Questions and Replies
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 - NW4216
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What is the status of (a) medals and (b) medal parades to honour military veterans of all former (i) statutory and (ii) non-statutory forces?
Reply:
(a) The Department of Military Veterans still has a number of medals in stock to be awarded to members of the non-statutory force of uMkhonto we Sizwe for whom the first set of medals were designed and cast. At present the Department of Military Veterans has gone into negotiations with the former APLA for approval of designs of medals for their organisation.
(b) There have been no medal parades since 2012 to honour any military
Veterans.
(i) No medal parades were held nor planned to honour Statutory Forces.
(ii) The Department held three medal parades to award medals to uMkhonto we Sizwe non-statutory force.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4221
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)(a) When will the military pension for all military veterans be finalised and (b) what are the cost implications of the military pension; (2) whether the military veterans from the former non-statutory forces will continue to receive the special pension in addition to the military pension; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the further relevant details, (b) what is the current amount for the special pension and (c) how is the specified amount scaled; (3) in what ways will the military pension impact on any other pension that a military veteran may receive; (4) whether her department budgeted for the military pension; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant
Reply:
(1) A process of consultation with role players is underway.
(2) Depending on the outcome of the consultations, the department proposes to prioritise the former non-statutory force members who did not qualify for Special Pensions from 1996 and destitute World War military veterans in the provisioning of pension.
(a) In instances where the value of the Special Pensions is lower than the value of the military pension’s value, top-up is proposed.
(b) and (c) Special Pensions does not pay a standardized pension amount to the beneficiaries but utilizes a formula which considers the age of the beneficiary and the years spent in service.
(3) Whilst there are on-going consultations, the view of the Department is that any pension granted to Military Veterans may be offset against other benefits received from the State, such as the Special Pensions.
(4) During the 2014-15 financial periods, the department made contingency provisions to provide pension to 500 Military Veterans at an estimated cost of approximately R23 million.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4168
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether she has kept the pressure on Armscor to get the suppliers of the Exocet surface-to-surface missiles (a) to honour their outstanding industrial participation obligation and/or (b) to take action against such suppliers to enforce compliance; if not, why not; if so, what was (i) the outcome and (ii) her reaction to the outcome?
Reply:
I do not engage suppliers. Armscor continually interacts with all suppliers on a range of projects with an aim to ensure that suppliers honour their contractual obligations at all times.
.
11 December 2015 - NW4169
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether he has succeeded in persuading the Minister of Finance to establish a Tourism Development Fund that will cater for all aspects of the tourism sector in order to increase infrastructure, improve experiences and facilities for tourists, introduce innovative ideas and help small operators expand their businesses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
There has been no attempt to persuade the Minister of Finance to establish a Tourism Development Fund. The tourism development aspects raised in the question are funded through existing funding mechanisms in the department provided for by the National Treasury within the current appropriated budget. These include inter alia the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP), the Social Responsibility Implementation (SRI) Programme and the Strategic Partners in Tourism initiative.
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
11 December 2015 - NW4219
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) what are the reasons for her department’s failure to achieve its target for updating and verifying the National Military Veterans Database by merely achieving 37% instead of 75% of the target and (b) what plans have been put in place to ensure that the database is completed as a matter of urgency instead of being delayed to the 2019-20 financial year as per her department’s strategic plan; (2) why was the indicator referred to as Information-Level of Credibility of Database, as reflected in her department’s 2015-16 Annual Performance Plan, removed from the specified annual report when it is a prerequisite for accessing military veteran benefits; (3) what is the detailed breakdown of the 21 322 military veterans whose personal files were updated on the specified database in terms of (a) the number of military veterans and (b) each former (i) statutory and (ii) non-statutory force to which each military veteran belonged?
Reply:
(1) The reason why the target was not achieved is because the Department relies on the military veterans to approach the department with requests to update their records. It is assumed that those Military Veterans who are not updating their records, their personal details have not changed.
(2) As per the Act the listing of Military Veterans in the National Military Veterans database is a permanent function which is not expected to end as it caters for the transition of members of the defence force who exit service.
(3) The 21 322 updated files completed was not broken down as per former force, at the time of reporting, due to the nature of our system we may not be able to go back at the end of the reporting period to track the composition of the batch. With the current improvements on the system, we will make sure such a break-down is provided in future.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4205
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)whether she table the Special Defence Account’s annual financial statements in Parliament as required by the annual Appropriations Act in each financial year since the account became operational; if not; if so, (a) when was the last financial statement tabled in this regard and (b) when will the next financial statement be tabled?
Reply:
a) Yes, Annual financial statements of the Special Defence Account (SDA) were always tabled with the Annual report of the Department of Defence as required by the Appropriations Act, and the last SDA Annual financial statements for the 2014/15 financial year were tabled in Parliament on 29 September 2015 with the tabling of the annual report of the Department of Defence.
b) The next Annual financial statement of the SDA will be for the financial year 2015/16, and the tabling thereof will be done with the tabling of the Annual Report after the financial statements have been completed and audited, which is usually around September/October each year
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 12 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4261
Atkinson, Mr P to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether her department has any embargo against any country for the procurement of any military item; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which countries are embargoed and (b) why in each case?
Reply:
This question must be redirected to the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration. In addition the Minister is the current Chairperson of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC)
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4223
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What (a) urgent measures has her department put in place to deal with its 22% vacancy rate which impacts negatively on its performance, (b) are the costs related to each of these funded positions in the 2014-15 financial year and (c) are the relevant details of the new organogram that is envisaged by her department?
Reply:
(1) (a) Advertisements have been placed and short listing is underway.
(b) VACANCY RATE AS AT 01 APRIL 2014 TO DATE
SN |
POST TITLE |
SALARY LEVEL |
TOTAL COST |
1 |
Personnel Officers x 2 |
5 |
R 264, 798 |
2 |
Senior personnel Officers x 3 |
6 |
R 476, 955 |
3 |
Admin Assistants x 3 |
7 |
R 588, 834 |
4 |
Admin Officer x 1 |
8 |
R 243, 747 |
5 |
Assistant Director x 1 |
10 |
R 361, 659 |
6 |
Deputy Director x 1 |
12 |
R 674, 979 |
7 |
Director x 1 |
13 |
R 864, 177 |
8 |
Chief Director x 2 |
14 |
R 2, 085, 000 |
9 |
DDG x 2 |
15 |
R 2, 535, 612 |
10 |
DG x 1 |
16 |
R 1, 656, 618 |
GRAND TOTAL |
R 9, 752,379 |
(c) The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) in collaboration with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) developed its Service Delivery Model (SDM) which is fundamental to the design of the organogram. Discussions are underway to fine tune the first draft of the organogram.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
11 December 2015 - NW4218
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
How does her department reconcile its housing targets for its members over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework with those of the Department of Human Settlements, specifically with reference to the Minister of Human Settlements’ pronouncement that 5 000 houses will be built for military veterans in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
Both Department’s Accounting Officers and Senior Officials responsible for housing portfolio for Military Veterans met to reconcile housing targets over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and agreed on delivering 2000 houses which is a realistic figure.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
11 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.
11 December 2015 - NW4217
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, how many houses will (a) be constructed and (b) receive the top-up subsidy for military veterans from the R 31,9 million transferred from her department to the Department of Human Settlements in terms of the target of 1 000 houses set by her department; (2) whether the Minister of Human Settlements submitted her plans for the execution of the construction of the specified houses to the Department of Defence and Military Veterans within the 14 days as specified; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the portions of land for these houses have been (a) identified and (b) transferred; if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (4) whether a self-help model to construct the specified houses have been approved by the Department of Human Settlements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) what amount has been allocated by the Department of Human Settlements for (a) these housing developments and (b) planned recreational parks?
Reply:
- (a) During the 2014-15 financial periods the Department had planned to build 1000 houses for the benefit of Military Veterans through its partnership with the Department of Human Settlements.
(b) The R31.9 million top-up transfer to the Department of Human Settlement was in respect of the planned construction of 400 houses.
2. The Department of Human Settlements plans as agreed with the Department was for the building of 400 houses in the following provinces:
- Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Eastern Cape
- Free State and
- Mpumalanga3.
3. Questions 3-5 must be redirected to the Department of Human Settlements as they have the constitutional mandate to address housing issues in the Republic of South Africa.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11 DECEMBER 2015
10 December 2015 - NW4196
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether, with reference to the latest round of the redeterminations of municipal boundaries initiated by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in 2015, (a) the specified Minister and/or (b) the Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board made a specific request to the National Treasury to undertake a comprehensive research study to determine the financial sustainability and viability of the proposed amalgamations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) on what date was the specified studies requested by the specified persons, (ii) on what date was the completed study returned to the specified persons and (iii) what were the recommendations in each case; (2) whether the specified study also investigated the (a) institutional viability and (b) envisaged improvements in the municipal governance of the municipalities earmarked for proposed amalgamations; if not, why not; if so, what were the recommendations in each case?
Reply:
- The Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) wrote to the Minister of Finance on 16 March 2015 requesting the National Treasury to provide the MDB with inputs on a number of matters including a definition of municipal viability, indicators to measure viability and an analysis of the potential impact of each of the proposed boundary re-determinations.
In reply to the specific questions asked:
(i) No date was specified for the requested information to be provided to the MDB.
(ii) The Municipal Demarcation Board published notices in provincial gazettes in early July 2015 formally announcing the details of proposed re-demarcations that they were consulting on. The National Treasury conducted a thorough analysis of these proposals and the Minister of Finance wrote to the Chairperson of the MDB on 6 August 2015 to provide the Board with the information requested.
(iii) National Treasury did not make recommendations to the MDB. The inputs submitted provided information on the affected municipalities and analysis about potential impacts of the proposed boundary redeterminations, noting that in advance of the actual implementation of the proposals it is not possible to know with certainty what the impact will be. This information was provided, at the request of the MDB, to contribute further to the information on which the Board made its decisions.
