Questions and Replies

Reply:

The Deputy President visited the People’s Republic of China from 13-17 July 2015.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss economic and trade matters, including how state-owned enterprises can be used to promote economic growth and address the challenges of poverty and unemployment in South Africa.

The Deputy President led a delegation comprising the Ministers of Public Enterprises and Higher Education, and the Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Energy, Finance and Trade and Industry.

Presidency support staff and the relevant departmental officials accompanied the Deputy President.

Reply:

(1)(a) Inkomati-Usuthu and Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agencies has been delegated to issue water use licenses.

(1)(b) The delegations are subject to conditions set out below:

1. Access to the WARMS and any other system that might be required to support the functions hereunder and can readily interface with the Department’s systems;
2. A protocol/an action plan to coordinate water user’s activities and foster cooperation between institutions;
3. A Job descriptions of positions, that will be implementing the process contained in this delegation, are in place; and
4. CMA, must ─
5. submit quarterly reports to my Department; and
6. report any change in the capacity and skills referred to in condition (a) above

(2)(a) If an applicant intends to apply for a water use license or has submitted application forms, the process for issuing water use application is as follows:

• The applicant is to be consulted by a Technical Officer to ascertain the water uses and the activities that need authorization and to determine the extent of the activities.
• A pre-application consultation meeting is conducted by the Water Use Licence Application (WULA), and the applicant is advised on the different water uses.
• Applicant submits application to a Technical Officer, where after it is referred to a WULA assessor to check it for completeness and correctness. If the application is incomplete, it is returned to the applicant, if complete a reference number is generated, the application is acknowledged and registered on the licensing system.
• A WULA Assessor assesses the application and prepares a draft Record of Recommendation (ROR).
• A draft ROR and draft licence/decline letter is presented to the Provincial Water User Authorisation Assessment Advisory Committee (WUAAAC) for input. Comments are incorporated into the draft ROR and drance licence/decline letter. The key function of the Provincial WUAAC is to advise Assessors and will minimum meet twice per month.
• A final ROR and licence/decline letter is drafted and referred to a Reviewer for quality control. The Reviewer checks the quality of the documentation and whether the Business process was followed as prescribed.
• If approved the licence/decline letter is posted to the applicant by the Technical Officer and forwarded to the Water Authorisation Registration Management System (WARMS) for registration in the system.

(2)(b) The process for water use licensing for the CMA and the Department is the same process outlined in number 2a

(3)(a) Berg-Olifants, Pongola-Umzimkhulu, Vaal, Olifants, Limpopo-North West, Orange and Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agencies.

(3)(b) Refer to (2)(a) above.

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Reply:

(a) A total of R443.765 million has been allocated by my Department for drought interventions for KwaZulu-Natal Province. The amount of this R172.219 million has been spent as follows:

• R66,9 million on the purchase of 45 water tankers;
• R19,733 million payments being processed; and
• R85,512 million already paid.

(c) A summary of the amounts spent in each Municipality is provided in Table 1 below. Refer to Table 2 for expenditure for each project type in each Water Services Authority.

Table 1: Drought relief funding see the link below:

http://www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW3469-151120.doc

(c) The drought relief interventions include the following different project types:

• purchase of water tankers
• installation of static water tanks
• spring protection
• refurbishment and upgrade of water supply systems
• development of boreholes
• water tanker rental
• interim water tanker rental
• programme management

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Table 2 below indicates the expenditure for each project type in each Water Services Authority.

Table 2: KwaZulu-Natal drought intervention budget and expenditure: see the link

http://www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW3469-151120.doc

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Reply:

Yes, the National Commissioner has taken steps to ensure that the Department of Correctional Services improves on its audit outcomes, in particular to resolve qualifications on its financial statements, eliminate non-compliance to laws and regulations as well as enhancing the system of internal controls. Since 2005/6 until 2013/14 financial years, the department had continually received qualification due to asset management. Internal controls on management of tangible movable assets were enhanced over time, resulting in resolution of this matter during the previous financial year, i.e. 2014/15.

In the same year (i.e. 2014/15), the basis of qualification was a new matter on contingent liabilities. The Auditor General was “unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence for claims against the department because it did not have adequate systems and processes to record and maintain a register for claims against the department”, 2014-15 Report of the Auditor General.

Steps that have already been taken to address emerging qualifications include capacitating the Legal services component. In this regard, a vacancy of Head of Legal Services has been filled during the year.

Operational action plan which seeks to address weaknesses in contingent liability registers is presented below:

Activities	Measure	Timeframes
Review and update of contingent liabilities register	Contingent liabilities register- reflecting all current claims; and corresponding source documents	1 August 2015 – 30 October 2015
Request State Attorneys’ preliminary verification of claims	All claims contained in the Register verified and confirmed by various state attorneys servicing DCS	30 November 2015
Internal auditing of contingent liabilities register	Internal Audit Report. Findings of the internal audit addressed.	30 January 2016
Submission of register to AGSA for their preliminary auditing.	Findings of the AGSA’s preliminary audit addressed.	28 February 2016
Request final State Attorneys’ verification of claims	All claims contained in the Register verified and confirmed by various state attorneys servicing DCS.	31 March 2016
Submission of final disclosure note for inclusion in AFS	Complete and verified contingent liabilities submitted timeously.	15 April 2016

In order to improve the departmental system of internal controls, the inadequate capacity within assurance services has been identified as a key root cause to matters of non-compliance with laws and regulations. In this regard the following interventions are either underway or have been finalized:

• The Internal Control and Compliance (ICC) component has been capacitated through the appointment of Head of ICC;
• The establishment and capacitation of a risk management unit within ICC will be carried out during the current financial year;
• Recruitment of additional internal auditors at regional / provincial level

The department has prioritized investigations into irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure as the first step towards effective consequence management. The Inspectorate directorate under ICC is currently investigating backlog of cases of non- compliance to SCM processes which include amongst others, non-disclosure of interest, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. The National Commissioner also appointed an Investigation Steering Committee to provide oversight on the process of investigation as well as making recommendations to National Commissioner on disciplinary steps to be taken against officials who have failed to comply with policies and procedures.

As at end 31 October 2015, the status of investigations is as follows:

Status of investigations	Total cases	Cases Finalized	Investigations in progress	Investigations not yet started
Total	649	476	41	132

Reply:

The Board of the GEPF considers and grants pension increases every year in accordance with the Rules of the Fund and the investment performance of its assets. This is done with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance. In doing this the Board also considers the long term sustainability of the Fund. Granting pension increases that are above the inflation rate is likely to reduce the GEPF’s funding level which would lead to it asking the employer (Government) to increase its contributions to cover the shortfall. However, in line with the GEP Law and GEPF rules, the Board strives to grant pension increases that are in line with inflation to preserve the value of pensions.

Reply:

(1) The owner is the Department of Environmental Affairs, the National Resource Management Cluster, and the Implementer (Implementing Agent) is Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd.

(2) All movable and immovable capital assets as well as equipment acquired or built with funds made available by the department to the implementing agent remain the property of the department. Fire fighting trucks and management vehicles – are provided on a full maintenance lease by FFA Assets (Pty) Ltd with ownership transfer to the Department of Environmental Affairs at the end of the lease period. Aviation resources – Turnkey solution, including aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance is contracted from Kishugu Aviation (Pty) Ltd.

