Questions and Replies

Reply:

(a) Three (3) sectors.

(b) SECTOR 1: (Township), Jiyana, Isivana, Isishjetweni, Ibaxa, Welamlambo, Ethafeni

SECTOR 2: (Informal Settlement) Vusimuzi and hostels, Vusimuzi squatter camp, Enhlanzeni,Tembisa Plaza, Thiteng and Tembisa Taxi Rank, Mpho and Lekaneng.

SECTOR 3: (Township) Moedi, Khatamping, Endayini, Umnonjaneni, Esiqongweni, Entshonalanga, Umthambeka Ext 5, Umfuyaneni.

(c) The total population of Tembisa South policing area is 111 926. The population figures per sector is not available.

(d)

Police vehicles (i)	Police officers (ii)
03	06

 

Reply:

The total costs incurred to date amounts to R1 717 351-52 calculated as follows:

Disciplinary hearing R1 088 193-54

Review of the disciplinary hearing (SAPS) R 226 062-00

Review of the arbitration (Maj Gen Booysen) R 403 095-98

TOTAL R1 717 351-52

Reply:

There are no records of any investigation pertaining specifically to the entity in question at any of the DPCI Components.

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

(a) Subject to sub-regulation (2), of Section 22 of the MDDA Act 14 of 2002, funds contemplated in section 15(2)(a) of the Act must be allocated by the Board in accordance with the following percentages:

• Community media projects: at least 60%
• Small Commercial media projects: at least 25%
• Research projects: 5%

(b) The reason for giving community media projects more funding is informed by Regulations in terms of Section 22 of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act of 2002, as enacted in the Government Gazette No. 22570 of 10 October 2003.

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

a) In terms of the question “How many contractors from the previously disadvantaged communities have upgraded from grade 1 to grade 2”, the response is as follows:

A total of 928 registration upgrades from grade one to grade two have been recorded in the General Building (GB) Class of Works over the past 10-year period from 1 October 2005 to 31 September 2015.

A total of 620 registration upgrades from grade 1 to grade 2 have been recorded in the Civil Engineering (CE) Class of Works over the same period.

Note that many contractors are registered in more than one Class of Works. The number of upgrades is not disaggregated by ownership, but Grade 1 is almost entirely black-owned.

b) In response to the question “How many such [Grade 1] contractors have upgraded to Grade 9”, the response is as follows:

No contractor has upgraded from Grade 1 to Grade 9 over the past 10 years.

However, it is worth pointing out that 38 General Building and Civil Engineering registration upgrades have occurred from Grades 4 to 8 to Grade 9 within the 10 year period.

__________________________________________________________________

Reply:

a) Yes, there has been progress in job creation in the South African economy, although the unemployment rate remains unacceptably high.

The most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics SA puts total employment in September 2015 at 15 828 000. This is an increase of some 2 500 000 over the September 2011 QLFS estimate of 13 318 000 employed persons. It should be noted, however, that a new Master Sample based on the 2011 census data was introduced in 2015, and Statistics SA therefore cautions that year-on-year changes should be interpreted with care. Notwithstanding this caution, the data indicate that if the rate of increase in employment over the past years is continued over the period ahead, approximately 5 million jobs will be created by 2020.

It is also apparent from the QLFS data that the rate of increase in the labour force has exceeded the rate of job creation, and so the unemployment rate has remained broadly unchanged. In September 2011 the estimated rate of unemployment was 25.7 per cent, and in September 2015 it was 25.5 per cent.

b) With respect to the question whether decent jobs have been created on an incremental basis annually, Government is mindful that wages are low and employment opportunities are irregular in some parts of the economy. Between 2011 and 2015, formal non-agricultural employment increased by approximately 1.5 million. In the September 2015 QLFS, informal sector work accounts for 2.7 million jobs, agriculture employment is 900 000 and private households account for 1.28 million jobs. These are important and sizeable shares of the employment total, and working conditions are varied in these sectors.

Programmes and policy initiatives that are aimed at improving conditions amongst lower-income workers include sectoral wage determinations by the Minister of Labour, investment in training and skills development and small enterprise support programmes. Government’s main direct contribution to the expansion of job opportunities is through the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Work Programme, and the youth employment incentive has been introduced to encourage firms to create work opportunities for first-time young work seekers.

The objective of the Jobs Fund is to support innovative approaches to employment creation and work seeker support, thereby contributing to evidence and learning about effective employment initiatives and strategies. The Jobs Fund aims to create 150 000 sustainable jobs and will contribute to evidence-based policy making.

