Questions and Replies
17 December 2015 - NW3373
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)With regard to her reply to question 2064 on 23 June 2015, (a) which companies are currently appointed as professional service providers for her department and (b) what is the appointment period of each professional service provider; (2) (a) what criteria were used to evaluate each category of professional service provider and (b) which companies were appointed in each category; (3)(a) how many projects have been awarded to each professional service provider and (b) what is the (i) nature and (ii) rand value of each contract?
Reply:
(1) There are a total of companies appointed as Professional Service Providers.
(2)(a)(i) The Department has evaluated all the proposals submitted by the Professional Service Providers in terms of the preferential procurement policy regulations, 2011 pertaining to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act no.5 of 2000 (PPPFA). All invited bids were evaluated on the basis of functionality as a criterion taking into account quality, reliability, viability and durability of a service and the bidders’ technical capacity and ability to execute a contract.
(2)(a)(ii) When the bids were invited, the following aspects were clearly specified in the bid documents:
- Evaluation criteria for measuring functionality
The evaluation criteria may include criteria such as the consultant’s relevant experience for the assignment, the quality of the methodology, the qualifications of the key personnel, transfer of knowledge etc.
- Weight of each criterion
The weight that is allocated to each criterion was not generic but determined separately for each bid on a case by case basis.
- Applicable value
The applicable values that were utilized when scoring each criterion were objective. As a guide, values ranging from 1 being poor, 2 being average, 3 being poor, 4 being very good and 5 being excellent, were utilized.
- Minimum qualifying score for functionality
The minimum qualifying score that was obtained for functionality in order for the bid to be considered further was not generic but specific for each bid. It was determined separately for each bid on a case by case basis. The minimum qualifying score was not prescribed so low that it jeopardized the quality of the service required nor so high that it was restrictive to the extent that it jeopardized the fairness of the SCM system.
(3) Responded to in (1) above.
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17 December 2015 - NW3904
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether her department has ascertained which municipalities are (a) lacking adequate infrastructure for the full and proper treatment of sewage, (b) releasing effluent from non-compliant or poorly functioning waste water treatment works into streams and dams, (c) unable to provide reliable bulk infrastructure sewerage collection services, (d) still using outdated or inefficient pump stations and (e) falling foul of the South African National Water Policy of 1996 and the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, in respect of not properly protecting aquatic ecosystems; if not, why not in each case; if so, (i) what steps has her department taken to rectify each specified situation fully and rapidly and (ii) to what extent has the specified steps succeeded in doing so?
Reply:
My Department is currently undertaking a comprehensive functional assessment of the 850 waste water treatment plants for South Africa.
The immediate priority and intervention is that my Department has appointed a professional service provider under its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) programme to deal with the 26 plants in the Vaal River System. This is in line with my Department’s National Campaign entitled War on Water Pollution.
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17 December 2015 - NW4207
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)How will problems associated with sludge at the wastewater treatment plant in Vredefort in the Free State be resolved to prevent pollution in the area; (2) what are the full details of the quality of the water tested from the specified plant during the period 1 January 2014 to 31 October 2015; (3) what is the mega-liter (a) inflow and (b) outflow per day at the specified plant; (4) why is sewerage overflowing into the oxidation ponds; (5) (a) what (i) was the budget, (ii) was the actual cost for the upgrades done to the specified plant and (iii) are the relevant details of the upgrades done and (b) how many contractors worked on the upgrading of the specified plant?
Reply:
(1) Ngwathe Local Municipality is currently engaged in a process of research and development on how to utilize alternative ways of Sludge disposal. The Municipality is currently looking at piloting the use of sewer sludge for producing energy. This very energy will be used to drive the wastewater treatment plant, whilst preventing pollution. The Sludge is also available for Local and neighbouring farmers. Furthermore activated sludge is needed inside the aeration tanks to improve the process.
(2) The full details of the quality of the water tested from the specified plant can be provided by the specified municipalities for the period in question.
(3) The design capacity of the plant is 5.5Ml/day. Inflow and outflow readings per day can be provided by the Ngwathe Local Municipality.
(4) The sewage is no longer flowing to the oxidation ponds as the plant is operational.
(5) The project was budgeted for R17 000 000.00 and the actual cost is R16 889 500.00. The scope of work included the refurbishment of wastewater treatment works, Outfall sewer line, dry beds and three pump stations. Two main contractors were appointed.
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17 December 2015 - NW4232
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)Whether she supports the Draft Strategy to address Air Pollution in Dense Low-income Settlements presented to her department and other departments in 2013; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has taken any steps to address the ongoing harmful health impacts of domestic fuel burning being suffered by residents of dense low-income settlements; if not, why not; if so, what are the full details of the steps undertaken?
Reply:
(1) Yes, the draft Strategy to address Air Pollution is supported by my Department.
(2) Steps have been taken to address the ongoing harmful health impacts of domestic fuel burning being suffered by residents of dense low-income settlements. These include adjusting the norms and standards of building a BNG housing unit to be in line with agreement reached with the Minister of Energy. The policy and its cost implications was discussed and approved by Human Settlement MinMec in November 2013. The new norm and standard has since been implemented by all Provinces with effect from 1 April 2014. The revised standard provides for building environmental sustainable and energy efficient subsidy financed houses comprised of the installation of ceilings and above ceiling insulation, the plastering of all internal walls and rendering on all external surfaces plus the replacement of Ready Board electrical installation with a fully-fledged basic electrical installation for the whole house. All these new measures lead to a better thermal performing dwelling making it less dependent on cooling and heating and there is no more need for burning fossil fuels for cooking purposes.
The Department remains committed towards the re-development of all informal settlements and is collaborating with municipalities in providing basic services which, in collaboration with the Department of Energy includes the provision of a basic electrical installation for each household
17 December 2015 - NW4124
Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)With reference to the non-operation of the Vaalwater wastewater treatment plant in Limpopo since January 2015, how will this problem be resolved to prevent pollution in the area; (2) what are the full details of the quality of the water that was tested from the specified plant in the period 1 January 2014 to 31 October 2015; (3) what is the (a) megaliter of water inflow per day and (b) megaliter of water outflow per day at the specified plant; (4) why is the sewerage overflowing into the oxidation ponds; (5) whatwas the cost of the specified plant’s upgrade?
Reply:
(1) The Vaalwaterwastewater treatment plant in Limpopo is operational.
(2) The quality of the final effluent generally complied with the license requirements except for suspended solids and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) at some points. The test results of the wastewater treatment plant for the period 1 January 2014 to September 2015 are available.
(3)(a) Daily inflow is 1.0 Ml/d at average.
(3)(b) There is no discharge because the plant is designed to discharge by evaporation and irrigation from the maturation ponds.
(4) As per the design process flow, sewage should flow into the oxidation (Maturation) ponds for secondary treatment.
(5) The cost for the upgrade is R3 million.
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17 December 2015 - NW4142
Balindlela, Ms ZB to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What is the estimated (a) percentage and (b) amount of litres of non-revenue water of the Tlokwe City Local Municipality in the North West as at the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) what was the estimated (a) percentage and (b) amount of litres of non-revenue water of the Tlokwe City Local Municipality at the end of the 2010-11 municipal cycle; (3) what are the water demand targets for Tlokwe City Local Municipality as set by her department’s Water Reconciliation Strategies; (4) whether Tlokwe City Local Municipality has a water conservation and water demand management programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of each programme?
Reply:
- (a) The estimated percentage of non-revenue water the Tlokwe City Local Municipality at the end of 2014/15 municipal cycle was 10,59%.
- (b) The estimated amount of litres of non-revenue at the end of 2014/15 municipal cycle was 5.2292m/l per day
(2) (a) The estimated percentage of non-revenue at the end of 2010/11 municipal cycle was 12,9 %.
(2) (b) The estimated amount of litres of non-revenue at the end of 2010/11 municipal cycle was 5.34424m/l per day.
(3) The water demand target for Tlokwe City Local Municipality as set by my department’s Water Reconciliation Strategies is 10%
(4) Yes, the Tlokwe City Council has a Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Plan (WCWDM) in place, and the Business Plan has been submitted to my Department for the Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme (ACIP) financial support for 2016/17 financial year. The project is also included in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) to cover the following work:
- replacement of water meters older than 10 years
- replacement of bulk water meters
- leak detection and repairs
- replacement of old water mains
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17 December 2015 - NW3737
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
With regard to the (a) 349 water projects and (b) 171 sanitation projects that are in various stages of pre-implementation and implementation in the prioritised 27 district municipalities, (i) in which municipality is each project situated, (ii) what is the (aa) nature, (bb) total budget and (cc) status of implementation of each project, (iii) who is the implementing agent of each project and (iv) when will each project be completed?
Reply:
(a) Currently, my Department is implementing 329 Water Supply Projects through the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant within the 27 prioritized district municipalities as well as 33 Regional Bulk Schemes. The 33 Bulk Schemes consist of 30 Bulk Water Supply and 3 Bulk Waste Water Schemes. Refer to Annexure A.
