Questions and Replies
15 April 2024 - NW315
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What measures has her department put in place to monitor and stop learners being held back and/or coerced to dropout due to fears that their failure would influence the matric pass rate; (2) whether her department has investigated the cause of the rise in school dropout; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the outcomes of the investigation and (b) consequence management actions have been employed against educators found guilty of holding learners back or coercing them to dropout to artificially improve pass rates?
Reply:
Part (1) There is no such policy or action in the Department to hold children back or force learners out of school for good results.
Part (2): Causes of the rise in school dropout
The question states that there has been an increase in dropping out of school. On the contrary, the DBE’s analysis of trends in the sector indicates that dropout rates (however defined) have been steadily reducing over the years. The graph below shows completion rates for grade 7 (measured using 16-18-year olds), grade 9 (measured using 19-21-year olds), and grade 12 (measured using 22-25-year olds), all of which have clearly been increasing over time. It should be noted that the slight decrease in grade 9 and 12 completion rates in the graph for 2022 are not statistically significant and therefore should not be interpreted as evidence of a declining trend. The clear trend over time is positive.
During the 2020 and 2021 there were concerns about the potential impact of the pandemic-related disruptions on dropping out. But it is now clear that school participation actually improved during the pandemic (with the exception of young children where we saw a slight increase in delayed entry into school). 16-18-year-olds, in particular, had higher attendance rates than before, and the NSC examinations of 2020-2023 achieved all-time records for the numbers of candidates writing, the numbers of NSC passes, the numbers of Bachelor-level passes, and the pass rate.
It is therefore difficult to answer a question about how the department responded to an increase in dropout when in fact there has been no increase in dropping out.
Completion rates for grade 7,9 and 12 over time
Source: DBE analysis of STATS SA General Household Surveys, 2002-2022
15 April 2024 - NW418
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
In light of the seven murders, 24 attempted murders and 252 cases of assault with intent of grievous bodily harm committed on educational premises between October 2023 and December 2023, and given that 38 learners between Grades 1 and 12, six learners with special educational needs and six day and aftercare children were raped in the same period, what are the full details of her department’s plan to ensure the safety of staff and learners at educational facilities across the Republic?
Reply:
1.National School Safety Framework
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Provincial Education Departments continue to implement the National School Safety Framework (NSSF), which is a guiding framework in addressing all forms of violent incidences in schools including drug abuse. The NSSF empowers schools to identify and manage all safety threats in schools, establish school safety committees comprising of stakeholders such as teachers, police officers, school governing body members and learner representative council members. Furthermore, The NSSF also empowers schools to develop incident reporting mechanisms, establish collaborations with external stakeholders such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development and civil society organisations, develop school safety plans and policies to respond to safety challenges of violence in schools for both learners and educators. Through the implementation of the NSSF, access control measures in schools are strengthened and awareness programmes on social ills by partner departments and civil society organisations are implemented in schools.
2. Partnership Protocol between the Department of Basic Education and the South African Police Service
The Department also has an established Protocol with SAPS to address crime and violence in schools. The Protocol has enabled all schools to be linked to their local police stations, SAPS to conduct searches and seizures in schools and conduct crime awareness campaigns in schools. Regularly, schools work with SAPS and local community police forums and social workers to address violent incidents such as gangsterism, bullying, drug abuse and the carrying of dangerous weapons in schools. Searches and seizures of illegal drugs and dangerous weapons are also done in schools. SAPS identifies hot-spot areas and inform the provincial Education Departments of such areas, this enables the department to procure metal detectors for schools in those areas.
3. Life Orientation Curriculum
The Department continues to implement the Life Skills and Life Orientation curriculum in classrooms, which is the main lever for preventing violence in schools amongst learners. The DBE implements this Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement annually and it covers the following violence related topics: bullying, drugs and substance abuse, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy prevention.
4. Protocol For the Management and Reporting of Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Schools.
The Department developed a Protocol for the Management and Reporting of Sexual Abuse and Harassment in schools which provides schools, districts and provinces with standard operating procedures/guidelines when addressing allegations of sexual abuse and harassment, and to specifically detail how schools must respond to reports of sexual abuse and harassment perpetrated against learners and school staff. It serves to ensure a safe, caring and enabling environment for learning and teaching, both inside and outside of the classroom. This protocol sets out an approach that enables educators and employees of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to identify, intervene, report and provide support to all learners who are sexually abused or harassed in school, whilst providing an appropriate response to perpetrators of all forms of sexual abuse and harassment. It has been printed, distributed and mediated in the sector.
15 April 2024 - NW556
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether each library of each school in each province is (a) functional and (b) stocked with books; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Resource provisioning for schools, which includes resourcing for library and information services, is a function located in provinces. The Honourable Member is therefore advised to direct her question to the Members of the Executive Council.
15 April 2024 - NW510
Direko, Ms DR to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(a) How has she and/or her department enabled the Khoisan and traditional leadership to participate in developmental initiatives within their communities and (b) what support has she provided to them?
Reply:
(a)
- The Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (TKLA) makes provision for the establishment of the Commission on Khoi-San Matters which deals with applications for recognition of Khoi-San communities and leaders and makes recommendations to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in this regard. The Commission was appointed with effect from 20 September 2021 for a period of five years and has to date invited and received applications for recognition and is currently seized with the recognition process. As at this point, there are no recognized Kho-San communities and leaders, and the support of the Department of Traditional Affairs is currently channeled towards the Commission on Khoi-san Matters to process the applications for recognition by Khoi-san leaders and communities.
- The Commission has conducted awareness campaigns in all provinces on the application process, the criteria for qualification, how to complete application forms and other provisions of the Act in relation to applications, including the timeframes within which applications for recognition can be submitted to the Commission. However, despite the extensive awareness campaigns and groundwork that the Commission conducted in its first year of operation to educate members of the public and potential applicants on the application process, all the applications received by the Commission did not comply with the Act and did not have documentary evidence to assist the Commission to determine if the applicants qualify to be recognised.
- To address this challenge the Commission has begun conducting applicant member investigations as part of its investigation and intervention process to assist the applicants to provide required documentary evidence. In this regard, the Commission conducts face-to face bilateral engagements with each applicant member concerned. During the session, the application form and gaps therein as well as the evidence documents required for compliance in terms of the Act are explained to the applicant members, and the applicant member is assisted to complete the application form in compliance with the provisions of the Act.
(b) Government’s support to the socio-economic development of Khoi-san communities is multi-faceted and involves a range of organs of state in line with their respective mandates. The following are examples:
- Culture and language
(i) There are steps taken to design and implement specific projects aimed at promoting and protecting the use of Khoi-San languages as one of the previously disadvantaged indigenous languages. The SA Constitution makes provision for the establishment of a Pan South African Language Board (PanSalb) to promote the creation of conditions for the development and use of languages. To date, PanSalb has launched the Khoekhoegowab Dictionary Glossarium, the first dictionary for the South African Khoi and San languages. Free copies of the Glossarium were distributed to communities and other interested stakeholders. Furthermore, the Department of Education has introduced the Nama language in some of the Northern Cape schools.
- The Protection of the Cultural indigenous knowledge system
(ii) Government has through the Department of Science and Innovation developed legislative measures to protect cultural and indigenous knowledge systems. The primary objective of the Indigenous Knowledge System is to facilitate the protection of Indigenous Knowledge relating to and owned by indigenous communities of SA, and the restoration and recognition thereof, and (a) facilitate the redress of rights and benefits to indigenous communities which have previously been deprived of such rights and benefits; (b) facilitate and coordinate the development of indigenous knowledge; (c) establish and manage the registration of indigenous knowledge practitioners; (d) empower indigenous communities through education and awareness campaigns to enable them to recognise and utilise indigenous knowledge for cultural and economic benefit.
