Questions and Replies
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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).
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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.
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 - 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 - 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
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.
08 September 2015 - NW2668
Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister of Public Works:
Does his department have sufficient capacity to maintain a rolling schedule of proactive and regular inspections to ensure that problems with facilities in its portfolio are detected and addressed on time? STRY PUBLIC WORKS REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Department of Public Works l Central Government Offices l 256 Madiba Street l Pretoria l Contact: +27 (0)12 406 2034 l +27 (0)12 406 1224 Private Bag X9155 l CAPE TOWN, 8001 l RSA 4th Floor Parliament Building l 120 Plain Street l CAPE TOWN l Tel: +27 21 468 6900 Fax: +27 21 462 4592 www.publicworks.gov.za NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: 2668 [NW3099E] INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: No. 26 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 31 JULY 2015 DATE OF REPLY: 08 SEPTEMBER 2015 Mr D J Stubbe (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works: Does his department have sufficient capacity to maintain a rolling schedule of proactive and regular inspections to ensure that problems with facilities in its portfolio are detected and addressed on time? NW3099E _________________________________________________________________ REPLY: The Minister of Public Works The State’s immovable asset portfolio consists of 99 249 buildings and other immovable assets nationally. It is not possible to inspect all the buildings on a regular basis with the current capacity of people, processes and systems. This has led to the Department’s current approach of prioritising the inspections of occupied buildings only. Currently, the Department has 33 Officials in all eleven regions that are responsible for inspections of all properties, owned and leased. In addition, the Department employs lease Portfolio Managers in the 11 regional offices, ranging from a minimum of 5 per region to 12 per region, who are also required to regularly inspect buildings which form part of their portfolio. In the 2014/15 financial year, 2 668 building inspections were conducted and 681 inspections have been conducted in quarter one of the current year 2015/16. As part of the Turnaround Plan Phase 2 - Efficiency Enhancement - the business processes, systems and Departmental structure are being updated as part of the revision of the operating model. In the revised PMTE Business Processes, which are currently in draft, and upon National Treasury’s approval of funds, this responsibility will rest with area based portfolio managers, thus increasing visibility and access to buildings nationwide. The roll out of Building Management Systems in 11 State-owned buildings over the MTEF period will also contribute largely to the better monitoring and management of State-owned facilities. The Department also plans to re-open numerous Facilities Management Workshops nationally in order to ensure rapid responses to maintenance requirements. The above mentioned initiatives along with various other planned interventions by the PMTE will ensure that the State’s immovable asset portfolio is well maintained and suitable for occupation. ____________________________________________________________________
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works
The State’s immovable asset portfolio consists of 99 249 buildings and other immovable assets nationally. It is not possible to inspect all the buildings on a regular basis with the current capacity of people, processes and systems. This has led to the Department’s current approach of prioritising the inspections of occupied buildings only.
Currently, the Department has 33 Officials in all eleven regions that are responsible for inspections of all properties, owned and leased. In addition, the Department employs lease Portfolio Managers in the 11 regional offices, ranging from a minimum of 5 per region to 12 per region, who are also required to regularly inspect buildings which form part of their portfolio.
In the 2014/15 financial year, 2 668 building inspections were conducted and 681 inspections have been conducted in quarter one of the current year 2015/16.
As part of the Turnaround Plan Phase 2 - Efficiency Enhancement - the business processes, systems and Departmental structure are being updated as part of the revision of the operating model. In the revised PMTE Business Processes, which are currently in draft, and upon National Treasury’s approval of funds, this responsibility will rest with area based portfolio managers, thus increasing visibility and access to buildings nationwide.
The roll out of Building Management Systems in 11 State-owned buildings over the MTEF period will also contribute largely to the better monitoring and management of State-owned facilities.
The Department also plans to re-open numerous Facilities Management Workshops nationally in order to ensure rapid responses to maintenance requirements.
The above mentioned initiatives along with various other planned interventions by the PMTE will ensure that the State’s immovable asset portfolio is well maintained and suitable for occupation.
____________________________________________________________________
08 September 2015 - NW2999
Matlhoko, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
With regard to the National Treasury's capital expenditure report on infrastructure that amounts to R19, 1 billion or 30.6% of the main capital budget of R62,5 billion which is a clear indication that roads are not being build, water taps are running dry and infrastructure is unattended, (a) what is the current infrastructure backlog in municipalities, in particular with regard to the infrastructure of (i) roads and (ii) water and sanitation and (b) what amount of the budget is made available for infrastructure backlogs for municipalities in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
(a) (i) According to Stats SA, in 2011 condition data was only available for 64% of the metropolitan roads network, and 80% of paved roads and 12% of gravel metropolitan roads were in a fairly good condition. Outside of the metropolitan areas, the Department of Transport indicates that road condition data is only available for approximately 4% of the municipal roads. In 2014 the South African National Roads Agency estimated the extent of the municipal roads network to be approximately 250 000 km. It estimated that R32 billion would be required to rehabilitate paved municipal roads and to re-gravel municipal roads. The cost of paving all the unpaved municipal roads is not known.
(ii) According to research carried out by the Department of Water and Sanitation, of the 1622 water supply schemes under municipal management, 9% are dysfunctional and 48% require urgent refurbishment and improved maintenance. According to the DWS 2013 Strategic Overview of the Water Sector in SA, 64% of Municipal Waste Water Treatment Works required urgent refurbishment and improved maintenance. The Department of Water and Sanitation has estimated the required national intervention cost of the backlog of municipal water infrastructure, excluding the metropolitan municipalities, to be R79 billion. The Department of Water and Sanitation has estimated the value of the backlog of sanitation infrastructure, excluding the metropolitan municipalities, to be in the order of R50 billion. Both include backlogs of a capital nature and backlogs of maintenance.
