Questions and Replies
15 September 2015 - NW3209
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(a) How many staff members teaching in adult education centres in each province have experienced delays in salary payments during the transition from provincial to national management of the specified centres, (b) what have been the (i) dates, (ii) scale and (iii) average length of these delays, (c) what bridging funds to assist teachers in this sector have been provided, especially in cases where they have been unable to pay for costs such as (i) rent and (ii) other vital expenses and (d) have any teachers been evicted from their homes as a result of the lack of payment of their salaries; (2) are any salary payments still outstanding; if so, what steps has he taken in this regard?
Reply:
- (a) In the erstwhile Adult Education and Training (AET) centres, when reference is made to
‘salary payments’ the concept is also used to refer to other forms of payment such as claims and stipends. Claims for instance, are part-time and extra-ordinary payments, usually over and above the normal salary of a person. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) became responsible for the payment of salaries of staff members teaching in AET centres from 1 April 2015, and is unable to respond to delays in salaries, which may have occurred prior to the AET function shift when the function was still with the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs). The response covers the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 August 2015. In view of the above, 2 540 staff members teaching at AET centres experienced delays in salaries during the transition from provincial to national competence.
(b) Table 1 below responds to the delays experienced by AET teachers of the Eastern Cape Province
|
|
|
||
Month Affected |
Date salary paid |
Actual calendar days delay |
||
April 2015 |
17 August 2015 |
119 days |
10 AET teachers |
17 days |
May 2015 |
17 August 2015 |
88 days |
||
June 2015 |
17 August 2015 |
48 days |
||
July 2015 |
17 August 2015 |
17 days |
||
August 2015 |
31 August 2015 |
0 days |
The System Change Control (SCC) was not performed by the Eastern Cape PED which led to the appointment of AET teachers onto the DHET PERSAL on 1 June 2015 instead of 1 April 2015. The salaries of the affected AET teachers were backdated from 1 April 2015 to 31 July 2015 and paid on 17 August 2015, and their salaries for August 2015 were paid on 31 August 2015. Currently, there are no staff members teaching at Eastern Cape AET centres experiencing any delays in salary payments.
Tables 2 to 5 below outline the delays experienced by the Northern Cape, North-West, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape AET teachers with regards to payment of stipends and claims.
Table 2: Delays experienced by AET teachers of the Northern Cape Province
|
|
|
||
Month Affected |
Date salary paid |
Actual calendar days delay |
||
April 2015 |
30 June 2015 |
61 days |
248 AET teachers paid stipends |
45.5 days |
May 2015 |
30 June 2015 |
30 days |
||
June 2015 |
30 June 2015 |
0 days |
In the Northern Cape and North West provinces, delays were experienced with the payment of stipends in April and May 2015 mainly because the appointment of AET teachers who are paid stipends could not be performed programmatically. AET teachers had to be uploaded manually onto the DHET’s PERSAL system. The stipends for April and May 2015 were paid on 30 June 2015 as supplementary payments together with stipends for June 2015. There have been no delays experienced with the payment of stipends since June 2015.
Table 3: Delays experienced by AET teachers of the North-West Province
|
|
|
||
Month Affected |
Date salary paid |
Actual calendar days delay |
||
April 2015 |
30 June 2015 |
61 days |
1 340 AET teachers paid stipends |
45.5 days |
May 2015 |
30 June 2015 |
30 days |
||
June 2015 |
30 June 2015 |
0 days |
With regard to the stipends in the Northern Cape and the North-West Provinces the stipends will run automatically every month as fixed amounts per month have been loaded.
Table 4: Delays experienced by AET teachers of the Western Cape Province
|
|
|
||
Month Affected |
Date salary paid |
Actual calendar days delay |
||
April 2015 |
22 June 2015 |
53 days |
400 AET teachers paid on a claim system |
37.5 days |
May 2015 |
22 June 2015 |
22 days |
The reason for delay is the late submission of claim forms to the DHET by the PED. The payment of claims received from the Western Cape is up to date with exception of approximately forty-nine problematic cases which involve officials working in Community Learning Centres (CLCs) that are above the age as prescribed by the Public Service Act, 1994 or have taken severance packages during 1998 and 2001 and were only allowed to work for one (1) continuous year, or were previously dismissed from service. Such cases have been discussed with the Management of the Western Cape and contracts for these officials will end on 31 December 2015.
Table 5: Delays experienced by AET teachers of KwaZulu-Natal Province
|
|
|
||
Month Affected |
Date salary paid |
Actual calendar days delay |
||
April 2015 |
22 July 2015 |
83 days |
542 AET teachers paid on a claim system |
47.5 days |
May 2015 |
28 July 2015 |
58 days |
||
June 2015 |
2 September 2015 |
64 days |
||
July 2015 |
30 September 2015 |
61 days |
||
August 2015 |
Claims not yet received |
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province used the claim system to pay AET teachers. As explained in my response to question 1, a claim is not a salary and in the case of KZN, these are extra-ordinary appointments because most of the AET teachers are already appointed as full-time teachers by the KZN PED. In order for any claim to be processed, the DHET has to verify the claim through the Centre Manager, the Regional Manager and the Vocational and Continuing Education and Training Programme Manager. The claims for April and May 2015 were submitted late in June 2015 by the KZN PED. DHET officials worked overtime to first appoint AET teachers onto the DHET PERSAL system and then verify claims and ultimately process payment of claims.
It should also be noted that for the claims method of payment, AET teachers who were transferred from PEDs had to be first appointed onto the PERSAL system before the claims could be processed. There are still cases whereby relevant documentation for appointment is still outstanding and on-going communication is taking place with the KZN Regional Office to rectify this, hence, payments for these claims are still outstanding. This delay affects approximately 542 AET teachers for the period between April and July 2015. These are mainstream teachers who have not completed and submitted the necessary Human Resources Management and Administration (HRMA) mandate documentation. This is due to the fact that they believed it is unnecessary as they are already employed full-time by the KZN PED. Such officials are being assisted by HRMA and the Acting Community Education and Training College Principal to complete and submit documentation for their appointment, processing and payment of their claims.
Other causes of the delays in the payment of claims in KZN is the non-appointment of AET teachers or non-payment of claims because of instances of negligence and/or irregularities in the forms that are submitted to the DHET for loading appointments and processing of payments. For most of the 542 outstanding cases, the DHET has not effected appointments or processed claims as doing so would be in contravention of the prescripts of both the PSA and the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (PFMA). Such cases include instances where:
- Documentation submitted to the DHET was incorrectly completed;
- AET teachers have not submitted original documents required to upload their appointment;
- An AET teacher signs as both the Claimant and Centre Manager on his/her own claim forms;
- Discrepancies are found between the hours claimed and the actual hours worked;
- The hours claimed far exceed the maximum hours the teacher is allowed to work per month;
- Information provided is not correct and relevant to the applicable officials, i.e. incorrect identity document numbers and PERSAL number were used; and
- Some documents submitted are not signed by the necessary delegated officials and incorrect calculations are made on the forms.
(c) There are no bridging funds that were provided as the PFMA does not allow for such.
(d) The DHET has not received any reports of teachers having been evicted from their homes.
2) No, there are no outstanding salary payments but there are outstanding payments of claims. The DHET is liaising with the Regional Offices to ensure that correct documentation, which are correctly and accurately completed, is submitted to enable uploading of appointments and processing of payments. The DHET is in the process of paying claims received on an on-going basis. Queries are received through the Rapid Response Team and escalated to the relevant managers for a solution.
Compiler/contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 3209 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
15 September 2015 - NW3392
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, with reference to the court order issued by the Grahamstown High Court on 17 December 2014 (details furnished), the open post bulletins ordered by the court to be published have been gazetted: if not, (a) why not and (b) what alternative mechanisms (i) were and (ii) are now being used to ensure the filling of vacant posts, particularly Post Level 1 vacancies; if so, what are the relevant details of the (aa) bulletins and (bb) educators appointed as a result of each bulletin? NW4051E
Reply:
(aa) and (bb) The following table provides details of all open bullet ins issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Education in 2015 for each of the rank categories
Province: Eastern Cape |
||||
Vacancies |
Nr |
Date of Vacancy List |
Date for filling |
Nr Posts filled End of July 2015 |
Principal |
Vol 2/2015(305 posts) Vol 4/2015( 190 posts) |
24 March 2015 |
1 July 2015 |
66 |
DP |
Vol 1/20 15(292 posts) |
3 Feb 2015 |
1 May 2015 |
270 |
HoD |
Vol 1/2015(980 posts) |
3 Feb2015 |
1 May 2015 |
967 |
PL1 |
Critical PL1 vacancies (338 posts advertised) |
28 Aug 2015 |
1 November |
Closing date on |
Source: ECDOE Report, August 2015
15 September 2015 - NW3397
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)With reference to her reply to question 2976 on 24 August 2015, what (a) was the budget amount for materials and stationery for the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) are the estimated costs ofmaterial and stationery for the (i) 2015-16 and (ii) 2016-17 financial years in respect of each (aa) province and (bb) district; (2) in respect of each province, how many volunteers for the Kha Ri Gude centres (a) received a stipend from her department for the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) are expected to receive a stipend in the (i) 2015-16 and (ii) 2016-17 financial years?
Reply:
1. (a)(b) The following table (columns 2, 3 and 4) indicates the amounts spent on materials and stationery for the 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years. Columns 5 and 6 indicate the estimated costs for the 2015/16 and 216/17 financial years.
The Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign is managed nationally by the Department of Basic Education and hence all material and stationery is purchased nationally for the entire campaign. Information is therefore provided per province only as it is not available per district.
2. (a)(b) Columns 2, 3 and 4 in the table below indicate the actual number of volunteers who were employed on short term contracts on the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign and received a stipend in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Column 6 and 7 in the table indicates the target number of volunteers for 2015 and 2016 to be employed on short term contracts on the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign based on the Census 2011 and the available budget.
|
2012 Actual Volunteers |
2013 Actual Volunteers |
2014 Actual Volunteers |
Target volunteers 2015 |
Target volunteers 2016 |
Eastern Cape |
10140 |
10055 |
6985 |
2608 |
2608 |
Free State |
3436 |
3284 |
2713 |
348 |
348 |
Gauteng |
5705 |
5847 |
7820 |
1687 |
1687 |
KwaZulu Natal |
9294 |
9120 |
9040 |
8957 |
8957 |
Mpumalanga |
3484 |
3477 |
5640 |
6128 |
6128 |
Northern Cape |
521 |
918 |
1346 |
1660 |
1660 |
Limpopo |
6793 |
7126 |
7474 |
7812 |
7812 |
North West |
2229 |
2328 |
3017 |
5573 |
5573 |
Western Cape |
1005 |
1093 |
1512 |
2213 |
2213 |
Total |
42607 |
43248 |
45547 |
36986 |
36986 |
15 September 2015 - NW1787
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the President of the Republic
(1) On which exact dates did he visit the Russian Federation in May 2015? (2) (a) how many government officials accompanied him on the specified visit, (b) what are the names of all non-government employees and persons who accompanied him on the specified visit and (c) what was the total cost of (i) flights, (ii) accommodation, (iii) travel within the Russian Federation and/or (iv) entertainment of the entire delegation during the specified visit?
Reply:
The visit to the Russian Federation was on 08-09 May 2015. Seventy-nine (79) officials from the Presidency and other departments accompanied me. Air travel costs incurred by the Department of International Relations and cooperation and the Presidency amounted to R179 124.93, while the accommodation of the entire delegation costed R627 630.54. Ground transport costs were R149 893.67.
15 September 2015 - NW3367
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
What is the current status of young scientists participating at different meetings of the Academy of Sciences of South Africa related to science policy? (2) How many young scientists have participated in the meetings related to science policy in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years?”