(iii) The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environmental Affairs has launched the industry-wide benefit-sharing agreement on traditional knowledge associated with Rooibos between the Khoi-San communities and the Rooibos industry on 01 November 2019 in the Western Cape. This agreement has been concluded in terms of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, and the agreement was signed by the Minister, the National Khoi-San Council, the San Council of South Africa, and the South African Rooibos Council. The first payment of just over R12,2 million has been paid to the San and Khoi people of South Africa.
- Access to land
Government has through the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development continued to process land claims received from Khoi-san communities. In this regard, the Department has confirmed that Khoi-San communities have successfully claimed land in many provinces. However, government appreciates that at the core of some of the land claims is fundamental issue of the cutoff point introduced by the Land Act of 1913. This matter was discussed at the Land Tenure and Administration Summit convened by the Deputy President in May 2022, and clear resolutions on the way forward were taken in this regard.
- Delivery of basic services
Government follows an integrated governance approach with a view to accelerating service delivery, especially in previously disadvantaged communities. Central to this are Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), which are strategic planning instruments that inform all planning, budgeting, management, and decision-making of local municipalities. To enhance service delivery, government has adopted the District Development Model which seeks to convert districts into geographic hubs within which to drive integrated development and service delivery. These geographic spaces, just like municipalities, cater for all South Africans, including Khoi-san communities that reside there.
End.
12 April 2024 - NW673
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with proof that the (a) ward councillors were removed from the Communal Property Associations Committee and (b) Director-General has issued Certificates of Appointment with stipulated appointment dates; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No.
a) In terms of section (8)(3)(c) of the CPA Act, on request and on payment of the prescribed fee the Registration Officer shall provide members of the public with information contained in the register and with a copy of the constitution of any registered association or similar entity however, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) provides a process to be followed to access information from a Public body and the Protection of access to personal information Act 4 of 2013 also takes precedence in relation to personal information that may held a Public body.
b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) does not issue appointment letters after any elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) however the new committee gets registered with the CPI Unit registration office upon receipt of a submission from the CPA. DALRRD has no obligation in terms of the Communal Property Associations Act, 1996 (Act No. 28 of 1996) and regulations to issue appointment letters of elected committee members.
12 April 2024 - NW641
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Considering that the Reimagined Citizen-Led Service Transformation of the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund is led by an Acting DirectorGeneral and an Acting Compensation Fund Commissioner, what plan does his department have in place to ensure that individuals who will be appointed in the positions on fulltime basis will advocate, own and execute the plan successfully?
Reply:
Indeed, Hon. Mkhonto, repositioning and restructuring of both Compensation Fund and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) are essential and momentous. This is a project that needs to be carried through to its logical conclusion with zeal, verve and foresight.
We made Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour and Hon. Mkhonto aware that in September 2021 we started an architectural review process which was intended to determine the fit for purpose of the Compensation Fund structure, systems, personnel capacity and processes to the mandate of this entity.
We also shared with the Portfolio Committee on Employment and labour the outcomes of the fit for purpose exercise that was completed in September 2023. Currently we are solidifying the setting up of the Project Management Office, which will be responsible for implementation of the recommendations, including setting up the new structure and recruitment of senior executives for the CF, including the Commissioner.
The reason that we are not approaching the filling of the two vacancies with haste is that we want to get individuals that are fit for purpose. Importantly, though they must arrive at an environment where formidable foundation has been put in place, and get into the moving train on its long journey, that has left the station and cannot make a U-Turn.
Furthermore, we intend that both the Department and Compensation Fund get the Director General (DG) and Commissioner respectively, who would have outside-in perspective, who think expansively in their consideration of the broader context, ambitious and who are able to cultivate agile team culture. They will have to excel in problem solving, planning and communicating. In addition, they must have fortitude to motivate, guide others and more importantly uphold strong ethical standards.
12 April 2024 - NW772
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the current vacancy rate for each medical profession, including but not limited to (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) physiotherapists, (d) occupational therapists, (e) psychiatrists, (f) psychologists, (g) environmental health practitioners and (h) community health workers; (2) whether there are contingency plans in place for each of the units without functioning refrigerators; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so; what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The table below reflects vacancy rates as provided by provinces with the Nurses being a consolidated rate across the 3 different categories of nurses (namely: Professional, Registered and Assistant).
PROVINCIAL VACANCY RATES (%) |
|||||||||
Category |
EC |
FS |
GP |
KZN |
LP |
MP |
NC |
NW |
WC |
Medical Officers |
15.0 |
23.7 |
11.4 |
4.9 |
20.37 |
9.62 |
15.2 |
22.0 |
5.85 |
Nurses |
9.0 |
26.5 |
11.2 |
11.2 |
2.96 |
8.0 |
17.4 |
39.0 |
7.39 |
Physiotherapist |
18.0 |
38.8 |
11.0 |
10.4 |
2.03 |
7.0 |
11.8 |
26.0 |
1.73 |
Occupational Therapist |
26.0 |
39.7 |
14.3 |
27.7 |
3.36 |
16.0 |
30.3 |
56.0 |
10.5 |
Psychologist |
17.0 |
17.7 |
21.4 |
36.3 |
4.55 |
7.0 |
41.7 |
61.0** |
9.90 |
Psychiatrist |
20.0* |
30.0* |
15.4 |
87.9 |
73.0 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
8.89 |
|
Environmental Health Pract. |
14.0 |
25.5 |
8.9 |
12.6 |
6.90 |
7.0 |
11.1 |
13.0 |
N/A |
* Rate reflecting Medical Specialists combined
**Inclusive of the Vocational Counsellors
Community Health Workers are contract workers that are appointed on annual contract against abnormal appointments (extra ordinary staff) and vacancy rate not applicable. Furthermore, in the Western Cape the category is appointed through agency and NGO organisation and not accounted for directly under the department.
Provincial Departments are in the process of identifying positions which will be filled during the 2024/25 financial year through the Annual Recruitment Plan (ARP). Once the process is concluded and costed, within the available budget, provinces will be in a position to indicate which positions will be filled by when and recruit accordingly with adverts. There has also been ongoing communication with Provincial Departments of Health to establish the extent of the challenges experienced in this regard.
Table 1: Compensation of employees allocation to provinces
R Thousands |
Financial Year |
||
Programme |
2023/24 Adjusted appropriation |
2024/25 Revised Baseline |
|
Eastern Cape |
20 028 901 |
20 011 717 |
|
Free State |
8 961 049 |
9 516 387 |
|
Gauteng |
38 159 905 |
40 078 685 |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
33 031 152 |
32 976 479 |
|
Limpopo |
16 441 824 |
17 351 170 |
|
Mpumalanga |
10 927 652 |
11 706 368 |
|
Northern Cape |
3 767 510 |
3 740 702 |
|
North west |
10 567 007 |
11 281 207 |
|
Western Cape |
17 340 851 |
18 055 309 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
159 225 851 |
164 718 024 |
END.
12 April 2024 - NW704
Bond, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether he will furnish Mr M S Bond with a (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by his department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic, including the (i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Employment and Labour will celebrate 30 years of democracy, just like any government department. However, the celebration will be aligned with the Department's mandate. The Honourable Bond knows that the Department of Employment and Labour receives its funding through voted funds to implement its mandate.
The Department consistently have funds that are used to assist registered trade unions.
In the celebration of this important milestone, the Department is planning to leverage on the existing May Day commemoration to celebrate 30 years of democracy as a cost effective way. By aligning the celebration with May Day, the Department intents to reach a broader audience and generate greater awareness about the milestone of 30 years of democracy.
Simultaneously, the Department is planning build-up activities towards celebration of 30 years of democracy within its mandate and aims to utilise existing resources and budget allocations for these activities without attracting additional cost.