(b) The total Municipal Infrastructure Grant allocation for 2015/16 is R15 billion. This is for capital and refurbishment projects only. Municipalities are expected to fund maintenance from their own revenue and their equitable share allocation.
08 September 2015 - NW3017
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1)With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished), what is (a) meant by significant fish and wildlife habitat and (b) the anticipated negative impact on the specified habitats, in each case; and (2) what steps will her department take to ensure that mitigation measures are included in the plan?
Reply:
(1) and (2) The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW3019
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished), what steps will her department take to ensure that no water pollution takes place?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW3168
Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Whether he is aware of students who graduated but did not receive their certificates at the Motheo FET/TVET College in Thaba Nchu between 2008 and 2010; (2) has the specified matter been investigated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- There are no outstanding National Accredited Technical Diploma (NATED) Report 190/1 certificates, as these are issued within 3 months after the release of results as per the national policy.
There are however students who did not receive their National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)] certificates at the Thaba Nchu campus of Motheo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college for the period 2008 to 2010. The table below provides details on the number of outstanding NC (V) certificates:
Examination cycle |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Total |
200811 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
10 |
200903 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
200911 |
6 |
13 |
5 |
24 |
201003 |
9 |
3 |
5 |
17 |
201011 |
27 |
9 |
19 |
55 |
Total |
52 |
33 |
29 |
114 |
2) Yes. The outstanding NC(V) certificates affect all public TVET and private colleges and are due to a consolidation error on the examinations Information Technology (IT) system managed and maintained by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). Through the intervention made by my Director-General and the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, SITA has sourced additional project management and technical capacity from an outside IT service provider to eliminate the backlog and ensure that it does not recur. In accordance with the project plan tabled to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training in August 2015, all outstanding NC (V) certificates will be available at TVET college examination centres by January 2016.
The Department is intervening, on behalf of graduates being denied access to the workplace and/or higher education study programmes due to outstanding certificates, respectively in the following manner:
- Letters of verification are issued on request;
- Employers are contacted on behalf of students; and
- Higher education institutions are contacted on behalf of students.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Contact number:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 3168 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
08 September 2015 - NW2790
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether he has requested or will be requesting a seminar or bosberaad with departmental officials and private sector experts to understand the implications of the report of the International Labour Organisation released in February 2015, entitled Farm Workers’ Living and Working Conditions in South Africa: key trends, emergent issues and underlying and structural problems, and in particular to address the point that outdated assumptions and oversimplifications continue to fuel unhealthy polarisation in the perceptions and views of key players in agriculture; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) when will he make a statement regarding the failure of the Government as highlighted in the specified report?
Reply:
Although I am fully aware of the ILO study on farm workers living and working conditions in South Africa, the report that was issued in February 2015 was just a draft for input by affected stakeholders. The ILO final report on farm workers living and working conditions in South Africa was only finalized and published on 21 July 2015.
I am arranging a briefing from the International Labour Organisation on the findings of the study. Consequently, I will interact with Ministers of Labour and Rural Development and Land Reform to have an integrated approach to the recommendations of the report. We will then consult with relevant stakeholders in the agriculture sector to discuss and develop a sector action plan to address challenges addressed in the report.
08 September 2015 - NW3016
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, with regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished), all graves and/or grave yards on the specified property that are over 60 years old will be declared as a heritage site; if not, why not; (2) whether she (a) has found that all the graves older than 60 years have been identified and (b) will ensure that no graves will be damaged or destroyed during the construction phase?
Reply:
(1) and (2) The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW3018
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, (a) how many wetlands have been identified in the specified area, (b) how are these wetlands to be protected, (c) what animal species live in and around the wetlands and (d) what flora species grow in and around the wetlands?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW3136
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) How many inspections has the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) conducted at the SA Flying Training Academy in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014, (b) what were the findings of those inspections and (c) who signed off on those findings; (2) in cases where problems were identified by the CAA, (a) what recommendations were made to remedy the problems, (b) what records are there that the problems were indeed remedied, (c) who signed off on the reports of the problems and (d) what remedial action was taken?
Reply:
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
- (a)The South African Civil Aviation Authority conducted inspections at the SA Flying Training Academy in terms of two Air Operating Certificates (AOC) namely the Flight Operations Part 141 (Aviation Training Organisation) as well as the Aviation Maintenance Organisation (AMO) that maintains the fleet of the Part 141 Operations. The audits were conducted in (i) 2010 (ii) 2011 (iii) 2012 (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014. (b) listed below are a summary of the findings per year. (c) All Audit findings are signed off by an Airworthiness Review panel prior to any approval being granted.
(i) In 2010 the following audits were carried out:
In the Flight Operations Part 141 unit - one (1) audit was conducted with no findings.
In the Airworthiness General Aircraft (AMO) unit - a total of six (6) audits were conducted which included a Surveillance audit; Amendment audit and Renewal audits, (b) a total of 27 findings were identified which comprised a lack of documentation, shortage of personnel and tools. Two (2) follow up inspections were called for by the Review board.
(ii) In 2011 the following audits were carried out:
In the Flight Operations Part 141 unit – one audit was conducted with no findings.
In the Airworthiness General Aircraft (AMO) unit - a total of 17 audits and inspections were conducted including Surveillance audits; Amendment audits, Renewal audits and Aircraft Inspections, (b) a total of 34 findings were identified. The type of findings included lack of documentation, shortage of personnel and tools as well as not closing previous audit findings. On Aircraft inspections it was found that defects were not being logged or repaired.