Reply:
- Since 2010, the Academy engages on average at least 100 young scientists in its various activities throughout the year (except in 2013 when ASSAf did not host a Young Scientists’ Conference).
Young scientists are engaged through the following:
-
- The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and its various activities;
- The ASSAf annual Young Scientists’ Conference;
- Workshops, conferences and lectures that the Academy hosts;
- Nominations to attend regional and international inter-academy network meetings;
- Serve on ASSAf standing committees (health, poverty reduction, science education);
- Serve on study panels - The Academy undertakes to ensure that young scientists are engaged within study panels and/or the convening activities that inform the products of the Academy; and
- The organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World.
2. The following is an indication of the number of young scientists who participated in meetings during the specified financial years:
- 2012/13: 263 (includes young scientists’ conference, nomination to IAMP and IAP meetings, and SAYAS membership);
- 2013/14: 35 (Lindau Laureate, IAP, IAMP, SAYAS and service on ASSAf activities – there was no YSC in 2013); and
- 2014/15: 130 (Lindau Laureate, IAP, IAMP, SAYAS, service on ASSAf activities, YSC, OWSD fellowship holders).
The drop in numbers can be explained by the fact that there has been much more focus on quality of work for participation in the Young Scientists’ Conference rather than a focus on increasing the number of participants.
15 September 2015 - NW3313
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Transport:
Whether the Government has effective measures in place to ensure that fatalities and serious injuries on the road as a result of crashes (details furnished) are declining substantially and progressively on a year-on year basis, if, so by what number and percentage were serious injuries and accidents declining on our roads annually during the period 30 June 2010 to 30 June 2015? Year Fatal Crashes Percentage Increase/ Decrease Fatalities Percentage Increase/ Decrease 2010 10 837 13 967 2011 11 228 3,61% 13 954 -0,09% 2012 10 977 -2,24% 13 528 -3,05% 2013 10 170 -7,35% 11 844 -12,45% 2014 10 367 1,94% 12 702 7,24% Figures for 2015 are still being compiled and this will be followed by quality assurance. These figures will be available at the end of the calendar year.
Reply:
The Government is implementing a 365 days road safety plan to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. Through the implementation of this plan, which includes road safety education, law enforcement, road engineering and evaluation we have seen a progressive year-on-year decline in road fatalities.
Year |
Fatal Crashes |
Percentage Increase/ Decrease |
Fatalities |
Percentage Increase/ Decrease |
2010 |
10 837 |
13 967 |
||
2011 |
11 228 |
3,61% |
13 954 |
-0,09% |
2012 |
10 977 |
-2,24% |
13 528 |
-3,05% |
2013 |
10 170 |
-7,35% |
11 844 |
-12,45% |
2014 |
10 367 |
1,94% |
12 702 |
7,24% |
Figures for 2015 are still being compiled and this will be followed by quality assurance. These figures will be available at the end of the calendar year.
15 September 2015 - NW3243
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Has the Chief Executive Officer and/or the board of the Construction Education Training Authority received any petitions signed by staff members since 1 January 2013; if so, (a) what was the content of each petition and (b) how many staff members signed each petition; (2) did any of these petitions make allegations of corruption against a certain official (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) how many petitions made such allegations, (b) have the allegations been investigated and (c) has the specified official been suspended pending the outcome; (3) have any members of staff of CETA been (a) disciplined, (b) suspended or (c) dismissed for alleged disciplinary offences related to the petitions?
Reply:
- The Chief Executive Officer and/or the Board of the Construction Education Training Authority did not receive any petitions signed by staff members since 1 January 2013.
- and (3) Not applicable.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 3243 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
15 September 2015 - NW3326
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
(a) (i)What total amount did her department spend on her travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did she undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for her in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) (a) (i) What total amount did her department spend on the Deputy Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did the Deputy Minister undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for the Deputy Minister in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) and Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year?.
Reply:
- Total amount spent by the department on the Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in 2014-15 financial year;
a |
b |
aa |
bb |
||
i |
ii |
i |
ii |
||
R236 919,46 |
21 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2. Total amount spent by the department on the Deputy Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in 2014-15 financial year?.
a |
b |
aa |
bb |
||
i |
ii |
i |
ii |
||
R236 919,46 |
21 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
15 September 2015 - NW3122
Maimane, Mr MA to ask the President of the Republic
1. Is he aware of the report into the Madibeng Local Municipality water crisis that was put together by the Department of Water and Sanitation, which estimates that between 15 to 20 municipalities are faced with severe water shortages and collapsing water infrastructure; 2. What special projects is (a) he or (b) his Cabinet Ministers undertaking to mitigate the water crisis facing the (i) specified municipality and (ii) various municipalities faced with a water supply system collapse as identified by the Department of Water and Sanitation’s report; 3. Has he, in co-operation with the Department of Water and Sanitation, commissioned any academic studies into the economic impact of recent prolonged water shortages in urban municipal areas such as (a) Johannesburg, (b) Ekhuruleni, (c) Madibeng and others; if not, why not; if so, what are the findings of these studies?
Reply:
Departments prepare and commission many investigations in the course of executing their sector responsibilities and mandates and not all of these reports are brought to my attention. The Outcome of these reports and investigations is however used by Departments to develop specific intervention programmes where appropriate.
In the Case of Madibeng, this Municipality has been placed under Administration, with effect from 23 March 2015, by the Provincial Government in terms of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa with regard to the Water and Sanitation Functions of the Municipality. The key reasons for placing the Municipality under administration with regard to these services is due to:
- Poor water and sanitation services which often result in water supply disruptions and poor water quality;
- Poor maintenance and operations of water and sanitation infrastructure;
- Uneven provision of services to communities; and
- Project delays due to prolonged processes and possible fraud and corruption.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Provincial Government of North West to implement a programmatic intervention which is addressing the reasons for the intervention.
The Departments of Water and Sanitation and Co-operative Governance have developed and are implementing support programmes and interventions as part of the Back to Basics programme for prioritized municipalities across the country facing water and sanitation shortages and infrastructure disruptions. These support programmes also take into account the outcomes from the Municipal Strategic Self-assessment System (MuSSA), the Blue and Green Drop Assessments as well as the diagnostic reports conducted by the Provinces.
Reporting on progress and monitoring of the interventions is done through the CoGTA MINMEC, the Implementation Forum for Outcome 9 and the InterMinisterial Committee on Basic Services.
2. SUCCESSES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND INTERVENTIONS
The following progress has been made
- Makana;
- Water supply has been stabilized and Grahamstown is now receiving water on a continuous basis. There is currently no disruption to educational institutions. The success has been largely due to the deployment of Amatola Water and support from the Department of Water Affairs in the Province;
- Key interventions have been made to restore the supply of electrical, which has enhanced the capacity of pump stations; the refurbishment of raw water rising main; the restoration of plant capacity; and reduction and control of water losses.
- A five year “turnaround plan/road map” was finalized following the Water and Sanitation Summit held in March 2015;
- Madibeng,
- We have reinstated the water supply systems in Majakaneng which had not been working for eight years, through a very successful community based leak detection and repair programme under the management of Magalies Water;
- The programme is now be rolled out to the broader Madibeng Municipality;
- Twelve Water Forums have been established;
- Good progress has been made to increase of the capacity and optimization of the Brits Water Treatment works;
- A business plan has been finalized for the implementation of the five year “turnaround plan/road map”;
- Ngaka Modiri Molema
- Sedibeng Water has taken over the operations of the former Botshelo Water Board and will support the retail services in Mahikeng for the next five years;
- We have seen the reduction of the water tanker services through the repair and reinstatement of infrastructure;
- A business plan has been finalized for the implementation of the five year “turnaround plan/road map”;
In addition to these specific actions a Programme Management Office (PMO) has been established by the Department of Cooperative Governance, coordinated by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency to specifically address the ongoing water and sanitation problems in the 27 identified Priority District Municipalities. A pipeline of projects is currently being compiled by the PMO for Amatola (EC) and Umzinyathi (KZN) District Municipalities. Bojanala and Sekhukhune District Municipalities will be addressed next.
3. The Department of Water and Sanitation is not specifically commissioning studies to determine the economic impact of prolonged water shortages) in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Madibeng. It is however closely monitoring the state of non-revenue water (and water losses) in these Water Services Authorities (WSAs), and the economic impact this has, and to see whether the WSAs are meeting their water conservation and demand management targets, which have set by the Department.
The Department also (annually) monitors the vulnerability of all WSA nationally through Municipal Strategic Self Assessments, and is currently developing Municipal Priority Actions with these WSAs, based on the outcomes of the assessments, which feed into the WSA Water Service Development Plans, Integrated Development Plans, and Service Delivery Business Improvement Plans, to ensure that the identified areas of extreme and high vulnerability are addressed.
The above findings are available on the Water Services Knowledge System which is accessible on the website of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
14 September 2015 - NW2975
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)(a) In respect of each (i) province and (ii) district, (aa) how many and (bb) what percentage of Grade 10 learners in public ordinary schools are targeted to study mathematics in the (aaa) 2015, (bbb) 2016, (ccc) 2020 and (ddd) 2030 academic years and (b) what are the relevant details of her plans to achieve her targets of mathematics uptake for the Further Education and Training (FET) phase; (2) in respect of each province, (a) how many FET phase mathematics teachers will be required in public ordinary schools for the specified academic years, (b) how many FET phase teachers are currently employed in public ordinary schools teaching FET phase mathematics and (c) what are the relevant details of her plans to achieve her targets for FET phase mathematics teachers?
Reply:
(1)(a)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(aaa)(bbb)(ccc)(ddd) 50% of learners in Grade 10 in 2015 are expected to offer Mathematics while 60% of learners in 2016 is expected to offer Mathematics in Grade 10 in 2016. For these two cohorts, their targets were calculated based on the actual number of learners in Grades 9 and Grade 8 for 2015 and 2016 respectively. The same formula was used on actual figures for Grade 4 learners released in 2014, to set the target for 2020. 4% of learners was added to the 2020 target to establish the target for 2030. The data released by the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) for 2014 learners’ enrolments was used to formulate the targets.
Province |
Actual No learners in Grade 9 in 2014 |
Actual No learners in Grade 8 in 2014 |
Actual No learners in Grade 4 in 2014 |
Target for Grade 10 learners for 2015 |
Target for Grade 10 learners for 2016 |
Target for Grade 10 learners for 2020 |
Target for Grade 10 learners for 2030 |
EC |
137744 |
133581 |
157243 |
68872 |
80149 |
86484 |
89943 |
FS |
65456 |
47326 |
57458 |
32728 |
28396 |
31602 |
32866 |
GP |
153074 |
142693 |
164011 |
76537 |
85616 |
90206 |
93814 |
KZN |
222267 |
218781 |
221758 |
111134 |
131269 |
121967 |
126846 |
LP |
178040 |
113336 |
125977 |
89020 |
68002 |
69287 |
72059 |
MP |
82106 |
84508 |
83712 |
41053 |
50705 |
46042 |
47884 |
NC |
22623 |
23026 |
25360 |
11312 |
13816 |
13948 |
14506 |
NW |
67746 |
59030 |
69413 |
33873 |
35418 |
38177 |
39704 |
WC |
82993 |
75517 |
90587 |
41497 |
45310 |
49823 |
51816 |
|
1012049 |
897798 |
995519 |
506026 |
538681 |
547536 |
569438 |
(1)(b) The Department of Basic Education has a three year plan to train teachers who are offering Mathematics in Grade 10 in 2015, Grade 11 in 2016 and Grade 12 in 2017. The training is focusing on capacitating teachers on the Mathematics content as a whole. The aim is to cover all topics which are taught at a particular Grade.
This process is building teachers’ confidence in delivering quality content to the learners. Teachers are more encouraged to solve more problems on their own. New skills and techniques to solve mathematical problems are dealt with.