(3) The implementing agent Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd was appointed by the Department of Environmental Affairs after a competitive request for proposals process was undertaken in terms of the Department’s Supply Chain Management Policy with the National Treasury providing oversight for the entire process.

a) FFA Operations (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of FFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd was appointed as the implementing agent. Subsequently, FFA Holdings (Pty) Ltd changed its name to Kishugu Holdings (Pty) Ltd and all of its subsidiaries were amended accordingly. FFA Operations (Pty) Ltd has recently been registered as Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd. It remains a subsidiary of Kishugu Holdings (Pty) Ltd;

b) the terms of engagement are that they have been appointed as an implementing agent in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Environmental Affairs and Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd;

c) the value of the contract is determined annually in the budget vote allocation approved by Parliament, and dependent on the allocation of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The allocated budget for the current MTEF cycle is:

2014/15: R521 388 000,00

2015/16: R532 791 000,00

2016/17: R580 275 000,00

These allocations are inclusive of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) incentives grants (The funds paid to public bodies to incentivize work creation. The incentive is paid per quantum of employment created for the EPWP target group and can be measured in person-days of work or full time equivalent jobs) of:

2014/15: R58 114 000,00

2015/16: R44 019 000,00

2016/17: R46 352 000,00;

d) the Memorandum of Agreement is for a duration of seven years which commenced on 01 April 2014;

e) demographics:

Only South African ID holders are employed throughout the programme. This includes management staff and participants.

Management: African 63%, Coloured 10%, Indian 2% and White 25% R5, 414, 581 paid to management

Participants (previously referred to as beneficiaries): African 91%, Coloured 9%.

Female: 31%, Disabled 3% and Youth 95% of R19, 580, 675 has been paid to participants,

The Kishugu Shareholding Structure is also represented by all South Africans i.e. African, Coloured, Indian and White

• Direct Cost Benefit (Wages, Management Salaries, UIF, Workmanship Compensation, Medicals and Personal Accident Policy) 43% till to date i.e.

R 19, 110, 321

• Indirect Cost Benefit (Personal Protective Equipment, Training, OHS, Management Transport, Operational Transport Standing fees and Operational Transport variables) 41% till to date i.e. R18 286,508
• Management fee : 9% which is R4,024, 649.00
• Other (Operational variable cost, IT): 7 %

f) the same implementing agent Working on Fire (Pty) Ltd (at that stage it was FFA Operations (Pty) Ltd) was appointed by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry after a competitive tender process (WP9191) undertaken in terms of the Department’s Supply Chain Management policy; and

g) there is a range of mechanisms in place for monitoring and evaluating the contract, and these include:

Department of Environmental Affairs National Resource Management Working on Fire Executive Committee (EXCO);

Department of Environmental Affairs National Resource Management Oversight Committee;

monthly and quarterly KPI Reporting to the Director-General; and

monthly and quarterly EPWP Reporting.

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Reply:

(1)(a)The most recent pH level test conducted on the Olifants River was in September
2015.

(1)(b) The results range on average from 5.5 to 8.5.

(2) The cause of the high acidity levels of the specified river can generally be attributed to agricultural, mining and industrial activities.

(3) Yes, my Department is conducting routine and targeted compliance monitoring inspections and audits on a regular basis, and where a transgressor is found, enforcement actions are undertaken. The classification, determination of the Resource Quality Objectives (RQOs) and the reserve of the Olifants River is being determined.

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Reply:

(a) Following the Premier’s declaration of a Provincial State of Disaster in selected Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, I as the Minister of Water and Sanitation issued a Directive to my Director-General on 20 December 2014 to provide R352.4 million for interventions to mitigate the impact of the drought. The amount was determined at a meeting between my Director-General, Head of Department of the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Water Services Authorities (WSAs) on
8 December 2014.

The Provincial Department of CoGTA collected, collated and co-ordinated the evaluation of the WSAs implementation plans. The provincial Drought Relief Implementation Plan dated 22 January 2015 highlighted that an estimated R669.7 million was required to alleviate the drought in the Province and an application for the balance of the funding was made to National Disaster Management Centre.

(b) The WSAs submitted their implementation plans to the CoGTA who then coordinated the evaluation of the plans.

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Reply:

(1) No, my Department has not entered into a contract with any company for the specific purpose of directing acid mine drainage water (AMD) into potable, industrial or agricultural use. As an interim measure for AMD mitigation in the Witwatersrand gold fields, my Department’s entity, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), has appointed service providers to treat (neutralise) AMD for discharge into river systems. This intervention is necessary for water resource protection and averting other AMD- associated risks on the environment. For the service currently provided, no tariff is set and service providers are strictly reimbursed for the operation and maintenance cost incurred during AMD treatment.

(1)(a) The names of the companies appointed by the TCTA are Sibanye Gold and Proxa.

(1)(b) Sibanye Gold and Proxa, tasked with operation and maintenance of the Western Basin AMD Plant in Randfontein, Gauteng; and the Central Basin AMD Plant in Germiston, Gauteng, respectively, perform neutralisation of AMD for discharge into river systems, thus ensuring water resource and environmental protection.

(2) I am presently considering a host of information centered on inter alia, technical, legal, financial and institutional matters necessary for a long-term project that is capable of directing AMD into beneficial (economic) uses. I will pronounce my Department’s position thereto once the internal appraisal processes are concluded and all risks fully quantified and understood.

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Reply:

1. (a) The ‘clean break principle’ in relation to the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996 (Proclamation No. 21 of 1996) (“the GEP Law”), which regulates the GEPF, was incorporated through the GEP Law Amendment Act, No. 19 of 2011, which came into effect on 14 December 2011. Section 24A was inserted into the GEP Law, to provide for the payment of pension interest upon divorce or dissolution of customary marriage.

It is important to note, that the GEPF is not regulated in terms of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act No. 24 of 1956) (“the Pension Funds Act”), but is regulated in terms of the GEP Law. Section 24A of the GEP Law was modelled on and sought to align the GEP Law with section 37D of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act No. 24 of 1956) in particular, to provide for the implementation of the ‘clean break principle’, by providing for the payment of a pension interest to a former spouse of a member on divorce or the dissolution of a customary marriage. Prior to the insertion of section 24A in the GEP Law, the GEP Law and the Rules of the GEPF did not allow a former spouse of a member to claim a portion of a member’s pension interest, in terms of a divorce order or an order for the dissolution of a customary, soon after the divorce order or the order for the dissolution of a customary marriage was granted. The former spouse could only receive a portion of the member’s interest after the exit of the member from the GEPF (on resignation or retirement). With the insertion of section 24A in the GEP Law and amendments to the Rules of the GEPF, a former spouse now can receive the proportion of a member’s pension benefit that is granted in terms of a court order for divorce or the dissolution of a customary marriage, soon after the order is granted.

In order to implement section 24A of the GEP Law, the Rules of the GEPF were amended, to include definitions of “divorce”, “divorce debt” and “divorce order”, and a new Rule 14.10 was inserted in the Rules of the GEPF with effect from 1 April 2012.

(b) GEPF and GPAA are still in the process of collating the statistics on members whose benefit has been reduced as a result of a divorce order settlement.