To date the Jobs Fund has issued 5 calls for proposals, and approved 108 project applications of which 85 are currently being implemented. R5.6 billion in grants has been committed to the 108 projects. These project partners have committed R7.9 billion in matched funding. To date R2.78 billion in grants have been disbursed to implementing projects and R4.2 billion in matched funding has already been leveraged from these partners. The 85 projects being currently implemented have to date created 60 675 new permanent jobs and an additional 30 358 persons have been placed in vacant positions on a permanent basis. 16 124 short term jobs have been created, 13 291 persons completed internships and 128 196 persons has received work readiness/technical training.

Most of the jobs created have been entry level jobs for which the salary ranges between the sectoral minimum wage and R3500. Most of those employed are youth in their first jobs. Jobs have also been created in the salary cohort of R3500- R8800 with a few jobs created at salary levels in excess of R8000 per month. Jobs are evidenced through the submission of contracts of employment and payroll amongst others.

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1)(a) The Department of Public Works (DPW) confirms that it did not sidestep or circumvent the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, (Act No. 1 of 1999), (PFMA) when awarding tenders. However, there are situations where deviations are permitted in terms of the applicable legislation, regulations and policy prescripts. All tenders awarded were done in accordance with prescribed and legislated procurement methods and within the duly approved procurement systems of the DPW.

Numerous projects have been launched to ensure that procurement systems are intact and leasing processes are clear, transparent and well-articulated. This includes, amongst others, the introduction of a standardised lease agreement that ensures that all salient matters of the lease are captured clearly. The signing of leases has been centralised at the Head Office to the Head of the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) and other delegated officials at Deputy Director-General level. Due to the unique nature of the property and construction environments, the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes for leasing and construction procurement are also in the process of being revised, where unique SCM processes for each of these fields will apply.

(1)(b) Yes, purchases were made and services were procured as part of the DPW’s obligation to render services to clients. However, in light of Government’s drive to reduce expenditure, the DPW focused on areas where spending could be reduced. On furniture, costs were reduced by 80% compared to the previous year: from R8 400 504.62 in 2014/15 to R1 679 383.33 as at end October 2015.

On renovation/upgrades costs were reduced by 30% compared to the previous year: from R176 017 074.00 in 2014/15 to R123 108 435.00 as at end of October 2015.

(1)(c) No money has been spent on the extension, maintenance or upkeep of the President’s private residence in Nkandla during the period 1 March 2012 to 31 October 2015.

(1)(d) The DPW embarked on an Immovable Asset Register (IAR) Enhancement Programme to provide certainty on the extent of immovable assets, and validate completeness and accuracy of immovable assets under its custodianship. As a continuous exercise to ensure that the Department’s IAR is complete and accurate, the Department’s IAR was reconciled against the Deeds records and other National and Provincial IAR’s for both the interim and annual financial statements during the past three financial years (2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15).

(1)(e) The Department’s programme to rebuild its Immovable Asset Register (IAR) that complies with the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) by 31 March 2016 is making good progress, as indicated below:

• The physical verification of specifically identified land parcels by DPW has been concluded. To date the Department has verified 36 852 of the identified land parcels in the 2013/14 financial year.
• The remaining 6900 land parcels are being verified and assessed during the 2015/16 financial year.
• The Department’s State Domestic Facilities not on State land have been identified and accounted for.
• Approximately 60% of DPW’s properties have had municipal values applied to them in the 2014/15 financial year with the remainder to be completed by 31 March 2016 in line with the GRAP phase-in process as permitted by the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) Directive 2. This has resulted in the disclosure of DPW’s properties at R78.1 billion for the year ending 31 March 2015, compared to the R10.3 billion in the 2013/14 financial year.
• There was no audit qualification pertaining to the Department’s IAR in 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years.

The above key indicators highlight the significant advances made to enhance the Department’s IAR.

 

(2) (a) and (b) Government’s policies are not neo-liberal. In the current global and national context, necessary measures to ensure fiscal consolidation have been collectively agreed upon by Cabinet and I fully support these measures. Naturally, these measures have impacted upon the line budgets of all Government departments and, as indicated above, the DPW has accordingly implemented a range of cost-cutting interventions.

_______________________________________________________________

Reply:

The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

The Department of Defence was not involved in the travel arrangements for the diplomatic visit to the Republic of Cuba by the Deputy President, Mr C Ramaphosa, and his entourage during the month of October 2015.

Please refer your question to the Presidency.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

Due to the nature of the information that is required, SAPS is not able to provide the full details within the given time frame as some information is still being processed. A request is hereby made for an extension of time in order to SAPS to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is ready.