Given that May Day is an event that has been commemorated every year, the difference this year is that the focus is on celebrating 30 years of democracy, its cost is R R2 550 000,00
END
12 April 2024 - NW796
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to the 2024-25 financial year, as per Budget Vote 18, what are the itemised details for each of the 28 individuals employed under Programme 2 of the National Health Insurance at salary levels 13 to 16, including their (a) respective salary level and (b) detailed job description for their roles?
Reply:
From the Department’s PERSAL records, there are 21 posts on salary levels 13 to 16. Of these posts, the NHI Branch has managed to fill ten (10).
a) The respective salary levels for each of the filled posts are shown in the column named ‘Notch’ of the table below.
b) Additionally, the Job Titles are listed in column 2 of the table. Detailed job descriptions for each post and key performance duties as were published in the advertisements for the posts are included as an annexure to this response.
POST JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION |
FILLED/ VACANT |
FILLED/ VACANT DATE |
POST SALARY LEVEL |
NOTCH |
|
1 |
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: NHI |
FILLED |
20210606 |
15 |
1663581 |
2 |
TECHNICAL SPECIALIST: HEALTH ECONOMIST |
FILLED |
20180401 |
15 |
1817142 |
3 |
DIR: MEDICAL DEVICES & HEALTH TECHNOLOGY PROCUREME |
FILLED |
20230701 |
13 |
1268919 |
4 |
CD: SECTOR WIDE PROCUREMENT |
FILLED |
20230201 |
14 |
1371558 |
5 |
TECHNICAL EXPERT |
FILLED |
20130201 |
14 |
1476000 |
6 |
DIR: PHARMACEUTICAL ECONOMIC EVALUATION |
FILLED |
20110401 |
13 |
1306665 |
7 |
DIR: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE & DATA ANALYTICS |
FILLED |
20230601 |
13 |
1306665 |
8 |
CHIEF DIRECTOR: HEALTH SYSTEM DIGITAL INFORMATION |
FILLED |
20230101 |
14 |
1433289 |
9 |
CD:USER & SERVICE PROVIDER MANAGEMENT |
FILLED |
20230915 |
14 |
1371558 |
10 |
CD: HEALTH CARE BENEFITS & PROVIDER PAYMENT |
FILLED |
20230904 |
14 |
1371558 |
END.
12 April 2024 - NW544
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether his department has started the process to fill the two senior positions that became vacant after the resignations of the former Director-General and the Compensation Fund Commissioner; if not, why not in each case; if so, (a) by what date will the process be finalised, (b) what number of critical posts are vacant (i) in his department and (ii) entities reporting to him, (c) what are the details of the specified critical positions, (d) what is the total number of budgeted posts that are vacant in the organogram of his department and (e) by what date will the specified budgeted vacancies be filled?
Reply:
1. Upon the resignation of the Director General of DEL Mr. Thobile Lamati in October 2023, I appointed the Acting DG Dr. Alec Moemi who acted from the 01 November until 31 December 2023. On the 01 January 2024 I appointed Acting DG Ms. Onke Mjo for a period of 12 months or until the Director General for the Department of Employment and Labour is appointed, whichever comes first.
2. The Acting Commissioner of the Compensation Fund Ms. Farzana Fakir has been extended for further 6 months:
a) As you are aware in September 2021 we started an architectural review process which was intended to determine the fit for purpose of the CF structure, systems, personnel capacity and processes to the mandate of CF.
b) As you are now all aware the outcomes of the fit for purpose exercise was completed in September 2023.
c) We are currently in the process of setting up the Project Management Office, which will be responsible for implementation of the recommendations, including setting up the new structure and recruitment of senior executives for the CF, including the Commissioner.
12 April 2024 - NW775
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What is the total amount of accruals outstanding for each province, (b) for how long has this amount been outstanding in each case and (c) what is the total number of service providers not paid within the required 30 day period in each province?
Reply:
The following information is as received from the provinces.
PROVINCES |
a) TOTAL AMOUNT OF ACCRUALS OUTSTANDING |
b) AGEING - PERIOD THE AMOUNT BEEN OUTSTANDING IN EACH CASE |
(C)TOTAL NUMBER OF SERVICE PROVIDERS NOT PAID WITHIN THE REQUIRED 30-DAY PERIOD 2023/2024 |
||
R THOUSAND |
2022/23 FY |
2023/24FY (29 FEB 2024) |
2022/23 FY |
2023/24 FY |
|
Eastern Cape |
R4, 764, 773 |
R5,132,000 |
Current: R1, 626, 945 More than 30 days R3, 137, 828 |
Above 30 days R525,685 Above 60 days R268,465 Above 90 days R345,637 Above 120 days R2,746,364 |
534 suppliers |
Free State |
R682,362 |
R922,130 |
Current: R369,764 More than 30 days R312,598 |
>R621,746 < Above R300,383 |
3121 number of suppliers/ invoices were not paid within 30 days |
Gauteng |
R6, 827, 872 |
R5, 926, 667 |
Current: R2, 040, 370 More than 30 days R4, 787, 502 |
Above 30 days R874, 366 Above 60 days R618, 711 Above 90 days R2, 928, 777 |
2, 099 number of suppliers |
Kwazulu-Natal |
R1, 838, 121 |
R1,694,242 |
Current: R1, 548, 239 More than 30 days R289, 882 |
R355,000 was more than 80 days overdue |
514 service providers affected |
Limpopo |
R 767, 038 |
R 358 023 |
Current: R718, 330 More than 30 days R48, 708 |
1957 transactions amounting to R356 2667 are within 30 days. 40 outstanding transactions amounting to R1 756 are more than 30 days. |
28 service providers were not paid within the required 30-day period. |
Mpumalanga |
R825, 870 |
R 87 081 |
Current: R706, 780 More than 30 days R119, 090 |
R952 |
1439 suppliers |
Northern Cape |
R514 622 |
R842 875 |
30 Days-R56 991 30+ Days R457 631 |
Current R153 429 Above 30 Days R689 446 |
170 354 service providers |
North West |
R 959 137 |
R339,687 |
Current: R619, 450 More than 30 days R339, 687 |
More than 30 days R339,687 |
4 330 suppliers |
Western Cape Accruals (A) Payables (P) |
R 589 529 R 289 746 (A) R 299 783 (P) |
R 135 622 R 88 093 (A) R 47 528 (P) |
R251 531 (A) (0-30days) R 38 215 (A) (30+ days) R293 951 (P) (0-30days) R 5 832 (P) (30+ days) |
R 31 535 (A) (0-30 days) R 56 558 (A) (30+ days) R 42 869 (P) (0-30 days) R 4 659 (P) (30+ days) |
1094 (for the period 1 April 2023- 29 February 2024) (equates to 1.75% of all payments) |
END.
12 April 2024 - NW609
Khakhau, Ms KL to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
What are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased for him by his Office since he assumed office?
Reply:
The acquisition and replacement of official vehicles for the Minister is administered by the 2019 Ministerial Handbook which provides in paragraph 2.1 read together with 2.3, that National Members shall be provided with one vehicle for official use in each seat of office and that on assumption of office must make use of officials vehicles already purchased by the Department, unless such vehicle is to be replaced in terms of paragraph 2.9 of this chapter.
The Ministry was established after the 2023/24 budget allocation therefore no capital expropriation was made for the purchasing of the official vehicle, similarly in the 2023/24 budget adjustment. In light of the above, the Ministry has been renting the Minister’s vehicle on a monthly contract for his transportation in Gauteng and on ad hoc basis for travel outside of the province.
12 April 2024 - NW774
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
What are the details of the types of surgery backlogs, including but not limited to elective surgeries (a) at each specified hospital (b) in each province?