Follow up in-house support is also given by subject advisors and trainers themselves, to see if the skills sets acquired during the training are being utilised.
(2)(a)(b) As was indicated previously, the Department is currently engaged in a project to profile the qualifications of all teachers including what they are qualified to teach, and what they are actually teaching. The information is critical, not only for the determination and management of current teacher utilisation, but also for future planning for demand and supply. Once the information on the current provisioning levels has been finalised and verified, more accurate future projections that will take into account, among other factors, the current provisioning, will be made. Furthermore, this will enable the Department to determine targets for provisioning.
(2)(c)It should be noted that simplified projections on the needs can be calculated based on the number of learners and an ideal class size (currently and projected). However, such projections will be less accurate, given the other factors such as teaching across phases and grades and actual class size that affect the actual provisioning of teachers.
14 September 2015 - NW3234
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
(1)What is the current situation with reference to the retention of human resources within the Human Sciences Research Council; (2) What attempts has she and her department made to ensure that (a) staff is adequately remunerated, (b) working conditions are improved and (c) policies are established to support and facilitate human capital development?”
Reply:
(1) There is currently a problem with staff retention, specifically at Executive level.
(2) a) The HSRC periodically undertakes a remunerative review, which
benchmarks salary packages with similar entities within the Science system and universities. The next exercise will be undertaken in 2016.
b) A climate survey, commissioned by the HSRC Board will be undertaken in the third quarter of the current financial year to assess the satisfaction of staff relative to remuneration and working conditions. Recommendations from this survey will inform the revision of any related policies.
c) A human resources strategy, accompanied by a number of recruitment, retention and talent management strategies is being developed.
8/3/1
14 September 2015 - NW3248
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) When (a) did her department commence with the review of the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996, and the admissions policy and (b) will the specified review be finalised : (2) will the specified review be (a) in line with the promulgated Policy on Screening. Identification, Assessment and Support and (b) tabled in the National Assembly for approval?
Reply:
(1) (a) and (b)The Minister appointed a task team to review all education legislation including the South African Schools Act, 84 of 1996. The task team commenced on 24 February 2013 and concluded its work on 30 October 2014. On the basis of the work of the task team, the Department then drafted a Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, together with the Memorandum on the Objects of the Bill .The Bill must still go through the internal consultation processes before it can be published for public comment.
The review of the admission policy commenced in June last year and was concluded in May of this year. The amendments must be subjected to a Socio Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS). This is a new requirement that was introduced by the Presidency this year for all new legislation and policies as well as amendments to legislation and policies.
(2) (a) The review took into account all related policy developments.
(b) We foresee that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill will be submitted to Parliament towards the middle of next year.
14 September 2015 - NW3028
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to Raeleng Middle Secondary School in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, (a) why was norms and standards funding cut by almost 50%, (b) was the school notified (i) in time and (ii) in writing of the reasons why the specified funding was decreased and (c) what measures are put in place to ensure that this school will in future receive their full norms and standards funding?
Reply:
The Limpopo Department of Education provided the response as follows:
(a) The norms and standards funding was reduced due to funding constraints. The budget was insufficient to cover the national norm.
(b) Schools were notified around 25 May 2015.
(c) The Limpopo Department of Education is working on the funding of schools as a priority; the intention is to work towards funding schools according to the National Target amounts.
14 September 2015 - NW3249
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)When did her department implement the National Norms and Standards for the Distribution of Resources within an Inclusive Education System; (2) how will the specified system address the needs of learners with special education needs and disabilities; (3) which stakeholders were consulted in the development of the specified system; (4) when will the policy document pertaining to the specified system be tabled in the National Assembly for approval?
Reply:
- The Draft National Norms and Standards for the Distribution of Resources within an Inclusive Education System is still at the internal consultation stage within the Department of Basic Education, and has not yet been approved for publication for public comment.
- The draft proposals are aimed at increasing access to education and support on an equitable basis for all learners with special education needs and disabilities;
- At this stage, the draft proposal has been consulted with Provincial Co-ordinators of Inclusive Education representatives of teacher unions and School Governing Body Associations.
- Once the policy has been completed, it will be promulgated in terms of the National Education Policy Act (NEPA Act). The final policy that has been determined by the Minister must, in terms of section 7 of the NEPA, Act be tabled in Parliament within 21 days after notice of such determination has appeared in the gazette.
14 September 2015 - NW3238
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Is the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) experiencing difficulties in attracting donors and/ or funding; if so, (a) to what extent and (b) what influence does it have on the research agenda; (2) What portion of the total funds available to the HSRC is sourced from the (a) private sector and (b) government; (3) Do the private sector dictate the research agenda of the HSRC; if so, how?” FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NO (3238) DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (04 SEPTEMBER 2015) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 32-2015) “ Ms JF Terblanche (DA)to ask the Minister of Science and Technology: (1)Is the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) experiencing difficulties in attracting donors and/ or funding; if so, (a) to what extent and (b) what influence does it have on the research agenda; (2)What portion of the total funds available to the HSRC is sourced from the (a) private sector and (b) government; (3)Do the private sector dictate the research agenda of the HSRC; if so, how?” (3238) REPLY: (1)a) In the previous year (2014/15), as opposed to the previous two years, the HSRC has experienced difficulty in reaching its financial targets. These targets are particularly subject to changes in funder research imperatives and demands. b) The HSRC is guided by its mandate as articulated in the HSRC Act, as well as national government priorities when deciding the research agenda for a year. A process of consultation is undertaken with stakeholders as well as the HSRC Board annually where the strategic focus of research is agreed upon. (2)Aside from the Parliamentary grant and international funders (including international government agencies), the HSRC also receives funding from: a) Local Private sector funders – R4 197 000 b) Other Government Departments/Agencies – R48 114 000 No, the private sector does not dictate the research agenda of the HSRC.
Reply:
(1) a) In the previous year (2014/15), as opposed to the previous two years, the HSRC has experienced difficulty in reaching its financial targets. These targets are particularly subject to changes in funder research imperatives and demands.
b) The HSRC is guided by its mandate as articulated in the HSRC Act, as well
as national government priorities when deciding the research agenda for a year. A process of consultation is undertaken with stakeholders as well as the HSRC Board annually where the strategic focus of research is agreed upon.
(2) Aside from the Parliamentary grant and international funders (including international government agencies), the HSRC also receives funding from:
a) Local Private sector funders – R4 197 000
b) Other Government Departments/Agencies – R48 114 000
(3) No, the private sector does not dictate the research agenda of the HSRC.
14 September 2015 - NW3032
James, Ms LV to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to the presentation by her department to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on 28 July 2015, focusing on Kha Ri Gude which used the 2001 Census statistics, has her department compared its outcomes with the latest census statistics released in 2011; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department did use the census statistics released in 2011 in planning for the future years.
As indicated in the table below, the National Census of October 2011 indicates that South Africa is now at a 8.62% illiteracy rate compared to the 17.9% illiteracy rate of 2001. This will ensure the fulfillment of the Dakar Agreement which arose from the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, in April 2000 to reduce illiteracy by 50%.
2001 |
2011 |
|||
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
|
No education |
4 567 498 |
17.90 |
2 665 874 |
8.62 |
Some primary |
4 083 742 |
16.00 |
3 790 134 |
12.26 |
Completed Primary |
1 623 467 |
6.40 |
1 413 895 |
4.57 |
Some secondary |
7 846 125 |
30.80 |
10 481 577 |
33.9 |
Matric |
5 200 602 |
20.40 |
8 919 608 |
28.85 |
Higher |
2 151 226 |
8.40 |
3 644 617 |
11.79 |
Source: Stats SA, Census 2011 results (Highest level of education for individuals aged 20 years and above)
When taking into account the outcomes of the National Census of October 2011 in respect of the provincial illiteracy rate, the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign adjusted the provincial targets for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
This meant that the resources and activities of the Campaign will decrease in some provinces and increase in other provinces to address the provincial illiteracy rate.
The table below indicates the remaining target according to the Census 2011:
Province |
2011 Census (aged 15 years and above) |
2012 Campaign (Enrolled) |
2013 Campaign (Enrolled) |
2014 Campaign (Enrolled) |
Remaining target according to Census 2011 |
1-Eastern Cape |
384 104 |
129 999 |
114 647 |
61 419 |
78 039 |
2-Free State |
117 105 |
49 834 |
45 601 |
24 519 |
-2 849 |
3-Gauteng |
307 102 |
86 402 |
87 497 |
79 239 |
53 964 |
4-KwaZulu-Natal |
633 050 |
129 357 |
119 886 |
92 627 |
291 180 |
5-Mpumalanga |
504 396 |
50 894 |
47 761 |
48 162 |
357 579 |
6-Northern Cape |
329 949 |
8 785 |
14 098 |
11 526 |
295 540 |
7-Limpopo |
252 966 |
97 164 |
90 283 |
67 542 |
-2 023 |
8-North West |
78 100 |
32 685 |
32 157 |
27 932 |
-14 674 |
9-Western Cape |
104 648 |
15 044 |
14 434 |
16 539 |
58 631 |
Total |
2 711 420 |
600 164 |
566 364 |
429 505 |
1 115 387 |
The following table shows the number of learners reached to date (2008 – 2014) and the targets for 2015 and 2016 in order to achieve the 50% target based on the 2001 census data.
Province |
2008-2014 (Enrolled) |
Target learners in 2015 |
Target learners in 2016 |
Number of illiterates learners reached |
1-Eastern Cape |
835 722 |
40 199 |
40 198 |
916 119 |
2-Free State |
294 873 |
5 428 |
5 427 |
305 728 |
3-Gauteng |
538 703 |
26 782 |
26 781 |
592 266 |
4-KwaZulu-Natal |
826 179 |
139 868 |
139 868 |
1 105 915 |
5-Mpumalanga |
341 596 |
92 010 |
92 010 |
525 616 |
6-Northern Cape |
95 592 |
21 894 |
21 893 |
139 379 |
7-Limpopo |
605 562 |
125 261 |
125 260 |
856 083 |
8-North West |
225 033 |
80 621 |
80 620 |
386 274 |
9-Western Cape |
99 368 |
29 659 |
29 658 |
158 685 |
Total |
3 862 628 |
561 722 |
561 715 |
4 986 065 |
14 September 2015 - NW3190
Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to his replies to questions 340 and 1292 on 8 April 2015 and 6 May 2015 respectively, whether the National Treasury has concluded the assessment of the (a) financial costs, (b) financial implications and/or (c) economic implications of (i) the nuclear build programme and (ii) the nuclear build programme compared to any other specified alternative energy generation option(s); if not, why not in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each specified case?
Reply:
National Treasury is currently assessing the relative financial costs, financial implications, and economic implications of a nuclear build programme with the Department of Energy. The recommendations are expected to be submitted to Cabinet once this work has been concluded.
14 September 2015 - NW3246
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) number and (b) percentage of Funza Lushaka bursars graduate (i) within the prescribed minimum period for their course of study and (ii) at all in respect of each university and each year of initial enrolment in (aa) 2007, (bb) 2008, (cc) 2009, (dd) 2010 and (ee) 2011?
Reply:
Preliminary data from the Implementation Evaluation of the Funza Lushaka bursary programme indicates the number and percentage of sampled Funza Lushaka bursars that graduated within the prescribed period for their course of study at university between 2007 and 2012:
Programme |
Time Taken |
Number |
Percentage |
BEd |
More than Minimum Time |
296 |
19% |
Minimum Time |
1265 |
81% |
|
PGCE |
More than Minimum Time |
109 |
51% |
Minimum Time |
106 |
49% |
Kindly note that the first intake of Funza Lushaka bursary holders was in 2007. It is expected that students will complete a Bachelor of Education degree within four years. Completing the course within the minimum prescribed period can therefore not be disaggregated by year from 2007-2011.