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

Due to the nature of the information that is required, SAPS is not able to provide the full details within the given time frame as the information is not readily available. A request is hereby made for an extension of time in order for SAPS to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.

Reply:

Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

Due to the nature of the information that is required, SAPS is not able to provide the full details within the given time frame as the information is not readily available. A request is hereby made for an extension of time in order for SAPS to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.

Reply:

The SANDF is not aware of any Military Shop in Pretoria that sells military medals. The SANDF remains the custodian of all the South African military medals.

 

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

In responding to the question the assumption is made that the Honourable Member is referring to daily maximum demand. The table below indicates the customer daily energy demand from 1 March 2015 to 29 November 2015.

Date	Customer Demand MWh
2015/03/01	615 989
2015/03/02	669 051
2015/03/03	674 638
2015/03/04	675 675
2015/03/05	678 546
2015/03/06	678 138
2015/03/07	644 353
2015/03/08	622 464
2015/03/09	677 087
2015/03/10	685 801
2015/03/11	687 776
2015/03/12	688 292
2015/03/13	689 000
2015/03/14	650 059
2015/03/15	625 750
2015/03/16	677 776
2015/03/17	684 592
2015/03/18	686 001
2015/03/19	687 755
2015/03/20	682 914
2015/03/21	644 010
2015/03/22	630 664
2015/03/23	683 404
2015/03/24	687 956
2015/03/25	685 945
2015/03/26	690 873
2015/03/27	669 502
2015/03/28	632 650
2015/03/29	608 103
2015/03/30	661 626
2015/03/31	669 967
2015/04/01	668 627
2015/04/02	651 398
2015/04/03	594 235
2015/04/04	590 128
2015/04/05	579 514
2015/04/06	589 727
2015/04/07	655 740
2015/04/08	666 176
2015/04/09	672 502
2015/04/10	672 108
2015/04/11	637 678
2015/04/12	619 241
2015/04/13	663 577
2015/04/14	677 597
2015/04/15	677 271
2015/04/16	679 907
2015/04/17	671 634
2015/04/18	645 426
2015/04/19	630 322
2015/04/20	669 247
2015/04/21	679 860
2015/04/22	683 606
2015/04/23	679 504
2015/04/24	680 109
2015/04/25	635 071
2015/04/26	611 130
2015/04/27	624 250
2015/04/28	666 329
2015/04/29	668 547
2015/04/30	663 547
2015/05/01	617 955
2015/05/02	612 217
2015/05/03	617 004
2015/05/04	662 729
2015/05/05	679 554
2015/05/06	675 633
2015/05/07	686 368
2015/05/08	683 972
2015/05/09	653 427
2015/05/10	630 569
2015/05/11	680 763
2015/05/12	684 688
2015/05/13	683 584
2015/05/14	683 452
2015/05/15	680 843
2015/05/16	652 459
2015/05/17	627 987
2015/05/18	672 777
2015/05/19	682 316
2015/05/20	680 819
2015/05/21	684 597
2015/05/22	678 270
2015/05/23	649 686
2015/05/24	636 941
2015/05/25	680 562
2015/05/26	691 093
2015/05/27	689 785
2015/05/28	687 883
2015/05/29	678 297
2015/05/30	636 299
2015/05/31	624 217
2015/06/01	663 832
2015/06/02	678 966
2015/06/03	687 834
2015/06/04	699 092
2015/06/05	702 533
2015/06/06	677 867
2015/06/07	653 802
2015/06/08	694 948
2015/06/09	703 928
2015/06/10	716 499
2015/06/11	716 836
2015/06/12	714 953
2015/06/13	661 765
2015/06/14	640 077