2. (a) The legal basis on which the ‘clean break principle’ is implemented is by virtue of section 24A of the GEP Law and Rule 14.10 of the Rules of the GEPF, as noted in the response to question 1(a) above. In relation to the administration of justice, a court issues a court order that includes an order for the distribution of pension benefits in terms of section 7(8) of the Divorce Act, 1979 (Act No. 70 of 1979). In terms of Rule 14.10 of the GEPF, the court order must then be provided to the GEPF, who then will implement the order in relation to the division of the pension fund benefits in accordance with the terms of the order and Rule 14.10.

(b) The implementation of the “clean break principle” for the GEPF is not in conflict with the Pension Funds Act (as amended by the Pension Funds Amendment Act, 2001 and subsequent amendments) as the GEPF does not fall under this Act. . Section 24A of the GEP Law gives effect to the ‘clean break’ principle for the GEPF.

It is not clear why the Honourable Member believes that the implementation of the “clean break principle” violates the National Credit Act. It is my understanding that the National Credit Act only applies in relation to “credit agreements” as defined in the National Credit Act. The “clean break principle” applies in relation to the implementation of a court order on divorce or the dissolution of a customary marriage, which is implemented in accordance with the GEP Law and the Rules of the GEPF. The court order does not constitute a “credit agreement” so the National Credit Act does not apply. Even if the court order was made in respect of a “settlement agreement”, it is an order of court, and cannot be construed as being a “credit agreement”.

3. The GEPF does not estimate the frequency of divorce. The GEPF will continue to honour divorce orders that are presented.

Reply:

(1) Yes, my Department will proceed with the construction of the wastewater treatment works. Feasibility study on what needs to be done on existing wastewater treatment works has been conducted. The Thabazimbi Municipality is finalising the appointment of a service provider which will be done on or before 30 November 2015.

(1)(a) The Anglo American Platinum will fund the entire project. The Anglo American Platinum is finalising an agreement with the Department of Local Government and Housing. The project will be funded through B.O.T (Build Operate Transfer) and the Thabazimbi Municipality will enter into a project agreement with Anglo American Platinum.

(1)(b) The Northam Platinum Ltd will not fund the project as the entire project funding will be funded by Anglo American Platinum.

(2) No, the R21 million already spent on the project will not be recovered because the funds were donated as part of the Social Labour Plan (SLP).

(3) The current structure will still be used as it is still in good condition. The corrosion will not affect the operation of the structure, as the municipality is continuing maintaining the structure.

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Reply:

The surrounding communities at the Nandoni Dam are receiving water from the Nandoni Water Treatment Works (WTW). The Nandoni Dam does not have canals which are accessible to the communities. The Nandoni WTW abstracts raw water from the Nandoni Dam, where it is treated through flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and chlorination processes. The treated water is then clean and safe for human consumption. The water that is used to clean filters at the plant through backwashing process is transported through canals which are still located within the yard of the plant and cannot be accessed by the communities.

The completed first phase of the Water Treatment Works is 60 ML/day and presently operating at 35ML/day because other parts of the pipeline Mavambe to Vuwani (NR7) and Valdezia to Mowkop are still under construction. The Nandoni WTW is currently serving 40 villages. Bulk Water is distributed to the communities through pump stations, pipelines (NN20B, NR5, NR6 and NR7) and command/main reservoirs. Water supply is reticulated to the households’ connection and communal taps. The Vhembe District Municipality as the Water Service Authority (WSA) has the plans to upgrade the available systems to ensure water is received at a higher level.

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Reply:

(a) In December 2014, my Department made an allocation of R354.2 million to assist with the mitigation of the impacts of the drought in KwaZulu-Natal. Additional funding has been made available (refer to the latest detailed Drought Intervention Budgets allocations attached as Appendix1).

(b) In November 2015, the Honourable Premier declared a Provincial State of Disaster due to the impacts of the drought in nine (9) of the ten (10) District Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. In terms of the Disaster Management Act, the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is responsible for the overall disaster management.

My Department’s strategy includes the following:

• The implementation of drought operating rules for ten (10) water supply schemes in KwaZulu-Natal. Drought operating rules are scientific tools used as a guide to manage the water resource(s) to protect it from failure by restricting water used during low flows in order to ensure that the water supply for essential water users e.g. basic human consumption can always be met. My Department gazetted water restrictions on 3 July 2015 and is monitoring the success of the restrictions and assisting with the development of alternative augmentation options where necessary.
• Ensuring System and District level Joint Operations Committees are established and regular meetings held in order to determine the necessary drought interventions and monitor the implementation thereof.
• Assisting the Water Services Authorities and Water Boards in the provision of water through the reprioritisation of R502 million for drought intervention projects.
• Assisting the Water Services Authorities with the provision of water through the supply and operation of 45 water tankers.
• Assisting the Department of CoGTA with the evaluation of water services authority intervention plans for inclusion into a Provincial Business Plan for the application to the National Disaster Management Centre for additional support.

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Appendix 1: Drought Intervention Budgets see the link below:

http://www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW3914-151120.doc

 

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Reply:

(1)(a) The current risk is that, the Kwena Dam volume is dropping rapidly; on Monday 26 October 2015 the dam volume was 74% full.

(1)(b) Due to significantly below normal rainfall and the extreme high temperatures currently being experienced in the Inkomati Water Management Area, river flow levels in the Crocodile River are extremely low.

(2)(a) The most recent water quality test for the Kwena Dam was done in October 2015. It should be noted that water quality tests are done on monthly basis.

(2)(b) The water quality results for October 2015 have not been received yet from the laboratory that does the analysis. However, the water quality results for the month of September 2015 are indicated on the table 1 below:

Table 1

Variables	September results
Electrical conductivity	12.6 mS/m
pH	7.25 pH units
Iron	0.63 µg/l
Manganese	0.14 µg/l
Escherichia coli	4 counts/100ml
Ammonia Nitrogen	0.082 mg/l
Nitrate +Nitrite	0.27 mg/l
Orthophosphate	0.2 mg/l

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Reply:

1. Yes, the internal investigation into the escape of a certain person from the Warmbokkeveld Correctional Centre has been concluded and submitted to the delegated authority where decision has been taken for disciplinary measures to be instituted.
2. Following recommendations of the internal investigation, a chairperson and an initiator for the disciplinary process have been appointed. The disciplinary process is yet to be concluded.

Reply:

(1) Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation Project 2 is at the planning stage. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process started in July 2015 with the appointment of an EIA consultant. In parallel, DWS is finalising the Post Feasibility Bridging Study Report. This will be used as input to inform the design process. The EIA is planned for completion in January 2017. Engineering designs for both the project and the pipeline are expected to be completed in September 2016, if the design starts in November 2015.

(2) The provisional approved capacity is 75 million cubic meters per year.

(3) Construction is envisaged to start in September 2017.The envisaged completion date is September 2023, but the Water Delivery is envisaged for May 2022. The capital cost of the project is budgeted at R 12 000 million.

(4) Yes, the project is largely to be funded off-budget through loans raised by TCTA. Eskom is an off-taker whereby they commit in a water supply agreement to contribute to the cost of the project for their proportional off-take from the system through water tariffs. 

Furthermore, the Department of Energy is standing in for the future energy users to ensure that the infrastructure is sized appropriately to meet the demands of future users.

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Reply:

1. (a) Please find enclosed (Annexure A) the list of South African Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who participated at the founding meeting that was held from 15-16 July 2005.