(b) The following projects are located in Priority District Municipalities (colour coded in yellow) and a total of 230 Sanitation Projects. Refer to Annexure B.
The Bucket Eradication (BEP) programme is aimed at eradicating the legacy of bucket toilets in use as a form of sanitation in formal areas. This programme in the main seeks to deliver water borne sanitation to peri urban and urban settlements neglected with the provision of sanitation. The programme will include the construction of water and sewer reticulation (which ever is applicable or appropriate) complimented with new Toilet structures (replacing the bucket toilet) with connections to the bulk water and sewer (Waste Water Treatment Works). Alternatively, where water availability is a challenge and bulk infrastructure (Waste Water Treatment Works) not available and or the settlement patterns (low and dispersed settlements) as well as topography does not allow, alternative sanitation solutions will be provided i.e Dry, on site sanitation.
The Rural Household Infrastructure Grant (RHIG) programme seeks to provide basic level of service to households in amongst other the 27 Priority District Municipalities in South Africa (see table). The RHIG Grant allocation takes place in two fold i.e Direct and Indirect Grant. The Division of Revenue Act defines a Schedule 5b grant (which are grants allocated to municipalities for a specific purpose) are direct transfers to District Municipalities whereas Schedule 6B (Allocations-in-kind to municipalities for designated special programmes) grants to Local municipalities. In the main, the solution provided is a dry, on-site sanitation or a Ventilated Improved Pit Latrine (VIP) toilet addressing issues of water scarcity, bulk infrastructure availability, often dispersed settlement patterns and unfavourable topography.
Both Sanitation Projects are funded through a National Treasury Grant and for the 2015/16 financial Year, a total of R975 399 000,00 million is allocated towards the Bucket Eradication Programme and R115 510 million for the Rural Household Infrastructure Grant (RHIG) of which R48 182m is for direct grant (Schedlue 5B) and R67 328m is an Indirect Grant (Schedule 6B).
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With regards to Bucket Eradication Programme, the Implementing Agents in 2014/15 financial year was Public Entities affiliated to the Troika Departments and are as follows:
PROVINCE |
IMPLEMENTING AGENT |
Eastern Cape |
Nurcha |
Free State |
Bloemwater |
Limpopo |
Lepelle Northern Water |
North West |
Magalies Water |
Northern Cape |
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) Sedibeng Water |
However, following a recommendation from the Select Committee on Appropriations, the Department will phase out the use of Public Entities and accordingly, appointed Turnkey Contractors in the provinces where bucket toilets are still prevalent and include North West, Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape.
With regards to the Rural Household Infrastructure Grant (RHIG) my Department will transfer the Direct Grant (allocation) to all Water Services Authorities (WSA’s) for implementation whereas the Indirect Grant (allocation) will see the appointment of suitable contractors by my Department for implementation. Refer to Annexure C.
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17 December 2015 - NW3963
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether the National Treasury in particular is aware of a certain person’s (name and details furnished) alleged (a) amendment of a lease agreement with Airbus leading to its cancellation by Airbus, (b) request for R1.6-billion from the National Treasury to use as down-payment to purchase new aircraft and (c) role in scuppering the partnership deal with Emirates; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, (i) what role did the National Treasury play in supporting or opposing the specified person’s moves and (ii) what was the outcome thereof; (2) whether he will make a statement on the R2.59-billion loss incurred by South African Airways in the 2013-14 financial year and what benefits the country got from the R30-billion that government gave to the SA Airways in bailouts, loan guarantees and grants since 2007?
Reply:
- (a) SAA had previous submitted an application in terms of Section 54(2) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) for approval to amend the A320 purchase
agreement with Airbus to enter into a lease of 5 A330 aircraft from Airbus. This was approved by the Minister in July 2015. Subsequently, SAA have submitted a further application as required in terms of Section 54(2) of the PFMA to amend the original Section 54(2) approval to provide for amendments to structure of the swap transaction. National Treasury (NT) issued a statement clarifying the outcomes in respect of this application on 3 December 2015. NT is not aware of any
cancellation by Airbus. To the contrary, NT is aware that Airbus have extended the period for concluding the transaction.
(b) No request for funding has been received by National Treasury from SAA.
(c) NT has been informed that the SAA Board is still consulting on aspects of the
proposed expansion of the existing partnership with Emirates.
2. The question regarding the R2.59 billion loss in 2013/14 should be referred to the Minister of Public Enterprises who was the Executive Authority responsible for SAA over that period.
In total R14.4 billion of guarantees have been provided to SAA and a total of R2.293 billion
in funding has been transferred to SAA since 2007. This information is reported in the
Estimates of National Expenditure and the Budget Review.
Oxford Economics under took a study on the economic benefits arising from SAA’s long-haul international routes during 2014. According to the study, there was a direct contribution of
R350 million to South African GDP, around R800 million extra was generated in tax revenue and 5000 jobs were supported. In addition, the study estimated that, through SAA’s international operations, R5.9 billion was added to GDP in the tourism sector supporting 27000 jobs. The study did not estimate the further positive benefits arising from SAA’s operations for trade, nor did it look at the impact of SAA’s domestic and regional operations.
17 December 2015 - NW3807
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)(a) What royalties are paid to Lesotho for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and (b) how are the specified royalties calculated; (2) what was the (a) fixed tariff royalty, (b) price of water per cubic meter and (c) total amount of water used in each year since 2000; (3) is there a sliding scale on royalties for the next 10 years; if not, why not; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details of the specified sliding scale?
Reply:
(1) Royalties, as defined in the Treaty, are paid to the Government of Lesotho for the benefit of receiving South Africa’s share of the yield from the Orange River through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a gravity scheme, rather than through the least cost Orange-Vaal Transfer Scheme (OVTS), a pumping scheme wholly located within South Africa. Royalties are based on the amount of water actually delivered and correspond to 56% of the capital, operation and maintenance and pumping electricity cost savings realised by Republic of South Africa (RSA) through the implementation of the LHWP water transfer component rather than the costlier next best Orange Vaal Transfer Scheme.
In terms of Article 12, Paragraph (10) of The Treaty between Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, royalties comprise of a fixed and a variable component. The cost savings on capital costs are referred to as fixed royalties since a fixed amount in real terms is paid out as royalties every month. The compensation will be for fifty years and commenced from January 1995.
The variable portion is related to the cost savings on O&M costs and amounts related to the pumping electricity cost savings and these amounts depend on water actually delivered to RSA. The variable component is based on the volume of water delivered to South Africa and is made up of the net benefit on being able to gravitate from LHWP rather than pumping from OVTS. It comprises:
- The difference in electricity costs. This component is adjusted on a monthly basis in accordance with the Producer Price Index (PPI) and corrected on a yearly basis when the Eskom selling price of electricity becomes available (usually in October of every year), and
- The difference in operation and maintenance costs, which is also adjusted on a monthly basis in accordance with the PPI.
(2) Refer to table below. Please note that the price per cm3 for both the O&M and the electricity is determined on a monthly basis due to the monthly PPI adjustments, the amounts reflected below are therefore the average price for the year.
(3) No, there is no sliding scale. The royalties are calculated as per (1) above as stipulated in the Treaty.
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17 December 2015 - NW4065
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether as a result of her department’s efforts since 2010, (a) any rapid and extensive facilitation of rental and social housing uptake have occurred year on year, (b) there has been an acceleration in private stakeholder participation and collaboration in joint ventures and (c) facilitation or development of fully integrated human settlements has taken place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) There are two programmes that focus on the provision of social and rental housing, namely the Social Housing Programme and Community Residential Units Programme. These have gained a measure of improved momentum since 2010 with projects being implemented in seven provinces. Planning is currently underway in the remaining two provinces for CRU. In addition, all the municipalities have approved restructuring zones for social housing developments. The Provinces and various Municipalities have projects in various stages of implementation as part of a project pipeline that extends up to 2019.
Honourable member, we have already acknowledged that we are not doing well in this area hence the current review of the social housing policy with a view to accelerating delivery in social housing. Once the policy proposals have been agreed to by MinMEC, I will elaborate on changes we are making in respect of this matter.
The table below indicates the number of social and CRU units delivered since 2010:
PROVINCE |
DELIVERY |
|||
1 April 2010 to 31 March 2014 |
1 April 2014 to 30 September 2015 |
|||
Social |
Cru |
Social |
Cru |
|
EC |
3 065 |
0 |
368 |
0 |
FS |
3 867 |
1 094 |
315 |
451 |
GT |
11 630 |
5 278 |
611 |
495 |
KZN |
9 103 |
966 |
567 |
239 |
LP |
197 |
197 |
0 |
0 |
MP |
925 |
794 |
246 |
273 |
NC |
352 |
332 |
0 |
0 |
NW |
2 868 |
468 |
0 |
0 |
WC |
10 964 |
6 096 |
864 |
1068 |
TOTAL |
42 971 |
15 225 |
2 971 |
2526 |
(b) The Community Residential Units Programme is a public rental programme, which is funded by government through a subsidy, and as such private stakeholder participation is not mandatory, but is undertaken with relevant communities and stakeholders. The Department in conjunction with the Provinces and Municipalities has however facilitated number collaborative ventures, on various programmes including the Social and Rental Housing Programmes.