2. The report compiled by the National Treasury and submitted to the MDB explored a number of different aspects of municipal viability that could be affected by boundary redeterminations. These included financial viability, institutional viability, economic viability and service delivery viability. Again, no recommendations were made to the MDB.
10 December 2015 - NW4197
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)Whether, since 1 January 2014, he has received a certain offender’s (Details furnished) parole request file from his department’s Correctional Services Parole Board (CSPB) chairperson; if not, why not; if so, (2) whether he has considered the specified offender’s request for parole; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date(s) and (b) what were the outcomes; (3) why did (a) he and/or (b) his department’s CSPB deny the specified offender’s previous requests for parole during the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013, even though the specified offender (i) qualified for parole after serving 13 years and four months of the imposed life sentence which commenced in 1999 and (ii) completed all the requisite programmes?
Reply:
- Yes, the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board considered the mentioned offender and his profile report was received by Head Office during September 2015 and submitted it to the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS). As soon as the recommendation of the NCCS is available, it will be submitted to the Minister for consideration.
(2)(a) & (b) See (1) above.
(3)(a)&(b) The offender was not denied to be considered for possible parole placement by the (a) Minister and (b) Correctional Supervision and Parole Board.
(3)(i) & (ii) Parole applications are submitted in accordance with and in compliance to section 42(2) (d) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, as amended. Amongst others, during the said period the offender did not participate in Victim Offender Dialogue and the Department in collaboration with the offender was in the process of tracing his victims. Furthermore, his support system was also not positively confirmed.
10 December 2015 - NW4198
Selfe, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)(a) What is the minimum period that an offender sentenced to life imprisonment before 30 September 2004 has to serve before becoming eligible for parole and (b) which (i) section of (ii) which Correctional Services Act is relied upon in this regard; 2) whether a certain offender (details furnished) who is incarcerated at the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal is eligible for placement on parole; if not, why not; if so, 3) whether he has received any applications for parole from the specified offender; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (4) whether he considered the specified offender’s application for parole; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the outcome?
Reply:
(1)(a) According to the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998 offenders sentenced to life incarceration before 1 October 2004 had to serve a minimum detention period of 20 years before being eligible for consideration for placement on parole. However, on 15 July 2011 the North Gauteng High Court handed down a judgment in the Van Wyk case which had the effect to change the minimum detention period for offenders sentenced to life incarceration before 1 October 2004 prior to them being eligible for consideration for placement on parole. The implication was that the previous credit system was also applicable to those offenders sentenced to life sentences from 1 August 1993 up to 30 September 2004 and after allocation of the maximum number of credits advanced their consideration dates from 20 years to 13 years and 4 months.
(1)(b)(i) & (ii) Section 63 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 8 of 1959; and section 136 of the Correctional Services Act, No 111 of 1998 determines the minimum periods of sentence that must be served before consideration may be given for possible placement.
(2) The mentioned offender was sentenced to life imprisonment on 11 January 2002 and is eligible for consideration for possible parole. However, parole applications are submitted in accordance with and in compliance to section 42(2) (d) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, as amended. As soon as the requirements of the aforementioned section are complied with, the Case Management Committee will submit the profile report to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB). The CSPB will then make a submission to the National Council for Correctional Services for a recommendation to the Minister.
(3) See (2) above
(4) See (2) above
10 December 2015 - NW3204
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether Cage Africa has appealed to the Government to grant (a) political asylum and (b) a new home to Guantanamo Bay detainees; if so, what are the details of the (i) appeal and (ii) financial implications for (aa) her (sic) department and (bb) the Government?
Reply:
The Department of Home Affairs does not have information about this alleged appeal. A request from an organisation such as Cage Africa to the South African government should follow proper channels and be submitted through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
10 December 2015 - NW3063
Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) How does (i) her department and (ii) entities reporting to her define red tape and (b) what (i) specific interventions and/or (ii) systems have been implemented to (aa) identify and (bb) reduce red tape in (aaa) her department and (bbb) the entities reporting to her?
Reply:
(a) My understanding of red tape is that it is bureaucratic delays in the administration processes that impede and hamper service delivery. We have simplified all business processes for the work of my Department in order to have swifter turnaround times for example, processing of water use licenses. We have reduced the turnaround times for decision makers with regards to Supply chain processes for bid evaluation and bid adjudication processes.
Refer below for response from Entities:
NO. |
NAME OF ENTITY |
RESPONSE |
1. |
Amatola Water |
(a)(ii) Amatola Water Board defines red tape as “official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction” (b)(i)(ii); (aa); (bb) & (bbb) Amatola Water Board has governing structures internally that ensure an effective and efficient decision making process that reduces red-tape. The governing structures of Amatola Water Board have policies and procedures to give guidance and, to maintain sound control environment. Amatola Water Board is an active stakeholder that participates in various water sector forums and committees that are lead by Department of Water and Sanitation which are aimed at reducing the decision lag processes (e.g. DG’s Forum, PROWAF, SAAWU). The Shareholders Compact (SHC) which serves an agreement between the Water Board and Minister of Water and Sanitation is aligned to the corporate objectives of the water board. This SHC creates a common space for understanding and execution of strategy. The SHC also forms part of the performance system and monitoring is on a quarterly basis in order to take an immediate corrective action against adverse performance results. |
2. |
Bloem Water |
(a) (i) N/A (ii)Legal mandate by Executive Authority, which is the Board appointed by the Minister, following the Delegation of authority to CE and further to staff. (b)(i) (ii) (aa)(bb)This includes Policies approved and procedures implemented to function in such a way to minimise and reduce processes, costs and red tape. (aaa) (bbb)N/A |
3. |
Lepelle Northern Water |
(aaa) (bbb) N/A |
4. |
Magalies Water |
(a)(ii)Red tape is defined in Magalies Water within the context of normal managerial functions. This is such that management activities are executed in a certain sequence which follows planning within a formal authority of hierarchical decision making. (b)(i)-(ii)A materiality and significance framework and the Delegations of Authority (aa)-(bb)-(aaa) N/A (bbb)The above instruments do neither identify nor reduce red tape but facilitate effective decision making processes within the organisation. The materiality and significance framework facilitate decisions on material transactions by the Board and on significant transactions by the Minister of Water and Sanitation. The delegations of authority facilitate internal decision making processes at various managerial levels. |
5. |
Mhlathuze Water |
(a) (i) N/A (ii) Our understanding of the word “red tape” is that it is a term used to describe excessive regulation that hinders timeous action or decision-making. (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) MW has recently reviewed its business processes in order to streamline all its processes for effective delivery of services. MW policies are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are still effective and relevant in achieving service delivery. (aaa)N/A (bbb)It should however be noted that statutory compliance takes precedence over internal processes, policies and procedures. |
6. |
Overberg Water |
(a) (i) N/A (ii) Overberg Water is not experiencing any red tape in our engagement within and with the external stakeholders. (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) N/A (aaa) (bbb) N/A |
7. |
Rand Water |
(a) (ii) There is no definition of red tape in terms of the law. (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb)To improve efficiencies within Rand Water’s Supply Chain Management we are continuously reviewing our systems and policies and currently participating in the review of the Preferential Procurement Act in order to improve economic transformation and participation of previously disadvantages entities in the business of Rand Water. (aaa) (bbb) N/A |
8. |
Sedibeng Water |
a) (i) N/A (Applicable to the department) (ii) Red tape is when processes to approve and authorize activities of the entity are held hostage due to long authorization and approval processes. (b) (i) The necessary processes are still undertaken as per the prescripts of the legislation and business best practices, however business processes mapping was undertaken to respond to the legislation, policies and procedure are defined to enable business efficiencies. (ii) Systems implemented to identify red tape are (aa) The time taken to authorize transactions is checked against the target set to authorize and process; the level of authorization required in terms of the delegated authority; the number of people who hold the requisite authority to transact (bb) reduce red tape in: (aaa) N/A (Applicable to the department) (bbb) A shared services model and automation of the business processes systems was implemented. Reviewing the delegation of authority to allow back up and acting positions taking into account the level of understanding on accountability. |
9. |
Umgeni Water |
a) (i) N/A (ii) Red tape is when processes to approve and authorize activities of the entity are held hostage due to long authorization and approval processes. (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) Umgeni Water has developed systems of internal control that include approved policies and an articulate delegation of powers framework. The framework gives appropriate officials powers to implement decisions at various and appropriate levels. (aaa) N/A (bbb) These systems assist the organisation to quickly dispatch resources and make business decisions without having to wait for executive and accounting authority meetings. However the accounting authority exercises appropriate oversight on decisions taken by management / officials. |
10. |
Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority |
(a) (i) N/A (ii) TCTA is a service provider to other water management institutions. It does not regulate (i.e. grant permission to an organisation /individual to carry out an activity) or provide a service over which it has a monopoly to others electricity water etc. (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) (aaa) (bbb) N/A The questions are, therefore, not of relevance to TCTA. |
11. |
Water Research Commission |
(a) (ii) Definition of Red Tape. The term red tape is not used. (b) (i) The WRC has had no specific interventions or (ii) systems implemented. The WRC has a fairly efficient deal flow system with our research management system and while we continuously seek improvement, we have had no complaints about unnecessary red tape. The legislative requirements and regulations that apply to the WRC have been effectively integrated into the operations to ensure smooth process flows. (aaa) (bbb) N/A |
12. |
Inkomati CMA |
(a)(ii) Red tape is defined as complicated official rules and regulations, especially when these are considered unnecessary: excessive bureaucracy (b) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) Not for the entities to respond to. (aaa) (bbb) N/A |
13. |
Breede-Gouritz CMA |
(a) (i) N/A (ii) The BGCMA defines red tape as excessive impediments that require compliance and conformity to formal rules either in terms of established rules within the organization, policy, compliance register, regulations, Treasury Instructions or applicable legislation. These impediments can prevent the BGCMA from making a timeous decision. (b)(i) If it is a rule or policy the BGCMA applies either a deviation route having obtained the necessary approvals but if it is the legislation there is strict compliance. (ii)The performance process flow and compliance register define and identify areas of compliance plus the extent required to implement those. (bb) Depending on the nature of red tape, relevant officials are given specific delegations and if it is a governance issue the Board or the Minister is approached. (aaa) (bbb) N/A |
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10 December 2015 - NW4036
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)With reference to her reply to question 864 on 12 September 2014, (a) how much of the R20 billion has been recovered through civil claims to date and (b) what amount has been recovered from each specified party; (2) how many (a) individuals in total and (b) government officials (i) are still being investigated and (ii) have already been successfully prosecuted; (3) how many investigations into the 59 suspect housing contracts or projects (a) have been completed and (b) are still ongoing?