14 September 2015 - NW3029
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What (a) is the purpose of norms and standards funds paid to schools and (b) criteria were used to determine the amount paid to every school; (2) (a) when are norms and standard funds transferred to schools, (b) who has the authority to decrease the norms and standards funds payable to schools and (c) what criteria are to be used when norms and standards are changed?
Reply:
(1) (a) According to paragraph 95 of the National Norms and Standards for School Funding, 2006 (NNSSF), the school allocations are intended to cover non-personnel recurrent items and small capital items required by the school as well as normal repairs and maintenance to all the physical infrastructure of the school. Schools can, therefore, use their allocations to pay for Learner and Teacher Support Material (e.g. textbooks and stationery), day-to-day maintenance of the school grounds and buildings, as well as for services provided to the school (e.g. municipal services and maintenance of equipment).
(b) The amount of funding allocated to a school is determined by its quintile classification, the provincial allocation amount per learner for the relevant quintile and the number of learners enrolled in the school.
(2) (a) Paragraph 121A of the NNSSF determines that Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) must make transfer payments to public ordinary schools on or before 15 May, and on or before 15 November each year.
(b) Each PED determines the amount it is able to make available for the school allocation, as part of their overall education budgetary process. Paragraph 114 of the NNSSF determines that each PED must, as part of its ongoing MTEF budgeting process, calculate the school allocation budget implied by the national targets, and compare this amount to the actual school allocation budget amount available in the MTEF budgets. Approval of the education budget, including the level of the provincial school allocation and whether it is increased or decreased, is done by the Member of the Executive Council for Education in the province.
(c) The national target amounts for the school allocation are annually adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index. When Provincial Education Departments adjust their norms and standards allocation to schools they are guided by these nationally determined target amounts, as well as the budgets they can afford to make available. An individual school’s indicative allocation may also be adjusted if there is a significant change in the number of learners enrolled at the school when the final allocation amount is determined.
14 September 2015 - NW3031
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department’s data on the Learner Unit Record Information and Tracking System includes information of learners at (a) Setotolwane Secondary School for the Deaf and Blind in Mashashane, Limpopo, and (b) Lebaka Primary School in Mohlabaneng, Limpopo; if so, what are the relevant details of all learners in respect of each specified school?
Reply:
(a) Setotolwane Secondary School for the Deaf and Blind in Mashashane, Limpopo, and (b) Lebaka Primary School in Mohlabaneng, Limpopo; if so, what are the relevant details of all learners in respect of each specified school?
Table 1: Number of learners in Setotolwane Secondary School, by disability and gender, in 2015
Province |
Emis Number |
Institution Name |
Street Address |
Gender |
Disability |
||
BLIND |
DEAF |
Total |
|||||
Limpopo |
922223479 |
SETOTOLWANE SECONDARY |
SETOTOLWANE; NEWLANDS; MASHAHANE DISTRICT |
Female |
35 |
66 |
101 |
Male |
43 |
105 |
148 |
||||
Total |
78 |
171 |
249 |
Source: LURITS 2015: 1st quarter upload
Table 2: Number of learners in Lebaka primary Schools, by gender, in 2015
Province |
Emis Number |
Institution Name |
Institution Type |
Gender |
Number Learner |
Disability |
Limpopo |
918520511 |
LEBAKA PRIMARY |
Ordinary School |
Female |
470 |
None |
Male |
458 |
None |
||||
Total |
928 |
None |
Source: LURITS 2015: 1st quarter upload
14 September 2015 - NW3404
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to her reply to question 2976 on 24 August 2015, in respect of each province and district, what is the total number of (a) blind and (b) deaf learners that attended classes at the Kha Ri Gude centres who (i) are now literate, (ii) have passed their relevant exams and (iii) are now being used as volunteers to teach at the specified centres?
Reply:
(a) and (b) The table below indicates the number of Blind and Deaf learners who registered and completed the Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign from 2008 to 2014.
i) Blind learners received literacy and numeracy classes to enable them to read and write using Braille. Deaf Learners received literacy and numeracy classes to enable them to read and write using Sign Language.
ii) Blind and Deaf Learners complete a Learner Assessment Portfolio (LAP) which is moderated and verified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and then entered on the National Learner Records Database (NLRD).
LEARNERS |
BLIND |
|
DEAF |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
||||||||||||
PROVINCES |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
TOTAL |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
TOTAL |
|
EASTERN CAPE |
2269 |
26 |
142 |
188 |
280 |
366 |
394 |
3665 |
1087 |
51 |
101 |
118 |
173 |
127 |
96 |
1751 |
5418 |
FREE STATE |
887 |
|
34 |
59 |
134 |
214 |
230 |
1558 |
264 |
215 |
331 |
469 |
652 |
455 |
205 |
2591 |
4149 |
GAUTENG |
1465 |
22 |
56 |
53 |
86 |
103 |
115 |
1900 |
324 |
74 |
29 |
11 |
44 |
123 |
70 |
675 |
2575 |
KWAZULU NATAL |
2471 |
60 |
118 |
176 |
235 |
448 |
482 |
3990 |
540 |
56 |
26 |
19 |
162 |
192 |
146 |
1141 |
5134 |
MPUMALANGA |
919 |
36 |
46 |
51 |
72 |
135 |
183 |
1442 |
239 |
136 |
117 |
124 |
78 |
147 |
98 |
939 |
2381 |
NORTHERN CAPE |
76 |
3 |
5 |
13 |
|
19 |
3 |
119 |
35 |
48 |
5 |
|
104 |
|
|
192 |
311 |
LIMPOPO |
691 |
35 |
144 |
177 |
209 |
372 |
400 |
2028 |
258 |
42 |
23 |
|
106 |
263 |
290 |
982 |
3010 |
NORTH WEST |
705 |
44 |
43 |
88 |
143 |
281 |
231 |
1535 |
264 |
42 |
58 |
67 |
98 |
53 |
32 |
614 |
2149 |
WESTERN CAPE |
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
25 |
22 |
139 |
65 |
73 |
144 |
130 |
147 |
720 |
772 |
GRAND TOTAL |
9535 |
226 |
588 |
805 |
1159 |
1938 |
2038 |
16289 |
3033 |
803 |
755 |
881 |
1561 |
1490 |
1084 |
9607 |
25896 |
(iii) The table below indicates the number of learners (2008 -2013) who registered and completed the 8 months of Kha Ri Gude lessons in Braille or Sign Language and were then registered as volunteers to teach new learners.
This is only possible for the disability sector as many of the learners were once sighted and able to hear but lost their hearing and sight due to various reasons. These individuals are often educated with matric and sometimes post graduate degrees. They then become illiterate and require lessons in Braille and Sign Language which they are then able to teach to other learners.
Blind and Deaf Learners who became VE's in the subsequent years |
|
|
TOTAL |
Eastern Cape |
|
Blind |
59 |
Deaf |
24 |
KZN |
|
Blind |
60 |
Deaf |
12 |
Western Cape |
|
Blind |
0 |
Deaf |
12 |
Northern Cape |
|
Blind |
0 |
Deaf |
0 |
Gauteng |
|
Blind |
14 |
Deaf |
5 |
North West |
|
Blind |
31 |
Deaf |
9 |
Mpumalanga |
|
Blind |
7 |
Deaf |
19 |
Limpopo |
|
Blind |
27 |
Deaf |
12 |
Free State |
|
Blind |
8 |
Deaf |
68 |
14 September 2015 - NW3182
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What precautions has her department taken with the writing of the record examinations and final examinations of this year’s matriculants in case load shedding takes place at the schools and/or examination halls during this time; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
Load shedding, will in the main, affect the writing of Computer Application Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) practical examinations, where computers are used. In the management of examinations in previous years, power outages have been factored into the planning so as to ensure that no candidate is affected. The Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) have established contact with the regional managers of Eskom, and a request has been made for load shedding to be suspended on the days on which these practical examinations are administered during the Trial Examinations and the Final November examinations. In addition, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) will communicate with the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Eskom, to impress on him the need to suspend load shedding on the two days on which the Final Practical Examinations are written in CAT and IT. However, should load shedding occur, the Department has a protocol in place to cater for power outages which entails the following:
a) Candidates must be quarantined for the duration of the load shedding and the examination may resume when the electricity is restored;
b) Should the electricity not be restored in a period of two hours, the examination session is terminated and the examination must be re-scheduled; and
c) The DBE has set a back-up paper for these two practical examinations, and the examination will be re-scheduled for schools that may experience load shedding.
2. All schools are aware of the protocol relating to load shedding or power outages. This has been communicated via an official circular to all schools. In addition, the Department will convene a media briefing prior to the commencement of the final examination and this will be reiterated at this briefing.
14 September 2015 - NW3236
Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
(1)Are there measures that are put in place to protect the reputation of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in order to ensure that evidence-based output remains independent and authoritative in all spheres; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) What additional steps is the HSRC taking to preserve its autonomy
Reply:
(1) Yes. The HSRC’s approved Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan (2015/16, page 26) makes reference to the key risk of “undue donor/funder influence on the research agenda and pressure to secure income” as a key risk affecting its research programme.
The HSRC depends on a combination of government funding (through its Parliamentary Grant) and external income (in the research context, secured through competitive tender processes, contracts and grants). An over-dependence on a source of funding does carry the risk of potential influence by funders in terms of the issues addressed or not addressed through research, and the way in which research findings are presented.
The following measures are listed as mitigating the above-mentioned risk (ibid.):
- “Engagement between the Board and/or executive team and DST, with a view to securing an additional increase in the parliamentary grant – specifically for innovative research;
- Commitment to science prescripts, whereby the HSRC’s work is defined by the rules of science, rather than political allegiance;
- Broadening the funding portfolio through a concerted effort by the executive team, with Business Development’s support towards expanding HSRC sources of funding to EU countries and possibly East Asia.”
(2) The HSRC has very clear mandated objectives as outlined in its founding legislation, the Human Sciences Research Council Act, Act 17 of 2008. These mandated objectives serve as an enabling framework but also as a source of reference when research opportunities and requests are considered.
When opportunities to undertake externally-funded research are considered, the conditions set by potential funders are considered before a decision is made to respond to that opportunity, or not. The HSRC’s legal department also provides a vetting service for research contracts and will help to safeguard the autonomy as well as intellectual property of the HSRC.
Governance structures of the HSRC benefit from the involvement of independent experts. This does not only refer to statutory structures such as the HSRC Board and its subcommittees, but also to committees such as the HSRC Research Ethics Committee and HSRC Press Board whose Chairpersons and several of the expert members are employed outside the HSRC. At the same time, internal members are also experts in their own right, adding value to discussions and review of submitted documents.
The HSRC places great value on the independent review of research outputs. Researchers are strongly encouraged to publish research in internationally recognised, peer reviewed journals. Other outputs, such as policy briefs and book publications, are also externally reviewed before they are published.
14 September 2015 - NW3038
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) Which districts in each province have converted schools for children with special educational needs to resource centres, (b) what are the names of the specified schools, (c) what is the enrolment number in each school, (d) how many educators have been appointed in each specified school and (e) how many support staff such as (i) therapists, (ii) school sisters and/or nurses, (iii) administrative staff, (iv) janitors, (v) general assistants and (vi) class aids have been appointed in each specified school?
Reply:
The information about:
(a) The districts that have converted schools for children with special educational needs to resource centres;
(b) Names of the resource centres;
(c) Enrolment in each school; and
(d) The number of:
i) (Therapists;
ii) School sisters/or nurses;
iii) Administrative staff;
iv) Janitors;
v) General assistants; as well as
vi) Class assistants appointed at each school are all provided in the annexure.