In the Social and Rental sector a project in the Free State is in the process of being planned, funded and implemented. It resulted in a locally based mining company (Harmony Gold Mines) donating land and buildings to the local municipality to redevelop. This will result in four hundred and sixty four (464) community residential units being developed as part of the regeneration of the buildings. A second collaborative venture was a fifty hectare land donation by Lonmin Mines in the North West Province for the development of an integrated housing project for the Marikana Community. To date, two hundred and fifty two (252) CRU units are at various stages of completion.
The Social Housing programme is designed to be a private sector driven in a joint venture with government. All social housing projects are implemented privately and/or community led Social Housing Institutions with government contributing towards the cost of the delivery of the unit via a subsidy. The private developers and private investors are encouraged and in fact participate in the programme.
(c) The location of the rental housing project is important hence the social housing projects can only be implemented in areas that have been declared restructuring zones in order to contribute to the achievement of spatial, economic and social restructuring. The restructuring area is an area that provides improved access to socio-economic amenities and transport nodes. Whilst it is not the norm, most of the rental projects form part of a mixed development of different types of human settlement typologies, in a mixed development project can comprise of social housing accommodation, subsidised housing, finance linked bonded houses, retail and commercial development.
In addition, a percentage of projects which will form part of the Catalytic Projects Programme will compromise of social and rental housing and it is pleasing to note a number of the projects will be initiated by private sector developers. At an appropriate time a more informative and comprehensive announcement will be made on the matter.
17 December 2015 - NW4118
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether, with reference to the non-functionality of the wastewater treatment plant in Bela-Bela in Limpopo, she took any steps to intervene in this situation; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps will her department take to prevent the continued release of 90 litres of untreated wastewater per second; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she intends to upgrade the specified plant in the future; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) what are the relevant details; (3) what is the current capacity of the specified plant?
Reply:
(1)(a) Bela-Bela Waste Water Treatment Plant in Limpopo is installed with three Biofilters, two are fully functional and one is not in working order due to a faulty pump. This process is followed by two humus tanks, both are operational however there is a standby pump that is faulty, thus reducing standby capacity of the plant should the pump in duty fail. The two anaerobic digesters installed are both blocked and non-functional.
(1)(b) The municipality has appointed a service provider to maintain the non-functional components of the waste water treatment plant and the contractor is on site and is anticipated to complete work by end of February 2016.
(2)(a) Yes the plant will be upgraded (b) the municipality has developed a Business Plan to source funding under Accelerated Community Infrastructure Programme (ACIP) for the upgrade of the plant. The Business Plan is still under evaluation.
(3) The capacity of Bela-Bela Waste Water Treatment Plant is 5 mega litres /day.
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17 December 2015 - NW4194
Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)With reference to her reply to question 2095 on 23 June 2015, (a) will she request copies of the two specified reports from the SA Human Rights Commission and the City of Johannesburg Metro or (b) should Mr I M Ollis himself deliver copies of the specified reports to her personally; (2) what steps will she take to improve the dangerous conditions in the (a) Madala Men's Hostel and (b) Helen Joseph Women's Hostel in Alexandra, Johannesburg?
Reply:
(1) (a) & (b) Dear Honourable member, it is important that the lines of accountability, responsibility and the reporting protocols are observed. Accordingly, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has been requested to make its report available to the Department of Human Settlements on the relevant matters as contained in the press statement released by the SAHRC.
(2) The Department already has a programme, which caters for the City of Johannesburg, which allows for the improvement of the hazardous conditions not only in the hostels but all areas where households find themselves in precarious living conditions. This will include the Madala Men's Hostel and Helen Joseph Women's Hostel in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The City of Johannesburg together with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements have advised that they will create additional housing opportunities in and around the Alexandra area in order to accommodate families instead of individuals and also relocate individuals and families out of the two hostels mentioned, to available housing opportunities within Alexandra.
As an interim measure the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements have access to relevant grants to redress the current “dangerous” conditions referred to and this includes provision of emergency housing in the form of temporary relocation areas and/or structures.
17 December 2015 - NW4167
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Whether she intends to invest a higher percentage of the gross domestic product in research and development than the present 0,76% in view of the fact that economies that significantly increase their investment in science, technology and innovation, as research clearly shows, (details furnished) are able to respond faster and more comprehensively to fiscal improvements; if not, why not; if so, by what percentage does she intends to increase investment in research and development for over the medium term?
Reply:
The Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) Strategic Plan (2015-2020) outlines what the DST will do to help achieve this target. For the year 2015/16, for instance, the DST has a budget of R7 482 billion, of which 92,2% (R6,9 billion) is allocated to entities that report to the Minister of Science and Technology. Key funding priorities for the DST over the medium term include developing human capital, creating new knowledge, growing research infrastructure, and encouraging innovation by funding marketable products emerging from research and incubation. All these are essential elements of a policy framework to encourage other actors in the system of innovation to contribute to increasing the investment in R&D at appropriate levels.
The DST is working closely with National Treasury on plans on how the target can be achieved. Across government, there are a number of avenues for investment in science, technology and innovation activities through various departments, their entities as well as work they do with the higher education institutions. Another major part of the effort involves building partnership arrangements with the private sector and international partners that will help leverage further resources for R&D investment.
17 December 2015 - NW4171
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)Whether ethics and integrity officers have been appointed for each national and provincial department; if not, (a) why not, (b) what are the relevant details in each case and (c) by when is it intended that such appointments will be made; if so, what (i) minimum criteria were used for the recruitment of the ethics and integrity officers, (ii) vetting or screening have the incumbents undergone and (iii) training are the incumbents required to attend after commencement of their employment as ethics and integrity officers; (2) (a) what are the details of the job description of an ethics and integrity officer in the public service, (b) what job grade does an ethics and integrity officer occupy in a (i) national and (ii) provincial department and (c) to whom does an ethics and integrity officer report in a (i) national and (ii) provincial department?
Reply:
(1) Yes. There are currently 306 Ethics Officers either appointed or designated in the public service.
(b) Appointments are made in terms of the prescribed public service procedure, with regard to designation, existing employees in their respective departments are assigned a new or additional functions in line with the responsibilities attached to the post of an ethics officer.
(c) (i) Departments follow an open recruitment process to identify and appoint appropriate officials. The grade of the post is determined using the approved Job Evaluation process and System. Departments currently utilise the job description as contained in the Public Service Integrity Management Framework.
(ii) All employees, prior to appointment to the public service, are subject to a background checks, which include credit and criminal record, verification of qualification, disciplinary record, etc.
The DPSA has initiated a process of amending the Public Service Regulations, 2001. One of the objectives is to formalize and standardize the designation and / or appointment of Ethics Officers and provide for more functions relating to the management and promotion of ethics in the public service. This process will be finalised early in 2016.
(iii) The Department of Public Service and Administration together with the National School of Government have development a set of new ethics courses. These courses were finalised and are being rolled-out. These courses include the following:
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-
-
- Ethics Management for Local Government
- Ethics Management Workshop for National and Provincial Government
- Ethics Module to use in senior management induction
- Ethics Workshop to use for Ethics Officer Training
- Ethics Module to use in Compulsory Induction Programme for Public Service
-
-
Furthermore, all designated Ethics Officers have been trained on the Financial Disclosure Framework and the use of the e-Disclosure system.
(2) (a) Departments currently utilise the job description as contained in the Public Service Integrity Management Framework. The following functions are performed by ethics officers:-
- Promote integrity and ethical behaviour in departments;
- Advise employees on ethical matters;
- Ensure integrity of organisational policies, procedures and practices;
- Identify and report unethical behaviour and corrupt activities to the head of department;
- Manage conflicts of interest, including:
- Financial disclosures of employees;
- Application for external remunerative work; and
- Departmental gift registers.
- Develop and implement awareness programmes to educate officials on ethics, good governance and anti-corruption measures; and
- Keep a register of all employees under investigation and those disciplined for unethical conduct.
(d) The job grade is determined using the approved Job Evaluation process and System. Where Ethics Officers are appointed (and not designated), whether in the national or provincial department, the size, risk profile, budget, qualification requirement, etc of the post will determine the job grade.
(d) Ethics officers are generally appointed under programme 1 (administration), and report to the head of Corporate Services or the Director’s-General head of office. However, going forward, ethics officers will report to the Head of the Department (HoD) in terms of the proposed Public Service Regulations.
17 December 2015 - NW3911
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether he will take action against the reckless and wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money by Eskom, whereby the specified parastatal recently entered into a three-year agreement that is worth R43 million with The New Age to sponsor the specified publication’s breakfast briefings, especially in light of the R20 billion fiscal bail out that he has to find in order to assist Eskom deal with its R225 billion cash flow gap; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Section 83(1)(b) of the PFMA states that if the accounting authority (Board) makes or permits fruitless and wasteful expenditure they may be charged with financial misconduct. It is therefore the responsibility of the accounting authority to ensure that sound controls are put in place to detect and prevent such expenditure from being incurred. The accounting authority is also required to ensure that disciplinary steps are taken against persons who have permitted or incurred fruitless and wasteful expenditure and that such is disclosed in the annual report and annual financial statement of the entity. The process for dealing with a charge of financial misconduct is outlined in the Treasury Regulations.