Reply:
(1) Surgeries are conducted at the hospital level and every hospital monitors and maintains records of the number of patients awaiting surgery at all public hospitals in the Republic. Surgical backlogs numbers are not static. As provinces do operations, the numbers under each category and in each province change.
Province |
Types of surgery backlogs |
|
a) at each specified hospital |
(b) in each province |
|
Limpopo |
Mankweng Hospital
|
|
Polokwane Hospital:
|
Province |
Types of surgery backlogs |
|
a) at each specified hospital |
(b) in each province |
|
Free State |
Universitas hospital
|
|
Pelonomi hospital
|
||
Bongani hospital
|
||
Boitumelo hospital
|
||
Dihlabeng hospital
|
||
Mofumahadi Manapo hospital
|
Province |
Types of surgery backlogs |
|
a) at each specified hospital |
(b) in each province |
|
Kwa Zulu Natal |
Prince Mshiyeni Hospital
|
|
Addington
|
||
Greys Hospital
|
||
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital
|
||
RK Khan Hospital
|
||
RK Khan Hospital
|
Province |
Types of surgery backlogs |
|
a) at each specified hospital |
(b) in each province |
|
Mpumalanga |
The hospitals that are affected by the backlogs are the following:
Types of surgery backlogs
|
|
Northwest |
Klerksdorp / Tshepong Hospital
|
|
Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital
|
||
Potchefstroom Hospital
|
||
Mafikeng Provincial Hospital
|
||
Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital
|
- According to Gauteng Department of Health, the province does not have any backlogs.
- The response from the Western Cape Department of health did not address the question that was asked.
- Response from Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provinces still outstanding.
END.
12 April 2024 - NW770
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Health
(1)(a) When last was each forensic pathology unit’s refrigerators serviced, (b) how often are they serviced, (c) what is the total number of refrigerators that are not functional and (d) on what date will they be repaired or replaced per province in each case; (2) whether there are contingency plans in place for each of the units without functioning refrigerators; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so; what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) and (2) Please see table below
Responses were received from the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape Provinces only. Information from other provinces is yet to be received.
Free State Department of Health |
|||||
Name of facility |
Date of last service |
How often are they serviced |
Number of refrigerators not functional |
Dates for repairs or replacements |
Contingency plan |
1. Bloemfontein Forensic Mortuary |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
5 |
Date of repair or replacement: awaiting infrastructure approval |
Bloemfontein FPS currently has 12 functional refrigerators. Surrounding state hospitals like Pelonomi and Universitas, Botshabelo provide refrigeration and storage of bodies when the demand exceeds capacity of Bloemfontein Forensic mortuary. |
2. Botshabelo Forensic Mortuary |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Bloemfontein Forensic mortuary has enough capacity to provide refrigeration and storage of bodies when the demand exceeds capacity at Botshabelo mortuary |
3. Phuthaditjhaba Forensic Mortuary |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
6 |
Date of repairs or replacement: appointed service provider for repairs to visit facility on the 28 March 2024 |
|
4. Bethlehem Forensic Mortuary |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
3 |
Date of repair or replacement: Appointed service provider for repairs to visit facility on the 28 March 2024 |
State hospitals in the region including Elizabeth Ross, Thebe and Phekolong hospital provide additional 26 body storage capacity for contingency refrigerating and storage of bodies, when the demand exceeds the capacity in the Forensic Mortuaries, in Phuthaditjhaba and Bethlehem |
5. Welkom Forensic Mortuary |
February 2024 |
Every 3 month |
6 |
Date of repair or replacement: awaiting infrastructure approval. |
Bloemfontein Forensic mortuary has enough capacity to provide refrigeration and storage of bodies when the demand exceeds capacity at Welkom mortuary. |
6. Kroonstad Forensic Mortuary |
March 2024. |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
|
7. Sasolburg Forensic Mortuary |
November 2023 |
Every 3 months |
15 |
Date of repairs or replacement: awaiting infrastructure approval |
Bloemfontein Forensic Mortuary has enough capacity to provide refrigeration and storage of bodies when the demand exceeds capacity for both Kroonstad and Sasolburg mortuary |
Limpopo Department of Health |
|||||
Name of facility |
Date of last service |
How often are they services |
Number of refrigerators not functional |
Dates for repairs or replacements |
Contingency plan |
1. Polokwane FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
All refrigerators are functional, continue to monitor the gauges. |
2. Lebowakgomo FPS |
February 2024 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
All refrigerators are functional, continue to monitor the gauges. |
3. Mokopane FPS |
December 2023 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
All refrigerators are functional, continue to monitor the gauges. |
4. Warmbaths FPS |
27 November, 11 December, 1 February 5th March 2024 |
Every 6 months |
3 |
May 2024 |
Contingency plan is available, all refrigerators functional, continue to monitor the gauges |
5. Tshilidzini FPS |
February 2024 |
Every 3 months |
4 |
June 2024 |
Purchase order is in progress to procure compressors |
6. Elim FPS |
October 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
All refrigerators are functional, continue to monitor the gauges. |
7. Groblersdal FPS |
February 2024 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
All the refrigerators functional, continue to monitor the gauges. |
8. St Rita’s FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
September 2024 |
Contingency plan available, all refrigerators functional, continue to monitor the gauges. |
9. Letaba FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
Contingency plan available, all refrigerators functional, continue to monitor the gauges |
10. Kgapane FPS |
November 2023 |
Every 6 months |
4 |
April 2024 |
Contingency plan available, |
11. Maphutha Malatji FPS |
25 August 2023 |
Every 6 months |
6 |
April 2024 |
Request to repair the broken refrigerators is under way, continue to monitor the gauges |
12. Nkhensani FPS |
21 November 2023 25 March 2024 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
Contingency plan available, all refrigerators functional, continue to monitor the gauges |
• 3 months vs. 6 months depends on the manufacturer specifications.