ANNEXURE A
Statistics required in questions (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Sources:
- The statistics on enrolment have been made available by Provincial EMIS Directorates from the 2014 Annual Special School Survey
- Statistics on Staffing has been made available by Provincial Human Resource Planning and Inclusive Education Directorates.
Province |
|
Names of Resource Centres |
Learner Enrolment |
Number of Educators Appointed |
(e)(i) Number of Therapists appointed (Specify) |
(e)(ii) Number of Professional Nurses/Number of Staff Nurses |
(e)(iii) Number of Administrative Staff |
(e)(iv) Number of Security Staff (Janitor) |
(e)(v) Number of General Assistants (School) |
(e)(vi) Number of General Assistants (Hostel) |
(e)(vii) Number of Class Aids |
EC |
Port Elizabeth |
Cape Recife |
Information to be provided by EMIS |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Information to be provided by HR Planning |
Port Elizabeth |
Merryvale |
||||||||||
Port Elizabeth |
Quest |
||||||||||
Port Elizabeth |
Reubin Birin |
||||||||||
Port Elizabeth |
Khanyisa PE |
||||||||||
Qumbu |
Tsolo |
||||||||||
Mbizana |
Zamokuhle |
||||||||||
Mthatha |
Ikhwezi Lokusa |
||||||||||
Mbizana |
Vukuzenzele |
||||||||||
Mbizana |
Nompulanga |
||||||||||
East London |
Vukuhambe |
||||||||||
FS |
Thabo Mofutsanyana |
Maluti Hoogland |
379 |
34 |
03 |
01 |
04 |
0 |
18 |
10 |
03 |
Motheo |
Martie du Plessis |
527 |
42 |
20 |
01 |
03 |
06 |
11 |
09 |
06 |
|
Thabo Mofutsanyana |
Thiboloha |
364 |
49 |
01 |
01 |
02 |
06 |
30 |
43 |
26 |
|
Motheo |
Tswellang |
297 |
30 |
13 |
03 |
03 |
04 |
10 |
08 |
10 |
|
GT |
Ekurhuleni North |
Con Amore Belvedere |
339 736 |
24 47 |
07 08 |
01 0 |
03 03 |
To be provided by HR Planning |
03 04 |
0 |
05 0 |
Ekurhuleni South |
Ezibeleni Isipho Sethu |
262 626 |
21 44 |
03 05 |
02 0 |
03 03 |
03 04 |
03 |
05 0 |
||
Gauteng East |
Phelang Muriel Brand |
387 495 |
28 37 |
03 09 |
01 01 |
02 03 |
02 03 |
03 |
04 06 |
||
Gauteng North |
Sizanani |
264 |
22 |
0 |
01 |
02 |
02 |
03 |
02 |
||
Gauteng West |
Itumeleng Wesrand |
257 320 |
21 24 |
06 08 |
0 01 |
02 03 |
02 03 |
03 |
0 05 |
||
Jhb Central |
Phillip Kushlick Don Mattera |
451 185 |
37 18 |
13 03 |
01 01 |
03 02 |
04 03 |
04 0 |
|||
Jhb East |
Nokuthula Gresswold |
341 841 |
24 51 |
06 07 |
01 0 |
03 04 |
03 04 |
03 |
06 0 |
||
Jhb North |
Delta Park Randburg |
567 176 |
46 18 |
13 02 |
01 01 |
03 02 |
03 02 |
02 |
0 03 |
||
Jhb South |
Jiswa MC Karbhai |
522 422 |
40 37 |
06 04 |
01 01 |
03 03 |
03 03 |
03 |
07 07 |
||
Jhb West |
Roodepark Sizwile |
765 355 |
48 33 |
04 04 |
0 01 |
03 03 |
03 02 |
03 |
0 07 |
||
Sedibeng East |
Krugerlaan |
629 |
45 |
02 |
0 |
03 |
03 |
02 |
0 |
||
Sedibeng West |
Thabo Vuyo |
420 |
39 |
06 |
01 |
02 |
03 |
04 |
|||
Tshwane North |
Dominican Prospectus Novus |
681 404 |
49 40 |
07 07 |
02 01 |
04 03 |
03 03 |
04 |
12 0 |
||
Tshwane South |
Unica Via Nova |
149 551 |
21 44 |
06 12 |
01 02 |
03 03 |
02 03 |
03 |
08 06 |
||
Tshwane West |
Reinotswe Pretoria School for CP |
237 481 |
21 43 |
02 11 |
01 02 |
02 04 |
03 04 |
01 12 |
|||
KZN |
Umkhanyakude |
Khulani |
288 |
14 |
00 |
00 |
03 |
02 |
02 |
04 |
02 |
Uthungulu |
Thuthukani |
356 |
21 |
04 |
02 |
04 |
01 |
07 |
00 |
08 |
|
Zululand |
Zamimpilo Inkanyiso |
105 399 |
06 37 |
02 03 |
00 01 |
01 01 |
02 02 |
02 05 |
00 04 |
02 02 |
|
Amajuba |
Vumanisabelo YWCA |
491 461 |
38 28 |
00 00 |
00 00 |
01 01 |
02 02 |
05 04 |
05 00 |
04 08 |
|
Uthukela |
Inkanyezi |
428 |
31 |
02 |
00 |
01 |
02 |
04 |
00 |
09 |
|
Umzinyathi |
Pro Nobis |
260 |
23 |
03 |
00 |
01 |
02 |
02 |
00 |
17 |
|
Ilembe |
Stanger |
223 |
25 |
02 |
00 |
01 |
02 |
04 |
04 |
05 |
|
Umgungundlovu |
Open Gate |
271 |
20 |
02 |
01 |
02 |
02 |
24 |
00 |
09 |
|
Sisonke |
Daniel Mzamo Vulekani |
301 251 |
13 |
00 |
00 |
00 |
02 |
06 |
04 |
09 |
|
Ugu |
Schola Amoris |
259 |
24 |
00 |
00 |
01 |
02 |
03 |
00 |
08 |
|
Pinetown |
Khalipha Tongaat The Browns |
269 157 366 |
13 07 34 |
01 00 14 |
00 00 01 |
01 01 03 |
02 01 02 |
05 04 05 |
05 02 07 |
00 10 02 |
|
Umlazi |
St Raphaels Open Air |
235 307 |
23 16 |
08 02 |
01 01 |
01 02 |
02 02 |
02 14 |
00 04 |
05 08 |
|
LP |
No information available |
||||||||||
MPU |
Bohlabela |
Estralita Special School |
222 |
22 |
1 (Occupational therapist) 1 Professional nurse |
1 |
1 |
PRIVATELY PAID (2/SHIFT) |
1 |
16 House-hold Super-visors and General Assistants |
18 |
Gert Sibande |
Jim van Tonder school |
547 |
39 |
1 Occupational Therapist |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
24 |
0 |
|
Ehlanzeni |
Kamagugu Inclusive |
336 |
28 |
3 (2 x Occupational Therapist & 1 x Social Worker) |
0 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
6 |
|
Nkangala |
Pelonolo |
85 |
9 |
1 Professional nurse |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
|
NC |
Frances Baard |
Boitumelo |
0 |
01 |
1 |
0 |
|||||
Elizabeth Conradie |
381 |
43 |
0 |
2-Prof Nurses 2-Auxilliary Nurses |
3 |
0 |
20 |
6 |
0 |
||
Kimberley Training Centre |
105 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
||
Re Tlameleng |
169 |
22 |
0 |
1-Auxilliary Nurse |
1 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
1 |
||
NW |
Bojanala |
Kutlwanong |
323 |
42 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
Meerhof |
262 |
35 |
3- OT 1-Physio 1-Speech |
1 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
17 |
15 |
||
Kenneth Kaunda |
Ikalafeng |
294 |
25 |
2-OT |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
11 |
|
Janie Schneider |
134 |
13 |
1-OT 1-Seech |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
12 |
||
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati |
MM Sebitloane |
237 |
17 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Temoso |
127 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
||
Ngaka Modiri Molema |
Tlamelang |
182 |
23 |
1-Physio |
1 |
3 |
7 |
3 |
45 |
10 |
|
Retlametswe |
155 |
12 |
1-Physio |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
7 |
||
WC |
South |
Agapeskool |
208 |
18 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
Overberg |
Agulhas School Of Skills |
175 |
17 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
0 |
|
Central |
Astra Skool |
249 |
23 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
18 |
0 |
|
North |
Athlone Skool Vir Blindes |
313 |
43 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
19 |
11 |
|
South |
Blouvlei Skool |
163 |
14 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
|
North |
Carel Du Toit Sentrum. |
156 |
16 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Eden & Central Karoo |
Carpe Diem Skool |
266 |
25 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
3 |
|
North |
Chere Botha Skool |
228 |
19 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
Cape Winelands |
De La Bat-Skool |
172 |
25 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
20 |
2 |
|
Eden & Central Karoo |
Eljada-Kairos Skool |
231 |
26 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
31 |
9 |
|
North |
Filia Skool |
171 |
15 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
|
East |
Jan Kriel-Skool |
496 |
46 |
13 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
6 |
38 |
17 |
|
West Coast |
Karitas Skool |
150 |
12 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
Cape Winelands |
Langerugskool |
123 |
11 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
|
Central |
Mary Harding Skool |
261 |
23 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
13 |
11 |
|
East |
Mitchell's Plain School Of Skills |
431 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
East |
Noluthando Sch. For The Deaf |
306 |
34 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
||
West Coast |
Paarl-Skool C |
334 |
31 |
7 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
13 |
4 |
|
East |
Riebeeck Valley Special School |
237 |
21 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
20 |
3 |
|
North |
Rusthof Skool |
152 |
13 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
6 |
|
Central |
Tafelbergskool |
349 |
31 |
9 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Central |
Tembaletu |
179 |
21 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
|
Central |
Vera-School |
137 |
19 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
16 |
10 |
|
West Coast |
Vista Nova-School |
418 |
40 |
11 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
|
Weskus Spesiale Skool |
324 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
19 |
0 |
14 September 2015 - NW3191
Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the National Treasury has modelled the impact on the economy of the (a) nuclear build programme and (b) the nuclear build programme compared to any other specified alternative energy generation option(s); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each specified case?
Reply:
National Treasury is assessing the economic impact of a nuclear build on the economy, as well as alternative scenarios provided for in the Integrated Energy Plan. This work is currently not finalised yet, as there is an interactive process underway with the Department of Energy on the scale of the programme and possible financing / procuring scenarios that have a bearing on the modeling work and its results. The recommendations from this work are expected to be submitted to Cabinet as soon as the work is completed.
14 September 2015 - NW3030
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)With reference to the Getting the Nation to Read Campaign (a) who are the members on the steering committee of the 1 000 libraries project and (b) what expertise does each specified member possess which is relevant to libraries and reading; (2) what (a) are the contents of each trolley to be delivered and (b) is the cost of each trolley; (3) who was awarded the contract for the delivery of trolleys to schools?
Reply:
(1) With reference to the Getting the Nation to Read Campaign (a) who are the members on the steering committee of the 1 000 libraries project and (b) what expertise does each specified member possess which is relevant to libraries and reading;
- (a) The team is led by the Deputy Director General (DDG) for Teacher and Professional Development.
(b) In addition to the Senior Managers who support the DDG: Teacher and Professional Development, an official with extensive knowledge and experience of school libraries was appointed on contract for the project.
(2) What (a) are the contents of each trolley to be delivered and (b) is the cost of each trolley;
(a) Each trolley library contains 250 library books in English, 250 library books in IsiZulu, teacher resources on CD and DVD, a television and a DVD player.
(b) Each trolley, with its resources, costs R17 000.
(3) Who was awarded the contract for the delivery of trolleys to schools?
EBMS Trading cc. was awarded the contract to deliver the trolley libraries.