In this case, the accounting authority must make the determination whether expenditure incurred was fruitless and wasteful. The accountability arrangements applicable to State Owned Entities envisage that if accounting authority (the board) fails to act, then the shareholder Ministry is required to step in. It is only after all of these avenues have been explored that the matter can be investigated by the Auditor-General at the request of relevant authorities or as part of their audit.
17 December 2015 - NW4266
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What legal ground justifies the investment by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) of funds from the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) in Lonmin, in light of the fact that this mine is almost bankrupt and that currently and in the foreseeable future no profits will be generated by said mine; (2) whether the PIC and the trustees of the GEPF will be held legally accountable for such an investment in said mine; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) (a) who proposed the possibility of the specified investment and (b) when was it proposed; (4) whether any similar investments are currently under consideration; if so, (a) which investments are under consideration, (b) when will such investments be made and (c) what will be the nature of each investment?
Reply:
According to Information provided by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC):
(1) The PIC is legally authorised to make investments in terms of the mandates granted by its various clients. These mandates allow the PIC to invest in companies that are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the investment in Lonmin is in alignment with these mandates. The investment case for investing in Lonmin at this time is threefold, namely:
- The long-term fundamentals for the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) support higher prices than what is currently prevailing. These metals will be playing a key role in emissions control measures around the world.
- Lonmin has a sound asset base whose performance has been impacted by the short-term dip in commodity prices. However, based on the PIC’s outlook for PGM prices, value can be restored.
- Management has come up with a plan of action that has been reviewed by independent external experts, for the company to be able to withstand the current low price environment.
It is worth noting that the company held a general meeting for shareholders to vote on the rights issue and 88%of the shareholding represented at the meeting, which included the PIC (on behalf of the GEPF and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), voted for the company to proceed with the rights issue. The outcomes of the voting is a clear indication that other shareholders see the long-term value of the company. Lonmin is a going concern and has neither been declared bankrupt nor has it applied for business rescue.
(2) The PIC invests and manages funds for various clients and this is done in line with mandates granted by various clients. GEPF Trustees are not exposed to direct liability for investing on the JSE. The accountability, legal or otherwise, for these investments and their management is regulated in terms of the mandates. As the investment manager, the PIC takes full accountability for the performance of any such investments once made in terms of the mandate.
(3) Rights issue is a common method through which JSE-listed companies raise funds for various business initiatives. For an example, companies such as Naspers and PSG have recently gone out to the market to raise capital to fund their strategic business initiatives. In the same way, Lonmin approached all the shareholders, including the PIC about the rights issue, whereupon the PIC considered following its rights. The PIC was approached by Lonmin in early November. Following Lonmin’s approach, the PIC subjected the proposal to the internal investment processes, which entail conducting a thorough due diligence on the company and obtaining approval by the relevant committees within the PIC.
(4) The PIC, like all other shareholders, gets approached from time to time by companies with similar requests. However, as a responsible investor we are not at liberty to disclose whether any such transactions are currently being considered as this could be market sensitive information. In instances where we agree to follow our rights and agree to underwrite the rights issue, these companies would publish information in the notices for meetings. The PIC can disclose that it has expressed support for the ArcelorMittal’s rights issue, which will be voted for on the 11th of December 2015. Details of this rights issue is contained in the notice for the ArcelorMittal General Meeting of shareholders.
15 December 2015 - NW3873
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether actors who take part in the SA Broadcasting Corporation programmes which are broadcast on international SA Airways flights are paid royalties; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Not yet, these are recent deals and payment will be made after payment is made to the SABC and the 2015-16 financials are signed-off by the auditors.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW4153
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) Whether she will provide the exact details of the formalised communications relations agreement with Vietnam entered into by her in October 2015; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the specified formalised agreement includes a programme for the training of journalists; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) & (2) The Department is unable to provide exact details of a formalised communications relations agreement with Vietnam because it has not entered into any agreement with Vietnam.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
15 December 2015 - NW4128
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What steps are being taken to review legislation requiring valid SA Broadcasting Corporation licenses to be a qualifying criterion for recipients of government-sponsored Set Top Boxes, (b) with whom are the discussions on this issue held and (c) when will the specified discussions be completed and the matter resolved?
Reply:
(a) A proposal has been presented to SABC for consideration
(b) Discussions on this issue are being held with SABC
(c) A decision is pending consideration and ratification by the SABC
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW4031
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) Whether, the SA Broadcasting Corporation did indeed stop to broadcast news bulletins in any other language than English on its news channel aired on DSTV channel 404 with effect from 1 April 2015 (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so: (a) what was the rationale behind this decision and (b) who took this decision; (2) whether any form of a public consultation process took place before this decision was implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details of the (a) persons consulted and (b) outcomes in each case?
Reply:
(1) Yes, the SABC has discontinued the broadcast of news bulletins in other languages on its DSTV channel 404.
(1)(a) The decision was premised on the fact that the channel now broadcast in all the Sub-Saharan countries and is not limited to South African audiences.
(2) There were no public consultations undertaken because the channel is not a free to air platform.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW4126
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)(a) What are the terms of reference of the enquiry that she asked National Treasury to conduct into the manufacturing and procurement process of the Set Top Box tender and (b) what is the deadline for the (i) completion and (ii) delivery of the report; (2) Whether the report of the specified enquiry will be made public; if not, why not; if so, what are further relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) The scope of investigation covers the supply chain processes followed by the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa in the appointment of Ernest and Young to oversee the procurement process and companies to supply digital terrestrial (DTT), direct to home (DTH), satellite dishes and antennas.
(b)(i) & (ii) The investigation is expected to be finalised by end December 2015.
(2) The sensitivities regarding the information contained in the final report will determine whether the report will be made public or not.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
15 December 2015 - NW4032
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 2306 on 18 September 2015, (a) what amount is paid in each month to the insurance fund and/or contingent liability fund that covers executive directors of the SA Broadcasting Corporation, (b) who pays the specified amounts and (c) with which insurance company is the fund?
Reply:
The SABC does not have a “Fund” for Insurance. Policies are renewed on an annual basis and premiums are paid accordingly (annually). Every year with renewal SABC makes use of a Tender process to appoint different insurers for different risks depending on rates and best cover offered. SABC’s Directors And Officers Liability policy is currently with Allianz Insurance Company and our policy limit is ZAR100,000,000 and the premium payable was R536,842.00 (Excl VAT)
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3954
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether, with reference to the submission made by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the SA Broadcasting Corporation in the Portfolio Committee on Communications’ meeting on 21 October 2015, she will provide a copy of the independent study referred to by the CFO which was conducted to benchmark the Chief Operating Officer’s (COO’s) salary increase; if not, why not; if so, by when will she provide the (a) specified independent study and (b) record of decisions related to the implementation of the recommendations of the specified study in respect of the COO’s salary increase?
Reply:
(a) The report is a confidential benchmark performed by an external service provider so that the SABC maintains its competitiveness.
(b) Records of decisions are confidential internal documents that should be kept as such.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3869
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) Have actors from the television drama Generations been paid royalties when the right to air the specified television drama was sold to television stations in other African countries, (b) to which television stations were the rights to air the specified television drama sold, (c) what percentage of the profit was paid to the specified actors, (d) were the specified actors represented in the negotiations and (e) how were the royalties paid to the specified actors calculated?
Reply:
a. Payment is not made at point of sale. Payment is made only after the auditors have signed off the financials.
b. Multichoice, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Television Jamaica and Swazi TV
c. As per the formula of two per cent of net profit, where net profit is calculated as gross sales less 35% overheads
d. No. The licencing of content is negotiated between the SABC as the content owner and the licencee. The actors are not a part of this as their relationship is with the producer and not with the SABC. The SABC pays them directly currently as this is a contractual obligation that was signed off historically. There is no collecting society currently since PAWE (Performing Arts Workers Equity) is no longer performing that role. PAWE represented some actors in the past and payments were made to the organisation to distribute to its members.
e. As per the formula in the contract (see point c above). Generations actors were paid directly i.e, into their bank accounts
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3874
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Communications
What was the basis of the statement she made in the meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Communications on 21 October 2015 that royalties accruing to actors from the SA Broadcasting Corporation aired shows will be paid from 2007 only, despite the fact that television started broadcasting in 1976?
Reply:
The SABC has a database of actors. The database is made up of details of actors from recent productions. Historically, databases were not maintained and this means that a list of actors from old productions can only be obtained by watching the tapes and recording the information. Contracts for actors from old productions were also not kept by actors and producers. This complicates the payment of royalties as the SABC has to rely on affidavits and use rates there were averages from the year of production.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW4127
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)(a) How many applications for government-sponsored Set Top Boxes have been lodged at post offices around the country; (b) how many of the specified applications: (i) have been approved as at the latest date for which information is available (ii) have been rejected (iii) are still being processed; (2)what is the reason for the rejection of the specified applications?