Western Cape Department of Health |
|||||
Name of facility |
Date of last service |
How often are they services |
Number of refrigerators not functional |
Dates for repairs or replacements |
Contingency plan |
1. Beaufort West FPS |
January 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
2. Ceres FPS |
January 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
3. George FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
4. Hermanus FPS |
December 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
5. Knysna FPS |
November 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
6. Laingsburg FPS |
February 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
7. Malmensbury FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
8. Mossel Bay FPS |
January 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
9. Observatory FP Institution |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
10. Oudtshoorn FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
11. Paarl FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
12. Riversdale FPS |
November 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
13. Tygerberg FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
14. Vredenburg FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
15. Vredendal FPS |
November 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
16. Worcester FPS |
February 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
Maintenance plans are in place. Refrigerators are repaired immediately either via maintenance contracts or emergency delegations. |
North-West Department of Health |
|||||
Name of facility |
Date of last service |
How often are they services? |
Number of refrigerators not functional |
Dates for repairs or replacements |
Contingency plan |
1. Mafikeng FPS |
March 2024 |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
2. Lichtenburg FPS |
December 2023 |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
3. Brits FPS |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
4. Phokeng FPS |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
5. Potchefstroom FPS |
March 2024 |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
6. Tshepong FPS |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
7. Vryberg FPS |
When need arises |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
Gauteng Department of Health |
|||||
Name of facility |
Date of last service |
How often are they services |
Number of refrigerators not functional |
Dates for repairs or replacements |
Contingency plan |
1. Johannesburg FPS |
October 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
2. Roodepoort FPS |
October 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
3. Germiston FPS |
November 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
4. Springs FPS |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
1 |
Awaiting appointment of service provider |
|
5. Heidelberg FPS |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
6. Diepkloof FPS |
October 2023 |
Every 6 months |
6 |
11/04/2024 |
|
7. Sebokeng FPS |
February 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
8. Pretoria FPS |
December 2023 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
9. Bronkhorstpruit FPS |
January 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
10. Ga-Rankuwa FPS |
March 2024 |
Every 3 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
11. Carletonville FPS |
October 2023 |
Every 6 months |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
- 3 months vs. 6 months depends on the manufacturer specifications
Mpumalanga Department of Health |
|||||
Name of facility |
Date of last service |
Hoe often are they services? |
Number of refrigerators not functional |
Dates for repairs or replacements |
Contingency plan in place |
1. Themba FPS |
8 April 2024 |
On request |
2 |
Replacements 2022/2023 : 4-New body storage cabinets loading 6 bodies per unit (Completed) 2024/25:Cool room – work in progress New walk-in freezer – Work in progress |
|
2. Tonga FPS |
8 December 2023 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
3. Mapulaneng FPS |
20 March 2024 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
4. Tintswalo FPS |
22 March 2024 |
On request |
1 |
Not stated |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
5. Lydenburg FPS |
16 March 2024 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
6. Barberton FPS |
26 June 2023 |
O request |
1 |
Not stated |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
7. Middelburg FPS |
4 April 2024 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
8. Witbank FPS |
New units installed |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
9. KwaMhlanga FPS |
6 October 2023 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
10. Belfast FPS |
5 April 2024 |
On request |
1 |
Not stated |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
11. Mammethlake FPS |
Reconstruction of the cold room |
On request |
1 |
Currently under construction |
New facility |
12. Delmas FPS |
26 March 2024 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
13. Ermelo FPS |
6 December 2023 |
On request |
2 |
Not stated |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
14. Evander FPS |
18 August 2023 |
On request |
1 |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
|
15. Piet Retief FPS |
23 February 2024 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
16. Standerton FPS |
25 January 2024 |
On request |
1 |
||
17. Volkrust FPS |
4 August 2023 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
18. Embhuleni FPS |
3 August 2023 |
On request |
1 |
Not stated |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
19. Balfour FPS |
New refrigerators |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
20. Bethal FPS |
22 June 2023 |
On request |
2 |
Not stated |
Contingency plans are available. Repairs are done between scheduled minor and major repairs. |
21. Carolina FPS |
10 January 2023 |
On request |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
END.
12 April 2024 - NW771
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, with reference to funding of the National Health Insurance through taxes, the rate of tax will be uniform for all the individual taxpayers; if not, how will the different taxes be calculated; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
As was debated in the Portfolio Committee of the National Assembly during 2023 and described in Clause 49 of the National Health Insurance Bill, the possible tax amendments will be introduced through a Money Bill by the Minister of Finance as and when appropriate and earmarked for use by the Fund, subject to the transitional arrangements as provided in Section 57 of the Bill.
END.
12 April 2024 - NW773
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
What is the (a) total number of (i) toxicologists and (ii) analysts employed at each of the Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs), (b) vacancy rate at each of the FCLs and (c) average number of tests analysed (i) daily and (ii) monthly at each of the FCLs as at the latest specified date?
Reply:
a) According to the NHLS,
(i) the FCLs do not have toxicologists specifically appointed in their establishments. Instead, FCLs have analytical chemists who also perform the toxicology analyses. They are known as Forensic Analysts and are able to do toxicology tests because they possess and use the same skills / equipment to do the work as a toxicologist would do.
(ii) Analysts employed at each of the FCLs as follows:
FCL |
Number of Forensic Analysts |
Cape Town |
Twenty-four (24) Forensic analysts in total. Of the twenty-four (24), eight (8) analysts are in the toxicology section. |
Johannesburg |
Thirty-six 36 Forensic analysts in total. Of the thirty-six (36), twenty-nine (29) are in the toxicology section. |
Pretoria |
Twenty-five (25) Forensic Analysts in total. Of the twenty-five (25), eleven (11) are in the toxicology section. |
Durban |
Eight (8) Forensic Analysts in total. Durban FCL will expand its service offering to include toxicology testing as soon as the laboratory has relocated to a larger and more suitable building. |
b) The vacancy rates are as follows: Cape Town (4%), Durban (20%), Johannesburg (2%) and Pretoria (28%). In the calculation of the vacancy rate for the Pretoria FCL, ten new positions were included in the total staff establishment. These ten new positions were created to establish the new toxicology section at the Pretoria FCL. The new positions have been advertised and recruitment processes are underway.
c) (i) and (ii) The table below indicates the number of toxicology samples that were completed over the three months from 01 December 2023 to 29 February 2024 across the three laboratories that deliver toxicology testing services. The table also shows the monthly and daily averages achieved over this period. As indicated in the paragraphs below the table, the daily number of toxicology samples completed does not indicate productivity in the laboratories as tests run concurrently and completion periods vary.
Laboratory |
Total completed over 3 months |
Monthly average |
Daily average |
Cape Town |
146 |
49 |
2 |
Johannesburg |
431 |
144 |
7 |
Pretoria |
243 |
81 |
4 |
Toxicology cases are allocated in batches of 15 cases per analyst per month. When cases are received for toxicology testing, the requesting pathologist does not always specify a specific substance to be tested for detection and quantification. Most cases that are received, require a general “screen” for various recreational or illicit drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, poisons, or other substances. Once a substance is detected, additional tests are required to confirm the presence of the substance and to quantify the amount of the substance that was detected.
If a new or rare (unusual) substance is detected through screening tests, a standard to confirm the substance must be procured. Some standards are procured from international suppliers and require special permits to be imported, resulting in delays in the process.
Each toxicology case that is registered in the laboratory may include a varying number of biological specimens that were taken during the autopsy and each specimen may require to be tested more than once or on different sets of instruments, depending on the test requirements. In the pre-analytic stage, specimens may require specialised preparation, depending on the tests that will be conducted.
As a result, it is difficult to quantify the number of toxicology tests that are processed in a day as tests run concurrently and completion periods differ vastly between cases.
END.
12 April 2024 - NW797
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, with the expectation of the additional roles being created within Programme 2 of the National Health Insurance over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, he will detail the planned positions including the proposed salary level and job descriptions for each; if not, why not; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
Reply:
The National Department of Health requested the Minister of Public Service and Administration to consider a request for strengthening the NHI Branch of the department on 16 May 2022.
On 2 June 2022, the Minister of Public Service and Administration approved the creation of 44 new technical positions for the NHI Programme in the Department.
The posts were advertised in the media (Sunday Times) on 28 August 2022. All job descriptions, duties and remuneration levels were advertised as per the Public Service requirements. The relevant remuneration levels of public servants are available in public domain. Details are contained in the annexure.
There are currently no plan for posts addition to the 44 posts mentions above to be created within the National Health Insurance Branch in the Department.
END.
11 April 2024 - NW734
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What (a) total amount have all entities reporting to her disbursed to small businesses in the period 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024 and (b) type of funding was disbursed?”
Reply:
The Department of Small Business Development has two entities reporting to it, which are Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) and Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda):
I have been advised that:
sefa disbursed approximately R413 million between December 2023 and end of February 2024. About 66% of the total disbursements emanated from the Wholesale Lending Channel activities via the Microfinance and the Credit Guarantee (see the highlight in the table below).