2015/06/15	673 059
2015/06/16	650 032
2015/06/17	706 515
2015/06/18	711 768
2015/06/19	705 245
2015/06/20	669 921
2015/06/21	650 940
2015/06/22	697 149
2015/06/23	706 460
2015/06/24	706 658
2015/06/25	706 221
2015/06/26	697 005
2015/06/27	672 992
2015/06/28	651 838
2015/06/29	688 460
2015/06/30	698 407
2015/07/01	692 949
2015/07/02	693 312
2015/07/03	690 260
2015/07/04	653 354
2015/07/05	637 854
2015/07/06	679 880
2015/07/07	698 275
2015/07/08	692 722
2015/07/09	686 403
2015/07/10	682 469
2015/07/11	655 458
2015/07/12	635 239
2015/07/13	685 843
2015/07/14	698 754
2015/07/15	695 409
2015/07/16	691 166
2015/07/17	696 565
2015/07/18	660 855
2015/07/19	646 471
2015/07/20	683 527
2015/07/21	690 396
2015/07/22	699 851
2015/07/23	708 383
2015/07/24	701 131
2015/07/25	670 257
2015/07/26	651 721
2015/07/27	694 919
2015/07/28	700 715
2015/07/29	704 311
2015/07/30	698 663
2015/07/31	703 594
2015/08/01	661 007
2015/08/02	636 444
2015/08/03	682 407
2015/08/04	689 477
2015/08/05	692 994
2015/08/06	690 907
2015/08/07	678 144
2015/08/08	638 883
2015/08/09	614 219
2015/08/10	628 776
2015/08/11	681 094
2015/08/12	685 460
2015/08/13	679 649
2015/08/14	677 149
2015/08/15	634 823
2015/08/16	607 120
2015/08/17	652 403
2015/08/18	660 354
2015/08/19	657 677
2015/08/20	657 116
2015/08/21	647 200
2015/08/22	617 489
2015/08/23	604 102
2015/08/24	644 647
2015/08/25	645 891
2015/08/26	646 045
2015/08/27	644 655
2015/08/28	634 684
2015/08/29	601 424
2015/08/30	591 426
2015/08/31	632 223
2015/09/01	669 042
2015/09/02	676 263
2015/09/03	682 373
2015/09/04	700 260
2015/09/05	661 441
2015/09/06	636 233
2015/09/07	675 372
2015/09/08	687 079
2015/09/09	677 477
2015/09/10	678 821
2015/09/11	678 059
2015/09/12	653 847
2015/09/13	629 895
2015/09/14	670 489
2015/09/15	679 680
2015/09/16	675 104
2015/09/17	676 985
2015/09/18	682 142
2015/09/19	653 659
2015/09/20	637 410
2015/09/21	688 762
2015/09/22	683 341
2015/09/23	673 321
2015/09/24	633 573
2015/09/25	650 464
2015/09/26	629 960
2015/09/27	617 185
2015/09/28	661 945
2015/09/29	675 770
2015/09/30	675 378
2015/10/01	662 080
2015/10/02	665 036
2015/10/03	630 343
2015/10/04	611 024
2015/10/05	658 813
2015/10/06	669 966
2015/10/07	670 396
2015/10/08	668 657
2015/10/09	670 214
2015/10/10	633 378
2015/10/11	615 977
2015/10/12	662 540
2015/10/13	671 910
2015/10/14	673 013
2015/10/15	667 974
2015/10/16	666 560
2015/10/17	633 974
2015/10/18	608 772
2015/10/19	660 891
2015/10/20	666 228
2015/10/21	668 833
2015/10/22	673 724
2015/10/23	665 720
2015/10/24	629 230
2015/10/25	608 906
2015/10/26	660 869
2015/10/27	664 197
2015/10/28	669 483
2015/10/29	674 863
2015/10/30	668 504
2015/10/31	627 524
2015/11/01	604 362
2015/11/02	645 209
2015/11/03	656 034
2015/11/04	653 911
2015/11/05	659 857
2015/11/06	659 962
2015/11/07	628 519
2015/11/08	609 244
2015/11/09	664 576
2015/11/10	666 367
2015/11/11	671 344
2015/11/12	676 683
2015/11/13	673 616
2015/11/14	632 639
2015/11/15	603 480
2015/11/16	652 420
2015/11/17	654 575
2015/11/18	655 851
2015/11/19	642 153
2015/11/20	645 569
2015/11/21	610 940
2015/11/22	588 569
2015/11/23	641 785
2015/11/24	660 352
2015/11/25	665 091
2015/11/26	663 060
2015/11/27	657 316
2015/11/28	615 845
2015/11/29	607 541

