Reply:

a) i) Incorporation of NATMAP into DOT plans

During the development of NATMAP 2050, an extensive consultation approach from the municipalities, provinces and agencies (bottom-up-approach) was undertaken and that culminated into a product informed by plans from various stakeholders.

The NATMAP 2050 Synopsis Report was submitted to the Cabinet on the 18th September 2013 and amongst others Cabinet approved that the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) Management Committee (MANCO) and the Minister of Transport review the proposed NATMAP 2050. In line with the above Cabinet resolution, the Department has review and updated the NATMAP 2050 Synopsis Report and awaiting the Plan’s endorsement by PICC MANCO before it is resubmitted to Cabinet for approval.

NATMAP 2050 Synopsis Update specifies outcomes and strategic objectives linked to key government policies that include DOT Strategy amongst others. Its objective will be delivered by linking key proposal with broader national policy areas, the MTSF 2014-2019, NDP 2030 and National infrastructure Plan (NIP).

ii) Incorporation of NATMAP into Entities Plans

Based on the bottom-up approach that was adopted throughout the development process of NATMAP 2050,different implementing agencies will have to develop their own implementing plans in line with the intervention proposed on the Synopsis Update report. Upon submission of their strategic plans, the Minister will be ensure that implementation of NATMAP 2050 is finds a clear expression in their plans moving forward.

b) i) Implementation Monitoring

The Department will regularly monitor the implementation of this Plan by engaging implementing agents in terms of getting the report and serving on different for a or committees that will oversee the implementation of NATMAP 2050 interventions.

ii) By whom

The Branch: Integrated Transport Planning will oversee the implementation process and supported by Chief Director Macro Sector Planning and Director Master Planning,

c) Timelines

Interventions indicated on the draft NATMAP 2050 Synopsis Update documents are categorised with the following timeframes:

1. Short term: 5 years (20152020)
2. Medium term: 10 years (2020-2030)
3. Long Term: 20 years (2020-2050)

It is worth noting that the Performance Agreement between the President and the Minister of Transport, says that by June 2016, the Integrated National Transport Plan should be developed and approved.

 

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(1) The amount spent by each of the Metropolitan Municipalities in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years on wages is shown in the table below:

Name of Metropolitan Municipality	Financial Year 2012-13	Financial Year 2013-14	Financial Year 2014-15
City of Johannesburg	182 045 060	196 318 269	188 678 230
City of Tshwane	116 678 960	157 825 210	169 630 527
Ekurhuleni	15 477 568	46 397 769	99 040 036
Mangaung	5 523 853	6 923 626	11 946 018
Buffalo City	4 902 035	1 934 783	3 261 455
Nelson Mandela	40 823 993	25 800 017	25 507 476
City of Cape Town	115 292 062	102 028 567	176 081 155
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality	122 926 690	135 032 036	144 005 314
Total	603 670 221	672 260 277	818 150 211

(2) The table below reflects those Metropolitan Municipalities that provided accredited training to EPWP participants.

Through the National Skills Fund (NSF) training was provide to a total of 763 EPWP participants within the specified time period of 2012-13 to 2014-15. The participants were trained in three EPWP Programmes, namely: Skills Programmes; Learnership Programmes and Artisan Development Programmes. From the trained participants 577 were trained on Skills Programmes, 130 on Learnership Programmes and 56 went through the Artisan Development Programme. Below is a breakdown of the training Programmes offered:

Table 1

PROVINCE	NAME OF MUNICIPALITY	NO. OF PARTICIPANTS
Eastern Cape	Buffalo City	10
Gauteng	Ekurhuleni	77
KwaZulu-Natal	eThekwini	106
Gauteng	City of Johannesburg	122
Gauteng	City of Tshwane	130
Western Cape	City of Cape Town	132
Total		577

Table 2

PROVINCE	NAME OF MUNICIPALITY	NO. OF PARTICIPANTS
Eastern Cape	Buffalo City	60
KwaZulu-Natal	eThekwini	50
Free State	Mangaung	20
Total		130

Table 3

PROVINCE	NAME OF MUNICIPALITY	NO. OF PARTICIPANTS
Eastern Cape	Buffalo City	9
Gauteng	City of Tshwane	3
Gauteng	City of Johannesburg	3
Gauteng	Ekurhuleni	13
Western Cape	City of Cape Town	12
KwaZulu-Natal	eThekwini	8
Free State	Mangaung	8
Total		56

(3) The City of Cape Town is the only Metropolitan Municipality that uses a database to source EPWP participants. The database is open to the City of Cape Town residents looking for work. In the other Metropolitan Municipalities EPWP participants are sourced from communities through Project Steering Committees that involve relevant stakeholders, such as community leaders, municipal officials and projects managers. The Project Steering Committees assist in ensuring that recruitment of participants is done in a fair and transparent manner.