Reply:
(1) I wish to advise the Honourable member that the legal responsibility for recovering monies belonging to government and which have been misappropriated lies with the heads of the provincial departments affected. This recovery can be done once an investigation has established legal liability on the part of the relevant contractors and officials. The details that the Honourable member seeks cannot be provided at this stage because the SIU submits its reports to the President in terms of the SIU Act. My department has not received a copy of the reports. A proper assessment will be conducted once the full reports have been received. In the meantime, the SIU has advised my department that an estimated amount of R747 530 961. 75 has been identified by the SIU as the amount that can be considered by the affected provincial departments recoverable from the liable contractors and/or officials. The SIU further advises that those departments have been informed of their options regarding these matters.
(2) (a) The SIU advises that it has referred a total of thirty-two (32) cases against implicated individuals and/or entities, that are not state owned entities or employed by the state, to law enforcement agencies, for criminal investigation and possible prosecution. It does not have further details of progress in that regard
(b) (i) & (ii) The SIU has further referred a total of thirty-five (35) cases against implicated government officials to law enforcement agencies, for criminal investigation and possible prosecution.
(3) (a) The SIU has further advised that it has finalised 30 investigations in respect of 91 low cost housing projects.
(b) One investigation in respect of a subsidised housing project in the Western Cape has not yet been completed, as the services of a Quantity Surveyor has had to be procured to conduct a value-for-money exercise in respect of this subsidised housing project, to complete the investigation report.
10 December 2015 - NW4087
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
What is being done to address the lower than expected voter turnout in future national elections and particularly in the upcoming 2016 local government elections?
Reply:
It is the duty of the political parties to ensure that their voters turn out to vote on Election Day.
10 December 2015 - NW3928
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)Whether any funds allocated to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape in the 2015-16 financial year in terms of any form of grant funding from her department have been utilised for activities or programmes or purposes for which they were not intended; if not, what is her department’s position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case in terms of the (a) amount and (b) purpose for which the funds were utilised; (2) whether her department has a policy that prohibits the misuse of grant funding intended for human settlements purposes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps will she take in this regard; (3) whether she will make a statement on this matter?
Reply:
(1) Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) was allocated R713.1 million for the 2015/16 financial year and R285.3 million was transferred to the municipality on the 9th of July 2015. The municipality spent an amount of R69.1 million on Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG) programmes as outlined in the table below as at 30 September 2015. The National Department of Human Settlements is therefore not aware of any funds allocated to BCMM in the 2015-16 financial year that have been utilised for activities or programmes or purposes for which they were not intended.
The departmental information is that the funds were budgeted and spent for the purposes which are illustrated below as at 30 September 2015:
(2) The department has utilises the USDG Framework and Division of Revenue Act No.1 of 2015 to regulate the use of its grants. The Grant Framework and the USDG Policy clearly outlines and guides municipalities on the scope of the utilisation of the USDG and this includes:
- Increase in bulk infrastructure capacity
- Increase in the basic services to poor households, specifically in informal settlements, including water, sanitation, electricity, refuse removal and transport access
- Increase in land provision for informal settlement upgrading, subsidy housing, or mixed use development in support of catalytic projects
- Increase in access to socio-economic amenities
- Improved dwelling unit densities within an improved spatial integration framework
The Division of the Revenue Act Section 17 (1) states that “despite anything to the contrary in any other legislation, an allocation referred to in Schedules 4 to 7 may only be utilised for the purpose stipulated in the Schedule concerned and in accordance with the applicable framework section”. Section 18(1) states that “a transferring officer may withhold the transfer of a schedule 4 or 5 allocation or any portion thereof, for a period not exceeding 30 days if (a) the province or municipality does not comply with any provision of this Act.
It is to be noted that in terms of relevant procedure, the Auditor-General also audits expenditure and application of grants by Provinces and Municipalities and these reports are provided to the Department and will be used take corrective action if there is misuse of the grants.
The Department through its Financial and Monitoring and Evaluation units also undertake quarterly visits as well as quarter review sessions with municipalities and provinces, and these also present the Department with an early warning opportunity if there is inappropriate use of grants.
(3) No. However, the Honourable member is encouraged to provide me with details regarding his area of concern.
10 December 2015 - NW4066
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether he or the National Treasury has written to national and provincial departments in the course of 2015 to settle their respective outstanding accounts with municipalities immediately so that their cash flow could be facilitated; if not, why not; if so, (a) which defaulting departments were written to, (b) what was the outstanding amount in each case, (c) for what duration was the account outstanding, (d) which of the defaulting departments had fully settled with the municipalities as at 31 October 2015 and (e) which of the defaulting departments is he taking action against for not complying with his instruction?
Reply:
Yes, the National Treasury has formally written to all national and provincial departments who have outstanding debts with municipalities. Please note that the notification was done through a letter by the Director-General: National Treasury who wrote to all Directors-General on 21 July 2015 conveying the message and I reiterated the matter with correspondence on 13 August 2015 to all the executive authorities alerting them of the arrears owed to municipalities.
It is important to understand that the process of addressing these unsettled accounts is being co-ordinated through the President’s Co-ordinating Council (PCC), where Premiers of provinces, Cabinet Ministers, and Accounting Officers of departments have committed to directly address the issue and give regular feedback to the PCC. The written communication from the National Treasury to departments and provinces is part of this high-level process.
The Section 71 of Municipal Finance Management Act (Act No. 56 of 2003) report for June 2015 shows that various departments owed municipalities as per the table below.
Table 1: Age analysis of debt owed to municipalities by National Departments
Section 71 of Municipal Finance Management Act (Act No. 56 of 2003) for June 2015 see the link: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW4066-151210TABLE.docx
Section 71 of Municipal Finance Management Act (Act No. 56 of 2003) for June 2015 see the link: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW4066-151210TABLE.docx
(a) All departments listed above were written to by the Minister of Finance on 13 August 2015.
(b) At the time of writing, the following debts were owed to municipalities by national departments amounted to R1.7 billion and provinces owed R2.5 billion.
(c) In addition, the report shows that a majority of the debt has been outstanding for more than 90 days.
(d) The Department of Public Works has initiated a process to verify the outstanding amounts owed by government in order to resolve problems with contested bills. This process is being undertaken to ensure that all outstanding amounts reported by municipalities are legitimately due by the named departments and to correct any undue errors. This process of verification is a work-in-progress and the outcome is not yet available. The report will also indicate a more accurate picture of progress made with payments of outstanding amounts by departments and province.
(e) Once the outcome of the work done by Public Works is made available, this will inform the actions to be taken.
09 December 2015 - NW4248
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
How is visible policing conducted in the Vusi Musi informal settlement in Tembisa, Gauteng, where there are no roads?
Reply:
Visible policing in Vusimusi informal settlement is usually conducted by means of foot patrol mostly during the weekends. The 4 X 4 double cabs are also utilized to patrol the area.
09 December 2015 - NW4241
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
What has been the total cost to date for litigation in all legal actions instituted against a certain person (name and details furnished) by the SA Police Service?
Reply:
The total costs incurred to date amounts to R1 717 351-52 calculated as follows:
Disciplinary hearing R1 088 193-54
Review of the disciplinary hearing (SAPS) R 226 062-00
Review of the arbitration (Maj Gen Booysen) R 403 095-98
TOTAL R1 717 351-52
09 December 2015 - NW4247
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
With regard to visible policing at the Tembisa South Police Station in Gauteng, (a) how many sectors are there, (b) which geographical area does each sector cover, (c) what is the population of each sector and (d) how many visible (i) policing vehicles and (ii) police officers have been allocated to each sector?
Reply:
(a) Three (3) sectors.
(b) SECTOR 1: (Township), Jiyana, Isivana, Isishjetweni, Ibaxa, Welamlambo, Ethafeni
SECTOR 2: (Informal Settlement) Vusimuzi and hostels, Vusimuzi squatter camp, Enhlanzeni,Tembisa Plaza, Thiteng and Tembisa Taxi Rank, Mpho and Lekaneng.
SECTOR 3: (Township) Moedi, Khatamping, Endayini, Umnonjaneni, Esiqongweni, Entshonalanga, Umthambeka Ext 5, Umfuyaneni.
(c) The total population of Tembisa South policing area is 111 926. The population figures per sector is not available.
(d)
Police vehicles (i) |
Police officers (ii) |
03 |
06 |
09 December 2015 - NW4245
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Police
Whether an investigation was conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation into a certain company (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) details, (b) current status and (c) outcomes of the investigation as at the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
There are no records of any investigation pertaining specifically to the entity in question at any of the DPCI Components.
08 December 2015 - NW4130
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1)What are the details of the process followed to appoint a lead agency for the rollout of broadband services to the eight district municipalities that are the first phase of SA Connect; (2) (a) what are the criteria used to determine the (i) role and (ii) capabilities of the lead agency and (b) when will the appointment of the specified agency be announced?
Reply:
- The Lead Entity has not been appointed yet because the Department is following due process.