(b) Former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives

1. Membership is open to former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who are retired from public

1. (a) No

(b) (i) No; (ii) No; (iii) No. However, it should be noted that on some occasions when specialist knowledge or institutional memory is required, the Department has, and will continue to, call upon former Ambassadors to assist on a particular issue, whether they are members of the Association or not. On such occasions, the normal consultancy rates are used for remuneration and the necessary assistance is provided to have these specialists participate in the requested role at DIRCO.

1. (a) The main objective is to create a platform for former Heads of Missions to network and serve as a resource to the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, and other government departments that have international relations responsibilities; to work with the provinces, especially the offices of the Premiers through their provincial officials, as well as local governments regarding relationships with their counterparts in foreign countries.

It will further offer its members’ diverse, extensive experience and institutional memory to key and relevant stakeholders and partners to promote awareness of, stimulate discussion and deepen the understanding of international relations and diplomacy, and support the institutions responsible for implementing South Africa’s foreign policy.

It will also create opportunities to exchange views with experts, academics, scholars of international relations sand other with an interest in diplomacy and foreign policy.

It is hope that is will also mentor young diplomats to achieve best practice in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.

1. (b) The association is an independent non-profit organisation.

UNQUOTE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FOUNDING DOCUMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADORS, HIGH COMMISSIONERS AND CHIEF REPRESENTATIVES

1. BACKGROUND

Many countries have established entities to tap into the institutional knowledge of their previous high-ranking diplomats and envoys after they have left specific posts and government service. The establishment of such a body in South Africa is a ground-breaking development that will enhance and uplift the country’s status internationally. It will put South Africa on a par with others and help towards raising awareness and understanding of the complex issues confronting the practice of international relations and diplomacy. In doing so it will draw on members’ diverse expertise, experience and institutional memory to enrich the formulation of foreign policy and underscore the country’s efforts to be a respectable member in the family of nations.

2. VISION

To contribute to the pursuit of South Africa’s national interest to achieve a prosperous, united, non-racist, non-sexist, democratic and peaceful South Africa and Africa, and for a just and better world.

3. MISSION

The Association seeks to maximize usage of its resources regarding the conduct of its foreign relations and the broad attainment of South Africa’s interests and foreign policy objectives.

4. OBJECTIVES:

The main objective is to create a platform for former Heads of Missions to network and serve as a resource to:

• Have a constructive relationship with the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, and other government departments that have international relations responsibilities; to work with the provinces, especially the offices of the Premiers through their provincial officials, as well as local governments regarding relationships with their counterparts in foreign countries.

• Offer its members’ diverse, extensive experience and institutional memory to key and relevant stakeholders and partners to promote awareness of, stimulate discussion and deepen the understanding of international relations and diplomacy, and support the institutions responsible for implementing South Africa’s foreign policy.

• Provide assistance to the Presidency, for example, by serving as Special Envoys.

• Create opportunities to exchange views with experts, academics, scholars of international relations sand other with an interest in diplomacy and foreign policy.

• Analyse global, regional and bilateral political, economic, peace and security, social and cultural trends in foreign relations and diplomacy.

• Mentor young diplomats to achieve best practice in the execution of their roles and responsibilities.

• Foster relations with relevant South African, regional and international organizations.

5. VALUES

Patriotism

Loyalty

Integrity

Professionalism

6. PROGRAMMES

The Association will fulfil its mission through programmes designed to educate, inform and interact with the public about key foreign policy issues affecting the national interest. Such programmes will include but not be limited to:

• Conferences, ambassadors’ fora and other means of public interaction around the country to enhance the public understanding of international issues affecting the national interest;

• Mentorships that foster and develop young students, particularly in international relations;

• An orientation programme for Heads of Mission;

• Availing its members to support the Presidency including, for example to serve as Special Envoys or support staff;

• Providing its membership and associates with information so they can fulfil the Association’s mandate.

7. FUNDING

The Association is a non-profit organization funded by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other sources.

8. STRUCTURE

The Association is led by an Executive Committee to be elected by its members on a simple majority and by a show of hands for periods of two years.

The Executive Committee consists of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, plus three additional committee members elected for periods of two years.

The Executive Committee is further mandated to bring about appropriate administrative and support structures within the necessary and appropriate legal framework.

The association elected the following as an Executive:

• Chairperson - Amb G Nene

• Deputy Chairperson -Amb. J Bardil

• Secretary - Amb F Land

• Treasurer -Amb M Moopeloa

• Additional Members

Amb W Nhalpo

Amb. M Rakwena

Amb. T Skweyiya

9. MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Membership is open to former Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chief Representatives who are retired from public service and who meet its criteria and annual fee requirements, which will also be applied to any associate membership that may be established.

10. SYMBOLS.

The Association will make use of a symbol and logo for identification.

Annexure A

List of Ambassadors
	Initials & Surname	Designation
1	Abba Omar Y	Ambassador
2	Chikane M	Ambassador
3	Chiliza TH	Ambassador
4	Coovadia I	Ambassador
5	Crewe-Brown L	High Commissioner
6	De Swart I	Ambassador
7	Dietrichsen PR	Ambassador
8	Dr Kekana I	Ambassador
9	Funde E	Ambassador
10	Gantso	Ambassador
11	Jacobs D	Ambassador
12	Janse van Rensburg JG	Ambassador
13	January-Bardill N	Ambassador
14	January-McLean T	Ambassador
15	Khasu MJ	Ambassador
16	Kilian J	Ambassador
17	Kotane J	Ambassador
18	Kotane SS	Ambassador
19	Kubheka TMN	Ambassador
20	Land F	Ambassador
21	Lujabe-Rankoe T	Ambassador
22	Mabude NI	High Commissioner
23	Mabuza L	Ambassador
24	Magugu Z	Ambassador
25	Manley AL	Ambassador
26	Maqetuka M	Ambassador
27	Matabane	Ambassador
28	Mathoma TP	Ambassador
29	Mavimbela DJ	Ambassador
30	Mazibuko-skweyiya	Ambassador
31	Mbatha KZ	Ambassador
32	Mdlalose F	Ambassador
33	Meyer DN	Ambassador
34	Mfenyana S	Ambassador
35	Mngqikana LMS	Ambassador
36	Modise BIL	Ambassador
37	Moloi S	Ambassador
38	Mongalo ALCK	Ambassador
39	Moolla M	Ambassador
40	Moopela	Ambassador
41	Msimang	Ambassador
42	Nene SG	Ambassador
43	Ngakane LD	Ambassador
44	Ngubane BS	Ambassador
45	Nhlapo WAW	Ambassador
46	Olivier GC	Ambassador
47	Pekane LST	Ambassador
48	Phologane	Ambassador
49	Pitso J	Ambassador
50	Rakwena M	Ambassador
51	Roux JP	Ambassador
52	Saloojee YM	Ambassador
53	Schoombie N	Ambassador
54	Shaik M	Ambassador
55	Sigwela EM	Ambassador
56	Sisulu BR	Ambassador
57	Sisulu SM	Ambassador
58	Skweyiya ZST	Ambassador
59	Tsheole N	Ambassador
60	Visser TG	Ambassador
61	Wheeler TF	Ambassador
62	Zazeraj VJ	Ambassador
63	Zulu VT	Ambassador

Reply:

The Department is not aware of any legal action taken by any Deputy Directors-General (DDG) against any person.

One matter was referred for conciliation by one DDG and has not proceeded further. The other matter has been referred for arbitration by another DDG in terms of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995.

(a) Yes.