(iii) In 2012 the following audits were carried out:
In the Flight Operations Part 141 unit – two (2) audits were conducted and two (2) findings relating to lack of management and quality control.
In the Airworthiness General Aircraft unit - a total of seven (7) audits were conducted including Surveillance audits; Amendment audits, Renewal audits and Aircraft Inspections, (b) a total of 15 findings were identified. The type of findings identified included a lack of documentation and publications, shortage of personnel and tools as well as not closing previous audit findings. On Aircraft inspections it was found that defects were not being logged or repaired. Maintenance was not recorded correctly.
(iv) In 2013 the following audits were carried out:
In the Flight Operations Part 141 unit - a total of 2 audits were conducted and seven (7) findings were identified including lack of management, documentation, publication and quality control.
In the Airworthiness General Aircraft unit – a total of six (6) audits including Surveillance audits, Amendment audits, Renewal audits and Aircraft Inspections, (b) a total of 21 findings were identified including lack of documentation, shortage of personnel and tools as well as not closing previous audit findings. On Aircraft inspections it was found that defects were not being logged or repaired. Maintenance was not recorded correctly.
(v) In 2014 The following audits were carried out:
In the Flight Operations Part 141 unit - a total of 1 audit was and 0 findings were recorded.
In the Airworthiness General Aircraft unit – a total of five (5) audits were conducted including Surveillance audits; Amendment audits, Renewal audits and Aircraft Inspections audits, (b) a total of 22 findings were identified including a lack of documentation and publications, shortage of personnel and tools as well as not closing previous audit findings. On Aircraft inspections it was found that defects were not being logged or repaired. Maintenance was not recorded correctly and a serious finding of an incorrect engine fitted to an aircraft. These can also be linked to Quality and Management control.
in cases where problems were identified by the CAA, (a) what recommendations were made to remedy the problems, (b) what records are there that the problems were indeed remedied, (c) who signed off on the reports of the problems and (d) what remedial action was taken?
(2) In cases where problems were identified by the SACAA, (a) the SACAA does not make recommendations but the following process ensues after an audit where findings are identified: the Civil Aviation Regulations requires that the operator submits a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) that outlines how and when the operator will close the identified findings. Should the SACAA be satisfied that the CAP addresses all deficiencies, they allow the operator to continue with closing the findings. If the findings are major the SACAA will schedule an ad hoc inspection to verify if the findings are closed however if the findings are regarded as minor then the SACAA will verify if they were addressed in their following annual audit. In the case of the Flight Operations Part 141 operations SAFTA didn’t present with any major findings and therefore no further action was taken. In 2010 when the AMO started up the lack of personnel was identified and follow up audits were conducted to ensure that the maintenance could be conducted on the SAFTA fleet. Throughout its existence, the same personnel shortage was noted and after each of these remedial plans were put into place to employ or contract more personnel. These contracts unfortunately didn’t last very long and the AMO suffered from a high staff turnover. In one particular case the QA manager was replaced three times in a period of 6 months. Currently they have only one certifying engineer left. In January 2015 a combined Flight Operations and Airworthiness in-depth surveillance was conducted at the facility. Seven (7) major findings and nine (9) findings were identified, which include process control and maintenance records, management responsibility and quality control, publications and documentation availability and utilisation, lack of defect rectification on aircraft. As with every audit a corrective action plan was submitted by the client to the SACAA. This action plan was found to be satisfactory in addressing identified findings.
In July 2015 surveillance was conducted on SAFTA following numerous Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MOR). During this surveillance 11 major findings and 2 findings were identified in the AMO of the SAFTA operations. These findings were similar in nature to those of the January audit but it was clear that the situation had deteriorated. As a remedial action a recommendation has been made to the enforcement department of the SACAA to suspend the operations of the AMO.
SAFTA’s Part 141 (Flight School) operations attracted 5 minor findings that will be addressed by the Instructors at the school. For the continued operations of the school, SAFTA will have to use an alternative and accredited AMO as there is no compelling evidence to close down the school.
(b) Records relating to these inspections are kept at the SACAA records management department.
(c) The reports are signed off firstly by the inspectors conducting the inspection or audit and thereafter the decision is verified by a Review Board or panel.
(d) In general the findings were similar in nature from all the inspections conducted, as required by the Promotion of Justice Act (Act 3 of 2000); approval holder was granted an opportunity to remedy the non-compliances discovered during our inspections. And this was indeed the case, however we have taken cognisance that the situation is deteriorating and we have now embarked on a much more comprehensive enforcement action against the AMO since our last inspection.
08 September 2015 - NW3208
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
In the five months since his reply to question 734 on 24 March 2015, (a) is the specified TVET college stable, (b) are all classes taking place regularly under the supervision of fully qualified staff, (c) what has happened to the (i) staff who took part in the unprotected strike and (ii) students who supported them and (d) have the activities and threats to render the specified TVET college ungovernable subsided?
Reply:
(a) Whilst the Eastcape Midlands Technical and Vocational Education and Training College (EMC) has been operating in a stable and violence-free environment since 9 March 2015, the unprotected strike continued due to delays in the disciplinary processes initiated by EMC against a number of employees.
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) National Office Bearers, Department of Higher Education and Training and EMC Council signed a settlement agreement intended to restore and improve working relations between the parties on 7 August 2015. The strike was agreed to be called off with effect from 4 September 2015.
(b) Regular classes have been conducted by appropriately qualified EMC employed lecturers and others engaged on short-term contracts via a temporary employment agency to replace striking or dismissed lecturers. The College participated in the interviews of the temporary lecturers to confirm that they were qualified as per the curriculum prescripts for the various programmes.