(2)(a)(i) Current infrastructure roll-out is fragmented, it leads to duplication of efforts and resources, and also focuses on urban areas. Additionally, the roll-out of parallel and competing networks especially in rural areas is considered not feasible or viable because of the socio-economic profile of the rural areas and demand for services. The criteria for designating a Lead Entity took into consideration the extent of fibre infrastructure in the country and the national network scope and scale that can be leveraged to reduce the cost and distances to connect facilities to existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the entity should have the capacity to coordinate other State-Owned Entities (SOEs) in order to leverage and efficiently use State assets and investments to expedite broadband roll-out, particularly in rural areas, in a cost effective manner.
(ii) Refer to (i) above
(b) The appointment of the Lead Agency will be announced once the appointment process has been finalised.
08 December 2015 - NW4092
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, for each metropolitan municipality, any municipal official or councillor undertook any international travel (a) in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) since 1 July 2015; if so, (i) what was the purpose of each trip, (ii) who undertook each trip and (iii) what was the total cost of each trip including (aa) flights and (bb) accommodation?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the metropolitan municipalities and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW3775
Lekota, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic
Whether he has been actively promoting the concept of the African Renaissance with a view to ensuring, as former president, Mr Thabo Mbeki, had observed, that the African upper echelons do not remain as a mere parasite on the rest of society, who continue to enjoy self-endowed mandates to define and use their political power in a manner that keeps Africa at the periphery of the world economy, poor, underdeveloped and incapable of development, if not. Why not; if so, how has he and the Government pushed forward the ideals of the African Renaissance and (b) what outcome has he and the Government achieved in relation thereto since 2009?
Reply:
The Honourable Member will be aware that African stability, development and prosperity have been the bedrock of the ANC-led government since the dawn of our democracy in 1994.
We continue this trajectory by committing to various AU programmes, with the following discernible examples:
- Peace, Security and Stability: On 08 November 2015, I presided over the closing ceremony of the Amani Africa Field Training Exercise held in Lohatla, Northern Cape, whose main objective was to test the ‘Rapid Deployment Capacity’ (RDC) of the African Standby Force. The success of this Exercise points to the Continent’s readiness to expeditiously provide solutions to some of our instability challenges.
What was most gratifying about Amani Africa was the fact that Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Standby Force, North Africa Regional Command, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Volunteering Nations of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC), all participated in this historic exercise. Amani Africa is a practical headway that has been made to ensure stability, which is indispensable to continental development. The Honorable Member will also recall the swiftness with which SADC addressed the recent challenges in Lesotho.
2. NEPAD: As the Honourable Member will know, NEPAD has been one of the corner stones of the African Renaissance. The initiative is anchored on our collective determination to extricate ourselves and the Continent from underdevelopment and exclusion in a globalising world. It is a call for a new relationship based on domestic, continental and global partnerships to address under-development, founded on the realisation of common interest, obligations, commitments, benefit and equality.
NEPAD has a number of key programmes, one of which is infrastructure development. The Continent continues to make progress in this regard through the implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative (PICI) chaired by South Africa, and spearheaded by seven dedicated Heads of State and Government. PICI is part of PIDA, serving as an initiative to bring political leadership to bear, to fast-track the implementation of important projects from the PIDA Priority Action Plan by identifying and dealing with blockages, missing links and choke-points.
For example, under PICI, progress is being made in closing the missing link of the trans-Saharan highway project covering 4500 kilometres between Algeria and Nigeria and $40 million has been secured towards its continued construction. It is expected to be completed in 2016. The optic fibre component of the same project has seen substantial progress, with the completion of 60% of the project. The ICT Broadband Fibre Optic Network Linking Neighbouring States project, championed by Rwanda, has been completed. Egypt recently held the first Steering Committee meeting of the footprint states of the Navigational route between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea. Construction on the Grand Inga project is due to begin soon. The Dakar Financing Summit in June 2014 prioritized 16 PIDA projects for exposure to private and institutional investors.
With an infrastructure deficit of about USD 92 billion per year, NEPAD is making every effort to highlight this very important challenge. In light of this, at its annual meeting in May 2014, the African Development Bank launched the Africa50 initiative in order to mobilise USD 100 billion for regional infrastructure projects, focusing on addressing the key part of the project cycle that is project preparation. There are several projects in this regard, so this is by no means an exhaustible list.
3. APRM:
The APRM derives from NEPAD and its aim is to foster and promote good political, economic, social and corporate governance in Africa by encouraging Member States to adopt international best practice, which should eventually translate into political stability, economic growth, sustainable development and sub-regional and continental economic integration. South Africa is committed to advancing, nationally and continentally, the objectives of the APRM.
South Africa acceded to the APRM in March 2003 and was reviewed in July 2005. This resulted in the release of the Country Review Reports in 2007 and its’ National Programme of Action .South Africa tabled its First Report on the Implementation of the Programme of Action in January 2009. The second such Report was tabled in January 2011, with the Third Report being tabled in January 2014. South Africa will soon enter the second Peer Review phase.
Membership of the APRM has risen to 35 and 17 countries have been reviewed to date. This is an utterly unique system of self-assessment in the world in terms of its transparency and extent, and the underlying benefits cannot be overstated in terms of the shaping of national development discourse and providing models of best practice on key cross-cutting issues.
4. CAADP AND OTHER PROGRAMMES:
Another key priority for African development is agriculture, as reflected in the AU/NEPAD Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). CAADP is one of NEPAD’s most successful programmes and has been key to driving development on the Continent and responding to poverty, hunger and joblessness. CAADP ensures that the great commodity that we have, arable agricultural land, is used for the benefit of all Africans.
In this regard, 52 states have been engaged in CAADP related interventions, 40 have received direct support under CAADP, 40 have signed CAADP national compacts, 30 National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plans have been developed and reviewed, at least 8 countries have met the 10% of budget target, and 4 RECs have developed their own regional compacts. Ten countries have registered more than 6% annual growth in agriculture.
5. PARTNERSHIPS:
The role of international partners is to help scale up and accelerate our own efforts. Therefore, South Africa continues to play a leading role in engaging Africa’s Strategic Multilateral Partnerships, such as FOCAC, TICAD, Africa-EU, Africa India, Africa-Korea, Africa-Arab, Africa-South America, NAASP, and Africa-Turkey going forward. One of the key NEPAD principles is “New partnerships within Africa and with the international community”. It is for this reason that all of the Partnerships have been constructed on the understanding that engagement with Africa is to be done within the framework of NEPAD, as the socio-economic development programme of the AU, with the aim of assisting in the achievement of AU/NEPAD objectives and programmes.
South Africa continues to play a key role in the review of all of Africa’s partnerships with the North and the South, being conducted by the AU PRC Sub-Committee on Multilateral Cooperation.
South Africa is Co-Chair with China of FOCAC until 2018 and we have hosted a very successful FOCAC Summit in Johannesburg on 4-5 December 2015.
President Xi Jinping of China announced a development partnership with Africa worth $60 billion, accompanied by a 10 point plan focusing on areas that are key priorities for development in the continent. We look forward to taking the win-win cooperation further as the African continent as it holds great promise for the renewal of the African continent economically. This occurred on the backdrop of a very successful India-Africa Summit.
08 December 2015 - NW4097
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What amount was spent on advertising by the Tlokwe City Local Municipality in the North West (a) in print media, (b) on radio, (c) on television, (d) online, (e) outdoors and (f) any other medium (i) in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) since 1 July 2015; (2) in respect of each specified advertisement, (a) in which media was it flighted and (b) what was the (i) purpose of the advertisement and (c) cost?
Reply:
This information has been requested from Tlokwe Local Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW4213
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What has been the demand for electricity in each month since March 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
In responding to the question the assumption is made that the Honourable Member is referring to daily maximum demand. The table below indicates the customer daily energy demand from 1 March 2015 to 29 November 2015.