(i) No, the above matter is dealt with at the General Service Sectoral Bargaining Council (GPSSBC).

(ii) Yes.

(b) None

Reply:

(a) The Public Service Commission (PSC) has as yet not completed its inquiry. I have been advised by the PSC that their approved final report will be submitted to the Minister by 18 December 2015. There are presently no outcomes.

(b) Save that I have decided to charge the DG, no actions have been taken yet.

Reply:

(1) Only Eskom in its 2015 Annual Financial Statements reported an amount of R4 million as irregular expenditure relating to the SABC/The New Age business breakfast briefings. This amount was incurred within the contract period but prior to the Board’s ratification. The R4 million amount was only paid over to TNA after the Board’s ratification.

Regarding irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in general, I am assured that the Boards and Management regularly review the SOCs internal control environment to minimise the risk, and where an incident occurs appropriate measures are taken to deal with the matter, including disciplinary action and/or criminal or civil action against those involved, as considered appropriate. Reporting in respect of financial misconduct has also improved in compliance with the PFMA to ensure that incidents are detected early.

(2)(a) Alexkor, Denel, SAFCOL and SA Express have not entered into an agreement with SABC/The New Age on the business breakfast briefings; Eskom and Transnet have existing contracts.

(2)(b) With regard to Eskom, the SABC/The New Age breakfast briefings contract is R43.2 million, effective 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2017 with 36 briefings planned for the period of the contract. Transnet has contracted for R20 million effective 1 April 2015 to March 2016 with 20 briefings planned for the period. In both SOCs, the Boards have assured me that these agreements have been concluded in line with SOC’s governance processes and that the required approvals are in place.

Reply:

No, only the disciplinary hearings involving two Deputy Directors-General (DDGs), and 1 Director have been concluded, and the PA of one the DDG’s.

(a) The disciplinary hearings involving other staff members have been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry by the Public Service Commission.

 (i) Both DDGs were found guilty in absentia of misconduct and a sanction of dismissal imposed.

 (ii) The staff member at the level of Director was found guilty of misconduct and a suspension without pay for a period of two (2) months was imposed.

 (iii) The PA of the one DDG was found not guilty

(b) (i) One DDG was dismissed on account of misconduct.

(ii) The other DDG resigned and prior to the finalisation of the hearing his resignation was accepted by the Minister

(iii) The implementation of the sanction against the Director has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry by the Public Service Commission.

(iv) No action has been taken against the other departmental staff members, as the hearings are suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry by the Public Service Commission.

Reply:

(1)(a) There is no company that was awarded a tender to carry out a socio-economic impact assessment (SEIAS) for the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper. The SEIAS for the National Integrated ICT Policy White paper is undertaken by officials within the Department, supported by the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME).

(b-c) Not applicable

(2)(a-e) Not applicable refer to 1(a)

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

The bid for the National e-Strategy was advertised and proposals were received from qualifying bidders. The Department undertook the bid evaluation process. The appointment process is yet to be addressed.

Following the receipt of proposals for Professional Counselling Services, the Department undertook the evaluation process. Three suitable service providers were selected to render professional Counselling Services as and when the need arises.

Reply:

(a) The total amount of narcotics seized can be accessed in the Annual Report of the SAPS as listed below:

Quantity of narcotics seized in 2013/14

Cannabis : 275 550, 750 kg

Mandrax : 424 391 tablets

Cocaine : 139, 455 kg

Crystal Meth (Tik-Tik) : 324 kg

Quantity of narcotics seized in 2014/15

Cannabis : 440 434.284 kg

Mandrax tablets : 302 790.75 tablets

Crystal Meth (Tik-Tik) : 598,74 kg

Cocaine : 122,14 kg

(b) No amounts of seized narcotics have been reported as being missing during the specified requested period.

(c) As no drugs have been reported as missing, no SAPS members have faced disciplinary action as a result of missing narcotics for the requested period.

Reply:

(a)(i-ii) Acting appointments have been approved for (5) five Chief Directors from the respective Branches against the 5 vacant Deputy Director-General (DDG) positions.

(b) The posts of DDG: ISAD (ICT Information Society Development and Research); DDG: ICT Enterprise Development and State-Owned Entity Oversight; and DDG: Administration, have been shortlisted and the Department is in the process of finalising the dates for the interviews.

Reply:

1. The State Security Agency (SSA) is not aware of this purported process and therefore cannot respond.
2. When Parliament commence with any process that require our involvement we can react.

Reply:

1(a) The Director General (DG) is presently on precautionary suspension. Two Deputy Directors General (DDGs) have resigned and two DDGs were dismissed by the DG. There were no other suitable candidates.

1(b) The decision was based on the experience of Mr. Mjwara and his understanding of the work of the Department.

1(c) Mr. Mjwara has resigned as special adviser to the Minister before his appointment as Acting DG. He will continue to act until the Public Service Commission has completed its inquiry.

2(a) No.

2(b)(i) and 2(b)(ii)

Mr. Mjwara only receives compensation as Acting DG and this is in terms of the SMS Handbook, Chapter 3 Clause 10 read with Chapter 8 Clause 16.

Reply:

(a)  Markers are currently appointed based on stringent criteria relating to teaching experience and qualification in the subject. In order to be appointed, a marker must have a recognised three year post school qualification, which must include the subject to be marked at second or third year level. The marker must have teaching experience at the Grade 12 level in the subject concerned and must be proficient in the language of teaching and learning. These criteria, together with a report on the performance of the marker as a teacher in the classroom, and his/her performance in previous marking sessions, are strictly applied, thus ensuring that the most suitable educators are appointed.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) audits the selected list of markers across all Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) to ensure that PEDs comply with these criteria.

The writing of the competency test by markers, if applied, is only an enhancement to the current protocols and criteria for the appointment of markers, and not an essential pre-requisite that, if omitted, has the potential of compromising the marking process. The competency test would have been used to verify the above criteria and was never intended to be the sole criterion for the appointment of markers. Therefore, in the absence of the competency test, which would have merely confirmed the knowledge levels of the markers, there would be no compromise to the marking quality.

(b) The DBE ensures that marking standards are maintained across all PEDs through the following quality control measures :

1. Prior to the marking, a national standardisation meeting is convened at the DBE, which sees the assembly of the chief markers and internal moderators for each subject from each of the provinces. At this meeting, the marking guidelines are discussed extensively and a common understanding of its application is established. This is followed by training of the chief markers and internal moderators, who will take responsibility for the marking in the province.
2. The introduction of the Tolerance Range which ensures that during the moderation process the mark awarded by the moderator and the marker should not vary beyond an agreed range. This ensures that marking standards are strictly controlled to ensure that marking quality is rigidly applied.
3. Markers are also authorised based on an initial sample of scripts that are provided to the marker for marking. These are moderated and only after the marker shows that he/she is capable of complying to the tolerance range, will he/she be allowed to mark.
4. Intensive moderation of marking. Marking at the marking centre is organised based on five tiers of quality control and quality assurance. Scripts are marked by the marker and then moderated by the senior marker, who is in turn overseen by the Deputy Chief Marker and the final quality control is the responsibility of the chief marker. In addition to these four levels of quality management, an internal moderator serves as the final judge of marking standards for that subject at that centre. The DBE and Umalusi will appoint independent external moderators to ensure that external quality checks on the marking process.