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

1. I made the statement that the ANC comes first at an ANC Provincial Conference in my capacity as the President of the ANC. Since its founding in 1912 the ANC has been at the forefront of the struggles to defeat apartheid colonialism, and since its election into power in 1994, to liberate South Africans from the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Like many South Africans, I joined the ANC to contribute to the achievement of its historic mission of building a non-racial, non-sexist, prosperous and democratic society. Given this important role that the ANC has played and still plays in leading this society towards the achievement of these goals, and considering that a large number of citizens have put their faith and hopes on the ANC to lead them to a better life for all, it is important that the work of building the ANC into a stronger organization that can continue to lead society is vigorously pursued.

There is therefore nothing wrong or untoward in saying the ANC comes first. It does not mean I love my country any less. It is in fact because of the love of my country and my commitment to its success that I believe that the ANC should be stronger so that it can lead us to a united and prosperous society.

2. The statement I made does not devalue the Constitution of the Republic in any way, nor does it contradict the Oath of Office which I took when I was sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa. There is therefore no reason to retract the statement I made.

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

The question concerns matters that are currently before the Constitutional Court in the case of the EFF v the Speaker of the National Assembly and Others.   I cannot respond at this stage in deference to the courts.

Reply:

1. The Lead Entity has not been appointed yet because the Department is following due process.

(2)(a)(i) Current infrastructure roll-out is fragmented, it leads to duplication of efforts and resources, and also focuses on urban areas. Additionally, the roll-out of parallel and competing networks especially in rural areas is considered not feasible or viable because of the socio-economic profile of the rural areas and demand for services. The criteria for designating a Lead Entity took into consideration the extent of fibre infrastructure in the country and the national network scope and scale that can be leveraged to reduce the cost and distances to connect facilities to existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the entity should have the capacity to coordinate other State-Owned Entities (SOEs) in order to leverage and efficiently use State assets and investments to expedite broadband roll-out, particularly in rural areas, in a cost effective manner.

(ii) Refer to (i) above

(b) The appointment of the Lead Agency will be announced once the appointment process has been finalised.

Reply:

The information required is classified and the response to the above questions can be provided in a closed session of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

1. We launched the Academy for Leadership and Management in Health Care (the Academy) in December 2012 and tasked and Advisory Committee to guide its establishment. The Academy has not yet been established. The organizational model and governance structure of the Academy has been approved by the National Health Council Technical Advisory Committee on 14 October 2015 and will be presented to the next National Health Council meeting for approval.
2. For the reason stated above, the Academy has not been functional formally since it has not as yet been formally established. The Advisory Committee has been supporting the National Department of Health with induction programmes for new CEOs and further training for CEOs. The Advisory Committee has also worked with the Department of Health to develop the prototype of a unique training methodology, the “Knowledge Management Hub”. The Advisory Committee has also worked with the Department of Health to develop competency frameworks for District Managers and Hospital CEOs.

The Advisory Committee submitted its recommendations for establishing the Academy to the Director-General of the Department of Health and the National Health Council Technical Committee (NHC-TAC) in May 2015. The recommendations of this were followed up in August 2015 by a presentation to the NHC-TAC on the concept of the Academy’s Knowledge Hub and the prototype for use.

3. The activities of the Advisory Committee were originally funded by the Department of International Development (DFID) and subsequently by the Public Health Enhancement Fund. These organizations have their own financial reporting systems. Financial information can be obtained from these organizations.

END.

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

1. Yes, the intentions of the strategy to address air pollution in dense and low-income settlements are supported.

The effects of indoor air pollution to human health as a result of the use of solid fuels remain of grave concern to the Ministry of Health. Many households still cook and heat their homes using wood, coal and even dung, in open fires and leaky stoves, and these practices contribute to premature death and illness from respiratory and cardiac conditions and also results in burns, injuries and poisoning from fuel ingestion. We support an approach that addresses the social determinants of health and sustainable development.

The Department aligns with strategies that ensure healthy air in and around the household. The Department of Health supports programmes for clean household energy in contributing towards addressing child and maternal health as a core preventative public health measure.

The intersectoral approach, including roles for critical departments and national, provincial and local government, is supported to address air pollution effects and the Department of Health will continue to partake in programmes aimed at addressing such effects.

2. Yes.

The Department of Health is involved with the assessment and control of biological agents in the environment and improving social concerns and thereby addressing the ongoing health impacts of domestic fuel burning through ongoing Environmental Health programmes. Environmental Health Practitioners are trained on monitoring of Indoor Air Quality and capacitating members of the public through awareness creation. Health awareness campaigns focus inter alia on improved ventilation and lighting.

Within the National Department of Health, Environmental Health has recently been elevated into a Chief Directorate to prioritize prevention of ill health that is caused by environmental factors. The relevant Manager has been tasked with engaging with the Department of Environmental Affairs as well as Non-Governmental Organizations to address the environmental determinants of ill health. Government is committed to the increased use of renewable/subsidized residential housing. It is acknowledged however that more is required to effectively respond to the dangerous energy sources burned in dense low-income communities.

While we collectively work with our partners to prevent ill health caused by environmental factors my Department will also ensure that good health care is provided to poor communities that are forced by poverty to continue burning unsafe fuels that cause ill health.

END.

Reply:

I wish to share three points with the Honourable Member.