Date |
Customer Demand MWh |
2015/03/01 |
615 989 |
2015/03/02 |
669 051 |
2015/03/03 |
674 638 |
2015/03/04 |
675 675 |
2015/03/05 |
678 546 |
2015/03/06 |
678 138 |
2015/03/07 |
644 353 |
2015/03/08 |
622 464 |
2015/03/09 |
677 087 |
2015/03/10 |
685 801 |
2015/03/11 |
687 776 |
2015/03/12 |
688 292 |
2015/03/13 |
689 000 |
2015/03/14 |
650 059 |
2015/03/15 |
625 750 |
2015/03/16 |
677 776 |
2015/03/17 |
684 592 |
2015/03/18 |
686 001 |
2015/03/19 |
687 755 |
2015/03/20 |
682 914 |
2015/03/21 |
644 010 |
2015/03/22 |
630 664 |
2015/03/23 |
683 404 |
2015/03/24 |
687 956 |
2015/03/25 |
685 945 |
2015/03/26 |
690 873 |
2015/03/27 |
669 502 |
2015/03/28 |
632 650 |
2015/03/29 |
608 103 |
2015/03/30 |
661 626 |
2015/03/31 |
669 967 |
2015/04/01 |
668 627 |
2015/04/02 |
651 398 |
2015/04/03 |
594 235 |
2015/04/04 |
590 128 |
2015/04/05 |
579 514 |
2015/04/06 |
589 727 |
2015/04/07 |
655 740 |
2015/04/08 |
666 176 |
2015/04/09 |
672 502 |
2015/04/10 |
672 108 |
2015/04/11 |
637 678 |
2015/04/12 |
619 241 |
2015/04/13 |
663 577 |
2015/04/14 |
677 597 |
2015/04/15 |
677 271 |
2015/04/16 |
679 907 |
2015/04/17 |
671 634 |
2015/04/18 |
645 426 |
2015/04/19 |
630 322 |
2015/04/20 |
669 247 |
2015/04/21 |
679 860 |
2015/04/22 |
683 606 |
2015/04/23 |
679 504 |
2015/04/24 |
680 109 |
2015/04/25 |
635 071 |
2015/04/26 |
611 130 |
2015/04/27 |
624 250 |
2015/04/28 |
666 329 |
2015/04/29 |
668 547 |
2015/04/30 |
663 547 |
2015/05/01 |
617 955 |
2015/05/02 |
612 217 |
2015/05/03 |
617 004 |
2015/05/04 |
662 729 |
2015/05/05 |
679 554 |
2015/05/06 |
675 633 |
2015/05/07 |
686 368 |
2015/05/08 |
683 972 |
2015/05/09 |
653 427 |
2015/05/10 |
630 569 |
2015/05/11 |
680 763 |
2015/05/12 |
684 688 |
2015/05/13 |
683 584 |
2015/05/14 |
683 452 |
2015/05/15 |
680 843 |
2015/05/16 |
652 459 |
2015/05/17 |
627 987 |
2015/05/18 |
672 777 |
2015/05/19 |
682 316 |
2015/05/20 |
680 819 |
2015/05/21 |
684 597 |
2015/05/22 |
678 270 |
2015/05/23 |
649 686 |
2015/05/24 |
636 941 |
2015/05/25 |
680 562 |
2015/05/26 |
691 093 |
2015/05/27 |
689 785 |
2015/05/28 |
687 883 |
2015/05/29 |
678 297 |
2015/05/30 |
636 299 |
2015/05/31 |
624 217 |
2015/06/01 |
663 832 |
2015/06/02 |
678 966 |
2015/06/03 |
687 834 |
2015/06/04 |
699 092 |
2015/06/05 |
702 533 |
2015/06/06 |
677 867 |
2015/06/07 |
653 802 |
2015/06/08 |
694 948 |
2015/06/09 |
703 928 |
2015/06/10 |
716 499 |
2015/06/11 |
716 836 |
2015/06/12 |
714 953 |
2015/06/13 |
661 765 |
2015/06/14 |
640 077 |
2015/06/15 |
673 059 |
2015/06/16 |
650 032 |
2015/06/17 |
706 515 |
2015/06/18 |
711 768 |
2015/06/19 |
705 245 |
2015/06/20 |
669 921 |
2015/06/21 |
650 940 |
2015/06/22 |
697 149 |
2015/06/23 |
706 460 |
2015/06/24 |
706 658 |
2015/06/25 |
706 221 |
2015/06/26 |
697 005 |
2015/06/27 |
672 992 |
2015/06/28 |
651 838 |
2015/06/29 |
688 460 |
2015/06/30 |
698 407 |
2015/07/01 |
692 949 |
2015/07/02 |
693 312 |
2015/07/03 |
690 260 |
2015/07/04 |
653 354 |
2015/07/05 |
637 854 |
2015/07/06 |
679 880 |
2015/07/07 |
698 275 |
2015/07/08 |
692 722 |
2015/07/09 |
686 403 |
2015/07/10 |
682 469 |
2015/07/11 |
655 458 |
2015/07/12 |
635 239 |
2015/07/13 |
685 843 |
2015/07/14 |
698 754 |
2015/07/15 |
695 409 |
2015/07/16 |
691 166 |
2015/07/17 |
696 565 |
2015/07/18 |
660 855 |
2015/07/19 |
646 471 |
2015/07/20 |
683 527 |
2015/07/21 |
690 396 |
2015/07/22 |
699 851 |
2015/07/23 |
708 383 |
2015/07/24 |
701 131 |
2015/07/25 |
670 257 |
2015/07/26 |
651 721 |
2015/07/27 |
694 919 |
2015/07/28 |
700 715 |
2015/07/29 |
704 311 |
2015/07/30 |
698 663 |
2015/07/31 |
703 594 |
2015/08/01 |
661 007 |
2015/08/02 |
636 444 |
2015/08/03 |
682 407 |
2015/08/04 |
689 477 |
2015/08/05 |
692 994 |
2015/08/06 |
690 907 |
2015/08/07 |
678 144 |
2015/08/08 |
638 883 |
2015/08/09 |
614 219 |
2015/08/10 |
628 776 |
2015/08/11 |
681 094 |
2015/08/12 |
685 460 |
2015/08/13 |
679 649 |
2015/08/14 |
677 149 |
2015/08/15 |
634 823 |
2015/08/16 |
607 120 |
2015/08/17 |
652 403 |
2015/08/18 |
660 354 |
2015/08/19 |
657 677 |
2015/08/20 |
657 116 |
2015/08/21 |
647 200 |
2015/08/22 |
617 489 |
2015/08/23 |
604 102 |
2015/08/24 |
644 647 |
2015/08/25 |
645 891 |
2015/08/26 |
646 045 |
2015/08/27 |
644 655 |
2015/08/28 |
634 684 |
2015/08/29 |
601 424 |
2015/08/30 |
591 426 |
2015/08/31 |
632 223 |
2015/09/01 |
669 042 |
2015/09/02 |
676 263 |
2015/09/03 |
682 373 |
2015/09/04 |
700 260 |
2015/09/05 |
661 441 |
2015/09/06 |
636 233 |
2015/09/07 |
675 372 |
2015/09/08 |
687 079 |
2015/09/09 |
677 477 |
2015/09/10 |
678 821 |
2015/09/11 |
678 059 |
2015/09/12 |
653 847 |
2015/09/13 |
629 895 |
2015/09/14 |
670 489 |
2015/09/15 |
679 680 |
2015/09/16 |
675 104 |
2015/09/17 |
676 985 |
2015/09/18 |
682 142 |
2015/09/19 |
653 659 |
2015/09/20 |
637 410 |
2015/09/21 |
688 762 |
2015/09/22 |
683 341 |
2015/09/23 |
673 321 |
2015/09/24 |
633 573 |
2015/09/25 |
650 464 |
2015/09/26 |
629 960 |
2015/09/27 |
617 185 |
2015/09/28 |
661 945 |
2015/09/29 |
675 770 |
2015/09/30 |
675 378 |
2015/10/01 |
662 080 |
2015/10/02 |
665 036 |
2015/10/03 |
630 343 |
2015/10/04 |
611 024 |
2015/10/05 |
658 813 |
2015/10/06 |
669 966 |
2015/10/07 |
670 396 |
2015/10/08 |
668 657 |
2015/10/09 |
670 214 |
2015/10/10 |
633 378 |
2015/10/11 |
615 977 |
2015/10/12 |
662 540 |
2015/10/13 |
671 910 |
2015/10/14 |
673 013 |
2015/10/15 |
667 974 |
2015/10/16 |
666 560 |
2015/10/17 |
633 974 |
2015/10/18 |
608 772 |
2015/10/19 |
660 891 |
2015/10/20 |
666 228 |
2015/10/21 |
668 833 |
2015/10/22 |
673 724 |
2015/10/23 |
665 720 |
2015/10/24 |
629 230 |
2015/10/25 |
608 906 |
2015/10/26 |
660 869 |
2015/10/27 |
664 197 |
2015/10/28 |
669 483 |
2015/10/29 |
674 863 |
2015/10/30 |
668 504 |
2015/10/31 |
627 524 |
2015/11/01 |
604 362 |
2015/11/02 |
645 209 |
2015/11/03 |
656 034 |
2015/11/04 |
653 911 |
2015/11/05 |
659 857 |
2015/11/06 |
659 962 |
2015/11/07 |
628 519 |
2015/11/08 |
609 244 |
2015/11/09 |
664 576 |
2015/11/10 |
666 367 |
2015/11/11 |
671 344 |
2015/11/12 |
676 683 |
2015/11/13 |
673 616 |
2015/11/14 |
632 639 |
2015/11/15 |
603 480 |
2015/11/16 |
652 420 |
2015/11/17 |
654 575 |
2015/11/18 |
655 851 |
2015/11/19 |
642 153 |
2015/11/20 |
645 569 |
2015/11/21 |
610 940 |
2015/11/22 |
588 569 |
2015/11/23 |
641 785 |
2015/11/24 |
660 352 |
2015/11/25 |
665 091 |
2015/11/26 |
663 060 |
2015/11/27 |
657 316 |
2015/11/28 |
615 845 |
2015/11/29 |
607 541 |
08 December 2015 - NW4104
Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What is the proposed (a) operational expenditure and (b) capital expenditure of the Tlokwe City Local Municipality in the North West on services to informal settlements in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
This information has been requested from Tlokwe Local Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW4231
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether he supports the draft Strategy to Address Air Pollution in Dense Low-Income Settlements presented to his department and other departments in 2013; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether he 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:
- Yes, the intentions of the strategy to address air pollution in dense and low-income settlements are supported.
The effects of indoor air pollution to human health as a result of the use of solid fuels remain of grave concern to the Ministry of Health. Many households still cook and heat their homes using wood, coal and even dung, in open fires and leaky stoves, and these practices contribute to premature death and illness from respiratory and cardiac conditions and also results in burns, injuries and poisoning from fuel ingestion. We support an approach that addresses the social determinants of health and sustainable development.
The Department aligns with strategies that ensure healthy air in and around the household. The Department of Health supports programmes for clean household energy in contributing towards addressing child and maternal health as a core preventative public health measure.
The intersectoral approach, including roles for critical departments and national, provincial and local government, is supported to address air pollution effects and the Department of Health will continue to partake in programmes aimed at addressing such effects.
2. Yes.
The Department of Health is involved with the assessment and control of biological agents in the environment and improving social concerns and thereby addressing the ongoing health impacts of domestic fuel burning through ongoing Environmental Health programmes. Environmental Health Practitioners are trained on monitoring of Indoor Air Quality and capacitating members of the public through awareness creation. Health awareness campaigns focus inter alia on improved ventilation and lighting.