____________________________________________________________________

Reply:

Presently in Graaff-Reinet. Engineering Graphics and Design is offered at Hoer Volkskool. The school has expressed an interest in other Technical subjects. At present, the school is implementing Agricultural Science due to a grant from a donor in the Agricultural Sector.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education is in a process of establishing a Technical school in Somerset East at Gill College. The subject that will be introduced is Mechanical Technology with all its specialisations (Automotive. Fitting and Machining and Welding).

Reply:

(a) (b) (c)(i) (ii)

The department awarded one contract to The New Age (TNA) Media in the 2012-13 financial year. The contract amount was R486, 255.60.The department did not award any contract to companies indirectly or directory owned by Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 financial years.

Reply:

The following response is based on information on the current (2015/16) financial year's organisational structure:

There are no frozen posts on the organisational structure.

 

Reply:

With regard to the appointment of a certain company (name furnished:
Nation of Champions) to run the 2022 Commonwealth legacy project

(a) who are the directors of this company and

1. Mr Madoda Khuzwayo - CEO Nation of Champions
2. Mr Mnfve Nhlabathl·COO Nation of Champions
3. Mr Nikolaus Eberl

(b) what is the estimated budget the specified company will receive from

(i) the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and

There is no budget allocated to the Nation of Champions from SASCOC

(ii) Sport and Recreation South Africa;

The company will not receive any funding from Sport and Recreation South Africa

(2) whether this project was called on a tender before the specified company was awarded the contract; if not, why not;

This project was not put out on tender.

Open Tenders Company approached SASCOC to partner on a programme/project that wm engage the youth through social network platforms with regard to opportunities within sport and possible benefits during and post Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Board of SASCOC agreed to the partnership and a decision was taken to establish a company registered as "Nation of Champions". SASCOC saw this partnership as a vehicle to achieve shared objective& pertaining to youth development aimed at nurturing globally connected and skilled youth who will be job creators of tomorrow. The company shall also seek to generate revenue through advertising and sponsorship, part of which shall be invested back into sport development programmes.
Most of the above however, has been overtaken by the CGF•s insistence that they would like to work directly on the legacy projects for the Durban 2022 Games and therefore will work with SASCOC, the CGA In the country as the custodian of the Games In the country. Maybe the above may also be overturned when an MOU Is signed by the CGF with specific areas accommodating CGF's mandate and legacy project.

If so,

(a) how many other companies applied and

There was no can for tenders

(b) what are the detailed reasons for the company's successful tender bid?

Not applicable

NW517E

Reply:

(i) The department reporting to the Minister bought the advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 for the following number of times:

2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015

 

None 3times None

(Ii) The department reporting to the Minister bought the advertising space in The New Age in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 for the following amounts in each specified financial year:


2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015

R0.00 R1 498 567.38 R0.00

Reply:

Refer to the response to PQ293

Reply:

The responses below were received from the metropolitan municipalities:

( a ) 6 out of the 8 metropolitan municipalities operates independent fraud / corruption hotlines. The table below illustrates the response per municipality:

Metropolitan Municipality	Details regarding fraud / corruption hotline
Buffalo City	The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.
City of Cape Town	The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.
City of Johannesburg	The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.
City of Tshwane	The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.
Ekurhuleni	The municipality operates an independent fraud hotline.
eThekwini	The municipality operates an independent anti-corruption hotline.
Mangaung	The municipality does not operate an independent fraud hotline.
Nelson Mandela Bay	The municipality is finalising the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the service provider with regard to the fraud hotline. As soon as the SLA agreed and signed by relevant parties, the hotline will be operational.