No additional norms and standards have been set:

1. The norms and standards currently utilised for the appointment of markers is the criteria specified in the Personnel Administrative Measures.
2. No copies of specified norms and standards will be provided.

It should be noted that the credibility and integrity of the marking process is not at stake or in jeopardy, due to the deferment of the competency test for prospective markers. The procedures and criteria listed above are more than adequate to ensure that the quality of marking is of the highest standard. The DBE will pursue in its endeavours to ensure that the concerns of the social partners are addressed with regard to the competency test, so that this useful tool can be introduced to enhance the marking process.

Reply:

(1)(a)(b) The budget allocation for information and communication technology (ICT) in education in the 2014-15 financial year in each provincial education department is reflected in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Provincial Education Departments: ICT Budget and Expenditure for 2014/15

Province	2014/15 Approved Budget
	R"000
Eastern Cape	No budget was allocated for ICT due to budget constrain.
Free State	No budget was allocated for ICT due to budget constrain.
Gauteng	115 059
KwaZulu Natal	No budget was allocated for ICT due to budget constrain.
Limpopo	45 396
Mpumalanga	47 186
Northern Cape	No budget was allocated for ICT due to budget constrain.
North West	9 365
Western Cape	77 631
Totals	294 637

(2) Each provincial department identify ICT training requirement and allocates available provincial budgets to address the training requirements. The Department of Basic Education in collaboration with Intel South Africa further assist provinces by providing ICT training for provincial and district officials based on their provincial requirements.

Reply:

(1) Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) were expected to submit their training and implementation plans in respect of the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) policy by 30 August 2015.

(2) (a)(i) The Department of Basic Education (DBE) does not provide direct funding to PEDs to support the implementation of the SIAS policy and (ii) PEDs are expected to provide a budget to support schools in the implementation of the policy.

(b)(i) The provision of human resources is a provincial competence and therefore the DBE does not provide human resources to PEDs to support the implementation of the policy. PEDs are expected to use their existing resources to implement SIAS, including the use of existing therapist and psychologist posts. (ii) Similarly, PEDs are expected to provide support to schools, including training of teachers, within their existing resources.

(c) The Department will provide support (i) to PEDs and (ii) to schools by developing norms and standards for the implementation of the policy, supplying training materials and programmes, as well as implementation guidelines.

Reply:

The Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA) has set a strategic objective to increase the contribution of non-aeronautical revenue to total revenue from 37%, as it currently stands, to 55% by 2020.

(a) All non-aeronautical opportunities at one of ACSA’s nine airports, such as retail and advertising opportunities, are subject to an open tender process to ensure that an open, fair, transparent and equitable approach is followed. ACSA does not enter into partnerships for non-aeronautical services other than when the Company bids for concessions outside the Company’s nine airports, where shareholder agreements have been entered into by the Company.

(i) ACSA has a shareholder agreement between with GVK (an Indian conglomerate with diverse interests across various sectors including airports, transportation and energy), and Bidvest, for the concession held by the Company in Mumbai, and Invepar (a Brazilian investment group, which operates in the transportation infrastructure segment in Brazil) for the concession held in Sao Paolo.

(ii) There are no definite planned partnerships which ACSA will enter into in the future.

(b) Presently, the Company has 10% equity holding in the Mumbai concession and a shareholder agreement was signed in 2006. Also, since February 2012 the Company holds 10.2% equity in the Guarulhos Airport, Sao Paolo. ACSA does earn consultancy fees from Guarulhos Airport, which is rendered directly by Company to the Guarulhos Airport.

Reply:

Whether, with reference to her department's annual report for the 2014-15 financial year, her department has ascertained why each of the 1 321 young and qualified educators under the age of 30 have left the system; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons, in descending order of prevalence, for young educators leaving the system?

The indicator in question reports on all educators who were terminated on the system regardless of the category of termination. The main categories for this particular indicator are contract expiry (903), resignation (385), and death (22). Nine (9) educators were discharged due to misconduct. The reasons for termination related to resignation, that is, the 385 cases indicated above, are captured on PERSAL. The main reasons in order of prevalence are:

• resigning of position to take up another position either within the sector or in government;
• taking up another position outside the sector for better remuneration or simply changing of occupation; and
• issues about working conditions including personal grievances and nature of work.

Reply:

(1)(a-c)

Position	Expense	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15
Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	2 060.00	103.00	927.00
	Other allowances	0	0	0
Deputy Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	618.00	721.00	618

Position	Expense	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15
STAFFCO Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	2 163.00	1 751.00	1 854.00
	Other allowances	0	0	0
FINCO Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	515.00	515.00	309.00
	Other allowances	0	0	0
PRODCO Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	1 236.00	-	-
	Other allowances	0	0	0
AUDCO Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence
	Other allowances	0	0	0
ADVOCCO Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	927.00	515.00	1 442.00
	Other allowances	0	0	0
ETHCOM Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	-	-	618.00
	Other allowances	0	0	0
REGCO Chairperson	Travelling	0	0	0
	Subsistence	-	927.00	1 133.00
	Other allowances	0	0	0
Other non-executive council members		B MCOYANA 1 133.00 BM DU TOIT 103.00 CJ NEL 1 133.00 DE MABATHA 206.00 ES THEMBA 309.00 FNJ FOURIE 824.00 G BENGELL 412.00 G BOWLES 721.00 G CLARK 824.00 G HARRISON 721.00 J EASTES 206.00 JA BREED 515.00 JHE JEFTHA 927.00 L FEZEKA 103.00	B MCOYANA 1 133.00 BRAHM FLEISH 103.00 CJ NEL 1 133.00 ES THEMBA 309.00 FNJ FOURIE 824.00 G BENGELL 412.00 G BOWLES 721.00 G CLARK 824.00 H HARRISON 515.00 HJ DEACON 206.00 G HARRISON 721.00 J EASTES 206.00 J RUSTIN 206.00 JA BREED 515.00 JHE JEFTHA 927.00 JW BESYER 412.00 LG CELE 206.00 LH SWANEPOEL 206.00 ME MASEKO 309.00 MJ KUTUMELA 412.00 ML MAPHILA 515.00 MMC MAFUNDA 103.00 MS MOLOI 618.00 N LUKWE 206.00 NA MOSIA 412.00 NV MAGI 309.00 PR MOROATSSHEHLA 721.00 SM MAYONGO 927.00 TK GEZA 206.00 TTJ LEDIMO 412.00 W HLAISE 1 751.00	BRAHM FLEISH 309.00 CJ NEL 412.00 ES THEMBA 103.00 FNJ FOURIE 309.00 G BENGELL 515.00 G BOWLES 1133.00 G CLARK 515.00 I BEKEER 103.00 HJ DEACON 103.00 HN MAKHANGA 103.00 G HARRISON 618.00 J EASTES 412.00 J RUSTIN 412.00 JA BREED 309.00 JW BESYER 309.00 L MOTSHWANE 206.00 LG CELE 309.00 LH SWANEPOEL 618.00 ME MASEKO 309.00 M BOMVANA 103.00 M SCHOEMAN 103.00 ML MAPHILA 515.00 MMC MAFUNDA 206.00 MS MOLOI 306.00 NA MOSIA 515.00 PN CALUZA 309.00 PR MOROATSSHEHLA 618.00 RM DU TOIT 206.00 SM MAYONGO 712.00 TK GEZA 515.00 TTJ LEDIMO 515.00 W HLAISE 1 854.00

(2)(a-c)

Chairperson’s additional remuneration:

	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15
Additional Remuneration	0	0	0

No additional remuneration was made to the Chairperson.