Within the National Department of Health, Environmental Health has recently been elevated into a Chief Directorate to prioritize prevention of ill health that is caused by environmental factors. The relevant Manager has been tasked with engaging with the Department of Environmental Affairs as well as Non-Governmental Organizations to address the environmental determinants of ill health. Government is committed to the increased use of renewable/subsidized residential housing. It is acknowledged however that more is required to effectively respond to the dangerous energy sources burned in dense low-income communities.
While we collectively work with our partners to prevent ill health caused by environmental factors my Department will also ensure that good health care is provided to poor communities that are forced by poverty to continue burning unsafe fuels that cause ill health.
END.
08 December 2015 - NW4206
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1)Whether the National Conventional Arms Control Committee approved any export of arms to foreign states under section 14 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act, Act 41 of 2002 (a) in the (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015; if not, why not; if so, (aa) to which states, (bb) and what are the further relevant details;
Reply:
There have been exports in terms of Section 14 which were authorised by the NCACC to foreign countries in the years 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014.The reporting cycle is on a calendar year basis and not on financial year basis, in line with section 23 of the NCAC Act. Therefore the reports are from January to December of each year. This means that the 2015 export report will only be available in 2016.
The NCACC considers all applications against set criteria in terms of section 15 as provided for in the NCAC Act and this occurs after a deliberate process by various Government Departments.
The Reports on Transfers of controlled items are compiled quarterly (4 quarters), as well as annually and are tabled in Parliament through the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. These reports are subsequently referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.
These exports are further reported on to the United Nations in line with International obligations of South Africa in terms of Treaties and Conventions, in accordance with International Law.
From the ensuing, it is the intention of South Africa to ensure that arms transferred do not end up with rogue elements elsewhere in the world. South Africa is committed to contributing to Peace and Security in the world.
Lastly, the NCACC activities are subject to the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa, who perform annual evaluations and assessments on qualitative aspects of the work undertaken, per given period. The past period performance of the NCACC by the AG in this regard was found to be without qualification.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister in The Presidency
Date:
08 December 2015 - NW4115
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether any budget has been (a) prepared, (b) tabled and (c) adopted by the Ethekwini Municipal Council for the 2022 Commonwealth Games; if not, how was it possible for the City of Durban to bid for the specified project; if so, (i) what are the funding implications for the specified municipality and (ii) how will the specified municipality raise the necessary funds?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW4148
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What was the (a) value of the capital expenditure budget and (b) amount unspent in respect of the specified budget of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13, (iii) 2013-14 and (iv) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW4058
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) what are the names of the 160 military veterans who received burial support and (b) to which former (i) non-statutory forces (names furnished) or (ii) statutory forces (names furnished) did each veteran belong?
Reply:
The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015
08 December 2015 - NW4064
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the medium-term strategic framework that was adopted for the period 2009 to 2014 has been fully evaluated to determine whether (a) the capacity of the detective and forensic services has been enhanced, (b) the population has been mobilised against crime, (c) the number of serious and violent crimes has been reduced by 4% to 7% each year, (d) women and children are protected from those who perpetrated crimes against them and (e) corruption in the public and private sectors was eliminated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Due to the nature of the information that is required, SAPS is not able to provide the full details within the given time frame as the information is not readily available. A request is hereby made for an extension of time in order for SAPS to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.
08 December 2015 - NW4140
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)What amount did the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng spend on paying employees for overtime (a) in the (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) from 1 July 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) what instruction has the Auditor-General given to the specified Metro in this regard?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW4005
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to the diplomatic visit to the Republic of Cuba in October 2015 by the Deputy President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, South African Ambassador to Cuba Ms Naphtalie Manana‚ Deputy Ministers Mr L T Landers‚ Mr M E Surty‚ Dr M J Phaahla‚ Mr G G Oliphant‚ Ms P Tshwete and Mr K B Manamela, what was the (a) traveling cost for (i) each member of the specified delegation and (ii) their support staff and (b) breakdown of these costs in each case?
Reply:
The Department of Defence was not involved in the travel arrangements for the diplomatic visit to the Republic of Cuba by the Deputy President, Mr C Ramaphosa, and his entourage during the month of October 2015.
Please refer your question to the Presidency.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015
08 December 2015 - NW4093
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)For each of the metropolitan municipalities, (a) how many officials are currently on suspension and (b) for each suspended official, (i) what is the position of the specified official, (ii) what is the reason for the suspension, (iii) for how long has each specified official been suspended and (iv) what has been their total remuneration during the period of suspension; (2) whether any severance packages were paid to any municipal officials; if so, for each specified official, (a) who was the official, (b) why was the severance package paid, (c) for how long was the specified official employed by each of the specified municipalities and (d) what was the total amount of the severance package?
Reply:
This information has been requested from the metropolitan municipalities and will be communicated to the Honorable Member when it is available.
08 December 2015 - NW3907
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) Whether, during the period 1 March 2012 to 31 October 2015, his department (a) sidestepped or circumvented the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, to make procurements, sign or extend leases or enter into any contract of any kind, (b) continued to undertake any purchases or improvements in respect of any prestige projects in spite of constrained national finances, (c) spent any money on the extension, maintenance or upkeep of the President’s private residence in Nkandla, (d) failed to fully update the Asset Register and (e) neglected or abandoned any state property anywhere in the country; if not, what is his position with regard to each of the specified issues; if so, in each case, (i) why, (ii) when and (iii) for what reason; (2) whether he will make a statement on (a) how and (b) to what extent the Government’s neoliberal policies impact on the functioning of his department; if so, how does he intend to remedy the situation?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works
(1)(a) The Department of Public Works (DPW) confirms that it did not sidestep or circumvent the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, (Act No. 1 of 1999), (PFMA) when awarding tenders. However, there are situations where deviations are permitted in terms of the applicable legislation, regulations and policy prescripts. All tenders awarded were done in accordance with prescribed and legislated procurement methods and within the duly approved procurement systems of the DPW.
Numerous projects have been launched to ensure that procurement systems are intact and leasing processes are clear, transparent and well-articulated. This includes, amongst others, the introduction of a standardised lease agreement that ensures that all salient matters of the lease are captured clearly. The signing of leases has been centralised at the Head Office to the Head of the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) and other delegated officials at Deputy Director-General level. Due to the unique nature of the property and construction environments, the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes for leasing and construction procurement are also in the process of being revised, where unique SCM processes for each of these fields will apply.
(1)(b) Yes, purchases were made and services were procured as part of the DPW’s obligation to render services to clients. However, in light of Government’s drive to reduce expenditure, the DPW focused on areas where spending could be reduced. On furniture, costs were reduced by 80% compared to the previous year: from R8 400 504.62 in 2014/15 to R1 679 383.33 as at end October 2015.
On renovation/upgrades costs were reduced by 30% compared to the previous year: from R176 017 074.00 in 2014/15 to R123 108 435.00 as at end of October 2015.
(1)(c) No money has been spent on the extension, maintenance or upkeep of the President’s private residence in Nkandla during the period 1 March 2012 to 31 October 2015.
(1)(d) The DPW embarked on an Immovable Asset Register (IAR) Enhancement Programme to provide certainty on the extent of immovable assets, and validate completeness and accuracy of immovable assets under its custodianship. As a continuous exercise to ensure that the Department’s IAR is complete and accurate, the Department’s IAR was reconciled against the Deeds records and other National and Provincial IAR’s for both the interim and annual financial statements during the past three financial years (2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15).
(1)(e) The Department’s programme to rebuild its Immovable Asset Register (IAR) that complies with the Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) by 31 March 2016 is making good progress, as indicated below:
- The physical verification of specifically identified land parcels by DPW has been concluded. To date the Department has verified 36 852 of the identified land parcels in the 2013/14 financial year.
- The remaining 6900 land parcels are being verified and assessed during the 2015/16 financial year.
- The Department’s State Domestic Facilities not on State land have been identified and accounted for.
- Approximately 60% of DPW’s properties have had municipal values applied to them in the 2014/15 financial year with the remainder to be completed by 31 March 2016 in line with the GRAP phase-in process as permitted by the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) Directive 2. This has resulted in the disclosure of DPW’s properties at R78.1 billion for the year ending 31 March 2015, compared to the R10.3 billion in the 2013/14 financial year.
- There was no audit qualification pertaining to the Department’s IAR in 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years.
The above key indicators highlight the significant advances made to enhance the Department’s IAR.
(2) (a) and (b) Government’s policies are not neo-liberal. In the current global and national context, necessary measures to ensure fiscal consolidation have been collectively agreed upon by Cabinet and I fully support these measures. Naturally, these measures have impacted upon the line budgets of all Government departments and, as indicated above, the DPW has accordingly implemented a range of cost-cutting interventions.