(c) (i) All employees, including dismissed employees who took part in the unprotected strike have been mandated to agree in writing on the settlement terms finalised on 7 August 2015 as a prerequisite to returning to work on 7 September 2015. The settlement agreement requires all employees who embarked in the unprotected strike to forfeit a month’s salary, repay any payments made to them while they were part of the unprotected strike, and accept a twelve month final written warning not to engage in any misconduct activities.
(ii) Students who participated in the strike action for a prolonged period of time have failed to meet the 80% attendance policy requirements for entry into trimester/semester final examinations. Therefore, they have been advised to deregister or return to the college in the following trimester/semester or the following year, depending on the programme for which they had registered.
(d) Not only have the activities and threats to render the specified TVET college ungovernable, subsided but it has completely stopped.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 3208 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
08 September 2015 - NW3013
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished) (a) who are the qualified specialists that conducted the specified peer review, (b) what are their qualifications, (c) for whom do they work and (d) what were the findings of the specified peer review?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
---ooOoo---
08 September 2015 - NW3110
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether all municipal managers implemented section 81 of the National Credit Act, Act 34 of 2005, regarding loan deductions from salaries of municipal employees; if not, which municipalities did not comply? NW3651E
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available in the Department. The Department has, however, engaged the Provincial Department responsible for Local Government to solicit the relevant information from municipalities. The information will be submitted to the Honourable Member as soon as it is received.
08 September 2015 - NW2792
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Whether the Government has developed or was developing a policy and funding plan to allow the country’s rural population to have access to biodigesters in order to create biogas for domestic cooking and electricity purposes as is happening in India and/or to stimulate large-scale production of purified biogas for fuel as in China; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the biogas initiatives in the country that are led by the Government and (b) how extensive is the roll-out of the specified initiatives in the country’s rural population?
Reply:
(a) What are the relevant details of the biogas initiatives in the country that are led by the Government?
The Department and the ARC completed a pilot phase of the Biodigester project in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District (Free State province) that started in June 2012 and just concluded in June 2015 as part of the mitigation and adaptation to climate variability and change in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District (Free State Province). This project was rolled-out in Thabo Mofutsanyane District with a number of beneficiaries, mainly community livestock farmers who received training and had the biodigesters equipment purchased for them.
The ultimate goal of the project was to enhance agricultural productivity by promoting the adoption of an integrated crop-livestock system that effectively mitigates, adapts to and reduces vulnerabilities to climate change. It is also aimed at introducing and encouraging agricultural practices in rural communities that have the potential of mitigating climate change and adapting to adverse effects of climate change and the use of biogas for domestic cooking and electricity purposes.
About 13 biogas digesters for generation of bio-gas for cooking and/lighting from livestock manure were installed and they are operational. The farmer training was conducted and provided an opportunity to promote renewable energies and inform farmers on the possibility of self-energy generation. Capacity building and job creation was achieved through training of the local youth on biogas digester installation. Relevant weather and climate information was distributed to farmers during the planning and implementation of their agricultural activities via sms. The findings of this pilot project will assist with the climate change adaptation and mitigation measures (in the form of strategies and/or polices) for the country.
(b) How extensive is the roll-out of the specified initiatives in the country’s rural population?
This pilot project is currently been rolled out to three Provinces namely: Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo targeting ten (10) small scale farmers per Province from the financial year 2015/16 to 2017/18. The project aims at raising awareness of climate change among different stakeholders in the agricultural community. It will promote the integrated crop-livestock production system. The beneficiaries in these provinces, mainly livestock farmers will be trained and have biodegesters purchased for them and installed.
Biogas could be used to generate a large portion of the peaking power required and thereby effect very large cost savings for the country. More funding and resources are however, needed to roll it out at a larger scale.
08 September 2015 - NW3068
Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(a) How does (i) his department and (ii) entities reporting to him define red tape and (b) what (i) specific interventions and/or (ii) systems have been implemented to (aa) identify and (bb) reduce red tape in (aaa) his department and (bbb) the entities reporting to him?
Reply:
(a) and (b) At the time of compilation, eighteen out of the twenty-six entities have responded to the question.