Financial Year 2024 |
FY 2023/2024 (1 Dec 2023 - 29 Feb 2024) |
|
Loan SubProgramme |
Disbursed Amount (R) |
% of total disbursements |
Direct Lending Loan Programme |
R26 071 093 |
6.31% |
ER - DL - Artisans Loan Programme |
R953 761 |
0.23% |
ER - DL - Automotive Loan Programme |
R2 566 751 |
0.62% |
ER - DL - BakConf Loan Programme |
R799 906 |
0.19% |
ER - DL - Butcheries Loan Programme |
R1 667 729 |
0.40% |
ER - DL - OpenAirFood Loan Programme |
R2 771 870 |
0.67% |
ER - DL - Personal Care Loan Programme |
R174 858 |
0.04% |
ER - DL - Retail Loan Programme |
R6 585 176 |
1.59% |
ER - DL - SEntManfct Loan Programme |
R12 536 551 |
3.03% |
ER - DL - TexClothLeat Loan Programme |
R1 423 065 |
0.34% |
EU - ESD Loan Programme |
R4 920 856 |
1.19% |
Funds |
R23 235 626 |
5.62% |
Land Reform |
R9 908 225 |
2.40% |
Micro-Finance |
R115 286 615 |
27.90% |
Portfolio Credit Guarantee |
R156 334 505 |
37.83% |
Purchase Order Finance Loan Programme |
R9 492 039 |
2.30% |
SBIF WL |
R8 977 882 |
2.17% |
Spaza Shop Loan Programme Facility |
R4 763 500 |
1.15% |
Supplier Credit Guarantee |
R22 360 398 |
5.41% |
Youth Challenge Fund Loan Programme |
R2 407 892 |
0.58% |
Total |
R413 238 299 |
100.00% |
Furthermore, the total amount Seda has spent on Enterprise Development fund for the period 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024 is R10,406,609.85. Other client related expenses include seminars and workshops to the value of R1,637,743.66 and Programme or project related expenses amounting to R8,039,136.91. Programme or project related expenses include but not limited to International Market Access, projects for focused groups such as women, the disabled and youth, and projects in collaboration with MerSeta, Wholesale and Retail Seta and the National Skills Fund.
Seda has also realised that there are still several areas where entrepreneurs and SMMEs need to travel far to access Seda services especially rural areas. Seda has therefore established 80 service access points and has disbursed R2,791,851.73 for the period 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024.
11 April 2024 - NW554
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
What (a) was the total cost of arranging and staging the media briefing he held on 27 February 2024 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), on the arrest of six individuals in connection with the murder of Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known professionally as AKA, including securing his attendance and the National 2 and KZN Provincial Commissioners of Police and (b) is the detailed breakdown of the costs of (i) flights, (ii) transfers, (iii) accommodation, (iv) transport, (v) costs of broadcasting, (vi) media-related costs and (vii) venue costs?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW825
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Police
(1) What number of suspects have been apprehended in the death of one boy who was found locked in the boot of a car on 18 March 2024, while the other boy survived in the Phokwane Local Municipality in the Northern Cape; (2) whether an autopsy on the body of the deceased boy has been finalised; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) outcomes and (b) relevant details?
11 April 2024 - NW729
Muller, Ms N to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to her mandate to ensure the appointment of an Advisory Board is carried out in accordance with the commitments made in the subsequent Annual Performance Plans for 2022/2023, what are (a) the timelines for concluding the appointment of the Advisory Board and (b) the envisaged functions thereof?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
(a) The Act requires the Minister to determine the constitution for the Advisory Body through an open and transparent process. The draft constitution for the Advisory Body has been approved by Minister and published in the government gazette for public comments.
Once comments have been received the final adjustments will be finalised and presented to Cabinet. After the final endorsement by Cabinet the final constitution will be published in the government gazette and the recruitment for the appointment of members of the Advisory Body initiated in June 2024.
Furthermore, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) facilitated consultations with the National Treasury on the appropriate level of category for remuneration for members of the Advisory Body and in addition a remuneration policy was approved in consultation with the Department for members of the Advisory Body. This will coincide with prescripts for remuneration for members of statutory bodies as prescribed by the National Treasury.
(b) The primary function of the Advisory Body will be to advise the Minister on broad areas that affect small enterprise growth, including national standards pertaining to small enterprise development and regulation, existing or proposed policies that may affect small enterprises, programme interventions and their impact, the impact of existing legislation on small enterprises and constraints that affect the viability of small enterprises into value chains amongst others. The Advisory Body constitution will be finalised through public participation.
11 April 2024 - NW485
Makamba-Botya, Ms N to ask the Minister of Police
Which recent steps of intervention have been put in place to curb the ongoing killings of politicians in the Republic, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW778
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
What is the total number of DNA case exhibits and samples were (a) contaminated, (b) lost, (c) stolen, and (d) degraded while in the custody of the SA Police Service (SAPS) (I) in each province, (ii) in the past five financial years and (bb) since 1 April 2023 up to the last specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW750
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What steps is his department taking to uphold the integrity of academic credentials conferred upon graduates of tertiary institutions of higher learning in the Republic, as some academic credentials raise doubt about its integrity and the institutions conferring it?
Reply:
The Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, (the Act) as amended, states that degrees, diplomas, and certificates are awarded by higher education institutions subject to their statutes and the Act. Section 65 C of the Act adds that no degree, diploma, or certificate may be awarded upon any person who has not been registered as a student, against the qualification, for the period (and conditions) prescribed by the Senate of the institution.
Universities are established by the Minister in terms of the Act. Each university has a Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) that is approved by the Minister; qualifications that are placed on the universities’ PQMs are approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department), accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), registered on the National Qualifications Framework (HEQSF) and by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and supported by a professional body, where applicable. The Minister, therefore, determines the scope and range of operations for higher education institutions.
The Department, the CHE and SAQA have initiated a Data Validation Project (DVP); the aim of this project is to ensure that qualification types and naming conventions are consistent across the three databases. This exercise was necessitated by the emergence of different qualification types and nomenclatures that were used interchangeably after the HEQSF Alignment process.
The DVP is an ongoing process; where inconsistencies are identified, clarity is sought from institutions and due process is followed to secure the necessary approval of qualifications. There are cases where some qualifications need to be discontinued because universities conduct periodic reviews of PQMs to ensure viability of qualifications. In some cases, qualifications are discontinued because of national reviews, an example is the old two-year Bachelor of Laws. When qualifications are discontinued, the university engages with the Department and the last date of First Time Enrolment is recorded on the PQM. This record is then archived by the Department.
Where there are concerns around the quality of academic programmes, the CHE conducts reviews of the qualifications and improvement plans are developed and approved by the CHE, this information is then shared with the Department. The CHE and the Department adopt a developmental approach around quality assurance and enhancement hence the need for improvement plans, site visits and periodic institutional audits of universities.
Professional bodies play an important role in ensuring the integrity of professional qualifications and in protecting the public. The CHE has signed Memoranda of Agreement/ Understanding with several professional bodies to promote cooperation and collaboration that ensures the quality of qualifications that lead to professional registration.
Additional notes:
The role of the CHE in quality assurance of qualifications is upheld in the Higher Education Act and universities’ senates and councils play an important function in safeguarding the academic integrity of qualifications. While some universities still offer and award qualifications that are not aligned to the HEQSF to pipeline students that were registered before 31 December 2019, these are being phased out. This is done while offering and awarding HEQSF aligned qualifications with different nomenclature.
The Department will, for a period maintain two separate PQMs for each university, HEQSF aligned and non-aligned. The Department envisages that non-aligned qualifications for distance education programmes will be phased out by 2028 and non-aligned contact programmes, by 2026.
11 April 2024 - NW723
Chetty, Mr M to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she will furnish Mr M Chetty with a (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by her department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic, including the (i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant
Reply:
Furnish (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by her department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic
The Ministry of Transport has a calendar of events that are scheduled to take place throughout the year 2024, in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic. The events covers the main modes of transport that are under the Ministry, namely Road, Rail, Public Transport, Aviation, Maritime and Integrated Transport Planning.
The October Transport Month Campaign, a flagship project of the Department will also be used to highlight the achievements and successes in the transport sector since the dawn of democracy.
The scheduled events are championed by the relevant Branches and line function in collaboration with provincial departments and municipalities, key stakeholders and communities and are subject to the necessary preparations being in place.