14 September 2015 - NW2784
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether he is considering any plans whereby private and public pension funds will be compelled to invest more money in development projects; if not, whether any consideration will be given to this in the future; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, I am not considering any plans whereby we compel private or public pension funds how to invest. The key point to note is that it is the trustees of a pension fund who have to determine the investment strategy for a pension fund, taking into account its assets and liabilities, and the need for long-term growth. All that government does is to provide a broad framework to protect members of retirement funds, by reducing risks to their funds, like concentration risks when investing (refer to maximum investment limits in Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act (1956)), poor governance practices or high and opaque charges.
Since 2011 when Regulation 28 was revised, trustees of retirement funds now have to consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles before determining their investment policies and strategies. The principle is meant to encourage retirement funds to actively consider investments that might be of a developmental or infrastructural nature, without compromising returns in the long-term. Indeed, in the aggregate, retirement funds already have significant exposure to Government and State Owned Companies’ bonds, which, by their nature are developmental. In 2014, for example, 32 percent of Government issued bonds, excluding state owned company bonds, were held by local retirement funds (Budget Review 2015). Furthermore, according to the South African Reserve Bank’s Quarterly Bulletin March 2015, about 37.1 percent of total retirement fund assets are invested in public sector bonds (Government, state companies, and local government).
The nature of retirement funds means that they should invest for the long term. This implies that they do not necessarily have to be compelled to realise this long term objective to provide decent retirement savings for their members. Further, retirement funds, through their trustees, are in the best position to assess the retirement needs of their members and to decide how best to achieve this through various investment and asset-liability matching approaches. The National Treasury is also engaging with various stakeholders to unlock any funding bottlenecks for infrastructure projects and enable an environment which will facilitate more investment in public infrastructure.
14 September 2015 - NW3239
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
(1)What is the current status of the maintenance and upgrade of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) building in Pretoria; (2) Does the Pretoria HSRC building comply with the requirements set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993; if not why not; (3) Did her department request infrastructure funding from the National Treasury; if not; if so, what was the outcome?
Reply:
(1) The HSRC has a plan for the maintenance and upgrade of the building. Financial constraints, however, limit the capacity to effect the full-scale implementation of the plan. Attention is given to the most urgent needs on a priority basis.
(2) Yes, the HSRC is compliant with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
(3) Yes, funding submissions for infrastructure have been submitted via the Department of Science and Technology annually since 2009. None of these submissions have been successful.
14 September 2015 - NW3138
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What is the rationale for only giving Funza Lushaka bursaries for teacher training to students who have a third language or for giving preference to students who are doing an African language at the Foundation Phase training level, (b) is his department aware that this de facto, although not de jure, excludes most so-called coloured, Indian and white students from the specified bursaries regardless of their financial circumstances, particularly those who attend colleges which do not offer African languages and (c) how many students from so-called coloured, Indian, white and black backgrounds respectively have received Funza Lushaka bursaries at each level of training in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014?
Reply:
a) The Funza Lushaka Bursary programme does not have a specific focus on students who have a third language. However, the bursary programme does give preference to students who will be able to teach in an African Language in the Foundation Phase. The rationale for this is teacher supply and demand statistics of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) that corroborate the shortage of Foundation Phase teachers and emphasise the importance of recruiting Foundation Phase teachers who are trained to teach in an African Indigenous Language. More teachers who teach in African Indigenous Languages are needed to promote mother tongue instruction at the Foundation Phase level (DBE & DHET, 2011), particularly in light of the Initial Introduction of African Languages Policy. A report released by the Centre for Development and Enterprise (March 2015) also highlights the shortage of new teacher graduates in the Foundation Phase, whose mother tongue is an indigenous African Language.
b) No. The Funza Lushaka Bursary programme aims to attract academically deserving, suitable South African students, including Afrikaans and English speaking students, to become competent teachers in identified priority, scarce skills subjects and phases.
c)(i) (ii) (iii) and (iv) The table below reflects the number of bursaries awarded by race:
Year |
African |
Coloured |
Indian |
White |
Not Indicated |
Total |
2010 |
5 806 |
1 267 |
326 |
2 573 |
101 |
10 073 |
2011 |
4 955 |
1 124 |
298 |
2 242 |
6 |
8 625 |
2012 |
6 988 |
1 553 |
345 |
2 722 |
10 |
11 618 |
2013 |
9 170 |
1 723 |
407 |
2 971 |
29 |
14 300 |
2014 |
9 639 |
1 632 |
368 |
2 692 |
18 |
14 349 |
Source: Funza Lushaka Awards Data
14 September 2015 - NW3026
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Can the norms and standards funds be used to pay the salaries of (a) educators and (b) other staff members; if so, what amount from the funds was used to pay the specified salaries in each province?
Reply:
(a) (b)
Paragraph 99 of the National Norms and Standards for School Funding, 2006 (NNSSF) determines that the school allocation may not be used to cover the cost of personnel and new buildings. The norms and standards funds should, therefore, not be used by schools to pay for salaries of educators or other staff members. According to paragraph 95 of the NNSSF, the school allocations are intended to cover non-personnel recurrent items and small capital items required by the school, as well as normal repairs and maintenance to the physical infrastructure of the school. Schools should therefore use their allocations to pay for items such as Learner and Teacher Support Material (e.g. textbooks and stationery), day-to-day maintenance of the school grounds and buildings, and services provided to the school (e.g. municipal services and maintenance of equipment).
14 September 2015 - NW3403
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) With reference to her reply to question 2976 on 24 August 2015, in respect of each province, (a) what amount did volunteers for the Kha Ri Gude centres receive on average in stipends in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and {b) was the maximum amount received in stipends by an individual volunteer in the {i) 2012-13, {ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years; (2) In respect of each province, (a) how many individuals on average did each volunteer for the specified centers train for the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) what was the lowest number of individuals trained by an individual volunteer in the {i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years? NW4063E
Reply:
Find here: Response
12 September 2015 - NW3653
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Has the enquiry set up by her department into the train crash that occurred in Denver, in Johannesburg, on 28 April 2015, been concluded; if so, what were the (a) findings of the specified enquiry and (b) costs associated with the damage arising from the specified incident;(2) have any of the recommendations arising from the specified enquiry been implemented to date? (2) have any of the recommendations arising from the specified enquiry been implemented to date? NW4319E
Reply:
RSR RESPONSE
1 a) The Board of Enquiry set up into the train accident at Denver Station has concluded its work. The main finding of the Board of Enquiry is that the driver of the Express Train passed the 'signal at danger', and rear ended train number 0600 that was stationery at Denver train station.
b) The cost of the damage is R22 million.
2. PRASA has started implementing the recommendations of the Board of Enquiry, in order to prevent a recurrence of an incident of a similar nature.
11 September 2015 - NW3309
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1)(a)(i) What total amount did The Presidency spend on his travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did he undertake in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did The Presidency spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for him in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) (a)(i) what total amount did The Presidency spend on the Deputy Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did the Deputy Minister undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did The Presidency spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for him in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year?
Reply:
I wish to refer the Honourable Member to the unqualified Annual Report (2014/2015) and audited clean Financial Statements of my department that were tabled in Parliament on 2 September 2015 and published in the ATC of 7 September 2015, wherein travel costs are reflected under the item ‘Travel and Subsistence’.
In regard to accommodation, I wish to remind the Honourable Member that accommodation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers in Cape Town and Gauteng is provided through the Department of Public Works.
11 September 2015 - NW3143
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)(a) When was a certain company (name furnished) appointed to manage the Masimong 4 Estate in Welkom and (b) what is the (i) duration of the contract awarded, (ii) value of the contract awarded to the company and (iii) exact nature of the services expected from the contract; (2) whether the management of the estate will be transferred to either the (a) Free State provincial Department of Human Settlements or (b) Matjhabeng Local Municipality; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) when will the transfer take place and (ii) what are the motivating reasons for the delay in the transfer?
Reply:
(1) (a) The appointment of the company referred to in the question, as the property manager of Masimong 4 Estate emanated from the Tripartite Agreement which was concluded in November 2010 by Matjhabeng Local Municipality, the Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Harmony Gold Mining Company.
(b) (i) The contracted period was for two (2) years. During this period it was agreed that the Matjhabeng Local Municipality Human Settlements functionaries will work with the company to allow transfer property management skills between the two parties.
(ii) The appointed company was to be paid for services for management of the Masimong Estate, from a portion of the rentals collected every month and this amounted to R 35 000 – 00 per month.
(iii) The appointed company provides management services which included:
Administrative and Management Functions:
Keeping of records of all documentation including; application forms; lease agreements; individual files for each tenant; orientation/capacitation of tenants.
Technical and Infrastructural Services:
Making arrangements and co-ordinating the provision of Municipal Services; initialising of municipal utility accounts for all tenants; maintain and repair breakages to the units; reactive and planned maintenance of the units.
Maintenance and cleaning services:
General maintenance of complex grounds and gardens; facilitate the collection of waste and refuse removal; management of the dedicated refuse areas.
Financial services:
Issuing of monthly invoices and statements; issuing of payment reminder letters; delivery of monthly invoices and statements; receipt of payments from tenants; reconciliation of tenant accounts, coordination with municipal departments in respect of water meter readings; payment for services; discontinuation of services; evictions.
(2) (a) The management of Masimong 4 Estate in terms of the Community Residential Units (CRU) Programme guidelines be transferred to Matjhabeng Local Municipality as the lawful owner. The Municipality may choose to manage Masimong 4 Estate internally or may choose to outsource the property management.
(b) The Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements is currently rendering support to Matjhabeng Local Municipality in order to ensure that:
- Masimong 4 Estate is well managed and governed:
- Matjhabeng Local Municipality Human Settlements officials gain property management skills from the caretaker entity that will, with the concurrence of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, manage the property for two to three years whilst transferring skills to the said officials; and
- The government investment in Masimong 4 Estate is protected and serves the purpose for which it was developed.
(i) In a period of two to three years the Matjhabeng Local Municipality Human Settlements Officials shall have gained sufficient property management skills, to allow the Municipality to opt to manage Masimong 4 Estate internally or to outsource the property management.
(ii) During Masimong 4 Project Steering Committee meetings, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality representatives informed the Committee that they do not have the capacity to manage a property portfolio the size of Masimong 4 and that the Municipality would rather outsource this function. It is on that basis that a clause in the Tripartite Agreement was inserted to make provision for the outsourcing of Masimong Estate for two (2) years after its completion whilst Municipal Human Settlements officials underwent training hence the Free State Department of Human Settlements, in an effort to protect the investment made in Masimong 4 Estate opted to assist the municipality, by appointing a property management company to manage the Estate and at the same time ensure the capacitation of Municipal Human Settlements Officials in property management skills.
The matter was then delayed by the residents of Masimong 4 Estate who opposed payment of rentals and appointment of the property management company.
11 September 2015 - NW3302
Morapela, Mr K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) (a)(i) What total amount did her department spend on her travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did she undertake between Gauteng and Cape Town in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did her department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for her in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year; (2) what is the total amount that her department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year?
Reply:
(1)(a)(i) The total amount spent on air travel between Cape Town and Pretoria is R301968.46.
(ii) 45 trips have been undertaken by the Minister between Cape Town and Pretoria.
(1)(b)(i)(aa) Total amount spent on accommodation in Pretoria is R56 687.20.
(aa)(bb) No expenditure for her residence in Pretoria as the Department is not responsible for the maintenance thereof.
2(a)(i) The total amount spent on air travel by the Deputy Minister between Cape Town and
Pretoria is R353 601.69.
(ii) 65 trips have been undertaken by the Deputy Minister between Cape Town and
Pretoria.
(b)(i) No hotel accommodation was booked for the Deputy Minister in Cape Town and Pretoria.