Name |
(ii) How do you define red tape? |
a) What specific interventions/systems that have been applied to identify red tape |
(b) What specific interventions / systems that have been implemented to reduce red tape |
|
The Department does not have its own definition of red tape. Using the conventional use of the word “red tape”, it is understood to be unnecessary delays caused by a lack or non-existence of delegations of authority to lower levels and/or too many officials having to be in the decision-making processes of an organisation. |
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Red tape is understood to be the regulations and/or rules that are considered unnecessary that hinders and delays work done as decision-making process is rather lengthy and negatively impacting stakeholders depending on the outcome and decisions of processes. |
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Defined as administrative (i.e. rules, procedures, procedures and processes) and regulatory hurdles, to achieving the original purpose, that affect or impose unnecessary delays, inaction, costs that exceed their benefits, productivity, and/or delivery (Including competitiveness). |
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The bureaucracy that results in delays in service delivery. |
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CHE does not have its own definition of red tape. |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
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Non-essential procedures, forms, reporting and regulations where cost heavily outweighs benefit and stands in the way of skills development. |
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The process undertaken to facilitate decision making without making the processes too onerous and time consuming in order to ensure efficiency and enhancing service delivery. |
The SETA developed and adopted a new business model, which resulted in the review and enhancement of business processes. |
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Red tape refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that are considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. |
None |
None |
A tedious process of decision making which has an adverse effect on the beneficiaries of the service being rendered. |
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Unnecessary and invalid / irrelevant requirements. |
Process mapping and stakeholder feedback. |
Bi-annual updates to processes and guidelines. |
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MERSETA does not have its own definition of red tape. |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
|
Lengthy policies that hinder progress of activities that need to be carried out. |
Engagement in tender processes as it takes too long to finalise a tender, ±60 days is a long process including 21 days of advertisement. |
Improved policies, that are more enabling, are being investigated. |
|
The NSF does not have a formal definition for red tape. |
The NSF implemented Project Siyaphambili aimed at improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the entity. This included a current state assessment of the NSF to identify inefficiencies throughout the organisation, taking into consideration various reviews conducted on the skills levy system and NSF specifically. |
The NSF will improve efficiencies in the organisation through the implementation of enabling technology (ERP system, document management system, monitoring technology, etc.) and through delegations of authority to a more efficient restructured organisation. Turn-around times will be monitored throughout all processes. |
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NSFAS does not have its own definition of red tape. |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
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Red tape is bottlenecks/ bureaucratic procedures that take long to achieve/ approve matters for implementation in the organisation, which inhibits performance. |
No specific intervention or system has been applied to identify red tape. |
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Needlessly time-consuming procedures. |
QCTO regularly monitors their procedures to identity areas of red tape, by reviewing the number of days allocated to process applications or requests received from stakeholders and by continually monitoring the chain of command in the processing of requests to improve turnaround time. |
Systems and processes are continuously assessed to reduce red tape. Moreover, processes are governed by policies and procedures which stipulate turnaround times for processes. These timeframes are also part of the QCTO’s key performance indicators against which the organisation is audited. |
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Unnecessary steps or procedures in our processes that client’s need to follow to access our services. |
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SAQA ensures that all unnecessary steps are eliminated from the processes. |
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Excessive rules and/or regulations which are redundant and prevent action taking place or decision-making. |
Delegations of authority are in place, which are aligned to National Treasury prescripts and promote governance per PFMA requirements. Since the body is under administration, the delegations of authority are under review. |
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It is any unnecessary and unjustifiable processes that have the effect of making it impossible for role players to achieve required goals and therefore hinder service delivery. |
An Organisational Development process has been embarked upon to analyse all processes, procedures and policies with a view to eliminating anything unnecessary and shortening anything which may be too lengthy or cumbersome, but without compromising quality and compliance. |
|
Compiler/Contact persons:
Ext:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 3068 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE:
08 September 2015 - NW2853
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2143 on 27 July 2015, a forensic investigation was not commissioned, despite the Makhado Municipal Council having resolved to conduct the specified investigation on the matter as indicated in his reply to question 338 on 12 March 2015, if not, how does he reconcile his reply to question 2143 on 27 July 2015 with the fact that the investigation was not commissioned; if so, (a) who took the decision not to commission the forensic investigation, (b) what date was the decision taken not to commission the investigation and (c) on what grounds was the decision taken not to commission the investigation?
Reply:
The Department is currently conducting further consultations with the province to establish why a forensic investigation was not commissioned as per the Council resolution. A reply on the matter will be provided once the information is available from the province.
08 September 2015 - NW3292
Matshobeni, Ms A to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture”