First, on job performance in the third quarter of 2015, the StatsSA Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows the following:

• Total employed persons in the SA economy numbered 15, 8 million at the end of September 2015, which is the highest level it has ever reached.
• There were 625 000 new entrants to the age cohort 15-64 in the past 12 months, and the number of jobs created (712 000) for the 12 month period was significantly larger than this.
• However, the labour force increased by 979 000, as a result mainly of a significant rise in the number of previously discouraged work seekers who re-entered the labour market (278 000).
• As a result, robust jobs growth over the period nevertheless translated into an increase in the unemployment rate from 25.4% to 25.5% over the year.
• The number of new jobs created for the quarter was 171 000.

Second, global growth prospects have weakened further over the past six months, with the October IMF projections revising growth prospects downward for the global economy as well as for the African continent.

In April of this year, the IMF projected 2015 growth of 3.5% for the global economy and of 4.5% for Africa. It has now revised those projections down to 3.1% for the global economy and 3.8% for Africa. The April projections were already a downward revision of October 2014 projections.

Third, to address the backlogs in jobs and address the needs of new entrants to the labour market, we need higher growth and more labour-intensive growth, driven by broader economic participation and by re-industrialization centered on a dynamic, internationally competitive manufacturing sector.

Recent actions such as the agreements signed with the People’s Republic of China to invest in industrial and infrastructure activities in South Africa and the rest of the continent, are measures to respond to this economic framework. Of particular relevance for the Economic Development Department were two agreements signed by the Industrial Development Corporation: namely to work towards establishing a new BAIC auto-assembly plant in South Africa with an investment value of R11 billion and to set up a Fund with a R10 billion commitment by the China Construction Bank to invest in the domestic and regional economy.

During the debate in Parliament on the state of the economy in August this year, I addressed the question of government’s overall response to the global economic slowdown and the headwinds facing the local economy, which I summarise below:

The two global storms, in the mineral and steel sectors, are what we have to navigate with as little damage as possible, recognising that production and job losses in these sectors can have a multiplier effect on the economy.

To respond to these conditions and to address the still-continuing high levels of unemployment, we are doing the following:

Public investment

We are maintaining a high level of public investment in infrastructure, which is a true game-changer for the economy. We are spending close to a quarter trillion a year, or R1 billion rand per working day, on economic, industrial and social infrastructure. The BRICS New Development Bank is a major potential source of new funding for South African and regional infrastructure.

Trade and regional integration

We are expanding trade with the rest of Africa, particularly exports of South African made cars, machinery, iron and steel and food products.

Exports to the rest of the continent now account for 244 000 direct jobs and it has been estimated as much as 885 000 total jobs; that last year, Zambia was our number one global export market for televisions, Zimbabwe for plastic products, Mozambique for clothing and the DRC for electrical equipment.

Domestic economic actions

We are implementing actions in the domestic economy, summed up in the 9-point plan announced by the President in the State of the Nation Address in February.

The nine priorities are:

1. Resolving the energy challenges through practical actions, including cogeneration, new IPPs and completing the public energy-build programme
2. Revitalising the agriculture and agro-processing value chain
3. Advancing beneficiation through adding value to our mineral wealth
4. More effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Policy Action Plan
5. Unlocking the potential of small business, cooperatives and township and rural enterprises
6. Stabilising the labour market
7. Scaling up private sector investment
8. Growing the Oceans Economy and
9. Diversifying and boosting the economy through science, technology and innovation, expanding transport, water and ICT infrastructure and reforming state-owned companies.

To respond to the steel industry's problems:

• We fast-tracked a tariff investigation by the trade authorities on three steel products
• We completed a competition commission probe into steel pricing by the dominant company
• We extended short-term industrial funding of R150 million to one steel-mill to give it the space to restructure rather than close its doors
• We appointed a panel of steel industry experts to identify options for steel that would not damage downstream factory users, and
• We are meeting with business and labour to identify further steps to be taken,

To respond to the mining industry's problems:

• We convened a dialogue with stakeholders to consider options to reduce or avoid job losses
• We are investing in technologies and innovation to boost demand and localisation, such as platinum fuel-cell pilot projects
• We have initiated a Mining Phakisa to address the future of the industry

To respond to the clothing and industry's challenges:

• We implemented a tariff increase on finished products at the start of the previous administration
• We set a reference price on imported clothing to identify smuggling and import-fraud
• We created a competitiveness fund that has already invested over R3 billion in new technologies and work organisation to boost output and jobs.

IDC funding

The IDC expanded its industrial funding envelope over the past five years, particularly in green energy, putting some R14 billion into the Independent Power Producer programme that has already seen almost 2000 megawatts of energy coming onto the grid.