(ii) (aa)(bb) No expenditure was incurred for the residence of the Deputy Minister in
Pretoria and Cape Town as the Department is not responsible for the maintenance thereof.
11 September 2015 - NW2710
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether (a) she, (b) her Deputy Minister and (c) any officials in her department travelled to China in the 2014-15 financial year; if so, what was the (i) purpose of each specified visit and (ii) (aa) total cost and (bb) breakdown of such costs of each specified visit?
Reply:
The Deputy Minister and I, including officials in the department, did not travel to China in the 2014-15 financial year.
11 September 2015 - NW3197
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Were the Immigration Regulations that were introduced in 2014 assessed through the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System in his Office to (a) ensure alignment with the National Development Plan and (b) reduce the risk of unintended consequences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant findings?
Reply:
The above Bill and Regulations have not been subjected to the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIAS). SEIAS was only introduced this year after approval by Cabinet in February 2015. The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) conducted series of awareness and inductions between April and June 2015 for departments to institutionalise the SEIAS.
The implementation of SEIAS for developing or amending policies, legislations and regulations came into effect from 01 July 2015.
11 September 2015 - NW3023
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) How many prosecutions for illegal sand mining has his department initiated in each province in the (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15 financial years; (2) (a) how many convictions have been secured and (b) what are the relevant details of each specified penalty imposed; (3) has there been any rectifications performed; if not, why not; if so, (a) what rectification and (b) in which areas? (2)(a) how many convictions have been secured and (b) what are the relevant details of each specified penalty imposed; (3)has there been any rectifications performed; if not, why not; if so, (a) what rectification and (b) in which areas?NW3563E Reply (a) 2012 – 13 :- 07 Limpopo Region, 05 KwaZulu-Natal, and 01 Eastern Cape (b) 2013 – 14 :- 0 (c) 2014 – 15 :-17 Limpopo Region (2) (a) one (1) and (b) sanctions included three (3) years imprisonment suspended for five (5) years. (a)(b) Illegal miners were advised to apply for mining permits and follow up inspections were conducted.
Reply:
- (a) 2012 – 13 :- 07 Limpopo Region, 05 KwaZulu-Natal, and 01 Eastern Cape
(b) 2013 – 14 :- 0
(c) 2014 – 15 :-17 Limpopo Region
(2) (a) one (1) and (b) sanctions included three (3) years imprisonment suspended for five (5) years.
(3) (a)(b) Illegal miners were advised to apply for mining permits and follow up inspections were conducted.
11 September 2015 - NW3196
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Has the Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Bill, which is currently awaiting the President’s assent, been assessed through the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System in his Office to (a) ensure alignment with the National Development Plan and (b) reduce the risk of unintended consequences; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant findings?
Reply:
The Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Bill has not been subjected to the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIAS). SEIAS was only introduced this year after approval by Cabinet in February 2015. The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) conducted a series of awareness and inductions between April and June 2015 for departments to institutionalise the SEIAS. About 136 officials in 33 departments were trained on SEIAS application.
The implementation of SEIAS for developing or amending policies, legislations and regulations came into effect from 01 July 2015.
11 September 2015 - NW3180
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)How many (a) flight stewards/stewardesses and (b) pilots of the SA Airways have been apprehended (i) in (aa) 2011, (bb) 2012, (cc) 2013 and (dd) 2014 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2015 up until the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) (a) in which countries were the specified (i) flight stewards/stewardesses and (ii) pilots apprehended in each specified year (b) for which crimes were said persons (i) convicted or (ii) acquitted and (c) which cases have not yet been finalised; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
As the Honorable Member is most probably aware, SAA currently reports to National Treasury. The Honorable Member is thus advised to redirect her question to the Minister Finance.
11 September 2015 - NW3173
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1) How many no-go zones, where no mining activities may take place, has his department (a) approved and (b) rejected since the coming into force of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002; (2) (a) which areas have been declared as no-go zones, (b) on what date was (i) each application submitted and (ii) approval given and (c) what were the reasons for approval in each separate case; (3) (a) for which areas were such applications rejected, (b) on what date was (i) each application submitted and (ii) approved and (c) what were the reasons for the rejection in each separate case; (4) whether her department has received an application to declare the Lake Chrissie area in Mpumalanga as a no-go zone; if so, what is the status of the specified application?
Reply:
- (a) One (1)
(b) None
2. (a) Chrissiesmeer Biodiversity Site
(b) (i) 31 August 2009
(ii) 04 March 2011
(c) The national interest to protect the sensitive environment of areas around Lake Chrissie, commonly known as the Chrissiesmeer Biodiversity Site.
3. (a) (b) (i) (ii) (c) None
4. Yes, the area was declared on 04 March 2011 for a period of 3 years. The declaration has since lapsed and an application for extension was lodged with the Department and it is still under consideration.
11 September 2015 - NW2910
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether, with reference to the residents of Mamelodi West who were evicted from the hostels and placed in temporary structures since 2005, her department has any plans in place to provide the specified residents with houses; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The residents of Mamelodi West were not evicted from the hostel but relocated to temporary units in 2005 during the construction of rental units. A total of one hundred and forty eight (148) units were completed in the 2009/10 financial year after which they were handed over to the City of Tshwane for allocation to qualifying beneficiaries. Before the allocation could be commenced with, all 148 units were illegally occupied and subsequently vandalised. As a result, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements was unable to conclude the process of installing electrical distribution boxes.
The Department then requested the City of Tshwane to institute and expedite the process of evictions in order to regularise the situation at the Mamelodi West Hostel but was met with formal correspondence from the City asking them to withdraw from the said project.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the City were to embark on a socio-economic audit to establish the profile of the former hostel residents. The results of the audit would have provided information which would enable the City of Tshwane Gauteng Department of Human Settlements to distinguish which beneficiaries qualified for the rental accommodation and those who qualified for BNG houses. Beneficiaries would have been right sized to the human settlement product for which they qualified.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has also allocated funding in their business plan to undertake the process of planning for the refurbishment of these vandalised hostel units. However, until the illegal occupiers have been evicted, the Department is unable to gain access into the hostels to commence with corrective work.
11 September 2015 - NW2828
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
(1) Has her department conducted any studies into the overall economic contribution that small businesses owned by foreign nationals make to the local economy; if not, why not; if so, what results have these studies shown; (2) has her department experienced any challenges in relation to the registration of small businesses owned by foreign nationals since its establishment; if so, what (a) are these challenges and (b) measures are in place to deal with these challenges; (3) whether, since the violent xenophobic attacks that targeted many small businesses owned by foreign nationals and foreign business owners, her department has engaged with any foreign-owned small business organisations and/or diplomatic representatives from various countries; if so, what was the outcome of these engagements; (4) does her department have any plans in place to develop specific legislation to (a) regulate or (b) promote the growth of small businesses owned by foreign nationals; if so, what are the relevant details of these plans? NW3301E
Reply:
(1) The Department of Small Business Development has not conducted a study of that nature. Conducting such a study would require a process of profiling foreign nationals. As things stand, the mandate of the Department of Small Business Development does not extend to collecting and analysing small businesses’ and entrepreneurs’ demographic information according to their countries of origin.
(2) There is no legislative basis providing for the Department of Small Business Development to register informal and small businesses according to their owners’ countries of origin.
(3) Following the outbreak of incidents of violence in January 2015, I conducted a series of beneficial discussions with leaders of various foreign nationals’ communities who are resident in South Africa and whose members were affected by the recent incidents of violence.
Alongside these, on 23 January 2015, I established an inter-departmental National Task Team on Violent Incidents Associated with Local- and Foreign-owned Informal and Small Businesses that I assigned to, among others: undertake broad-based consultations with representatives of affected persons and communities, relevant communities, and business interest formations, subject matter experts from different spheres and departments of government, and academic and independent researchers.
Moreover, on 24 April 2015, I was part of President Jacob Zuma’s delegation that conducted frank and in-depth discussions with a wider representation of foreign nationals’ communities who are resident in South Africa.
In all of the above instances, government and the foreign nationals’ representatives who were in attendance committed themselves to upholding the laws of the land as well as promoting social harmony among all.
In as far as the work of the inter-departmental National Task Team on Violent Incidents Associated with Local- and Foreign-owned Informal and Small Businesses is concerned; individuals and representatives of foreign nationals’ business interest formations from different countries have made representations.
Further, the National Task Team remains accessible to all informal or small business entrepreneurs who have been affected by the recent incidents of violence, or their business interest formations, and have the need to either make submissions to or representations before it.
(4) Currently, the Department of Small Business Development does not have intentions
to specifically design legislation to regulate and promote small businesses owned by
foreign nationals who reside in South Africa.
11 September 2015 - NW3178
Esterhuizen, Mr JA to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
With regard to his department’s new regulations that call upon surface mines to enhance safety for all trackless mobile machinery apart from reducing mining accidents how (a) effective will the specified regulations be and (b) will it reduce (i) capital expenditure and (ii) the cost of maintenance?
Reply:
The trackless mobile machinery accidents are also the major contributor of fatalities, disabilities and injuries in the mining sector. In this regard, the Department has been implementing measures including reviewing the relevant legal provisions to protect the health and safety of the mineworkers.
The new regulations require the employer to ensure that pedestrians are prevented from being injured as a result of a collision between the trackless mobile machines or vehicles and persons, where there is a significant risk of such a collision.
(a) These regulations are expected to be effective and should result in decreased fatalities and injuries. The department will monitor the situation continuously.
(b) (i) and (ii)
Yes, it is envisaged that the prevention of accidents as a result of compliance to the regulations will ultimately reduce capital expenditure and cost of maintenance because there will be far less production interruptions and less money spent to repair vehicles that have collided. However the loss of life is of utmost importance and cannot be equated to costs or profit at the mine.
09 September 2015 - NW2788
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether the Government has (a) successfully prosecuted and shut down any pyramid or Ponzi scheme in the period 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2015, (b) ensured that an inspectorate was checking that all popular advertisements attracting investors had a legitimate financial service provider (FSP) number on it and acting at once against those who were advertising without an FSP number and (c) has substantially or totally reduced the proliferation of Ponzi and pyramid scams in the past year through all the means at its disposal; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? .
Reply:
(a) Yes. The Bank Supervision Department of South African Reserve Bank (BSD) has successfully shut down many Ponzi schemes both in the period 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2015 and before this period. Altogether, the BSD has investigated 40 from 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2015, of which the investigations for 30 schemes were finalised and 10 schemes are still current. It should be noted that all schemes where the investigation is finalised and that have contravened the Banks Act are referred to the South African Police Services for criminal investigations. The decision to prosecution any of operators of these schemes resides with the National Prosecuting Authority.
(b) Current financial sector laws address Ponzi and pyramid schemes in different ways, depending on which Act may be transgressed. The Reserve Bank can act against such activities if there is illegal deposit taking involved, through enforcement in terms of the Banks Act. The Financial Services Board (FSB) investigates instances of possible unregistered financial services business that might be conducted as an ancillary activity to a Ponzi scheme, or under the guise of a legitimate provider of financial services, and will take action against such contraventions in terms of the various Acts (eg Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002) enforced by the FSB. Where there are gaps in the current law, queries and complaints about Ponzi schemes made to the FSB are generally referred through to the Bank Supervision Department of the SARB and the South African Police Services: (Commercial Branch). Outside financial sector legislation, the National Consumer Commissioner (NCC) investigates certain Ponzi or pyramid schemes in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, and such queries and complaints can therefore also be referred to the NCC.
This illustrates the importance of the Twin Peaks reform currently underway (through the Financial Sector Regulation Bill), which will establish a market conduct regulator with flexible, system-wide powers that will, amongst other things, close the net on Ponzi schemes. Under this law, Ponzi schemes may be directly “prohibited” which means that the activity itself can lead to investigation and prosecution by the new Financial Sector Conduct Authority, rather than the current situation where a combination of other laws are required to indirectly reach alleged Ponzi operations.