1.(a)(i) What total amount did his department spend on his travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in the 2014-15 financial year and (ii) how many trips did he undertake between Cape Town and Gauteng in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did his department 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 his 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 between Gauteng and Cape Town did the Deputy Minister undertake in the specified financial year and (b) what total amount did his department spend on (i) hotel and (ii) residential or other accommodation for the Deputy Minister in (aa) Cape Town and (bb) Pretoria in the 2014-15 financial year? (NW3896E) REPLY Ministers and Deputy Ministers are expected to travel between Gauteng and the Western Cape to carry out official duties, including parliamentary duties according the Parliamentary Programme. Costs incurred during the execution of the tasks outlined above are readily made available in Annual Reports which will be tabled in Parliament no later than the end of this month.
Reply:
Ministers and Deputy Ministers are expected to travel between Gauteng and the Western Cape to carry out official duties, including parliamentary duties according the Parliamentary Programme. Costs incurred during the execution of the tasks outlined above are readily made available in Annual Reports which will be tabled in Parliament no later than the end of this month. |
08 September 2015 - NW2842
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Works:
(1) With reference to his reply to question 2353 on 28 July 2015, what are the names of the lessors for each of the 17 leased properties listed on Annexure A to the reply; (2) is a certain company (name furnished) registered as a value-added tax (VAT) vendor; if not, why has his department entered into lease agreement/s with the specified company; if so, what is the VAT registration number for the specified company; (3) for what purpose does the SA Police Service (SAPS) use the 80 square metres of Fourieskraal farm; (4) what are the correct (a) street addresses and/or (b) directions to (i) the Devana Farm Trust at Durban Road and (ii) Ezakheni Park homes as there are no known streets named Durban Road or Vlak Plaats in the Emnambithi/Ladysmith municipality; (5) is the SAPS still in occupation of 43 Murchison Street; if so, (a) was the lease renewed and what (b)(i) process was followed to renew the lease and (ii) are the details of the new lease? NW3315E MINISTRY PUBLIC WORKS REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Department of Public Works l Central Government Offices l 256 Madiba Street l Pretoria l Contact: +27 (0)12 406 2034 l +27 (0)12 406 1224 Private Bag X9155 l CAPE TOWN, 8001 l RSA 4th Floor Parliament Building l 120 Plain Street l CAPE TOWN l Tel: +27 21 468 6900 Fax: +27 21 462 4592 www.publicworks.gov.za NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER:2842 [NW3315E] INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:No. 28 of 2015 DATE OF PUBLICATION:07 AUGUST 2015 DATE OF REPLY:08 SEPTEMBER 2015 Mr R A Lees (DA) asked the Minister of Public Works: (1) With reference to his reply to question 2353 on 28 July 2015, what are the names of the lessors for each of the 17 leased properties listed on Annexure A to the reply; (2) is a certain company (name furnished) registered as a value-added tax (VAT) vendor; if not, why has his department entered into lease agreement/s with the specified company; if so, what is the VAT registration number for the specified company; (3) for what purpose does the SA Police Service (SAPS) use the 80 square metres of Fourieskraal farm; (4) what are the correct (a) street addresses and/or (b) directions to (i) the Devana Farm Trust at Durban Road and (ii) Ezakheni Park homes as there are no known streets named Durban Road or Vlak Plaats in the Emnambithi/Ladysmith municipality; (5) is the SAPS still in occupation of 43 Murchison Street; if so, (a) was the lease renewed and what (b)(i) process was followed to renew the lease and (ii) are the details of the new lease? NW3315E _________________________________________________________________ REPLY: The Minister of Public Works (1) The names of the lessors for each of the 17 leased properties are listed in the table below LESSOR NAME NAME OF BUILDING / PROPERTY LESSOR TELEPHONE 1. SAROSMA TRUST REPRESENTED BY DEDEKIND REAL ESTATE HERON HOUSE, 131 MURCHISON STREET (036) 637 2297 2. L.KIRSTEN 104 LEICESTER STREET (036) 631 2414 3. EMNAMBITHI LADYSMITH MUNICIPALITY WAGON HILL RIFLE RANGE UNSURVEYED PORTION OF ERF 1 (036)637 2231 4. JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD 33 KEATE STREET (036) 637 2287 5. BILLYGREEN INVESTMENTS (PTY) LTD LADYKEATE BLDG 35-37 KEATE STREET (036) 637 2989 6. EMNAMBITHI LADYSMITH MUNICIPALITY DRIEFONTEIN THUSONG CENTRE (036) 637 2231 7. THE ROSCO FAMILY TRUST 73 MURCHISON STREET (036) 637 2989 8. KZN PROV GOV-WORKS OLD RTI SITE (033) 355 5468 9. JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD DEVANA FARM TRUST, OLD DURBAN ROAD- R103 NEXT TO TESTING GROUNDS (036) 637 2287 10. JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD 388,6 square metre space at 35 BUCKINGHAM STREET (036) 637 2287 11. JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD 500 square metre space at 35 BUCKINGHAM STREET (036) 637 2287 12. JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD 24 BUCKINGHAM STREET (036) 637 2287 13. INDUSTRIAL LEASES (PTY) LTD 43 MURCHISON STREET (031) 941 8132 14. ETERNA TRUST LADYSMITH CC 284 MURCHISON STREET (036) 637 2297 15. JAZZ SPIRIT 140 PTY LTD 284 MURCHISON STREET (036) 631 3211 16. NATAL PARKHOMES VLAK PLAATS - PARKHOMES DISTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING AREARS; GROENVLEI, WASBANK, CHARLESTOWN, ELANDSLAAGTE, VAN REENEN AND BESTES (031) 701 4221 17 PEPWORTH BODY (PTY) LTD (50) PT: FOURIESKRAAL FARM (083) 620 0032 (2) No, the company is not a VAT vendor in terms of the regulations of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). It must be noted that SARS regulations stipulate that a company does not need to be registered for VAT if its annual turnover is below R1 million. The value of the Department’s lease with the said vendor is below R1 million. In addition, upon lease renewal, all landlords are required to submit their recent Tax Clearance Certificates, which indicate the VAT registration status of their companies. The Department often engages such companies, particularly because in many small towns, there is a shortage of suitable accommodation for Government departments. Also, by engaging small companies the Department contributes to their development. (3)The 80 square metres in Fourieskraal farm is used for the purpose of accommodating a South African Police Service (SAPS) Communication Tower. (4)(a), b) and (i) Devana Farm is located alongside the Old Durban Road, which is a small dirt road leading off the R103 into the leased land which is used by SAPS as a garage. (Directions: from the N3 Highway from Durban, take exit at R103 Bergville/Colenso off ramp. Turn right very shortly thereafter onto the R103 – “Durban / Colenso”. Keep on this road until you join up with a larger road, Pass the Ladysmith testing grounds on the right the Garage is immediately next to the Ladysmith testing ground.) (ii) The park homes are mobile units that can be moved, as per the client’s requirements. The park homes are leased from Natal Parkhomes and were were originally located in Vlakplaats, which is an area within the Ladysmith