The IDC is now focussing on expanding investment in manufacturing, agro-processing and new industries.

Autos

During a time of declining mineral exports in dollar value, our auto exports have actually accelerated after 2011 and now constitute one of our top five exports, speaking to the success of the partnership built with investors.

Competition and anti-monopoly actions

To boost competitiveness, the competition authorities have acted against monopolies and cartels in sectors such as fertilisers, bread and poultry, steel, construction and telecomms.

Industrial relations

To promote partnership, the Deputy President has led discussions with the business community and trade unions on reducing workplace conflict, including the role of strike ballots, action against violence in strikes and picketing rules. To reduce income inequality in the workplace, proposals for a national minimum wage are under discussion.

Skills

To boost youth employment, government is revamping its skills and entrepreneurship support programmes to make them more effective. The President convened a meeting with the business community in August this year at which stronger partnerships on skills development and work placement were considered.

Partnership

As we navigate our way through the minerals and steel turbulence and storms generated by falling global demand, we need to pull South Africans together, address domestic challenges such as energy and labour-business partnerships and speak with one voice.”

-END-

Reply:

There have been exports in terms of Section 14 which were authorised by the NCACC to foreign countries in the years 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014.The reporting cycle is on a calendar year basis and not on financial year basis, in line with section 23 of the NCAC Act. Therefore the reports are from January to December of each year. This means that the 2015 export report will only be available in 2016.

The NCACC considers all applications against set criteria in terms of section 15 as provided for in the NCAC Act and this occurs after a deliberate process by various Government Departments.

The Reports on Transfers of controlled items are compiled quarterly (4 quarters), as well as annually and are tabled in Parliament through the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. These reports are subsequently referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.

These exports are further reported on to the United Nations in line with International obligations of South Africa in terms of Treaties and Conventions, in accordance with International Law.

From the ensuing, it is the intention of South Africa to ensure that arms transferred do not end up with rogue elements elsewhere in the world. South Africa is committed to contributing to Peace and Security in the world.

Lastly, the NCACC activities are subject to the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa, who perform annual evaluations and assessments on qualitative aspects of the work undertaken, per given period. The past period performance of the NCACC by the AG in this regard was found to be without qualification.

 

Approved / Not Approved

Mr J T Radebe, MP

Minister in The Presidency

Date:

Reply:

1. Analysis of this blood sample has been completed. For the record, the correct reference numbers are: Brits CAS 489/07/2015 and Brits mortuary DR 274/2015 and seal number PMK 206017/8.
2. (a) The Johannesburg Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (FCL) has an ante-mortem blood alcohol analysis backlog. The post-mortem blood alcohol, backlog has been wiped out.

(b) The FCL’s do not provide reports to family, only to the client, which in this instance is the Brits mortuary. .

END.

Reply:

a) The National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper will be tabled in Cabinet for approval by the end of the financial year.

b) The Department intends to gazette the draft National e-Strategy before the end of the financial year.

c) SAPO currently needs financial assistance from Government.

SAPO has been given a guarantee of R1.67 billion in the past financial year and R2.5 billion in the current financial year. The Post Office uses these guarantees to raise cash from the financial markets.

Moving forward SAPO's Strategic Turnaround Plan (STP) has been developed and approved by Cabinet. Its effective implementation requires effective leadership and funding. As part of supporting SAPO's turnaround, the Department has recognised the need to stabilise SAPO's leadership. The board and the Group CEO have been appointed. To date, there has been more focus on the implementation of cost cutting initiatives. There is currently a need to implement revenue generation initiatives and these require funding. Effective implementation of the STP will enable the entity to be economically viable.

 

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

(1) (a) There are currently a total of 16 358 active reservists in the SA Police Service.

(b) There are currently a total of 2 031 active reservists in the SA Police Service in the Eastern Cape as on 13 November 2015.

(2) (a-c) The following number of reservists were in the SA Police Service in the Eastern Cape, as indicated per year in the table below:

YEAR	TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE AUDITED RESERVISTS
2010/2011	2874
2005/2006	4093
1995/1996	Audited figures not available

Since 2006 a total of approximately 13 000 reservists were permanently employed in the South African Police Service, either as permanent members, security guards or Public Service Act members.

In addition, following the adoption of the voluntary nature of the new reservists system without any remuneration several reservists no longer reported for duty due to the fact that the primary reason for joining was to secure permanent employment in the South African Police Service and not to voluntarily serve their communities.