( b ) All the 6 independent fraud hotlines are not connected to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH). There is no requirement for the independent fraud / corruption hotlines to be connected to the NACH.

Reply:

(1) The following Cities have approved informal trading policies: Cape Town; EThekwini; Johannesburg; Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Nelson Mandela Metro has a final draft policy for informal trading which is currently under review. Buffalo City and Mangaung do not have informal trading policies but have By-laws on Street Trading.

(2) Yes, all Metropolitan Municipalities licenses informal traders operating in public spaces. The details are as follows:

Metropolitan Municipality	Number of licenses	Whether Municipality receives license fees	Cost of informal trading license
Cape Town	3701	Yes	R70 up to R465
EThekwini	10 000	Yes	R40.00 up to R1200.00
Johannesburg	9740	Yes	R80 - R 500
Ekurhuleni	3,000	No	No fee charged
Tshwane	1 500	Yes	R138,40
Nelson Mandela Bay	72	Yes	R90,00
Buffalo City	179	Yes	R513.00
Mangaung	178	Yes	R30.00

(3) Yes, all Metropolitan Municipalities provide services to informal traders as follows:
 

Metropolitan Municipality	Services provided
Cape Town	Hard surfacing of trading bays; provision of roof structures; Kiosks; training and development opportunities; access to markets through events; Area cleansing; Environmental Health and developing trading plans; education; training and trading permits.
EThekwini	Water; ablution facilities; storage facilities; trading shelters, 24 hour security and capacity building I training programmes.
Johannesburg	Maintenance and cleaning of the markets and streets, training and By-law education, workshops on business management and By-law enforcement to illegal traders who violate informal trading By-laws.
Ekurhuleni	Space and facilities including traders' market stalls and operational support such as compliance procedures and training.
Tshwane	Training and mentorship; personal and life-skills; business growth and success factors and appropriate business development support including training; and instruments to facilitate co-operatives' bulk buying.
Nelson Mandela Bay	Litter bins; refuse removal bags; storage facilities; ablutions; electricity and water/sinks.
Buffalo City	Umbrellas & training opportunities.
Mangaung	Training and skills development programmes focusing on Customer Care; Financial skills; Environmental Health - Food Preparation, Fire Dept. - Training to Informal Traders, Waste management and Street Traders By-law

 

Reply:

(a) 2% of the Department of Basic Education's procurement budget went to Small Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives during the period in question.
 

(b) ENTITIES	PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PROCUREMENT FROM SMME’S AND CO-OPERATIVES FORM 1 APRIL 2015 TO LATEST SPECIFIED DATE
	SMME’S	(ii) CO-OPERATIVES
SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL OF EDUCATORS (SACE)	56.61%	0%
UMALUSI	18%	0%

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

(a), (b) and (c):-

It must be noted that the stated R800 million lease worth reported by the Auditor – General is a figure which was calculated for outstanding documents over a period of more than one financial year and goes back to about 5 years.

In 2013, the Department of Public Works launched a special lease review intervention aimed at identifying all active private leases and verifying lease validity for leases registered on the Department’s property management information system (PMIS).

In 2014, a second special lease review intervention was launched with the aim of consolidating information and matching documentation (lease agreements).

As a result of the above-mentioned lease interventions, all 2619 active leases have valid lease documents and are on a master database.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

The Department of Public Works has not bought advertising space in The New Age during the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years.

Thus (i) and (ii) fall away.

____________________________________________________________________

Reply:

Our expenditure to date indicates that we are already on par with the presidential pronouncement that expenditure to SMMEs must be at 30% of our procurement spent.

This figure is expected to increase with the finalization of all procurement contracts by the end of financial year 2015/16.

57% (R18M) of the current finalized procurement contracts are awarded to level 1 and 2 BBBEE companies, of which 55% (R10M) there-of is awarded to SMMEs.

Reply:

The information was provided by the Gauteng Provincial Head of Department: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

The 46% figure is based on a number of published studies, notably a local one published by HE Jacobs, LC Geustyn and BF Loubser in 2005 entitled "Water - How is it used at home?". The study found that water consumption through garden irrigation makes up a significant amount of water losses. Water losses attributed to garden irrigation found to be at 46% of the total residential annual use.