District. The mobile units used by SAPS were first placed at Ezakheni Police Station and were later relocated to other locations within the Ladysmith District, including the following areas: GROENVLEI, WASBANK, CHARLESTOWN, ELANDSLAAGTE, VAN REENEN AND BESTES. (5) (a) SAPS is still in occupation of 43 Murchison Street and the lease is currently running on a month to month basis. (b) (i) The lease has been identified for renewal within the prescripts of the 2nd National Treasury Dispensation on leases, which was recently granted to the Department in March 2015. (ii) Internal processes dictate that once a Special Dispensation is received from National Treasury, an internal circular on the application of the Dispensation is to be drafted, approved and communicated to all departmental officials who will utilise the dispensation prior to the Dispensation being utilised. The above lease expired before the issuing of the internal circular and in the interest of compliance and to ensure that the client department’s daily operations are not disrupted and was then renewed on a month to month basis, for a period not exceeding 12 months as an interim measure. The internal circular on the application of the Dispensation from National treasury has since been approved and the process to renew the lease based on the Dispensation has begun, thus there are no details on the new lease as yet. _________________________________________________________________
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works
(1) The names of the lessors for each of the 17 leased properties are listed in the table below
LESSOR NAME |
NAME OF BUILDING / PROPERTY |
LESSOR TELEPHONE |
|
1. |
SAROSMA TRUST REPRESENTED BY DEDEKIND REAL ESTATE |
HERON HOUSE, 131 MURCHISON STREET |
(036) 637 2297 |
2. |
L.KIRSTEN |
104 LEICESTER STREET |
(036) 631 2414 |
3. |
EMNAMBITHI LADYSMITH MUNICIPALITY |
WAGON HILL RIFLE RANGE UNSURVEYED PORTION OF ERF 1 |
(036)637 2231 |
4. |
JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD |
33 KEATE STREET |
(036) 637 2287 |
5. |
BILLYGREEN INVESTMENTS (PTY) LTD |
LADYKEATE BLDG 35-37 KEATE STREET |
(036) 637 2989 |
6. |
EMNAMBITHI LADYSMITH MUNICIPALITY |
DRIEFONTEIN THUSONG CENTRE |
(036) 637 2231 |
7. |
THE ROSCO FAMILY TRUST |
73 MURCHISON STREET |
(036) 637 2989 |
8. |
KZN PROV GOV-WORKS |
OLD RTI SITE |
(033) 355 5468 |
9. |
JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD |
DEVANA FARM TRUST, OLD DURBAN ROAD- R103 NEXT TO TESTING GROUNDS |
(036) 637 2287 |
10. |
JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD |
388,6 square metre space at 35 BUCKINGHAM STREET |
(036) 637 2287 |
11. |
JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD |
500 square metre space at 35 BUCKINGHAM STREET |
(036) 637 2287 |
12. |
JANORA TRADING (PTY) LTD |
24 BUCKINGHAM STREET |
(036) 637 2287 |
13. |
INDUSTRIAL LEASES (PTY) LTD |
43 MURCHISON STREET |
(031) 941 8132 |
14. |
ETERNA TRUST LADYSMITH CC |
284 MURCHISON STREET |
(036) 637 2297 |
15. |
JAZZ SPIRIT 140 PTY LTD |
284 MURCHISON STREET |
(036) 631 3211 |
16. |
NATAL PARKHOMES |
VLAK PLAATS - PARKHOMES DISTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING AREARS; GROENVLEI, WASBANK, CHARLESTOWN, ELANDSLAAGTE, VAN REENEN AND BESTES |
(031) 701 4221 |
17 |
PEPWORTH BODY (PTY) LTD (50) |
PT: FOURIESKRAAL FARM |
(083) 620 0032 |
(2) No, the company is not a VAT vendor in terms of the regulations of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). It must be noted that SARS regulations stipulate that a company does not need to be registered for VAT if its annual turnover is below R1 million. The value of the Department’s lease with the said vendor is below R1 million. In addition, upon lease renewal, all landlords are required to submit their recent Tax Clearance Certificates, which indicate the VAT registration status of their companies.
The Department often engages such companies, particularly because in many small towns, there is a shortage of suitable accommodation for Government departments. Also, by engaging small companies the Department contributes to their development.
(3) The 80 square metres in Fourieskraal farm is used for the purpose of accommodating a South African Police Service (SAPS) Communication Tower.
(4) (a), b) and (i) Devana Farm is located alongside the Old Durban Road, which is a small dirt road leading off the R103 into the leased land which is used by SAPS as a garage. (Directions: from the N3 Highway from Durban, take exit at R103 Bergville/Colenso off ramp. Turn right very shortly thereafter onto the R103 – “Durban / Colenso”. Keep on this road until you join up with a larger road, Pass the Ladysmith testing grounds on the right the Garage is immediately next to the Ladysmith testing ground.)
(ii) The park homes are mobile units that can be moved, as per the client’s requirements. The park homes are leased from Natal Parkhomes and were were originally located in Vlakplaats, which is an area within the Ladysmith District. The mobile units used by SAPS were first placed at Ezakheni Police Station and were later relocated to other locations within the Ladysmith District, including the following areas: GROENVLEI, WASBANK, CHARLESTOWN, ELANDSLAAGTE, VAN REENEN AND BESTES.
(5) (a) SAPS is still in occupation of 43 Murchison Street and the lease is currently running on a month to month basis.
(b) (i) The lease has been identified for renewal within the prescripts of the 2nd National Treasury Dispensation on leases, which was recently granted to the Department in March 2015.
(ii) Internal processes dictate that once a Special Dispensation is received from National Treasury, an internal circular on the application of the Dispensation is to be drafted, approved and communicated to all departmental officials who will utilise the dispensation prior to the Dispensation being utilised.
The above lease expired before the issuing of the internal circular and in the interest of compliance and to ensure that the client department’s daily operations are not disrupted and was then renewed on a month to month basis, for a period not exceeding 12 months as an interim measure.
The internal circular on the application of the Dispensation from National treasury has since been approved and the process to renew the lease based on the Dispensation has begun, thus there are no details on the new lease as yet.
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08 September 2015 - NW3012
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished) (a) how does her department intend to inform the public about anthrax and its symptoms and (b) what is the radius of the identified area in which the public will be informed?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW2654
Khawula, Ms MS to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1) In light of the strategic plan of her Ministry that was presented in July 2014, which included ensuring that 60% of women occupy senior management positions, producing four quarterly reports and running four anti-corruption initiatives during the year, has she achieved all the specified targets; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) what is the rationale for running four anti-corruption initiatives in her Ministry and (b) could this suggest that corruption in her Ministry is so rampant to an extent that four anti-corruption units should be established?