Reply:

South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

(a) The outcome will be determined upon conclusion of the investigation.

(b) The investigation is in progress and lessons learned will be in the final report when published.

(c) (i) & (ii) The investigation is at a stage where additional data/evidence is being collected for analysis for factual information report writing. Following that will be the compilation of the findings, cause/contributory factors, recommendations and approval process. After that the report with its findings and recommendations will be published.

(iii) Prevention mechanisms will be put in place as and when identified by the accident findings and causes.

Reply:

1. (a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) Please refer to the table below:

Table 1: Number and percentage of learners enrolled for Mathematics in Graaff-Reinet district, in 2015; see the link below:

www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW3826-151118.doc

Source: LURITS, 2015 Second Quarter upload

1. (a)(b) There is no discrepancy because the response indicated that 15,3% of learners are enrolled at Grade 12. The 66,7% was indicated as the number of schools offering Mathematics, not the number of learners. Please see below the table that was inserted as part of the response:

Table 2 indicates the number of schools that declared offering Mathematics the in relevant Grades:

Grade	Total Number of schools	Number of schools with Mathematics learners	% to total number of schools
Grade 10	15	12	80.0
Grade 11	15	11	73.3
Grade 12	15	10	66.7

Source: Source: LURITS, 2015 Second Quarter upload

Reply:

(A)(i) - No MOU is signed between the Corporation and Driving Schools

(ii) - The Corporation facilitated the signing of a letter of acknowledgement by Min Ndebele.

(b) (i) The Minister Congratulate the Driving School Industry on the Establishment of the National Driving School Forum

(ii) The Minister lledged support to them to enhance the standard of learner driver training in SA. The Minister also stated that the National Driving School Forum will be consulted when the Driving School Legislative Framework will be finalized. The Minister stated that a Driving School Summit will as requested by the Forum. This Summit was held as requested ( facilitated by the Corporation during March 2011)

(c) the letter was signed on 07/04/2011

(d) A summit was held was held as requested by the Driving School forum

(cc) N/A

(dd) The letter referred to above was submitted to the National Driving School Forum, which consists of the following 4 national driving school associations: 

South African Driving School Association (SADSA)

South African Driving Operators Association (SADSOA)

Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors (SAIDI)

South African National Driving School Association (SANADS)

Reply:

1.The Prescribed Minimum Benefits under the Medical Schemes Act,131 of 1998 make provision for minimum benefits for people with physical disabilities such as:

(a) Mobility impairments

Included in the PMBs is rehabilitative therapy such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy up to level of functional plateau; i.e. up to a point where no additional significant improvement from continued therapy is reached. No monetary limit is placed rather a therapeutic value threshold is set. This is a critical clinical intervention to improve the mobility of the physically disabled patient. Additionally, equipment to assist with mobility is included in the PMBs such as wheelchairs. This is dependent on the cause of immobility being a consequence of a PMB condition.

(b) Visual impairment

Currently the PMB package only provides for visual aids such corrective optometry devices. If a member suffers a PMB condition which threatens their vision, the PMB entitlements first include interventions that will prevent the visual loss and secondarily, will reverse such any degree of visual impairment. Thus the PMB package with regards to the visual system is predominantly a secondary and tertiary prevention package, and is highly aligned with National Policy (e.g. cataract surgery and treatment algorithms for Glaucoma). With regards to other supportive health technology such as walking sticks for those with complications for PMBs aligned with national policy and included in their management is corrective medical and surgical interventions.

(c) Hearing losses

Preventative care: Common conditions that cause hearing loss are included in the PMB package and their early and effective management is included as PMB level of care. These include early management of otitis media, rupture of eardrums post-trauma or infection etc. Supportive care for hearing loss as a complication of PMBs is not precluded when other means of restoration such as tympanoplasty have failed.

The PMB framework enables Medical Schemes to institute Managed Care principles in order to ensure members of medical schemes have access to quality healthcare at affordable prices. Bringing down the cost of care via these mechanisms would allow for a more equitable disbursement of risk pool funds to both disabled and non-disabled members of medical schemes.

It is important to note that the PMBs are not an exhaustive and comprehensive list. The Medical Schemes Act, however, provides for a regular revision to the PMB package to identify and proactively address some of the current deficiencies. The revised package under consideration contains a preventative and curative components in line with National policy. It further does not neglect wholesale the supportive measures for irreversible disabilities, albeit with plenty of room for improvement. The PMB package revision is a work in progress with an emphasis on trying to bring it into closer alignment with current national priorities and policy.

2. (a) (i) Public hospitals do provide mobility enhancing equipment (assistive technology) to persons with physical disabilities in the form of crutches, walking aids and wheelchairs (manual and motorized),

(ii) Public hospitals do provide refractive services and issue the relevant visual enhancing equipment in the form of spectacles or readers. In certain instances where refractive services are not available in a public facility, arrangements are made for this to be provided by a service provider from an NGO or private sector,

(iii) Public hospitals do provide audiology services which include testing for hearing loss, and fitting and training on the use of hearing aids.

(b) There are no further relevant details.

END.

Reply:

According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health -

1. Specifications have been completed;
2. The scope and project plan is still to be finalised. This will provide the specifics with regard to the envisaged time-frames to complete the renovations. It is however, expected that it will be completed before the end of this financial year.

END.

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

(a) Yes. The following modern technology and ideas are used to police protests and

gatherings:

• Water Cannon
• Long Range Acoustic Device
• Video cameras
• Recording devices
• Mediation and conflict resolution and intensified community relations programmes

(b) The above cutting-edge technology contributed to the following positive

outcomes:

• No loss of life, minimised physical contact between the participants and the police and improved method of collecting evidence for criminal court purposes.

:

Reply:

1. (a) (b) (c) (d) (i) (ii) (iii) The tables below outlines the cash on hand , debtors age analysis, operating income, expenditure and creditors books for Metropolitan municipalities. The information sourced from the municipal 2014/15 pre-audited financial statements submitted to National Treasury and MFMA Section 71 quarterly report as at June 2015.

Here's the link for table1;2;3;4&5: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/RNW3738-151117.doc

(2) The table below outlines the capital grants that were awarded to each metro in the 2014-15 financial year and the amounts spent in each specified case in respect of each metro municipality. The information sourced from the National Treasury.

(3) The grants are for capital expenditure and any amounts spent on operating expenditure can only be identified through an audit. The Auditor General is currently conducting the municipal audits which will be concluded on the 30th November 2015.