Reply:
(1) (a) The total number of applications lodged at the 18 SKA area branches up to 30 November 2015 amounts to 2, 336 in total.
(b) (i) A total of 2, 074 qualifying applications has been processed up to 30 November 2015.
(ii) A total of 262 non-qualifying applications has been processed up to 30 November 2015
(iii) A total of 274 applications for the period ending 30 November 2015 stills needs to be processed.
(2) The reasons for the 262 non-qualifying applications to date are the following:
(a) Foreign ID’s (Total: 1)
(b) Unknown address (Total: 207)
(c) Total household income above income threshold of R3200 pm (Total: 54)
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE
15 December 2015 - NW4154
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 2953 on 3 November 2015, what is the detailed breakdown of the expense allowances afforded to the (a) Chief Executive Officer, (b) Chief Financial Officer and (c) Chief Operating Officer, as executive board members as indicated in her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, in terms of their (i) housing allowances, (ii) car allowances, (iii) cell phone allowances, (iv) other cash allowances, (v) entertainment allowances, (vi) subsistence allowances, (vii) benefit replacement allowances, (viii) insurance allowances, (ix) acting allowances and (x) special allowances, in each specified case?
Reply:
The information on the total expense allowance afforded to the CEO, COO, and CFO is contained in the 2015 Annual Report of the SABC.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3868
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) Does the SA Broadcasting Corporation have a database of all actors who played a part in programmes that are redistributed on other networks; if so, (a) what process is followed to pay actors royalties when programmes are repeated and (b) how many times have royalties been paid for all programmes which were locally made in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and redistributed to other networks; (2) in each specified case, (a) what is the name of the programme and (b) what are the names of the actors benefitting from the specified royalties?
Reply:
(1) The SABC has a database of actors. The database is made up of details of actors from recent productions. Historically, databases were not maintained and this means that a list of actors from old productions can only be obtained by watching the tapes and recording the information. Contracts for actors from old productions were also not kept by actors and producers. This complicates the payment of royalties as the SABC has to rely on affidavits and use rates there were averages from the year of production.
(a) It is important to note that repeat fee royalties are not paid on programmes that have been licenced to other networks. Repeat fees are payable only when programmes are rebroadcast on SABC Channels 7 days after the original broadcast. Commercial exploitation fees are payable when content is licenced to other broadcasters.
The SABC together with industry bodies representing producers and actors are discussing a process whereby broadcast royalties are paid out to actors. These discussions are at an advanced stage. In the interim the SABC addresses individual claims as they are made. As mentioned earlier, some payments are made based on contracts from the actors while other payments are made based on affidavits as actors do not have contracts (old productions).
(b) Royalties derived from content exploitation (i.e. licencing of content to other broadcasters/platforms) are paid on a quarterly basis. Royalties have been paid once in 2014-15. None were paid in the preceding financial years.
Royalties paid for repeat fees are paid monthly based on received claims.
(2) (a) Generations and Isidingo
(b) Anga Makubalo, Bawinile Modise, Camilla Waldman, David Phetoe, Katlego Danke, Mandla Gaduka, Menzi Ngubane, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Seputla Sebogodi, Slindile Nodangala, Sophie Ndaba, Thabiso Kokheti, Thami Mnqolo, Thato Molamu, Zenande Mfenyama, Zolisa Xaluva, Chris Basley, Hlubi Mboya, Michele Botes, Robert Whitehead
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW4129
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) (a) How many TV licenses were (i) issued and (ii) renewed by 30 September 2015 and (b) how many were not renewed; (2) (a) what amount is owed to the SA Broadcasting Corporation for unpaid licenses and (b) what is the cost of actions taken to recoup the specified debts?
Reply:
(1)(a) (i) 4 434 000
(ii) 1 741 000
(b) 2 692 000
(2)(a) R32 502bn
(b) April to 30 September 2015, collection costs were R75.4m, projected for Apr – Mar 2016 is R168m.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3870
Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) In respect of how many programmes has the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) sold the rights to air to kykNET; ? (2) whether the affected actors have been receiving royalties from the specified SABC transaction; if not, why not; if so, when did they start receiving royalties?
Reply:
(1) Sixty-nine titles
(2) No. In most instances due to the age of the programmes and the commissioning regimes under which they were made no contractual provision was made for royalties to be paid to actors and as such no payments have been made.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3953
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
(1) With reference to the Auditor-General’s note in the SA Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) 2014-15 Annual Report that a specific vendor was overpaid by R 2 million, what is the (a) name of this vendor, (b) nature of the service that the vendor rendered and (c) reason for overpayment; (2) Whether the overpaid moneys have been recovered since the findings were made by the Auditor-General in the SABC’s 2014-15 Annual Report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
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:
15 December 2015 - NW3867
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
Does the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) negotiate with actors to determine the payment of royalties due to them when selling licensed content to other TV stations; if not, (a) why not and (b) are the specified actors paid a percentage of the profit emanating from the specified transaction; if so, (i) how is the percentage profit determined, (ii) how much (aa) does and/or (bb) can the SABC deduct from the selling price before allocating an amount of the profit towards royalties and (iii) how is this determined?
Reply:
(a) The SABC does not sell content, but licences it to other networks and operators. The current standard commissioning agreement makes provision for the amount to be negotiated or for a payment based on two per cent of the net licencing agreement profit made. At this stage the SABC makes provision for payment based on the latter number.
(b) (i) Net profit is calculated at gross licencing revenue less 35% of capped overheads.
(ii) As per the above
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3832
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What percentage of the Media Development and Diversity Agency funding is allocated to (i) print media and (ii) electronic media per annum and (b) what is the reason for giving any of the specified categories more funding as compared to others?
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
15 December 2015 - NW3871
Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether, in view of the SA Broadcasting Corporation providing content to new television channels such as Zambezi Magic and GauTV, the relevant actors are paid royalties for such content; if not, why not; if so, when will they start receiving royalties?
Reply:
Not yet, these are recent deals and payment will be made after payment is made to the SABC and the 2015-16 financials are signed-off by the auditors.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
15 December 2015 - NW3872
Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether the respective actors are being paid royalties on the Showmax, a netflix-like video-on-demand with the SA Broadcasting Corporation-dramas which was launched by Naspers as part of their variety content; if not, why not; if so, when?
Reply:
Not yet, these are recent deals and payment will be made after payment is made to the SABC and the 2015-16 financials are signed-off by the auditors.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
14 December 2015 - NW4195
Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)(a) When last did school inspectors from (i) her department and/or (ii) the Gauteng Department of Education (aa) visit and (bb) inspect schools in Alexandra, Johannesburg since they were allegedly chased away from the specified schools by SA Democratic Teachers Union members, (b) which schools were inspected and (c) what reports were produced in each case; (2) whether she will provide Mr I M Ollis with the copies of the specified reports for (a) 2013, (b) 2014 and (c) 2015; if not, why not; if so, on what date will the reports be provided; (3) what steps will she take if school inspectors are again prevented from visiting schools in Alexandra?
Reply:
(1) (a) When last did school inspectors from (i) her department and/or (ii) the Gauteng Department of Education (aa) visit and (bb) inspect schools in Alexandra, Johannesburg since they were allegedly chased away from the specified schools by SA Democratic Teachers Union members, (b) which schools were inspected and (c) what reports were produced in each case;
[The response below is provided from a Whole School Evaluation perspective]
- (a) Neither the Department of Basic Education (DBE) nor the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), have school inspectors that visit schools for the purpose of inspections. However, there are trained Supervisors who conduct Whole School Evaluation (WSE) to evaluate school effectiveness in terms of the national goals (WSE Policy, 2001) and operate from Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).
Furthermore, the DBE deploys trained School Improvement Support Co-ordinators who work with and through districts to support schools. School evaluations are also conducted under the auspices of the National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU).
During the period in question, the GDE did not report of WSE supervisors being prevented from doing evaluations at schools.
(b) Realogile Secondary School, which is located in Alexandra, was evaluated by WSE supervisors from 7 to 10 September 2015.
(c) After each evaluation, an individual school report is generated identifying good practice, areas for development and recommendations for interventions. These reports are presented to the school, and the District Office for support purposes.
(2) Whether she will provide Mr I M Ollis with the copies of the specified reports for (a) 2013, (b) 2014 and (c) 2015; if not, why not; if so, on what date will the reports be provided;
(2) No reports will be provided. The WSE school reports are confidential and are not released into the public domain.
(3) What steps will she take if school inspectors are again prevented from visiting schools in Alexandra?
(3) Not applicable.
14 December 2015 - NW4260
Atkinson, Mr P to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the SA Police Service has any embargos against any country for the procurement of any policing item; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which countries are embargoed and (b) why in each case?
Reply:
The SAPS does not have any embargos against any country for the procurement of goods and services. The SAPS, in terms of government policies, satisfies requirements by procuring from the local market but should a requirement arise that is not locally available the Department will enter into procurement actions directly with international companies.