Recommended by:

MR M RANGATE MR T FOSI
Chief Director: Improvement Programme Deputy Director-General: LGSIM
Date: 22/02/2016 Date: 29/02/2016

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


MR V MADONSELA
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE: 29/02/2016


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

MR A NEL, MP
DEPUTY MINISTER
DATE: 2/03/2016


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


DES VAN ROOYEN, MP
MINISTER
DATE: 02/03/2016
 

Reply:

(a) I will ensure the department looks into this matter.

(b)(i) The status of undesirability can be reversed by appealing against the decision.

(b)(ii) The appeal can be sent to [email protected].

Reply:

None. See reply to Parliamentary Question 263 in respect of media adverts.

-END-

Reply:

1.Yes, the Department has bought advertising space in The New Age in the 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years;

i) Number of times; and

ii) The amount in each specified financial years.

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE

Advertisements	Date	Cost
Heritage Month	September 2012	R75 360.00
Freedom Month	April 2012	R56 520.00
Africa Month	May 2012	R42 955.20
Nelson Mandela Day	July 2012	R28 636.80
Nelson Mandela Day	July 2012	R28 636.80
Visual Arts Indaba	October 2012	R66 572 00
Advertisement	April 2013	R40 929.42
Advertisement	June 2014	R35 803.98
Advertisement	November 2014	R8 997.61
Advertisement	March 2015	R6 791.30

2. The advertisements that were placed through GCIS are as follows:

Adverts placed through GCIS:

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE THROUGH GCIS

Reconciliation Month	December 2014	R31 710.00

Reply:

Minister has a signed performance agreement that is translated into a Medium Term Strategic Framework for a 5 years period.  This is broken down into an annual performance plan. 

These documents form the basis of the department being held accountable by Parliament on a quarterly basis and also held accountable by the public.  The performance agreement of the Minister is therefore publicly assessed through the Portfolio Committees on a regular basis. 

Additionally, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) compels all the Executing Authorities to subject their departmental expenditure to the Auditor General. This again is a measure that ensures full accountability to the public funds. 

Reply:

Benchmarking is regarded as integral part of standard setting and standard maintenance in the National Senior Certificate examinations. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has benchmarked the seven key subjects with three of the most highly acclaimed examination bodies internationally and these include: the Cambridge International Examination (CIE), the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and the Board of Studies. New South Wales (BSNSW). The subjects that were benchmarked include: Accounting, English (FAL), Geography, History, Life Science, Mathematics and Physical Science. The benchmarking was done in 2007, 2011 and 2013 and will be repeated with the 2015 question papers. The question papers were evaluated by the University South Africa (formerly HESA). The comments from all these institutions are taken very seriously and considered in the review process, which is done by the examining panel at the commencement of the setting process.

Reply:

During 2012-13, adverts were placed in New Age by recruitment companies totalling R102 146 for staff posts advertised by the department. This constituted 0,65% of the total advertising costs of the department for the year. Other media outlets used in this period included the Star, Mail & Guardian, City Press, Business Day and Sunday Times.

During 2013-14, infrastructure marketing was placed by Brand SA on behalf of EDD in various media outlets, which included newspapers, radio and television. Adverts and marketing were placed in Sowetan, the Star, Cape Times, Pretoria News, Mercury, Mail & Guardian, Business Day, City Press and the Sunday Times. No advertisements or marketing was placed with the New Age in this period and the amount was accordingly nil.

During 2014-15, infrastructure marketing was placed by Brand SA on behalf of EDD in various media outlets. Adverts for this as well as normal departmental advertising were placed in City Press, The Star, Pretoria News, Cape Times, Mercury, the New Age and Sunday Times. A separate partnership between KPMG and EDD was done, involving the M&G, at no cost to EDD. A sum of R100 000 was paid by EDD to Brand SA for advertisements in the New Age, which was equivalent to 1,6% of EDD’s total advertising spend for the financial year.

-END-

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

There are no frozen vacant positions.

a) Not applicable

b) Not applicable

c) Not applicable

Reply:

(a) Department

(i) 44.1% from 1 April 2015 to 30 November 2015

(ii) None

(b) South Africa Tourism

(i) 6% of total procurement spend is spent on SMMEs in South Africa. This excludes foreign spend.

