the service platform including in secondary and tertiary hospitals. Implementation of the Multi-sectoral plan to address food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger.
Cross-provincial interventions implemented	In 2020-2022, the National Department of Health in collaboration with centre for Rural health, University of KwaZulu-Natal supported five Districts in Gauteng (City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane) and KwaZulu-Natal (Zululand and Umzinyathi) to roll-out a pilot project to build capacity of community health workers to train mothers to screen for acute malnutrition at household level to encourage early health seeking behaviour. This project has been formally evaluated. The 2 provinces developed plans to scale up this intervention in other districts.
	6 districts (Ekurhuleni, City of Johannesburg and Tshwane), North West (Dr Ruth Sekgomotsi Mompati), Eastern Cape (Oliver Tambo) and KwaZulu-Natal (eThekwini) are currently conducting an evidence-based planning bottleneck analysis to analyse barriers in scaling up and delivery of quality services for maternal and child malnutrition and plan interventions to address the gaps with support from National Department of Health and UNICEF.

END.

Reply:

a) In May 2023, PRASA completed Phase three of the procurement of security guards to protect identified high security risk areas and hotspots, an intervention, which has resulted in a noticeable decline in the theft of guard rails and overall crime incidents.(e,g) 4670 in 2017-2018 and 958 in 2022-2023.

PRASA also: (i) conducts regular joint crime operations, with the law enforcement agencies led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) targeting steel recyclers, an initiative, which is starting to yield positive results, (ii) is exploring alternative engineering solutions to reinforce vulnerable items along the railway network and (iii) attends the quarterly National Non Ferrous Metal Crime Combatting Committee (NFMCCC) and the National Rail Crime Combatting Forum (NRCCF) with the SAPS, to discuss national crime pattern analysis, crime threat analysis and formulate action plans.

b) Stolen guard rails/other assets are replaced almost immediately.

Reply:

1. The department advertised bid for provision of physical security services at various facilities of the Department of Social Development in five (5) districts for a period of thirty-six (36) months. The bid was advertised in the Government tender bulletin, Departmental website and National Treasury on the 16th of September 2022 and closed on the 14 October 2022.

One hundred and ninety-eight (198) Bid documents were received from the Supply Chain Management.

The following process were undertaken as per Terms of Reference used to advertise the bid:

Phase 1:

• One Hundred and ninety-eight (198) documents were evaluated pre-qualification criteria as stated in the terms of reference.
• Eight (08) bidders were disqualified.
• One Hundred and ninety (190) bidders qualified for second phase.

Phase 2:

• Ninety-eight (98) bid documents were disqualified on Administrative Compliance
• Ninety-two (92) bid documents qualified for third phase of evaluation being Functionality.

Phase 3:

• Thirty-four (34) bidders were disqualified on functionality for not scoring a minimum of sixty (60) points.
• Fifty-eight (58) bidders qualified for fourth phase being site inspection.

Phase 4.

• Fifty-eight (58) bidders were inspected, and Twelve (12) bidders were disqualified.
• Forty-six (46) bidders qualified for the next phase being vetting by State Security Agency

Phase 5:

• Forty-six (46) bidders were submitted to State Security Agency and two (2) service providers were disqualified based on the vetting report.

Phase 6:

• Twenty (20) companies were disqualified based on the non-declaration of interest as per Standard Bidding Document 4 and under quoting based Psira Illustrative pricing Schedule.

Phase 7

• Twenty-four (24) companies were considered compliant in all evaluations stages and were further evaluated on price and BBB-EE.
• The Bid Adjudication recommended the highest point scorer with 100.00 points on all sites, to be appointed based on the proven capacity including available patrol vehicles and valid firearms.
• The BAC further recommended that department negotiate with other high point scorers as per their ranking, for allocation of the remaining sites which the highest point scorer would not be able to manage.
• The department negotiated and finalized appointment of eleven (11) service providers to provide security services in all the departmental offices across the province.
• The following are the names of all appointed companies:
• Gija Security Services
• Tubatse Security Services
• Leledu Security Services
• MC Tee Holdings
• Papa Mike Protection Services
• Ompwa Trading Enterprise
• Bravospan 90cc
• Petkay Trading Enterprise
• Vhutaka General Trading
• Nkari Security and Projects
• Marebole Security Solutions

(2) The department can confirm that all the bidders did declare their interest as per requirement in the Standard Bidding Document 4 section 2.3 which asks “Does the bidder or any of its directors / trustees / shareholders / members / partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise have any interest in any other related enterprise whether or not they are bidding for this contract?”

The service providers further provided details of the companies they declared interest in. These declarations were noted by both the Bid Evaluation and Bid Adjudication committees. None of the companies indicated their matrimonial connection during the bidding process.

(3) The Bid Evaluation and Bid Adjudication Committee members did not declare any conflict of interest at any point during the evaluation and adjudication of the bid.

The service providers made the following declarations in their Standard Bidding Document 4, section 3 which reads as follows:

I, the undersigned, (name)…………………………. in submitting the accompanying bid, do hereby make the following statements that I certify to be true and complete in every respect:

I have read and I understand the contents of this disclosure;

I understand that the accompanying bid will be disqualified if this disclosure is found not to be true and complete in every respect;

The bidder has arrived at the accompanying bid independently from, and without consultation, communication, agreement or arrangement with any competitor. However, communication between partners in a joint venture or consortium[1] will not be construed as collusive bidding.

In addition, there have been no consultations, communications, agreements or arrangements with any competitor regarding the quality, quantity, specifications, prices, including methods, factors or formulas used to calculate prices, market allocation, the intention or decision to submit or not to submit the bid, bidding with the intention not to win the bid and conditions or delivery particulars of the products or services to which this bid invitation relates.

The terms of the accompanying bid have not been, and will not be, disclosed by the bidder, directly or indirectly, to any competitor, prior to the date and time of the official bid opening or of the awarding of the contract.

There have been no consultations, communications, agreements or arrangements made by the bidder with any official of the procuring institution in relation to this procurement process prior to and during the bidding process except to provide clarification on the bid submitted where so required by the institution; and the bidder was not involved in the drafting of the specifications or terms of reference for this bid.

I am aware that, in addition and without prejudice to any other remedy provided to combat any restrictive practices related to bids and contracts, bids that are suspicious will be reported to the Competition Commission for investigation and possible imposition of administrative penalties in terms of section 59 of the Competition Act No 89 of 1998 and or may be reported to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal investigation and or may be restricted from conducting business with the public sector for a period not exceeding ten (10) years in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act No 12 of 2004 or any other applicable legislation.

I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION FURNISHED IN PARAGRAPHS 1, 2 and 3 ABOVE IS CORRECT. I ACCEPT THAT THE STATE MAY REJECT THE BID OR ACT AGAINST ME IN TERMS OF PARAGRAPH 6 OF PFMA SCM INSTRUCTION 03 OF 2021/22 ON PREVENTING AND COMBATING ABUSE IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SHOULD THIS DECLARATION PROVE TO BE FALSE.

The department took note of the declarations made by the companies and recorded them as such in the report. All These companies were evaluated and adjudicated as separate entities which conducts their business as such. Site inspections were conducted in their listed addresses and their capacity (vehicles, firearms, tools etc) individually assessed. The department did not have the basis to disqualify them from the bidding process.

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