Reply:
- According to the revised Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan of the department the target of women who occupy senior management positions was set at 50%. As at 31st March 2015, the actual performance against this target was 85.8%.
- (a) In terms of a 2003 Cabinet decision, all departments are required to have minimum anti-corruption capacity (MACC) requirements in place. It is therefore a government policy and not any suggestion of a rampant corruption in the department.
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Approved by the Minister on
Date………………………..
08 September 2015 - NW3015
Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, with regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished), the specified plan include provisions to prevent that chemicals used by the demolished hospital contaminate the ground water and the surrounding soil; if not, (a) why not and (b) how will her department ensure that the ecological and social systems are not contaminated?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW2657
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Women in the Presidency
(1) With regard to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics intervention outlined in the revised strategic focus document of her department which states that, 2 000 women in each year are to be inducted and trained in the specified fields, what (a) funding sources have been identified for this intervention and (b) projected funding figures have been detailed for the (i) current and (ii) any other financial years already planned for; (2) What plans are in place to ensure that the women who receive their qualifications through this intervention are eventually employed afterwards?
Reply:
- The department’s Annual Performance Plan of 2015/16 indicates that, in this financial year, the Department will develop intervention plans for girls’ and young women’s access to STEM fields, and that from 2016/17, the target is to enable 2000 girls and young women to access STEM fields per year.
(a) Funding sources for this intervention will be the private sector, NSFAS and various partners.
(b) There are no projected funding figures as the project depends on sponsorships from the private sector, and partners.
2. As we are aware that these students are sponsored mainly by the private sector, getting employment is guaranteed by the sponsor.
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Approved by the Minister on
Date………………………..
08 September 2015 - NW3284
Matshobeni, Ms A to ask the “A Matshobeni (EFF) to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture”
(1) What (a) total amount did his department spend on air travel between Gauteng and Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the 2014-15 financial year and (b) is the total number of trips that were undertaken; (2) What is the total amount that his department spent on (a) accommodation and (b) car rental in Cape Town for employees attending Parliament business in the specified financial year? (NW3887E)
Reply:
Government officials are expected to travel between Gauteng and the Western Cape to carry out official duties, including ministerial and department support to the Executive who carry out parliamentary duties according the Parliamentary Programme. Costs incurred by Government Officials are readily made available in Annual Reports which will be tabled in Parliament. |
08 September 2015 - NW3014
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished), what steps is her department taking to ensure that (a) no damage occurs to any of the wetlands and (b) the developers adhere to all the necessary precautions?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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08 September 2015 - NW3085
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) Whether the municipal manager of Maruleng Local Municipality in Limpopo was suspended at a special council meeting held on 5 August 2015; if so, (a) on what grounds was the municipal manager suspended and (b) was the council meeting legally constituted in terms of the requisite notice of the council meeting having been provided and the agenda circulated; if not, what was the purpose of the council meeting; (2) (a) how many special council meetings have been held by the Maruleng Local Municipality since 1 January 2015 and (b) for each meeting, (i) what was the purpose of the meeting and (ii) what notice was given of the meeting; (3) was an agenda circulated for each specified meeting; if not, why not?
Reply:
The response below is based on information received from the Maruleng Local Municipality:
(1) Yes, the municipal manager of Maruleng Local Municipality in Limpopo was suspended at a special council meeting held on 5 August 2015.
(a) Misconduct
(b) Yes, the Council meeting was legally constituted.
(2) (a) Five (5) special council meetings have been held by the Maruleng Local Municipality since 1 January 2015.
(b) (i)
• 25 January 2015: The acting allowance for the Chief Traffic Officer, the acting allowance for the Director: Corporate Services, the suspension of employees and the informal settlement upgrading by Housing Development.
• 9 February 2015: Approval of adjustment budget.
• 29 May 2015: 2015/16 budget approval.
• 23 July 2015: Notice of suspension of the municipal manager.
• 5 August 2015: Suspension of the municipal manager.
(ii) Invitations were issued.
(3) Yes, the agenda for each specified meeting was circulated
08 September 2015 - NW2974
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(I) In respect of each province, what number of (a)(i) male and (ii) female learners wrote (aa) mathematics, (bb) physical science and (cc) life science in the National Senior Certificate final examination and (b) each sex passed each specified subject with (i) more than 30%, (ii) more than 40% and (iii) more than 50% from the end of 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) in respect of each province, what percentage of (a) male and (b) female learners (i) repeated Grade 10 and (i i)dropped out of school after Grade 9 from 20 I 0 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW3479E
Reply:
(I) The response to no. I (a) (i) (i i) (aa) (bb) (cc) (b) (i) (i i) (iii) is attached on the excel spreadsheet as an annexure.
(2) In respect of each province, what percentage of (a) male and (b) female learners (i) repeated Grade 10
Attached find here: Table 1: Percentage of learners repeating Grade 10 in ordinary schools, by province, 2010-2014
08 September 2015 - NW3022
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
With regard to the awarding of the tender for the development of Portions 87, 148, 149 and the remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Rietfontein 61 IR, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and in view of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Gaut: 002/13-14/E0153 (details furnished), has the specified application been supplied to Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it be supplied?
Reply:
The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has no record of an application for environmental authorisation for the abovementioned project. The application was lodged with the provincial department of environmental affairs, the Gauteng Department of Rural Development (GDARD), for which the MEC is the competent authority in terms of S24C of NEMA. Please contact the GDARD for a response.
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