(3) No reservists have been recruited in the Eastern Cape since the beginning of 2015. The primary aim of the revised reservist system is to recruit quality reservists to establish a professional reservist system with integrity.

The posts for reservists in the Eastern Cape Province were advertised during March 2015, with the closing date of 13 March 2015. A total of 45 applications were received, all of which were not conforming to the set requirements to be enlisted as reservists in the South African Police Service.

(4) None of the current reservists in the Eastern Cape are being paid for services. The new reservist National Instruction provides for volunteers from the community to take responsibility for the safety of their communities as part of the Community Policing philosophy without any remuneration for services rendered.

However, the South African Reserve Police Service Amendment Regulations: No 36922 dated 15 October 2015, paragraph 5(1) to 5(3), determines that the National Commissioner may approve the call up of reservists to perform duties to achieve the objectives as referred to in Section 205(3) of the Constitution of South Africa, for which they may receive remuneration in accordance with the following predetermined scales:

RANK	PAYMENT PER HOUR
Constable	R 16.090
Sergeant	R 20.360
Warrant Officer	R 25.090
Captain	R 32.596
Lt Colonel	R 41.245
Colonel	R 56.452
Brigadier	R 56.452

Reply:

1. The widespread incidents of violence and destruction of property during protests is a cause for major concern. I have spoken about this matter many times in public platforms. The violence in our society is inherited from the violence perpetrated during the apartheid system and the violence response it engendered.

There are studies that have been undertaken to understand factors that contribute to a culture of violence in our society. Some of the studies have been undertaken by organisations outside government. Others have been commissioned by government itself. For instance, a few years ago the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster contracted the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation to undertake research on the violent nature of crime in South Africa.

The critical step that we need to take is not so much to commission more studies because there is already some research that has been undertaken. What is important is taking steps to turn the tide against violent protests and the destruction of property.

2. There are various important initiatives government will implement to address the matter next year. These include educating society about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This education campaign about rights and responsibilities of citizenship is important considering that next year (2016) will be the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the Republic by former President Nelson Mandela. It will also be the 40th anniversary of 16 June 1976 student uprisings.

Studies show that violence in our society affects mostly women and children. Government will use the year 2016, which is the 60th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings to mobilise society against violence that is committed against women and children.

Other measures will be announced in due course.

Reply:

(1)(a) The rollout will commence after all preparations for implementation have been finalised.

(b) Refer to (a) above

(c) Refer to (b) above

(2) The National Treasury requested an implementation plan from the Department in order to release the funds.

Reply:

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

 

Reply:

(1) (a) King James Advertising

(b) Advertising

(c) Quoted amounts for retainer fees and invoiced amounts did not correspond, invoiced amounts were much higher than quoted amounts

(2) The matter is being investigated

 

 

MR NN MUNZHELELE

DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

DATE:

Reply:

1. Payments to contractors for the removal and disposal of waste to state hospitals and clinics is collated in Annexure A by province and by payment date. Facility data is not provided as service providers cover a range of facilities and are remunerated as such. Where specific payment dates are not available an annual cost is provided. Departments of Health in provinces do not deal with the disposal of laboratory waste.

1. The amounts paid to contractors and outstanding amounts for the financial years 2013-14; 2014-2015 and from 1 April to October/November 2015 are also outlined in Annexure A.

END.

Reply:

The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015

Reply:

(a)(i)(aa), (bb), (cc) and (ii) Refer to Annexure 1

(b) The sentence length of each of the 21 239 offenders referred to in Annexure 1 is available however, a hard copy of the information will consist of ±433 pages. The Honourable Member may confirm if this high volume information is still required.

Reply:

1. (a) There is evidence that National Treasury Instruction 01 of 2013/2014

related to the cost containment measures is being taken seriously by accounting officers of departments. When comparing actual expenditure of departments for the financial periods 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, it is clear that a saving of R5 billion, which represents a saving of 20% was realised. Savings in respect of constitutional institutions and public entities are not available since these institutions use financial systems that are different to that of departments and which the National Treasury does not have direct access to.

(b) Non-compliance with the Treasury Instruction on Cost Containment shall result in irregular expenditure. Section 38(1)(h)(iii) and section 51(1)(e)(iii) of the PFMA requires accounting officers of departments and constitutional institutions and accounting authorities of public entities to take effective and appropriate disciplinary steps against any official(s) in the service of the department, constitutional institution or public entity who makes or permits irregular expenditure. Transgressions of the Treasury Instruction shall only be known at institutional level and it is the responsibility of the respective accounting officer or accounting authority to take the necessary action for non-compliance with the Treasury Instruction.