The Ministry will support other Departments in accordance with various government thematic months in celebration of the 30 years of democracy.
The list of events will cover
- Road safety campaign
- Road infrastructure
- Rail infrastructure
- Integrated Public Transport network
- Truck drivers safely and wellness
- Round table on ship register
- Skills training and development on transport
- Airports infrastructure
(i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation;
The size and magnitude of an event is largely determined by the (a) nature of the event itself such as (a) how many guests are invited or expected to attend (b) the venue for the event, the type of event - and other logistical considerations which have a bearing on the total cost or expenditure.
Such an event will also require logistical preparations and considerations for support personnel in the form of travelling, accommodation and catering.
The financial considerations and implications therefore will vary from one event to the other and will be costed when all the details are confirmed.
11 April 2024 - NW136
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Considering that Cabinet’s approved a R334,41 million reduction in her department’s baseline for Programme 3: Food Security, Land Reform, and Restitution due to unforeseeable economic and financial events, what (a) strategies and plans has she put in place to achieve the land reform targets and (b) are the further relevant details of the strategies and plans?
Reply:
a) The following strategies and plans have been put in place to address the 334.41 million reduction in Department’s baseline for Programme 3: Food Security, Land Reform and Restitution:
- Restitution:
Due to the declining budget, the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (the Commission) reduced its Annual Performance Plan targets from 355 claims settled in 22/23 financial year to 349 in the 23/24 financial year and 319 for the 24/25 financial year. Taking cognisance of the increased value of settlements and the declining budget, the Commission has aligned the settlement and finalisation targets with the allocated budget.
- Land Redistribution and Tenure:
Equitable access of land includes the security of tenure; although the budget cut will restrict the acquisition of new land, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) will effect transfer of state land under leasehold into freehold title which will increase the ownership of land and security of tenure. DALRRD will also fast-track the settlement of outstanding labour tenants’ claims as they cost less compared to land acquired for land redistribution and security of tenure will be enhanced.
b) Further details are as follows:
- Restitution:
The Backlog Reduction Strategy (this refers to the settlement of old order claims) that targets the pre-1998 claims is currently being implemented in the Commission in line with the allocated budget. The strategy was to reduce the target from 408 to 319 for the 2024/25 financial year.
- Land Redistribution and Tenure:
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform, directed DALRRD to explore policy proposals to effect transfer of state land under leasehold to current lessees or occupants into freehold title. Consultation with the affected lessees has been done and concurrence with National Treasury has been obtained.
The decision is premised on the following:
-
- Limitations of leasehold in terms of access to private capital to develop the land;
- Limited government funding to support all lessees; and
- Costs for maintaining and administering leased land.
11 April 2024 - NW589
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to her reply to question 102 on 28 February 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased by her department for (i) her and (ii) each Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) None.
(i),(ii) Falls away.
11 April 2024 - NW543
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the reasons that (a) students who are offering their services doing geographic information systems work at one of her Offices in Cape Town were made to sign a contract that stipulates that they will not be remunerated and (b) her department does not pay the students for working a full day, as some of them use transport and have to pay for their own accommodation since her department does not provide them with transport or accommodation?
Reply:
a) The students in question are not offering their services in the office in Cape Town but they are receiving training under the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme offered, either in partial fulfilment of their academic qualifications and / or in meeting the requirements for registration with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC). These conditions are explained to them prior to commencement of the training. There are no contracts signed with the students.
b) There is no provision to remunerate students who are neither bursary holders nor persons in the internship programme.
11 April 2024 - NW760
Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In light of the fact that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered close to R1 billion from institutions of higher learning that have either misused and/or misallocated funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, what (a) steps has he taken to hold the specified institutions accountable for misused and/or misallocated funds and (b) intervention measures have been put in place to ensure that maladministration does not continue in institutions of higher learning?
Reply:
a) In terms of proclamation 88 of 2022, the SIU initiated investigations on potential misuse and/or misallocation of funds by the institutions. Once the SIU has concluded its report, the Department will study the report, and engage the NSFAS and institutions which are implicated by SIU before it takes any steps. The Department has in the interim asked universities to conclude outstanding financial reconciliations.
b) NSFAS is improving its internal controls and reconciliation processes to identify outstanding funds and recover or process payments due far sooner. The Department further monitors the performance reports of universities and conducts site visits, reviews audited financial statements and annual reports of the universities, and where substantial evidence or complaints on maladministration are reported to or detected by the Department, investigations are undertaken as per the empowering provisions of the Higher Education Act (1999).
Section 42 (1) of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended, states that the Minister may issue a directive to the council of Public Higher Education Institution (PHEI) if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the Council or the Management of the PHEIs, (a) is involved in financial impropriety or the PHEI is being otherwise managed’.
If Section 42 (1)(a) is not fulfilled, then the Minister may consider Section 42 (4), which states that “in the event that the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the council of the PHEI concerned has failed to comply with the directive contemplated in this section within the stated period, or the steps taken, fail to remedy the deficiency within a reasonable period of time, the Minister may, depending on the circumstances-
(a) appoint an independent assessor in accordance with section 44; or
(b) appoint an administrator in accordance with section 49B; or
(c) take any other appropriate action allowed by this Act or any other law”, as a form of intervention.
11 April 2024 - NW483
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
Whether he will furnish Mr M Manyi with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the deployment of the SA Police Service helicopter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium to ensure transparency and accountability; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW739
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to her reply to written question 2121 on 19 June 2023, what are the relevant details of the progress that has been made in (a) reducing the regulatory impediments for small, medium, and micro-enterprises and co-operatives and (b) implementing remedies to address the 29 major regulatory barriers identified through research?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
The DSBD is the custodian of red tape reduction (RTR) as it relates to SMME and co-operatives. The Department has been working collaboratively with Salga, COGTA and the Presidency since the 2017/18 financial year to implement measures to address the legislative and administrative burden faced by SMMEs and co-operatives, more specifically at the municipal sphere of government. These interventions have been primarily aimed at awareness raising, capacity building and commissioning research that:
- Investigates sector and sub-sectors wherein the influence of red tape is unpacked, to develop strategies and interventions that circumvent the negative effects of red tape.
The Department commissioned a study on Regulatory impediments affecting SMME growth and development in South Africa: Findings and Action Plan to investigate the regulatory environment and related legislation and compliance for SMMEs in the 2023/24 financial year. The report identified 29 pieces of legislations that act as primary inhibitors of business start-up and growth. These pieces of legislation were identified as either having a direct impact on SMMEs, whilst the impact of others relate primarily to the administration of the regulation rather than the regulation itself.
Excessive red tape with regards to compliance with labour laws, human and industrial relations, tax and tax-related issues, legal requirements, municipal regulations, and support for business start-ups are key obstacles experienced by SMMEs.
What are the relevant details of the progress that has been made in (a) reducing the regulatory impediments for small, medium, and micro-enterprises and co-operatives?
Through the initial regulatory impediments affecting small businesses and co-operatives in South Africa research work, to improve rates of SMME establishment and performance, the department has undertaken extensive consultative measures to review and critique the initial work on government-wide restrictive regulations and to seek, through its intergovernmental relations and ease of doing business initiatives, resulting in a Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan.
The making of a Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan has been conducted in the 2023/24 financial year involving consultations conducted with key stakeholders on regulatory impediments to SMME growth and report produced in quarter 1 and 2, where stakeholders such BUSA, NEDLAC, Chamber of Businesses (South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Afrikaanse Handelsinsituut, NAFCOC, National Small Business Chamber, BUSA, Black Business Council (BBC), Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA), Business unity South Africa (BUSA), Small Business Institute, NEDLAC) include full list) were consulted. Report on inputs and feedback from key stakeholders incorporated into a prioritised Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan in Quarter 3 and the department is finalising a Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan to be submitted to Minister in Quarter 4.