(ii) None. There is no procurement expenditure in the co-operatives category of suppliers.

Reply:

Any question which relates to the capacity or capabilities within the defence force shall not be made available to the public and therefore we are not able to answer this question.

Reply:

The National Disaster Management Advisory Forum meets on a quarterly basis every year.
The National Disaster Management Advisory Forum has met 27 times since 2009 as follows:

Year	National Disaster Management Advisory Forum Meeting Dates	Number of Meetings
2009	12 February 2009	3
	13 August 2009
	12 November 2009
2010	11 February 2010	4
	13 May 2010
	12 August 2010
	11 November 2010
2011	10 March 2011	4
	2 June 2011
	8 September 2011
	10 November

Attached please find here: Reply

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) & (b) Not Applicable: The department was not in existence during the years in question.

(c) No: The department did not buy advertising space in The New Age in the year in question.

 

Reply:

The following is the total breakdown of employees per nature of appointment:

(i) Contract posts

The department has appointed 73 Contract workers, these contract workers are placed within the three branches at Head Office and Provinces for Health Care services, Education Support and database (National Military Veterans Database), Call Centre, Auxiliary component for cleaning services after the cancellation of the contract of the outsourced cleaning services , other contract workers are placed at Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the ICT environment is made up of 3 permanent posts on the approved establishment, this has created a daunting situation as a newly established department that needs to implement an ICT infrastructure. Contract posts are funded in the short term through virements from other funded but vacant posts in the Department.

(ii) Secondments

The department has 6 seconded staff members from State Information Technology (SITA). They are remunerated by SITA as per the signed SLA.

(iii) Internship

The department has appointed 24 interns that are placed at Education Support Section, Legal and Compliances, Health Care Services and Policy environment. These interns are remunerated from annual skills levy of 1% of the compensation of employees for skills development.

Reply:

1. (a) (i-ii) The motivation is to honour our soldiers and to encourage the citizens on what the SANDF is made of and to promote patriotism.

(b,c and d) The budget cannot be compared but can be justified on economic benefits of the businesses around Port Elizabeth. The business community can indicate economic benefit out of Armed Forces Day.

(2) This is one greater priority that makes public awareness about the SANDF capability. The South African citizens deserve to know how their money is utilised.

Reply:

I have been advised as follows:-

After considering the contents of the report and applying my mind to the matter, I notified the PSC on 23 February 2016 that I have accepted the report without any amendments. The report is available to the affected parties.

Reply:

a) For the period 1 April 2015 to date, 26.8% of the department’s total procurement spent was allocated to SMME’s including Co-operatives. This amounts to R5 926 304.97.

b) The entities total procurement spent allocated to SMME’s is as follows:

IDC

The IDC has awarded procurement contracts to the value of R78 951 498.00 during 1 April 2015 to 29 February 2016 of which 57% of the total contract value was awarded to SMME’s.

ITAC

ITAC total spent on SMMEs is 31%, at a total value of R5 227 410.49

Competition Commission

Due to the nature of the Commission’s business being an investigative and prosecutorial agency, the majority of its procurement is on legal counsel, economists and experts. The total spent from 1 April 2015 until 30 September 2015 is at 4% at a total value of R63,7 million.

Competition Tribunal

The Competition tribunal does not currently keep statistics with regard to procurement from SMME’s or co-operatives. EDD has now requested that such data be collected in future.

-END-

Reply:

1. All metropolitan municipalities have indicated that they have call centres or toll free numbers to deal with customer queries related to service delivery issues which include issues related to customer accounts queries.

(a) The number of calls received are between 200 - 4000 calls per day and all queries are resolved successfully.

(b) About 85% of queries and complaints are resolved on first contact. The remaining 15% is referred to relevant departments.

(c) Information on the number of staff employed by municipalities is still being sourced from municipalities.

2. All metropolitan municipalities present their call centre reports to provincial service delivery forums i.e. war room, operation Sukuma Sakhe (KwaZulu Natal) and Ntirisano (Gauteng).

(a) No failures on the call centres have been reported on.

(b) All municipalities have reported that the call centres are fully operational and most of the queries are being responded to effectively and efficiently.