14 December 2015 - NW4263
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) Whether his department keeps a blacklist of vessels that have been engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated activities in the country's fishing waters; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any such vessels have been apprehended in the past five financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (a) what charges were brought against the culprits, (b) how many successful prosecutions were made in this regard during the specified period and (c) what were the sentences and/or fines; (3) (a) are vessels so apprehended banned from the country's waters and (b) is any action taken against the companies or countries that own the specified vessels; (a) the above vessels have not been registered to operate in SA waters (b) If owners of the transgressing vessel is confirmed, Yes. The flag state is advised for it to take corrective measures. (4) whether this information is shared with (a) regional fisheries and/or (b) marine organisations that the country is a member of; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
- Yes. The Department has its own transgression register. The Department also has access to the blacklisted and suspected vessels website.
- Yes. Seven vessels. (a) the charges were the contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act, Act 18 of 1998; Section 13 (1) and (2) read with section 58 (1) and (2) of the Act. Further charges related to the contravention of the Regulations, Reg 80 (1) (a),(b) and (c). The criminal cases against the captains of these vessels were withdrawn. The captains were deported by the Department of Home Affairs to their countries of origin. The vessels were confiscated to the state and subsequently auctioned off by the Department. The investigations into to the ownership as well as flag state of these seven vessels is still ongoing.
- (a) The vessels in question have not been registered to operate in South African waters. (b) Yes. If owners of the transgressing vessel are confirmed and verified then the flag state is advised to take corrective measures.
- (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) The transgressions by the above vessels were reported to the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Blue Tuna ( CCSBT) and noted. It was also reported that the fish on board these vessels had been sold in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act.
14 December 2015 - NW4240
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
What was the shortage of (a) bullet proof vests, (b) vehicles, (c) radios, (d) computers and (e) firearms in each police station in the (i) City of Tshwane, (ii) Nelson Mandela Bay, (iii) City of Johannesburg, (iv) Ekurhuleni and (v) Buffalo City metropolitan municipalities (aa) in the 2014-15 financial year and (bb) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
NB. The distributions are according to provinces and not municipal districts.
Currently there are no shortages of (a) Bullet Proof Vests.
(b) Vehicles
- City of Tshwane,
- Pretoria Central
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Atteridgeville |
47 |
57 |
-10 |
Erasmia |
32 |
25 |
7 |
Hercules |
31 |
31 |
0 |
Laudium |
29 |
23 |
6 |
Olievenhoutbosch |
18 |
23 |
-5 |
Pretoria Central |
100 |
106 |
-6 |
Pretoria West |
41 |
39 |
2 |
Wierdabrug |
43 |
44 |
-1 |
Wonderboompoort |
21 |
21 |
0 |
362 |
369 |
-7 |
- Mamelodi
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Eersterust |
26 |
18 |
8 |
Kameeldrift |
29 |
20 |
9 |
Mamelodi |
48 |
52 |
-4 |
Mamelodi East |
42 |
47 |
-5 |
Silverton |
29 |
40 |
-11 |
Sinoville |
28 |
39 |
-11 |
202 |
216 |
-14 |
- Ga-Rankuwa
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Akasia |
43 |
44 |
-1 |
Ga-Rankuwa |
51 |
45 |
6 |
Mabopane |
37 |
37 |
0 |
Pretoria North |
30 |
36 |
-6 |
Soshanguve |
45 |
47 |
-2 |
206 |
209 |
-3 |
- Nelson Mandela Bay,
- Mount Road
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Algoapark |
32 |
37 |
-5 |
Bethelsdorp |
39 |
52 |
-13 |
Gelvandale |
49 |
55 |
-6 |
Humewood |
45 |
51 |
-6 |
Kabega Park |
29 |
40 |
-11 |
Mount Road |
57 |
60 |
-3 |
Walmer |
37 |
41 |
-4 |
288 |
336 |
-48 |
- Motherwell
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Ikamvelihle |
21 |
19 |
2 |
Kinkelbos |
10 |
7 |
3 |
Kwadwesi |
21 |
19 |
2 |
Kwazakele |
47 |
69 |
-22 |
Motherwell |
46 |
46 |
0 |
New Brighton |
41 |
46 |
-5 |
Paterson |
8 |
9 |
-1 |
Swartkops |
16 |
20 |
-4 |
210 |
235 |
-25 |
- City of Johannesburg,
- Johannesburg Central
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Booysens |
60 |
62 |
-2 |
Brixton |
35 |
37 |
-2 |
Fairland |
30 |
21 |
9 |
Jhb Central |
115 |
121 |
-6 |
Langlaagte |
32 |
24 |
8 |
Moffatview |
42 |
34 |
8 |
Mondeor |
44 |
43 |
1 |
Sophia Town |
51 |
41 |
10 |
409 |
383 |
26 |
- Hillbrow
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Cleveland |
42 |
36 |
6 |
Hillbrow |
106 |
102 |
4 |
Jeppe |
70 |
58 |
12 |
Linden |
46 |
38 |
8 |
Norwood |
41 |
40 |
1 |
Parkview |
33 |
32 |
1 |
Rosebank |
21 |
17 |
4 |
Yeoville |
44 |
36 |
8 |
403 |
359 |
44 |
- Alexandra
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Alexandra |
68 |
78 |
-10 |
Bramley |
41 |
38 |
3 |
Midrand |
55 |
44 |
11 |
Sandringham |
30 |
26 |
4 |
Sandton |
70 |
79 |
-9 |
264 |
265 |
-1 |
- Honeydew
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Diepsloot |
33 |
29 |
4 |
Douglasdale |
50 |
50 |
0 |
Florida |
35 |
42 |
-7 |
Honeydew |
75 |
70 |
5 |
Randburg |
49 |
40 |
9 |
Roodepoort |
65 |
64 |
1 |
307 |
295 |
12 |
- Orlando
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Diepkloof |
46 |
44 |
2 |
Eldorado Park |
43 |
51 |
-8 |
Kliptown |
48 |
60 |
-12 |
Meadowlands |
62 |
61 |
1 |
Orlando |
59 |
58 |
1 |
258 |
274 |
-16 |
- Moroka
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Dobsonville |
59 |
64 |
-5 |
Jabulani |
45 |
53 |
-8 |
Lenasia |
41 |
43 |
-2 |
Lenasia South |
34 |
26 |
8 |
Moroka |
88 |
80 |
8 |
Naledi |
26 |
31 |
-5 |
Protea Glen |
49 |
55 |
-6 |
342 |
352 |
-10 |
- Ekurhuleni
- Germiston
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Alberton |
40 |
50 |
-10 |
Bedfordview |
42 |
36 |
6 |
Brackendowns |
37 |
33 |
4 |
Elsburg |
32 |
34 |
-2 |
Germiston |
73 |
64 |
9 |
Primrose |
34 |
35 |
-1 |
258 |
252 |
6 |
- Katlehong
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Dawn Park |
25 |
25 |
0 |
Edenpark |
28 |
24 |
4 |
Katlehong |
58 |
61 |
-3 |
Katlehong North |
40 |
36 |
4 |
Tokoza |
29 |
37 |
-8 |
Vosloorus |
44 |
48 |
-4 |
Zonkizizwe |
20 |
18 |
2 |
244 |
249 |
-5 |
- Benoni
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Actonville |
31 |
24 |
7 |
Benoni |
63 |
62 |
1 |
Crystalpark |
23 |
21 |
2 |
Daveyton |
27 |
38 |
-11 |
Etwatwa |
28 |
31 |
-3 |
Putfontein |
17 |
17 |
0 |
189 |
193 |
-4 |
- Tembisa
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Edenvale |
35 |
36 |
-1 |
Ivory Park |
36 |
51 |
-15 |
Kempton Park |
51 |
60 |
-9 |
Norkempark |
36 |
32 |
4 |
Olifantsfontein |
32 |
22 |
10 |
Rabie Ridge |
34 |
32 |
2 |
Sebenza |
21 |
24 |
-3 |
Tembisa |
59 |
76 |
-17 |
304 |
333 |
-29 |
- Buffalo City metropolitan municipalities
- King Williams Town Cluster
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Bhisho |
31 |
23 |
8 |
Bholo |
6 |
5 |
1 |
Dimbaza |
17 |
13 |
4 |
Kei Road |
7 |
9 |
-2 |
Khubusidrift |
4 |
5 |
-1 |
King Williams Town |
46 |
42 |
4 |
Ndevana |
14 |
11 |
3 |
Punzana |
8 |
6 |
2 |
Steve Vukile Tshwete |
12 |
8 |
4 |
Stutterheim |
19 |
14 |
5 |
Tamara |
15 |
9 |
6 |
Zele |
10 |
11 |
-1 |
Zwelitsha |
21 |
19 |
2 |
210 |
175 |
35 |
- Mdantsane Cluster
Station |
Actual Vehicles |
Ideal Vehicles |
Shortage / Surplus |
Berlin |
13 |
12 |
1 |
Bluewater |
10 |
8 |
2 |
Cambridge |
53 |
51 |
2 |
Inyibiba |
17 |
21 |
-4 |
Kei Mouth |
10 |
8 |
2 |
Macleantown |
12 |
9 |
3 |
Mdantsane |
59 |
53 |
6 |
Mooiplaas |
9 |
8 |
1 |
Vulindlela |
23 |
20 |
3 |
206 |
190 |
16 |
(e) There is no shortage of firearms, as all the needs received from the Gauteng Province and Eastern Cape Province were issued and satisfied. A buffer stock of 5% is also kept in each province.