_______________________________________________________________
08 December 2015 - NW3381
James, Dr WG to ask the Minister of Health
(1)With reference to his reply to question 443 on 26 May 2015, what amount was (a) claimed for medical negligence from and (b) eventually paid out by (i) his department and (ii) each provincial department of health (aa) in the (aaa) 2011-12, (bbb) 2012-13, (ccc) 2013-14 and (ddd) 2014-15 financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2015; (2) what amount was budgeted for litigation by (a) his department and (b) each provincial department of health for the 2015-16 financial year; (3) in respect of each province, what are the five most common complaints for which compensation was claimed in the (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years; (4) (a) which 10 hospitals had the highest number of claims against them and (b) for each hospital (i) how many claims were made against each one and (ii) what total amount was paid out for each specified claim in the 2014-15 financial year; (5) whether he has a plan to address the high number of medical negligence claims in the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
National Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (i) - Nil
(2) R7 299 000.00
Western Cape Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (ii)
CLAIMED |
PAID OUT |
|
2011-12 |
R38 065 710.00 |
R15 900 800.00 |
2012-13 |
R16 577 812.00 |
R6 197 147.05 |
2013-14 |
R156 742 059.90 |
R22 587 000.00 |
2014-15 |
R66 537 807.64 |
R17 311 080.30 |
(2) R71 401 million
(3)
Year |
Top 5 most common |
|
Neonatal encephalopathy Delayed diagnosis of illnesses Maternal / labour complications Failure to diagnose and treat |
|
Neonatal encephalopathy Maternal /labour complications Failure to diagnose and treat |
(4)
Hospital |
Number of claims |
How much paid in 2014-15 |
Groote Schuur |
3 |
R775 000.00 |
Tygerberg |
3 |
R790 000.00 |
Mowbray Maternity |
2 |
R836 600.00 |
Worcester |
2 |
R4 867 615.00 |
Karl Bremer |
1 |
R200 000.00 |
Hanna Coetzee clinic |
1 |
R1 227 660.00 |
Retreat MOU |
1 |
R220 000.00 |
Clanwilliam |
1 |
R100 000.00 |
Delft CHC/Tygerberg |
1 |
R7 829 205.30 |
IdasValley clinic |
1 |
R45 000.00 |
False Bay |
1 |
R200 000.00 |
Paarl |
1 |
R220 000.00 |
Eastern Cape Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (ii)
Financial Year |
Amount Claimed |
Amount paid |
2011/2012 |
R331 728 678.64 |
R25 336 038.35 |
2012/2013 |
R393 108 094.28 |
R44 743 495.84 |
2013/2014 |
R198 207 500.00 |
R49 513 I08.93 |
2014/2015 |
Information not furnished |
Information not furnished |
Since 1 April 2015 |
R2 304 490 306.10 |
R147 861 438.84 |
(2) The Eastern Cape Department of Health does not allocate a budget for legal claims settlements, however when a settlement obligation arises from a medico legal claim, funds are reprioritized from within the departmental allocation to pay for such obligation.
(3) In the Eastern Cape, for both years, the 5 most common complaints for which compensation was claimed were:
• Obstetrics and gynaecology;
• Paediatrics;
• Orthopaedics;
• Trauma; and
• Family medicine.
(4) The top 10 litigated hospitals in the Eastern Cape and corresponding claims paid in 20 14/ 15 is presented in the table below as follows:
NO |
NAME OF INSTITUTION |
NUMBER OF CLAIMS 2014/15 |
AMOUNTS CLAIMED (not finalised) these matters are still active and pending, as they are not settled) |
AMOUNTS PAID |
1 |
Butterworth Hospital |
86 |
R278 042 265.00 |
RO.OO |
2 |
Frere Hospital |
56 |
Rl87 245 594.10 |
RO.OO |
3 |
Cecilia Makiwane Hospital |
41 |
R88 572 625.00 |
RO.OO |
4 |
Dora Nginza Hospital |
39 |
R193 951 117.00 |
RO.OO |
5 |
Mthatha General Hospital |
48 |
R217 625 555.44 |
RO.OO |
6 |
All Saints Hospital |
19 |
R171 363 625.00 |
RO.OO |
7 |
Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital |
32 |
R123 279 284.00 |
R8 000 000.00 |
8 |
Bedford Orthopaedic Hospital |
14 |
R5 425 000.00 |
RO.OO |
9 |
St Barnabas Hospital |
13 |
R45 050 000.00 |
RO.OO |
10 |
Livingstone Hospital |
12 |
R20 30I 325.52 |
RO.OO |
- The following interventions are being implemented in the Eastern Cape to address the high number of medico legal claims in the province:
• The department held a medico legal summit and invited all affected role players to look at ways of managing medical litigations in the province;
• The department is finalizing the appointment of the Medical Ombudsman for the Province;
• The department is also appointing a panel of medical legal experts to assist with preparation for the cases before they appear in court, and in same terms strengthening its legal representation; and
• The department is continuously strengthening the quality of health care services and ensuring adequate retention of patient records; including direct interventions focused specifically in management of medico legal trends.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (ii)
Financial Year |
No of new matters received |
Amount Claimed |
No of matters settled |
Amount paid |
2011/2012 |
81 |
R326 342 322.68 |
30 |
R41 357 533.80 |
2012/2013 |
165 |
R992 272 280.20 |
28 |
R49 400 941.94 |
2013/2014 |
309 |
R1 596 517 823.74 |
49 |
R123 885 303.21 |
2014/2015 |
404 |
R3 046 136 920.80 |
61 |
R212 851 030.87 |
2015/2016 (as at 11 September 2015) |
194 |
R1 456 528 457.00 |
17 |
R68 852 267.54 |
(2) The Department has not budgeted for litigation matters, as it is difficult to predict possible liabilities.
(3)
Year |
Top 5 most common |
|
Obstetrics and gynaecology Paediatrics Surgery Orthopaedics Misdiagnosis |
|
Obstetrics and gynaecology Paediatrics Surgery Orthopaedics General (refers to claims to cover non medical errors resulting in litigation against the Department ranging from maintenance, security & operational issues) |
(4)
District |
Hospital |
No. of claims 2014/15 |
Amounts paid |
eThekwini District |
Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital |
121 |
|
Addington Hospital |
77 |
||
King Edward VIII Hospital |
69 |
||
Amajuba District |
Mahatma Ghandi Memorial Hospital |
69 |
|
Charles Johnson Memorial Hospital |
68 |
||
Inkosi Luthuli Central Hospital |
34 |
||
Total amount paid for eThekwini District |
R85 704 607.21 |
||
uMgungundlovu District |
Edendale Hospital |
44 |
|
Northdale Hospital |
44 |
||
Total amount paid for uMgungundlovu District |
R10 796 165.80 |
||
Ugu District |
Port Shepstone Hospital |
34 |
|
Total amount paid for Ugu District |
R1 375 000.00 |
||
Amajuba District |
Madadeni Hospital |
34 |
RO.OO |
Total amount paid for Amajuba District |
R67 714.83 |
The Department is planning a Medico-Legal Summit to discuss and address the Medical negligence claims in the Province.
Mpumalanga Department of Health
(1) (a) and (b) (ii)
The following table represents the amounts claimed for medical negligence:
Financial Year |
Amount Claimed for medical negligence |
2011/2012 |
R131 538 785.00 |
2012/2013 |
R93 194 265.00 |
2013/2014 |
R95 375 306.00 |
2014/2015 |
R 562 210 541.00 |
April 2015 to June 2015 |
R130 536 500 |
TOTAL |
R1 012 855 397.00 |
(b) The amounts paid out for claimed medical negligence, in Mpumalanga is listed as follows:
(aaa) During the 2011/12 financial year, a total number of eight (8) medical negligence claims were paid at a cost of R5 056 370.00.
(bbb) During the 2012/13 financial year, a total number of three (3) medical negligence claims were paid at a cost of R220 000.00.
(ccc) During the 2013/14 financial year, a total number of nine (9) medical negligence claims were paid at a cost of R44 193 741.66.
(ddd) During the 2014/15 financial year, a total number of five (5) medical negligence claims were paid at a cost of R2 773 768.00
(bb) For the period April 2015 to August 2015, the department has paid three (3) medical negligence claims at a cost of R10 099 248.63.
(2) The Mpumalanga Department of Health has been allocated with a budget of R22 212 000.00 for claims against the state and R34 737 000 for legal fees, that are paid to state attorneys and private attorneys.
(3) The most common complaints in Mpumalanga for which compensation was claimed in 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years, were obstetric cases due to birth injuries where period of labour has been prolonged and resulted in the child suffering from cerebral palsy and orthopaedic cases as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
(4) (a) The Top Ten hospitals in Mpumalanga with highest claims in 2014/15, are:
• Tinswalo Hospital
• Matikwana Hospi
• Themba Hospital
• Mapulaneng
• KwaMhlanga Hospital
• Witbank Hospital
• Rob Ferreira Hospital
• Shongwe Hospital
• Sabie Hospital
• Evander Hospital
(i) Number of claims made against them
• Tinswalo Hospital |
13 |
• Matikwane Hospital |
13 |
• Themba Hospital |
12 |
• Mapulaneng Hospital |
07 |
• KwaMhlanga Hospital |
04 |
• Witbank Hospital |
04 |
• Rob Ferreira Hospital |
04 |
• Shongwe Hospitals |
03 |
•-- Sabie Hospital - |
03 |
• Evander Hospital |
02 |
(ii) Total amount paid out of each specified claim in 2014/15
• Tinswalo Hospital None
• Matikwane Hospital None
• Themba Hospital None
• Mapulaneng Hospital None
• Kwa Mhlanga Hospital R430 000.00
• Witbank Hospital R2 411 432.00
• Rob Ferreira Hospital None
• Shongwe Hospitals None
• Sabie Hospital None
• Evander Hospital None
Free State Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (ii)
CLAIMED |
PAID OUT |
|
2011-12 |
R39 201 030.30 |
R5 473 097.00 |
2012-13 |
R145 406 892.00 |
R2 935 534.00 |
2013-14 |
R177 408 892.65 |
R673 373.00 |
2014-15 |
R322 449 863.07 |
R15 090 000.00 |
2015- |
R259 771 498.92 |
R12 725 427.59 |
(2) R10 000 000.00 was budgeted for the 2015/2016 financial year.
(3)
Year |
Top 5 most common |
|
Cerebral Palsy Botched Operations Misdiagnosis leading to complications Perforation of uterus during delivery |
|
Cerebral Palsy Botched Operations Misdiagnosis leading to complications Perforation of uterus during delivery |
(4)
Hospital |
Number of claims |
Pelonomi Hospital |
9 |
Bongani Hospital |
8 |
Thebe |
5 |
Universitas |
4 |
Fezi Ngubentombi |
3 |
Boitumelo |
3 |
Manapo |
2 |
Elizabeth Ross |
2 |
Botshabelo |
1 |
No payments have been made yet, all matters still pending.
(5) A medico legal expert panel, consisting of medical doctors from various medical disciplines has been appointed. One of their responsibilities is to draft a Litigation Prevention Strategy, the strategy is still a in a draft format.