Reply:

Please find here: Reply

Reply:

The Department of Basic Education ([)BE) has not excluded from its considerations for the future the testing of matric markers. The DBE is commit1ed to ensuring that the most competent educators are appointed for the marking process and. therefore. this option will be pursued based on more extensive consultation with the teacher formation s. that are vital to the success of this initiative. In view of the concern expressed by one of the major Unions in the country, it was therefore considered necessary to consult more widely with all the national teacher Unions on this very important measure that will be used to evaluate the competency level of the educators appointed.

However. it also needs to be noted that the implementation or the competency test will not resolve all the quality issues relating to marking. The competency test is only but one measure to improve the quality of marking. The Department is embarking on a whole range of initiatives to improve the accuracy and reliability of marking for which Umalusi has commended the Department.

These quality assurance measures include the following:

(a) Markers are appointed based on stringent criteria relating to teaching experience and qualification. and this is accompanied by a report on the Grade 12 performance of the prospective marker and his/her performance in the previous marking session/s.

(b) The DBE has conducted and ''ill continue to conduct an audit of al l marker appointments across all Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to ensure that all PEDs comply strictly with the criteria for appointing markers.

(c) During the training of markers, markers are presented with the actual learner scripts and markers are authorised to mark only if they demonstrate they are capable of complying with the tolerance range allowed for specific paper.

(d) The tolerance Range is also used during the moderation process whereby the mark awarded by the moderator and the marker should not vary beyond an agreed range.

(c) Marking is followed b) an intensive moderation process which ensures that script are moderated by a senior marker who is in turn, overseen by the Deputy Chief Marker and the final quality control is the responsibility of the Chief Marker.
 

Reply:

(1) The South African National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA) has been established to function as an entity that will assist the Department to reach its goals in servicing military veterans. Its core function is to mobilise military veterans across all individual associations and to ensure that all military veterans are aware of all of the benefits that are provided by the Department of Military Veterans and other government Departments.

(2) The Department has not aborted the special purpose vehicle (SPV). At present, a process is underway to probe the best possible solution towards establishing an SPV that would function efffectively and make sure that it does provide the intended benefit to all military veterans. Explorations include probing whether or not the provision of funding to military veterans will be in the form of a grant or loan and what the criteria would be in each instance. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is in full support of an SPV and has recommended that the Department continues to establish the SPV to give effect to a process that will be of benefit to military veterans to the extent that they necome self sufficient and are able to become less relaint on funding from the Department.

SANMVA has not assumed the role of an SPV. On the contrary, the Department is beginning to benefit from interventions wherein SANMVA engages with the private sector to open up business and employment opportunities for military veterans. Such opportunities are fed back to the Department for implementation. One such engagement has resulted in the Department beginning to pilot the training of military veterans in the installations of Set Top Boxes in conjunction with Ellies, one of the companies that has been awarded a contract to implement the Government’s Digital Migration programme under the Department of Communications. The roles are more complimentary rather than SANMVA assuming a role of the Department.

(3

(a) To give effect to its functions, SANMVA requests assistance in the form of transport and accommodation, where required.

(b) The Department covers all requests when funds are available.

(4)

(a) The Department does make a budget allocation for SANMVA activities under the Chief Directorate: Provincial Offices and Stakeholder Management.

(b) No funds have been transferred to SANMVA to date for personal managemrent by SANMVA. The mechanism for this has not yet been instituted.

(5) SANMVA has submitted one annual report to the office of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, to date, since the establishment of SANMVA under the new Military Veterans Act, No 18, of 2011.

Reply:

The application for leave to appeal was filed on 3 March 2016. As Minister, I am appealing the Court’s decision to set aside the moratorium retrospectively.

---ooOoo---

Reply:

Armscor’s Strategy departs from the premises as indicated below and contains objectives as indicated.