(c) and (d) With regard to radios and computers in the 2014/15 financial year, there has not been any indication of a shortage of radios and computers in the identified areas. Division: Technology Management Services provides these services according to the needs identified by the relevant environments.
Replacements and/or expansions are prioritized annually as communicated by the Provincial Commissioners.
14 December 2015 - NW4135
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Police
(1)What are the current stock levels of the SA Police Service (SAPS) in terms of non-lethal ammunition like (a) rubber bullets, (b) stun grenades and (c) teargas; (2) (a) how many water cannons are currently owned by the SAPS and (b) how many of the specified water cannons are operational; (3) (a) what are the current stock levels of the SAPS’s anti-riot gear like (i) goggles, (ii) protective gear, (iii) boots and (iv) bullet-proof vests and (b) who is the current supplier of each of the specified items; (4) what is the (a) name, (b) specifications and (c) current supplier of the boots currently being used by the SAPS Special Forces; (5) what is the (a) name, (b) specifications and (c) the current supplier of the gun holsters currently being used by the SAPS?
Reply:
(1)(a)(b)&(c) The SAPS has sufficient stock of the three (3) mentioned items and there is currently a process in place to replenish stock thereof (see attached information note for the Minister).
(2)(a) 13 water cannons are currently owned by the SAPS.
(b) 10 of these water cannons are currently operational and the other 3 are booked in for repairs.
(3)(a) As on 31 October 2015 the following number of these items have already been issued and are serviceable but they are not kept in stock (for (i) and (ii) only) - for (iii) & (iv) please see the disclaimer in the table;
Description |
Quantities |
(b) Current Supplier |
(i) Tactical Goggles |
3 249 |
No contract in place. |
(ii) Protective Gear: |
||
Jackets body protective gear |
3 075 |
No contract in place. |
Arm protective gear |
2 852 |
No contract in place. |
Leg protection gear |
2 784 |
No contract in place. |
Riot shields |
38 102 |
No contract in place. |
Tonfa rubber baton |
168 924 |
No contract in place. |
Riot helmet |
18 545 |
Lightsaver the Intelligent Flashlight. |
(iii)Anti-Riot Boots
|
0 |
N/A. |
(iv) Bullet proof vests
|
203 962 |
The specification has been upgraded and is in process for a new contract. |
(4)(a)(b)&(c) There is no specific boot approved to be used by the SAPS Special Task Force.
(5)(a)(b)&(c) - see table below;
Name |
Specification |
Current Supplier |
Polyester Canvas Type Holster |
Please see attached |
There is no current contract. |
Please note- this type of information is not normally given out of the organization.
14 December 2015 - NW4180
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
How many of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applicants who applied for assistance in the 2014-15 financial year were (a) black, (b) coloured, (c) Indian and (d) white South Africans; 2) how many of the applicants to NSFAS in the 2014-15 financial year who were identified as financially needy were (a) black, (b) coloured, (c) Indian and (d) white South Africans; 3) how many of the NSFAS applicants who received funding from NSFAS in the 2014-15 financial year were (a) black, (b) coloured, (c) Indian and (d) white South Africans?
Reply:
- The estimated total number of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applicants for university study in 2014/15, i.e. the 2014 academic year, was 289 105 applicants. The racial profile of applicants is not available, as it was not captured at the university level.
- Of those who applied, 240 092 met the NSFAS criteria.
- 186 105 Applicants received funding, whilst 53 987 applicants did not receive funding due to insufficient funds being available. The racial breakdown of students who received funding is tabulated below.
NSFAS allocations in 2014/15 by Race
Race |
2014/15 |
|
Number of students |
% |
|
African |
168 351 |
90.4 |
Coloured |
8 139 |
4.3 |
Indian |
1 527 |
1.0 |
White |
5 255 |
2.8 |
Other* |
2 833 |
1.5 |
Total |
186 105 |
100% |
*NSFAS was unable to provide this data due to the race group of these applicants not being identified.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 4180 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr B NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
14 December 2015 - NW4233
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Energy
Whether she supports the Draft Strategy to address Air Pollution in Dense Low-income Settlements presented to her department and other departments in 2013; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; 2) Whether she has taken any steps to address the ongoing harmful health impacts of domestic fuel burning being suffered by residents of dense low-income settlements; if not, why not; if so, what are the full details of the steps undertaken?
Reply:
- No, the Department is not aware of the strategy but would appreciate an opportunity to provide some comments.
- Please refer to (1) above.
14 December 2015 - NW4179
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 3244 on 18 September 2015, any Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have procured services from the Dambuza Community Development Trust during the period 1 January 2010 to 24 November 2015; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case (a) which SETA(s) have procured services from the specified Trust, (b) what amount did each relevant SETA pay to the specified Trust and (c) what services were rendered in this regard; 2) does each relevant SETA have a record of (a) how many students were trained as a result of this funding, (b) the fields in which the students were trained and (c) the accredited authority that offered the specified training; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; 3) did each specified SETA request information with respect to the identity of the (a) Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and (b) board members; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
- No Sector Education and Training Authorities have procured services from the Dambuza Community Development Trust.
- and (3) Not applicable
Compiler/Contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 4179 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
14 December 2015 - NW4246
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 3802 on 16 November 2015, what (a) legislation, (b) regulations and/or (c) policy provides for the (i) establishment, (ii) composition, (iii) powers and (iv) functions of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure?
Reply:
(a-c)
The White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service (1995) noted that the first democratic government inherited a system with poor integration and coordination. Hence in 1996 the Presidential Review Commission recommended a stronger cabinet secretariat, therefore Presidency was restructured in 1999 and a new system was put in place, including a new Cabinet cluster system and clusters of the Directors General.
SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE JCPS CLUSTER
The NATJOINTS is a Sub-committee that has been established to assist the JCPS DG’s Cluster. The sub-committee serves as the primary instruments for coordination at the officials’ level on key safety and security matters and promote integration.
National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) is responsible for the development and implementation of operational safety and security plans, provide a safe and secure environment at big events, prioritise peace and stability of the country. The Committee is chaired by SAPS, Co-Chaired by SANDF and SSA, and meets every month providing regular reports to the JCPS DG’s. The Committee contributes to Outcome 3 of the MTSF (Sub-Outcome 1: Reduced levels of contact crime and Sub-outcome 5: Ensure Domestic Stability)
14 December 2015 - NW4166
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
Whether she had ascertained from the Director-General and other relevant officials why the Auditor-General had to remind them of their oversight responsibility as management in 2015 regarding (a) supply chain management, (b) performance information management and (c) instituting more effective policies and procedures to manage the contracts that her department had entered into, if not, why not; if so, (i) what reasons did they advance and (ii) what steps has she taken to ensure that such reminders will never be needed again?
Reply:
- Yes,
(aa/ab) During July 2015, a meeting was held between the Minister, management of the Department and officials from Auditor General in which Supply Chain Management and Performance Information management were discussed.
(ac) The Contract Management Sub-Unit has been established, this Sub-Unit has a Practitioner and interviews for the Assistant Director: Contract Management will be conducted in December 2015. In addition to this the Director: Supply Chain Management has been appointed with effect from 01 December 2015. The appointment of these officials will not only secure stability in Contract Management in the Department but will also ensure consistent administration and management of contracts, e.g., the database of contracts kept in Supply Chain Management will be monitored and reviewed monthly by the Chief Financial Officer.
(ac)(i) The Supply Chain Management directorate had experienced capacity constraints however this was addressed through the appointment of contract employees.
(ac)(ii) In terms of oversight responsibilities, the Chief Financial Officer will ensure that there is regular monitoring and reviews of the contract administration and compliance with Supply Chain Management policies and procedures.
14 December 2015 - NW4098
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What was the total budget for the National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU) for the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14, (c) 2014-15 and (d) 2015-16 financial years; (2) how much of the total budget for the NEEDU was spent on staff salaries (a) in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015; (3) (a) when will the NEEDU become the Office of Standards and Compliance for Basic Education and (b) what is the reason for the delay in this regard; (4) when will a new Chief Executive Officer of the NEEDU be appointed; (5) (a) when will the NEEDU report for the evaluation year of 2014 be released and (b) what is the reason for the delay in releasing the report?