With specific reference to advertising, the FSB is, as part of its Treating Customers Fairly approach, focusing on advertising across the financial sector, to ensure that advertising is not misleading and does not promote unfair customer treatment. This increased focus on fair advertising in the financial sector will help identify instances where advertising may be promoting illegal activities. Under current legislation, action may then be taken as described above if Ponzi or pyramid schemes, are identified in this manner. Currently, the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act) requires that an entity licensed by the FSB, must contain a reference to the fact that a licence is held in advertisements and promotional material, but it is not a requirement that an advertisement should reflect an FSP number. This again highlights the need for the Twin Peaks reform, to ensure that activities cannot fall outside of regulation. Currently, supervising advertising standards generally, rather than for FSP numbers specifically would better identify Ponzi schemes.
(c) Yes, action has been taken to counter instances of Ponzi and pyramid schemes. At this stage, the regulators in the financial sector are only able to take reactive action once such activities have been operating, and in some cases action are taken on ancillary aspects of Ponzi and pyramid schemes, such as, unregistered financial services or illegal deposit taking, rather than on the activity itself being illegal.
The proposed Twin Peaks reform of financial sector legislation aims to significantly strengthen financial sector regulation, so regulators may be more proactive and prevent such activities from occurring in the first place, and ensure better customer protection. The law will be more comprehensive, and will minimise instances of financial products or services falling outside of the legislative framework. It will allow for tougher action to be taken, including banning activities like Ponzi and pyramid schemes outright, and taking direct swift and harsh enforcement action against those who contravene the banning.
09 September 2015 - NW3401
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Whether the Government has taken any concrete steps since 1 January 2010 to ensure the continued viability of South Africa’s steel industry in view of the self-evident fact that cheap imports of steel from China were putting the local steel industry under immense pressure and that the export of scrap steel was seriously exacerbating that problem; if not, (a) why not and (b) what has been the consequence of not taking any timely and concrete action; if so, (i) what steps has the Government taken in the past seven years to ensure the viability of the steel industry and (ii)(aa) to what extent and (bb) in what manner has the Government succeeded in this regard?
Reply:
(i) Government has responded in a number of ways to ensure the long-term viability of the strategic iron-ore and steel industry in SA since 2010. Therefore (a) and (b) above do not apply.
Government convened an interdepartmental task team on iron and steel (IDTT) in 2010, to develop a set of inter-related policy instruments and interventions. These included;
- A process to secure a domestically produced steel price in the lowest global quartile of steel prices, working in close collaboration with stakeholders, especially the largest domestic steel producer Arcelor-Mittal. In so doing to ensure that domestic comparative advantages at the time, especially a cost plus price for iron ore, was passed on to downstream users of steel,
- Processes to increase competition in the domestic steel industry to support the same objective,
- An intervention to curtail the unencumbered export of scrap metal to ensure security of scrap metal supply to domestic steel producers at competitive prices; prevent the associated illegal export of precious metals; limit the extent to which the associated theft of critical infrastructure such as cables was carried out and lower the carbon intensity of the economy,
- All these and other measures were designed to ensure both security of supply and competitive steel prices in support of downstream manufacturing and value addition as a competitive advantage for domestic, labour intensive manufacturing.
Arising from the work, Cabinet approved a set of recommendations made by the IDTT in December 2012. These included:
- A process led by the DMR to amend the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Development Act (MPRDA) to secure a competitive advantage for the manufacturing sector arising from South Africa’s enormous resource endowment, especially in key value chains; inclusive of iron ore and steel.
- A process led by the EDD to utilise the International Trade Administration Act to safeguard the supply of affordable scrap metal to domestic mills and curtail the abuse of export of scrap metal.
- A process to amend the Competition Act led by EDD to ensure that iron ore price concessions are indeed passed on to downstream users, and
- An Industrial Development Corporation led process to secure new steel investments to increase domestic capacity and strengthen competition in the steel sector.
(ii) (aa) and (bb) Significant progress has been secured in many of the above areas. This is despite the fact that there was, over an extended period, a sub-optimal level of cooperation from the major steel producer. This during a period which coincided with the global commodity boom, where market conditions included both high demand and high prices for steel which in turn translated into high margins and profits as well as the fact that input costs for the major steel producer were relatively low. Finally and most critically a set of circumstances which included the fact that, notwithstanding favourable market conditions, there was very little maintenance and capital investment in plant and machinery carried out by the major domestic steel producer over an extended period of time. This was a contributing factor to at least seven significant plant breakdowns of AMSA facilities across the country. These latter factors combined, clearly constituted a significant danger to the competiveness, including with respect to technology issues, of the domestic steel sector.
Notwithstanding this major constraint, progress has in fact been registered and will find reflection in significant new and collaborative approaches and platforms, which will place the sector on a firmer foundation going forward. These include the following;
- In September 2013 the Price Preference System for scrap metal was introduced, compelling all SA scrap dealers who wished to export scrap metal, to offer this firstly to local users at a pre-determined price less 20 percent. Export permits are only granted when ITAC is satisfied that there have been no offers from local users. Although this measure was widely supported, there have been challenges with the current system including resistance and circumvention by scrap dealers. Government is therefore examining options to introduce further measures to curtail the unencumbered export of scrap metal, cognisant of South Africa’s obligations under the World Trade Organisation and its bi and multi-lateral trade agreements. An announcement in this regard will be made in due course.
- Led by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) government has embarked on the Masorini Project, aimed at securing a multi-billion rand investment in a new steel production facility in SA, for both the local and regional market. The IDC has completed a pre-feasibility study and government is in discussions with a potential operating partner. The project is proceeding according to plan and the long time-lines commonly associated with a major investment of this type. The next phase in the project cycle will be to negotiate the terms and conditions for the investment, inclusive of those set out in the feasibility study, and involving technology specifications, the range of products to be produced; regulatory issues such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements and the infrastructure support required for a multi-billion investment of this nature. Further announcements will be made in this regard in due course.
- Processes have reached an advanced stage to secure a competitive iron-ore advantage for local steel producers. the dti and DMR will define the conditions for the allocation of a significant mining right which will mean that a cost plus iron-ore advantage will be ‘passed through’ the steel production process to provide a competitive price advantage to downstream manufacturers.
- Government has also registered significant progress in its efforts to address a range of issues with Arcelor-Mittal (AMSA), in the context of far less favourable steel market conditions. Government is currently negotiating an integrated set of both policy and industry reform measures that would have to be adopted to achieve the objective of a sustainable steel industry in SA, inclusive of the specific needs and interests of the small steel producers and the downstream manufacturing sectors. In this context it is important that the independence and integrity of the processes underway involving the Independent Tariff Administration Commission (ITAC) and the Competition Commission, be respected. Working within these parameters and in close collaboration with the Economic Development Department (under whose authority both institutions fall), the dti will ensure that such supply side protective and support measures are conditional on a competitive pricing policy, increased levels of maintenance and investments, a potential rebate system that will support downstream manufacturers as well as transformation and BBBEE commitments. Announcements in this regard will be made in due course.
the dti is fully cognisant of the extremely adverse conditions in the global steel market characterised mainly by significant oversupply and declining demand and which, taken together with other factors summarised above, constitute a threat to the viability of the domestic steel sector.
Therefore as a first step in the broader process set out above, I have approved the ITAC recommendation for tariff increases on certain steel product lines. In addition a number of other applications for tariff protection and anti-dumping duties are in the pipeline and will be given urgent consideration in the context of a set of conditions set out in summary above and which are the subject of urgent and on-going consultation between all the stakeholders.
09 September 2015 - NW2844
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)With reference to (a) his reply to question 2473 on 24 July 2015 in which he stated that the National Treasury will not be conducting any forensic audit at the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality at that stage as the information at hand indicated that the Office of the Public Protector was in the process of conducting an investigation at the specified municipality and that the National Treasury will await the outcome thereof and (b) a letter from the Office of the Public Protector (details furnished) which clearly indicates that the specified municipality is refusing to co-operate with the Office of the Public Protector despite giving assurances that it would, what action does he intend taking to compel the municipality to comply with the requests of the Office of the Public Protector; (2) whether he will reconsider conducting a forensic audit of the specified municipality; if not, why not?
Reply:
Please refer to my reply to PQ 2843
09 September 2015 - NW1131
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
(1) What amount did (i) her department and (ii) state entities reporting to her spend on each newspaper subscription in each month (aa) in the (aaa) 2011-12, (bbb) 2012-13 and (ccc) 2013-14 financial years and (bb) during the period l April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many copies of each newspaper were ordered on each day of the week (i) in each specified financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
(a) The amount that the Department spent on newspaper subscription in each month was as follows:
(aaa) 2011/2012: R 164 092 per month
(bbb) 2012/2013: R 186 486 per month
(CCC) 2013/2014: R 155 975 per month
(bb) 2014/2015: R 112 122 per month
(b) The number of newspapers ordered on each day of the week was as follows:
(i) 201112012: 792
2012/2013: 808
2013/2014: 762
(ii) 2014/2015: 485
Attached please find here: Table of financial years
08 September 2015 - NW2813
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether the Air Force Base Swartkop is currently being used by any members of the SA National Defence Force as an operational airbase; if so, what are (a) the reasons for this, (b) the implications for (i) staffing and (ii) command of the specified base and (c) the cost of running the specified base?
Reply:
Yes the AIR Force Base Swartkop is being used as an operational airbase by the SA National Defence Force
(a) The Air Force Base Swartkop forms part of the South African Air Force Strategy and this is to ensure the uninterrupted force preparation and force employment activities in support of the mandate of the South African National Defence Force
(b) (i) The re-alignment of existing structures and posts has taken place to ensure effective command and control of the base is centralised under one command. No additional posts are currently.
(ii) Direct command of the greater Swartkop facility will fall under the Officer Commanding Swartkop
(iii) There are no additional costs for the SAAF since the resident force structure elements continue to function with funding from the current budget in accordance with the existing projections in the MTEF.
08 September 2015 - NW3045
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)With reference to a recent United Nations Office of Internal Oversight report (details furnished) on sexual offences committed by peacekeepers, which identified members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) as amongst major offending military forces, (a) what action has been taken in this regard and (b) what metrics have been employed to measure the success of interventions; (2) what is the number of reported sexual offences committed by members of the SANDF whilst on peacekeeping missions; (3) whether any members of the SANDF have faced disciplinary action for sexual offences committed whilst on peacekeeping missions; if so, (a) how many and (b) what was the outcome of said action in each case?
Reply:
Question 1(a). The Operations Support Legal Satellite Office (OSL) receives all incidents reported to the United Nations (UN) that involves allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct against members of the SANDF. Upon receipt the OSL deploys a team to investigate such allegations and where prima facie evidence of a commission of an offence is disclosed, the necessary disciplinary action is instituted.
Question 1(b). This OSL provides monthly feedback to the UN on all pending sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) cases. It should be noted that the recent UN report highlights the fact that South Africa is the only country to do so.
Question 2. Number of reported cases: 14. All the allegations lodged at the UN were investigated. Out of the 14 reported matters in only two cases the evidence disclosed prima facie evidence. These matters were finalised and the rest of the matters were reported closed due to no prima facie evidence.
Question 3(a). Members that faced disciplinary action: 2
Question 3(b). In both cases the members were convicted by a military court
Question 4. The submissions for assignment of Regular Force members and Reserve Force members as Senior Military Judges and Military Judges in terms of Section 14 of the Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Act, Act 16 of 1999, is with the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans for consideration.
Question 5. The number of outstanding cases within the military justice system is 1 588 cases.