1. The SANDF is Armscor’s client and as such Armscor must firstly focus on the SANDF’s requirements as defined and scheduled by them.
2. Armscor is, however, also sensitive to the greater socio-economic issues that come into play with defence expenditure. In this regard Armscor had studies conducted to assess the socio-economic impact of different types of acquisition programs related to the requirements of the Defence Review.  The insights from these studies are used to advise the SANDF, to try and position the local defence industry for optimal socio-economic impact in the RSA or to define the required characteristics of agreements with international suppliers where necessary, for example to protect the balance of payments and to transfer skills to the RSA.  
3. Armscor is also in consultation with the Departments of Science and Technology and Trade and Industry to optimize possible defence expenditure with their departmental initiatives.
4. Armscor is not the representative body for the local defence industry (AMD), but it is cooperating with the body to define and implement initiatives to strengthen the local defence industry.
5. In addition to existing support to marketing events such as the upcoming Africa Aerospace Defence (an international and continental) event, Armscor reacts to opportunities as they show themselves within the relevant oversight policies. The approach is not only reactive but also proactive as Armscor Research and Development is involved in forums that are aimed at optimizing the continent’s military output through improved logistic support and interoperability. Armscor Research and Development is also providing insights to the focusing of technology development to ensure an ability to react to opportunities.

SUBMITTED ON: 15 MARCH 2016

Reply:

(a) (b) (c) (i) (ii)

The information requested in the format that appears in the aforementioned question is not available as only the particulars of companies are recorded within the financial systems in the Department and not the details of any directors.

 

---ooOoo---

Reply:

During the indicated financial year, skills audit was not conducted due to capacity challenges however gaps were identified and all employees per branches were identified according to their placement, qualification, skills and knowledge.

Process is underway regarding the skills audit project. Therefore skills audit will be conducted before the end of the financial year 2016/17.

Reply:

a. Ref Par 1 (a): The intention of the SANDF is not to have contracts for servicing of military vehicles and equipment.

b. Ref Par 1 (b): First and second line maintenance and repair tasks including limited depot repairs will be performed by internal capability.

c. Ref Par 1 (c): Through Project Thusano, internal capability and capacity the SANDF will do the internal work.

d. Ref Par 1 (d): It will save cost, military vehicles and equipment will be maintained and repaired as a far less cost as it will be done internally.

It is important that the SANDF becomes self-sustainable. We are not ruling out possibilities of working with the private sector on some of our projects. However, the SANDF must develop internal capacity to deal with such matters.

Reply:

Annual report 2014-15

The Minister appointed a Turnaround Support Initiative (TSI) team during September 2015 for a renewable period of six (6) months to address audit findings identified in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 Auditor General South Africa reports and to assisting with implementation and/or operationalisation of the projects and programmes to complement the long term service delivery capacity challenges of the Department.

The TSI is characterized of a steering committee led by Convener Mr S Majombozi through a programme management office and the deputy programme manager, Mr T Nemahagala, and a resource panel.

Reply:

Questions (1) (a)	SAAF Response
What is the operating status of AFB Langebaanweg?	The main function of this base is to provide basic flying training to the SAAF pilots. The utilisation of the base as SAAF basic flying school is planned to continue for the foreseeable future.
Question (1) (b) (i and ii)
What are the medium and long term plans and objectives for using AFB Langebaanweg for both training and operational purpose?	To make SAAF combat ready.
Question (2)
Are there plans to commercialise the base?	The DOD (SAAF) has no intention or plans to commercialise the base.

Reply:

Yes, the South African National Defence Force participated in the disaster relief operations from 01 January 2015 to the latest specified date.

(a) Relevant details:

i) Drought: Water supply in Smithfield in the Free State during period of 13–30 November 2015.

ii) Flood disaster: No flood disaster relief actions were conducted during this period.

(b) Cost: R504 845.34

The SANDF is always ready to give support and assist the communities in any disaster relief operations.

Reply:

There are no frozen posts at the moment all posts are active and funded.

SUBMITTED ON: 15 MARCH 2016

Reply:

Due to security reasons, the response to this question can only be presented to the closed session of the JSC on Defence.

Reply:

The Minister of Public Works

No.

Thus (a), (b) and (c) fall away.