Limpopo Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (ii)
CLAIMED |
PAID OUT |
|
2011-12 |
R161 228 792.79 |
R11 394 831.08 |
2012-13 |
R130 155 032.44 |
R4 114 165.00 |
2013-14 |
R299 181 456.14 |
R22 033 040.50 |
2014-15 |
R656 940 666.77 |
R31 364 817.07 |
- The budget and revenue unit make availability of the funds for payments on claims against the State and litigation matters.
- The most common complaints that the department receives:
- Loss of a child during labour/delivery
- Foreign objects left inside the patients after the operation
- Cerebral palsy
- Maternal death
- Amputations
- (a) The Limpopo province is divided is divide into 5(five) districts namely; Mopani, Capricorn, Waterberg, Sekhukhune & Vhembe District. The hospitals that have a large number of cases are as follows:
- Philadelphia
- Polokwane
- Maphutha Malatji
- Mankweng
- Nkhensani
- Sekororo
- Seshego
- Malamulele
- Tshilidzini
- Letaba
(b) (i) This are the claims that have been made against each hospital for the financial year 2014/15 are:
- Philadelphia = 12
- Polokwane = 12
- Mapjutha Malatji= 09
- Mankweng = 08
- Nkhensani = 07
- Sekororo = 06
- Seshego = 04
- Malamulele = 04
- Tshilidzini = 03
- Letaba = 03
(ii) For the financial year 2014/2015 the Department has paid R23 805 262.72
- In respect of Limpopo Province the Department of Health has established a specialized unit which is the Medico Legal unit separate from the Legal Services unit which functions includes:
- Identification of overt claims, potential claims and monitoring of medical negligence cases,
- Consultation with state attorney,
- Rebuttal of claims,
- Settlement of claims and
- Closure of cases.
North West Department of Health
- (a) and (b) (ii)
CLAIMED |
PAID OUT |
|
2011-12 |
R733 602.57 |
R753 602.57 |
2012-13 |
R144 470 255.72 |
R7 899 232.50 |
2013-14 |
R207 601 325.00 |
R12 959 528.18 |
2014-15 |
R499 577 250.00 |
R19 978 582.00 |
Since April 2015 |
R142 886 250.00 |
Nil |
(2) R5 409 525.00
(3) Most common complaint that the Department receives:
Obstetric complications
END.
08 December 2015 - NW4116
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)(a) When will she finalise the appointment of military judges to the military courts and (b) what are the reasons for the delay in the appointments of military judges; (2) (a) what are the practical consequences of the specified delay in respect of the backlog of cases and (b) how will this be addressed? NW4989E
Reply:
- (a) On 13 October 2015, I made the following appointments: Statutory Directors (Director Military Judges, Directory Military Prosecutions, Director Military Defence Counsel and Director Military Judicial Reviews); Reserve Force Military Judges (2 Senior Military Judges and 4 Military Judges).
(b) Regular Force Military Judges will be appointed as soon as their secret security clearances are in place.
(2) (a) As indicated above, I have appointed Statutory Directors and Reserve Force Military Judges to deal with cases in the military justice system.
(b) Once vetting is completed of Regular Force Military Judges these appointments will further alleviate pressure on the system.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015
08 December 2015 - NW4051
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) what are the names of the 1 803 military veterans who were provided with healthcare cards and (b) to which former (i) non-statutory forces (names furnished) or (ii) statutory forces (names furnished) did each veteran belong?
Reply:
Due to the voluminous nature of the information requested, I would recommend that the member approaches the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and request to have this information tabled in a meeting of the Portfolio Committee in one of their sessions in 2016
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015
08 December 2015 - NW3853
Lekota, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic
(1) Whether he intends to initiate a scientific investigation(s) to ascertain (a) why South Africans are prone to arson, vandalism and violence when they participate in protest action and (b) what the different spheres of Government need to do to alleviate the anger of the South African population and therefore curb the destruction related to protest actions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether he will make a statement on how the Government is planning to prevent and discourage protesters from routinely resorting to arson, vandalism and violence during a protest action?
Reply:
- The widespread incidents of violence and destruction of property during protests is a cause for major concern. I have spoken about this matter many times in public platforms. The violence in our society is inherited from the violence perpetrated during the apartheid system and the violence response it engendered.
There are studies that have been undertaken to understand factors that contribute to a culture of violence in our society. Some of the studies have been undertaken by organisations outside government. Others have been commissioned by government itself. For instance, a few years ago the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster contracted the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation to undertake research on the violent nature of crime in South Africa.
The critical step that we need to take is not so much to commission more studies because there is already some research that has been undertaken. What is important is taking steps to turn the tide against violent protests and the destruction of property.
2. There are various important initiatives government will implement to address the matter next year. These include educating society about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This education campaign about rights and responsibilities of citizenship is important considering that next year (2016) will be the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the Republic by former President Nelson Mandela. It will also be the 40th anniversary of 16 June 1976 student uprisings.
Studies show that violence in our society affects mostly women and children. Government will use the year 2016, which is the 60th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings to mobilise society against violence that is committed against women and children.
Other measures will be announced in due course.
08 December 2015 - NW3905
Lekota, Mr M to ask the President of the Republic
Whether, subsequent to his declaration of 2011 as the year of job creation followed by the announcement of several initiatives to boost job creation, including the setting up of a R9 billion jobs fund, the Government has achieved any significant milestones towards creating five million jobs by 2020 and bringing the unemployment rate down to 15% as it had set out to do; if not, why not; if so,(a) has half that target been reached in half the time that was allocated to achieve that goal and (b) have decent jobs indeed been created on an incremental basis annually?
Reply:
a) Yes, there has been progress in job creation in the South African economy, although the unemployment rate remains unacceptably high.
The most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics SA puts total employment in September 2015 at 15 828 000. This is an increase of some 2 500 000 over the September 2011 QLFS estimate of 13 318 000 employed persons. It should be noted, however, that a new Master Sample based on the 2011 census data was introduced in 2015, and Statistics SA therefore cautions that year-on-year changes should be interpreted with care. Notwithstanding this caution, the data indicate that if the rate of increase in employment over the past years is continued over the period ahead, approximately 5 million jobs will be created by 2020.
It is also apparent from the QLFS data that the rate of increase in the labour force has exceeded the rate of job creation, and so the unemployment rate has remained broadly unchanged. In September 2011 the estimated rate of unemployment was 25.7 per cent, and in September 2015 it was 25.5 per cent.
b) With respect to the question whether decent jobs have been created on an incremental basis annually, Government is mindful that wages are low and employment opportunities are irregular in some parts of the economy. Between 2011 and 2015, formal non-agricultural employment increased by approximately 1.5 million. In the September 2015 QLFS, informal sector work accounts for 2.7 million jobs, agriculture employment is 900 000 and private households account for 1.28 million jobs. These are important and sizeable shares of the employment total, and working conditions are varied in these sectors.
Programmes and policy initiatives that are aimed at improving conditions amongst lower-income workers include sectoral wage determinations by the Minister of Labour, investment in training and skills development and small enterprise support programmes. Government’s main direct contribution to the expansion of job opportunities is through the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Work Programme, and the youth employment incentive has been introduced to encourage firms to create work opportunities for first-time young work seekers.
The objective of the Jobs Fund is to support innovative approaches to employment creation and work seeker support, thereby contributing to evidence and learning about effective employment initiatives and strategies. The Jobs Fund aims to create 150 000 sustainable jobs and will contribute to evidence-based policy making.
To date the Jobs Fund has issued 5 calls for proposals, and approved 108 project applications of which 85 are currently being implemented. R5.6 billion in grants has been committed to the 108 projects. These project partners have committed R7.9 billion in matched funding. To date R2.78 billion in grants have been disbursed to implementing projects and R4.2 billion in matched funding has already been leveraged from these partners. The 85 projects being currently implemented have to date created 60 675 new permanent jobs and an additional 30 358 persons have been placed in vacant positions on a permanent basis. 16 124 short term jobs have been created, 13 291 persons completed internships and 128 196 persons has received work readiness/technical training.
Most of the jobs created have been entry level jobs for which the salary ranges between the sectoral minimum wage and R3500. Most of those employed are youth in their first jobs. Jobs have also been created in the salary cohort of R3500- R8800 with a few jobs created at salary levels in excess of R8000 per month. Jobs are evidenced through the submission of contracts of employment and payroll amongst others.
08 December 2015 - NW4059
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to various replies received from her predecessors pertaining to the movement of the President, Mr Jacob G Zuma, and all relevant operational planning requirements (details furnished) and with reference to her replies to question 1221 on 9 June 2015, question 1941 on 9 June 2015 and question 3510 on 20 October 2015, on what basis is she refusing to provide the requested information in each case, since former ministers did provide similar detailed information when it was requested; (2) whether she submitted the specified information requested through a parliamentary channel that protects such security sensitive information; if not, why not; if so, in each case, on what date? NW4930E
Reply:
- I am not going to provide security sensitive information about the movement of the President
- No
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015
08 December 2015 - NW4131
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
What (a) has been achieved to date with the rollout of the SA Connect’s first phase, (b) has been the cost of the specified project to date and (c) is the breakdown of the total cost of the specified project to date; (2) What stipulations have been made by the National Treasury for the release of budgeted funds for the specified project
Reply:
(1)(a) The rollout will commence after all preparations for implementation have been finalised.
(b) Refer to (a) above
(c) Refer to (b) above
(2) The National Treasury requested an implementation plan from the Department in order to release the funds.
08 December 2015 - NW4055
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to her department’s 2014-15 Annual Report, (a) what are the names of the 97 military veterans’ co-operatives that were registered and (b) to which former (i) non-statutory forces (names furnished) or (ii) statutory forces (names furnished) did each veteran belong?
Reply:
The information can be processed through the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the new year, as the beneficiaries names are considered confidential.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 08 DECEMBER 2015