Metropolitan Municipality	Urban Settlement Development Partnership Grant (USDG)	Public Transport Infrastructure Grant	Integrated National Electrification Programme (Municipal) Grant	Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant
	(a)Allocated in 2014/15 FY	(b)Expenditure in 2014/15 FY	(a) Allocated in 2014/15 FY	(b) Expenditure in 2014/15 FY	(a) Allocated in 2014/15 FY	(b) Expenditure in 2014/15 FY	(a) Allocated in 2014/15 FY	(b) Expenditure in 2014/15 FY
Buffalo City	R673,289,000	R 673,287,715	R -	R -	R20,587,000	R23,285,000	R5,000,000	R5,568,000
Nelson Mandela Bay	R371,602,000	R747,939,811	R167,500,000	R122,238,000	R18,000,000	R18,000,000	R9,000,000	R5,596,000
Mangaung	R654,406,000	R585,876,747	R30,000,000	R15,056,000	R30,200,000	R26,492,000	R5,000,000	R3,917,000
Ekurhuleni	R1,804,532,000	R1,498,622,869	R250,000,000	R271,932,000	R61,000,000	R60,925,000	R -	R -
City of Johannesburg	R1,695,189,000	R1,583,408,494	R553,571,000	R820,665,000	R31,000,000	R25,801,000	R48,461,000	R40,926,000
City of Tshwane	R1,469,450,000	R1,460,205,486	R867,571,000	R848,957,000	R32,000,000	R32,000,000	R75,000,000	R174,998,000
Ethekwini	R1,800,076,000	R1,800,076,000	R654,751,000	R234,698,000	R15,000,000	R42,054,000	R34,255,000	R6,833,000
City of Cape Town	R1,358,879,000	R1,481,930,471	R1,069,140,000	R 776,784,000	R5,000,000	R11,727,000	R30,784,000	R7,397,000

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

I intend to introduce legislation to further strengthen our efforts to tackle anti-competitive practices which impose unnecessary costs on consumers, undermine industrial policy objectives and reduce the competitiveness of the economy. The Department has undertaken work on the scope of the amendments required, using the jurisprudence and the experience of the competition authorities to identify weaknesses or gaps in the legal framework. We are holding discussions and consultations with relevant parties to enable the drafting process to be completed as soon as possible. A Bill will be published on completion of the process.

-END-

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

The information requested will be obtained from the appropriate authority. The information will be communicated to the Hon Member when it is available.

Reply:

1. (a) The 2014/15 District Health Barometer provides information regarding deaths from diarrhoea, pneumonia and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) amongst children under five years of age. (see below) is taken from the District Health Barometer. The table shows that the number of deaths due to these conditions, as well as the associated case fatality rates (the proportion of children who are admitted to hospital who die during that admission), have declined substantially since 2009/10.

Table 1: Deaths and case fatality rates from diarrhoea, pneumonia and SAM in children under five years of age, 2009/10 – 2014/15[1]

	Diarrhoea	Pneumonia	SAM
	No. of deaths	Case Fatality Rate	No. of deaths	Case Fatality Rates	No. of deaths	Case Fatality Rates
2009/10	3 008	7.1%	2 769	6.6%	2 345	19.3%
2010/11	2 558	7.0%	2 287	5.8%	2 114	16.4%
2011/12	1 550	4.6%	1 796	4.2%	1 605	13.3%
2012/13	1 526	4.3%	1 395	3.8%	1 642	12.7%
2013/14	1 775	3.9%	1 532	3.5%	1 672	11.3%
2014/15	1 513	3.3%	1 411	2.9%	1 852	11.6%

(i) All public sector hospitals report on the number of deaths from these conditions amongst children under five years of age on a monthly basis. The Department uses these numbers to identify provinces, districts and hospitals with a high number of deaths or high case fatality rates, so that remedial action can be taken.

Deaths from these conditions were from all provinces during 2013/14 and 2014/15 are shown in . Deaths from diarrhoea declined in all provinces except Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and deaths from pneumonia declined in all provinces except Gauteng. Deaths from SAM increased in a number of provinces, and in the country as a whole. As noted in the District Health Barometer, this may reflect better identification of cases, but needs to be carefully monitored. The Department is currently implementing strategies to reduce the number of deaths from SAM.

Table 2: Deaths in children under-five years from diarrhoea, pneumonia and SAM by province for 2013/14 and 2014/15[2]

	Deaths as a result of:
	Diarrhoea	Pneumonia	SAM
	2013/14	2014/15	2013/14	2014/15	2013/14	2014/15
Eastern Cape	542	351	322	274	356	339
Free State	111	100	84	80	132	148
Gauteng	109	108	138	151	82	126
KwaZulu-Natal	387	347	305	300	337	405
Limpopo	239	246	283	232	288	291
Mpumalanga	163	189	201	198	144	233
Northern Cape	61	55	46	41	68	67
North West	151	105	126	103	251	225
Western Cape	12	12	27	18	14	32
South Africa	1 775	1 513	1 532	1 411	1 762	1 852

(ii) The numbers of child deaths by category of hospital during 2014/15 are shown in . The majority of deaths occur in district hospitals (which account for the majority of hospitals). Departmental interventions to improve quality of care therefore focus predominantly on these hospitals.

Table 3: Deaths in children under five years of age from diarrhoea, pneumonia and SAM by category of hospital for 2014/15[3]

	Deaths as a result of:
	Diarrhoea	Pneumonia	SAM
National Central Hospitals	53	116	25
Provincial Tertiary Hospitals	115	93	96
Regional Hospitals	343	404	513
District Hospitals	987	789	1 202
Totala	1 498	1 402	1 836

a Totals are slightly lower than in Table 2 as a small number of deaths are reported from Primary Health Care facilities

(b) Diarrhoea and pneumonia result from infections. Children with weakened immune systems (due to undernutrition or other conditions such as HIV infection) are more likely to acquire these infections, which are in turn more likely to be severe (and result in hospitalisation and/or death). Children whose nutritional intake is less than their nutritional requirements are at risk of developing severe acute malnutrition; this often results from a combination of poor food intake (due to unavailability of food and/or poor feeding) and repeated infections.

(c) The reduction in the number of deaths in children due to diarrhoea, pneumonia and SAM can be attributed to implementation of the following child survival interventions:

• Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.
• Inclusion of pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines in the routine immunisation programme. In 2014/15, 89.8% of children under one year of age had received all the recommended immunisations.
• Promotion of breastfeeding as outlined in the Tshwane Declaration which commits the country to promoting breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. In 2014/15, 45.1% of children were reported to be exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks of age. This represents a substantial improvement, but further improvements are required.
• Provision of micronutrients through food fortification and Vitamin A supplementation. In 2014/15, 52.2% of children aged 1 – 5 years received the recommended two doses of supplementary Vitamin A.
• Monitoring of the growth of children using the Road-to-Health booklet and ensuring that children with growth faltering and mild or moderate malnutrition receive nutritional supplements.
• Correct management of children with diarrhoea, pneumonia and SAM at all levels of the health system. District Clinical Specialist Teams have been appointed in all districts. One of their key functions is to ensure the quality of clinical care provided in health facilities.
• Promotion of hand washing: the Health Promotion Directorate is currently implementing a hand-washing campaign.

2. Many other departments and stakeholders are involved in efforts to improve child survival and health.

Two of the most important departments are the Departments of Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). DSD has led the development of the Early Childhood Development policy, and also ensures that vulnerable children receive child support grants. The DWS plays a critical role in improving access to clean water and sanitation for children and their families.

The Department also works with a range of partners. These include United Nations Agencies (e.g. the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO)), other technical assistance partners (e.g. Save the Children, PATH, FH360), academic and research institutions (e.g. the Medical Research Council) and private sector partners (e.g. Discovery Health).

END.

1. Massyn N, Peer N, Padarath A, Barron P, Day C, editors. District Health Barometer 2014/15. Durban: Health Systems Trust; October 2015. ↑

2. Massyn N, Peer N, Padarath A, Barron P, Day C, editors. District Health Barometer 2014/15. Durban: Health Systems Trust; October 2015. ↑

3. District Health Information. Extracted 4th November 2015. ↑