____________________________________________________________________

Reply:

Programme classification	Goods and services	Payment for capital assets	Reasons for underspending on goods and services	Reasons for underspending on capital assets
Administration	94.3%	38.7%	The underspending was mainly because of billing not received from the Department of Public Works for infrastructure and property management	The department budgeted for furniture for the new employees but because of limited space capacity the process of purchasing the furniture was withheld.
Socio Economic Support	16.0%	29.3%	Dependency on other departments to roll out benefits	The department budgeted for furniture for the new employees but because of limited space capacity the process of purchasing the furniture was withheld.
Empowerment and Stakeholder Management	78.9%	100%	Dependency on other departments to roll out benefits	The programme spent its budget accordingly
TOTAL	51.8%	43.2%

Reply:

Question 1. Yes, Defence Intelligence is in the process of vetting the outstanding security clearance applications of members to be assigned as Senior Military Judges and Military Judges.

Question 2(a). The number of outstanding cases in military courts is 2 176.

Question 2(b). The reasons for the number of cases in arrears in the military courts are (i) unavailability of witnesses or accused and (ii) finalisation of specialised investigations. The vetting back log also causes delay. No military courts were conducted to date for the FY 2015/16.

Question 3. No.

Reply:

(1) According to Regulations in terms of the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011, a bonafide registered military veteran must apply for all benefits of which healthcare is one of them. Upon application, DMV will issue a once off  authorization letter to the South African Military Healthcare Services (SAMHS) in order to capture the details of the approved military veteran. The military veteran will then have access to healthcare for life at SAMHS and SAMHS approved private facilities.

(2) A military veteran has accesss to health care as outlined in the Constitution of South Africa. Military Veterans are free to access healthcare at the public institution and military hospitals.

(3) The military veteran can access private medical practice only when authorised to do so either by DMV through  SAMHS and /or authorised directly by the SAMHS.

(4) NO. Section 5 benefits are provided to registered and/or verified military veterans.

Reply:

The Department of Defence did not spend on any advertisement in the New Age newspaper during the above mentioned period.

SUBMITTED ON: 15 MARCH 2016

Reply:

1. (a) The South African delegation comprised of representatives of all key national departments, local and provincial government, Members of Parliament and other key stakeholder groupings – such as business, civil society, and youth. In total, there were 134 South African delegates, including the Presidency team which only attended the Head of State High Level Session, held on 30 November 2015.

(b) (i) and (ii)

The list of names and official designation is attached as Annexure A.

(iii) South Africa negotiated in the UNFCCC COP21 meeting in its national capacity, played a role in the Africa Group and was the Chair of the Group of 77 and China. The formal negotiations had more than 76 agenda items, excluding those on the sub-agenda, which required South Africa’s engagement. African countries with smaller delegations cannot attend all the meetings, meaning that their needs and national interests are not adequately addressed. South Africa, as a member of the Africa Group, is therefore playing a larger role of also supporting the negotiation capacity of the Sothern African Developing Communities region and the broader Africa Group. In addition, South Africa was leading Africa in the negotiations under the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) and numerous other issues. South Africa was also the chair of the Group of 77 and China, the negotiating group for 134 developing countries.

Dealing with the global challenge of climate change and securing a binding multilateral agreement that is ambitious, fair and effective in keeping global temperature increase to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius; that balances development and environmental imperatives; and that enables developing countries to transition to lower carbon and climate resilient economies and societies is extremely complex. Each and every delegate that attended the COP 21 meeting played their part in ensuring an outcome of a universal agreement that is ambitious, fair and effective legally binding outcome.

2. (a) As the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) it would be difficult to give an exact figure of how much the total cost for South African delegation’s attendance.

(i), (ii) and (iii)

COST ESTIMATES FOR COP21: DEA DELEGATION

ITEM	COST
Accommodation for DEA Officials	R2 578 935.00
Rental for SA Delegation Operational Room and Meeting Rooms	R992 642.00
Furniture and Equipment Rental	R359 186.40
Flights (R21 139.72 approx. per person)	R697 610.76
Ground Transport in SA (R1 000.00 approx. per person)	R33 000.00
Ground Transport in Paris	R32 756.81
TOTAL: R4 694 131.00

(b) The Department of Environmental Affairs paid only for its officials as it was not responsible for the cost of travel for the whole South African delegation. Each Department, Province, Local Government and other organisations were responsible for their travel cost, accommodation and other expenses.

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Reply:

The Municipal Assessment Tool falls within the mandate of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and, in collaboration with various stakeholders, developed and manage this tool. It is thus recommended that the Honourable member direct his question to the DPME to provide detailed information and a comprehensive answer to the question.