Reply:
Question 1
The total budget for the National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU) for the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14, (c) 2014-15 and (d) 2015-16 financial years is indicated in the table below:
FINANCIAL YEAR |
TOTAL BUDGET |
2012-13 |
17 082 858 |
2013-14 |
21 100 197 |
2014-15 |
26 280 460 |
2015-16 |
15 205 357 |
Question 2(a)
The total budget for the NEEDU that was spent on staff salaries in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years is indicated in the table below:
FINANCIAL YEAR |
TOTAL BUDGET SPENT ON STAFF SALARIES |
2012-13 |
11 673 619 |
2013-14 |
14 159 257 |
2014-15 |
20 801 075 |
Question 2(b)
The total budget for the NEEDU that was spent on staff salaries since 1 April 2015 is indicated in the table below:
FINANCIAL YEAR |
TOTAL BUDGET SPENT ON STAFF SALARIES |
2015-16 |
10 763 014 |
Question 3
The establishment of an independent government component, such as the Office of Standards and Compliance for Basic Education (OSCBE), is a lengthy process and it involves the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), the National Treasury and the Presidency. This has been the main cause for the delay in completing this process. The NEEDU will become the OSCBE when all the processes, as indicated below, have been completed:
Following the Minister’s correspondence with the Ministers of Finance and the Public Service and Administration, certain developments have transpired. These are as follows:
-
- Consultations with the National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to establish NEEDU as an independent government component, under the title of Office of Standards and Compliance for Basic Education (OSCBE);
- The formulation of the relevant documents with the support of DPSA and the preparation of business case with the support of the National Treasury;
- Preparation of the Regulations for the establishment of OSCBE for consideration and approval by the Minister;
- The approval of the Regulations for the establishment of OSCBE after close examination and scrutiny by the Chief State Law Advisor, who finally declared that “the draft Regulations are consistent with section 11 of the National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act No. 27 of 1996)” in May 2015; and
- The approval of the Regulations for the establishment of OSCBE by the Minister in May 2015 after they were endorsed by the Chief State Law Advisor.
What remains to be done includes the following activities:
-
- Approving the Regulations for the establishment of the OSCBE by the Council of Education Ministers.
- Declaring the establishment of OSCBE through the promulgation of the Regulations (via the Government Notice) by the Minister.
- Submitting the updated business case and promulgated Regulations and Government Notice to the DPSA [by NEEDU].
- Arranging a meeting of the Interdepartmental Assessment Committee to make recommendations on the organisational form for the OSCBE—with DBE (NEEDU) participating as a member in the Committee and making a presentation to the members [by DPSA];
- Preparing a submission to inform the Minister for Public Service and Administration and the Minister of Finance of the Committee's recommendation and obtain the concurrence of the said Ministers for the establishment of the OSBE as a government component [by DPSA];
- Preparing (following concurrence from said Ministers) a Presidential Proclamation to list the OSCBE in schedule 3 of the Public Service Act, so as to establish the OSCBE as a government component [by DPSA].
Question 4
The Minister is currently considering the most suitable candidates to lead the NEEDU and will appoint the best candidate in due course.
Question 5
NEEDU will submit the draft report to the Department for comments by 30 November 2015. In 2014, NEEDU evaluated 183 schools (93 schools offering Grades 7-9 and 90 offering Grades 10-14), 25 districts and nine provinces. A total of 217 reports, one for every site visited, were prepared. These reports had to be collated into the national report. This entails extensive analysis of large volumes of both qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis of data took longer because, unlike in the previous evaluations, the 2014 systemic evaluations involved two phases (senior and Further Education and Training). Because NEEDU did not have the capacity to do complex statistical analysis of the quantitative data that was collected from schools, districts and provinces, a service provider was appointed to analyse the data. The procurement process in appointing the service provider also added to the delays in finalising the 2014 Report. In addition, two staff members, including the Chief Executive Officer, left and this meant that the remaining staff had to carry more workload.
A draft report has been prepared. The NEEDU is doing the final editing before it is submitted to the Department for comments. In terms of the NEEDU protocol, each site visited (including schools, districts, provinces and the national office) is given four to six weeks to comment on the NEEDU draft report before a report is finalised. This practice, which was followed before when the 2012 and 2013 NEEDU Reports were finalised, will also be followed with regard to the 2015 Report. It is only after NEEDU has carefully considered all comments made by the Department that the report is finalised and submitted to the Ministry.
Upon receipt of the NEEDU Report, in line with the provision of section 7(1)(g) of the Regulations for the Establishment of the Office of Standards and Compliance for Basic Education (OSCBE), currently known as NEEDU, “the Minister may publish the report.” This provision empowers the Minister to publish NEEDU reports at the Minister’s discretion.
14 December 2015 - NW4175
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(1) With regard to the R226 million drought relief fund, (a) what method was used to establish what amount would be needed for drought relief, (b) what amount would be allocated to each province, (c) how was this allocation determined and (d) who will be responsible for the management of the funds in each province; (2) What criteria will be used to determine which farmer will qualify for drought relief funding?
Reply:
1.
(a) The provinces did assess the drought conditions prior to declarations requests. The verifications was done by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) together with provincial departments and Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in arriving at the total costs. The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and Ilima/Letsema grants are used to assist small scale, subsistence and commercial farmers. These grants are approved for transfer to provinces for the implementation of CASP and Ilima/Letsema programmes in the 2015/16 financial year. A maximum of 20 percent has been prioritised from the fourth quarter transfers due to current drought conditions in the country, considering the magnitude of the occurrence based on the available information.
(b) Provinces were then requested to reprioritise 20% of their (CASP) and Ilima / letseme conditional grants to respond to the drought. The ultimate amount allocated to each province is determined by the province in terms of how much the province can make available through the reprioritization process to a maximum of 20%.
(c) Each province receives a different CASP amount as per normal National Treasury budget allocations linked to the individual business plans. Therefore the 20% amount allocated will differ from province to province.
(d) The provincial Heads of Department as the receiving authority in provinces are responsible for the management of the prioritised CASP funds. DAFF will monitor the implementation of the drought relief scheme employing the Drought Relief Scheme Framework.
(2) Drought assessment reports and beneficiary lists obtained through information gathered from physical visits and reports from affected farmers will determine who qualifies for drought assistance.
14 December 2015 - NW4099
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)How many grade 11 learners in 2014 were progressed to grade 12 in 2015 in each province; (2) of those progressed learners, how many have opted to complete their National Senior Certificate over a period of two years in each province; (3) will the students who have opted to complete their National Senior Certificate over two years be excluded from the calculation of the National Senior Certificate pass rate in 2015; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) have the content and specific requirements of the progression policy been finalised yet; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Question 1
The number of learners that were progressed from Grade 11 to Grade 12 in 2015 is presented in the table below. In September 2015, the Department of Basic education (DBE) responded to a similar question presented by the Honourable Lovemore, and the figures have decreased since September 2015. It was indicated in the September response that those were preliminary figures, which had to be verified. The figures presented below are the verified figures.
PROVINCE |
PROGRESSION NO |
Eastern Cape |
12 618 |
Free State |
8 172 |
Gauteng |
8 501 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
10 633 |
Limpopo |
14 390 |
Mpumalanga |
5 228 |
North West |
3 673 |
Northern Cape |
2 283 |
Western Cape |
4 813 |
National |
70 311 |
Data from National Senior Certificate (NSC) Main Frame Exam system as per 27 November 2015.
Question 2
The number of learners who have opted to complete their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination over two years or more, will only be available after the writing of the examination and after the data has been captured on the system. This will provide the final number of learners who have in fact taken advantage of this opportunity.
Question 3
National and provincial pass rates are based on two aspects i.e. overall pass rates and subject pass rates. Given that these candidates would not have completed the full subject package as at the end of the 2015 NSC examination, they cannot be included in the determination of the overall pass rate, but will be included in the reporting of the subject pass rate. Therefore, these learners are not excluded from the reported data relating to the 2015 NSC examinations.
Question 4
The specific criteria for the implementation of the Progression Policy has been approved by the Council of Education Ministers. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has commenced with the finalisation of policy regarding this matter and the first step in the process is the call for public comments on the criteria. This will be completed by the end January 2016, and thereafter, the comments will be incorporated into the proposal and gazetted as policy by the Minister.
11 December 2015 - NW4162
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether she had met with (a) officials in her department, (b) representatives of the Defence Force Service Commission and (c) the Military Ombud to go through the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in order to address (i) slow bureaucratic processes, (ii) unfilled posts, (iii) poor working environment, (iv) reduced flying time for pilots and (v) inefficient management; if not, why not in each case; if so, what was the outcome of each specified meeting?
Reply:
I have already briefed the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans on the implementation plan for milestone 1 of the Defence Review on the 26th November 2015.
I have also undertaken to provide regular briefings to the Committee on the progress made at each stage of the implementation plan. I have similarly recently met with the Defence Service Commission and the Military Ombud.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 12 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4222
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Why did her department fail to comply with the employment equity targets set out in its 2014-15 annual report?
Reply:
For 2014/15 financial report the department had met the 2% disability target. Female representation on SMS level has reached 42%, the deviation is caused by the number of vacant post at SMS level, where resignations of female SMS members had an impact on the focused target.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015