The making of the Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan which is planned to be concluded in the end of this financial year (2023/24), is a result of the relatively extensive consultations conducted with key stakeholder SMME and Coops sectors which regarded compliance with regulatory requirements as one of the primary impediments to their growth than the actual regulations and legislation. Relative to these small businesses’ turnovers, the cost of compliance was also noted as onerous as they often do not have employees or the internal capacity to attend to these - and that it is expensive to outsource such functions.
(b) implementing remedies to address the 29 major regulatory barriers identified through research?
To address the regulatory impediments affecting SMMEs and Co-operatives through the 29 pieces of legislation across the three spheres of government to support SMME growth and development, the department is establishing a comprehensive legislative framework for small businesses and co-operatives. The department has also identified priority legislation and sectors to address regulatory impediments impacting SMMEs and Co-operatives in the new MTSF period, including Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and other priority government interventions. This will be achieved through a revised Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan to be concluded at the end of 2023/24 financial year.
The DSBD’s Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan is a strategic tool to assist it in carrying out ongoing legislative review and development of the regulatory framework falling within its purview, in a strategic and focused manner. The Implementation Plan is, however, a rolling plan and will be reviewed and revised periodically to ensure that it remains up to date, effective and continues to align to the DSBD’s broader strategic objectives, also considering emerging risks and developments.
The results of the Regulatory Impediments Implementation Plan were subject to rigorous planning, prioritisation, and internal and external consultation. The considerations and approach undertaken in developing the revised Regulatory Implementation Plan included the approach to prioritisation. Therefore, the original recommendations of the regulatory impediments research work were updated as follow:
1. Category 1: Regulations and Legislation under DSBD Control –
The revised recommendations have reaffirmed the initial recommendations that DSBD to use its Mandated Legislative Powers, by using Section 18 of the National Small Business Act 102 of 1996 (NSBA) Chapter 4, General Provisions, Sections 18 2 (b) - (e) and 3 by notice in the National Gazette guidelines to address identified DSBD’s controlled legislations causing barriers to SMMEs and Coops by conducting further consultations and impact assessment as shown such as - National Business Act 71 of 1991 and the Businesses Amendment Act 186 of 1993, National Small Enterprises Act 102 of 1996 (and as amended in 2003), National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill 2021/22, and Cooperatives Development Act No 15 of 2005, Business Licensing Bill, 2023, and agencies related regulations, legislation, and procedures. The immediate work of the next financial year will on the engagement of State Attorney, the SA Law Reform Commission; formulation of new technical working groups, and participation in the existing committees such as the department’s Intergovernmental Relations (IGR).
2. Category 2: Economic Cluster Departments Control and Influence
DSBD to use advocacy by working with national departments, provinces and local governments on administrative inefficiencies related specific regulations and legislation impacting negatively on SMMEs and Co-operatives, requiring close involvement and consultation on: National Liquor Act 59 of 2003 & Liquor Amendment Bill of 2023, the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 & Traffic Regulations, National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, Companies Act 71 of 2008, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment 53 of 2003, National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009, Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, and related regulations, legislation and procedures.
3. Category 3: Local Governance, Development and Planning
Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013, Local government legislation such Municipal System, Property Rates, Municipal Finance, related provincial legislation and regulations, by-laws and procedures, related Agencies policies, regulations, processes, and procedures.
It is important to note that not every instance of “red tape” is a regulatory reform priority, we should look at educating our populace in the intent of the law, look to our capacity to administer the law and finally, ensure that our laws are aligned with the economic and social challenges we face as a country.
Inter-governmental Relations Framework
In advancing its advocacy and coordination role for the economic sector, the DSBD is in the process of developing an IGR Reporting and Monitoring Tool which forms part of the IGR Framework for SBD. The Tool introduces indicators for Ease of Doing business that stakeholders in Government that relate to number of legislations reviewed by National departments that affect SMMEs and Co-operatives as well as measures put in place to promote administrative simplification of such legislation. The department, in collaboration with National Treasury, Salga & COGTA, is investigating modalities to deploy the Reporting and Monitoring tool for adoption through the three spheres of government.
11 April 2024 - NW749
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether he intends to commission any investigation into the allegations of fraudulent degrees conferred by the University of Fort Hare; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department will decide on the allegations once two related processes have been concluded. The first process emanates from the work of the Special Investigation Unit which is conducting an investigation at the University of Fort Hare, following the Presidential Proclamation published on 5 August 2022, in the Government Gazette no 47199. A report is expected during March / April 2024, and is likely to be delivered to the President’s office. The second process stems from the legal proceedings underway, involving the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane and the University of Fort hare.
11 April 2024 - NW291
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)Whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with a comprehensive report regarding farms owned by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in each province, including details of the farms (a) currently utilised for research purposes and (b) leased to small-scale farmers from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what is the latest update on farms that have been invaded and vandalised including the (a) actions taken by her department to address the issue of invaded farms, (b) number of evictions that have been carried out on invaded farms and (c) strategies that are in place for farms that are not actively engaged in research and are lying fallow; (3) what are the details of the individuals who are responsible for overseeing the activities of the research farms; (4) whether any accountability measures are in place; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the actions taken to address underutilisation and invasion of some of the ARC farms?
Reply:
(1)(a) Yes. Annexure A contains an inventory of all farms owned by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which are linked to specific research campuses.
(b) ARC has implemented a new strategy that involves professional property management agents to better manage its properties and agricultural land portfolio. This approach aims to cater to small-scale farmers by providing them with leasing opportunities.
(2) Since 2013, some ARC farms have been illegally occupied, starting with Umthiza farm in East London.
(a) The Legal Services Department, Facilities and Security Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and local courts worked together to evict the illegal occupiers.
(b) Evictions have also been carried out on the following farms:
- Kaalplaas – Soshanguve in August 2017;
- Umthiza again in September 2019; and
- Kaalplaas – N4 in June 2020.
Evictions were carried out via Court Eviction Orders with support from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Sheriff.
(c) ARC is actively monitoring for potential invasions and taking preventative measures to address them before requiring legal intervention.
(3) Research farms are linked to research institutes of the ARC that prioritize research activities. The Infrastructure Division supports certain aspects of managing the research farms.
(4) Yes. ARC has developed a property management strategy to optimize the use and management of its properties and research farms. A significant initiative within this framework involves engaging a professional property agent to enhance the efficient management of ARC properties and research farms. This includes tasks such as advertising unused ARC properties and research farms. Additionally, any underutilized properties that cannot be leased out will be presented to the Minister for consideration and/or transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
11 April 2024 - NW733
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether she has any plans to introduce special funding for startup small businesses in the (a) electricity and (b) plumbing sector before the end of the 2023-24 financial year; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are details of the plans in each case?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
Both sectors are catered for through the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) funding through the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), provided they meet the requirements.
There is a plan to support not only small businesses in electricity and plumbing but to fund small businesses in the built environment value chains. To this end, sefa has partnered with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to fund small businesses in the construction and built value chains: construction, plumbing, electricity, carpentry, general buildings maintenance, etc. The total budget for this support is R300 million and sefa is committing R150 million and the CIDB is also contributing R150 million for the benefit of the small businesses in these sub-sectors. The MoU between the two entities was signed in February 2024, and sefa as the implementing partner in this programme is currently setting up the systems and the implementation processes.
11 April 2024 - NW481
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Police
Whether he was flown in the SA Police Service (SAPS) helicopter to Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24 February 2024, considering that operational responsibility for law enforcement typically falls under the purview of the National Commissioner and Provincial Commissioners and not that of the Minister, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, who authorised the use of the SAPS helicopter to fly him to Durban?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW521
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Police
What is the latest development regarding the murder of Mr Ayob Mungalee, a community activist who was gunned down mercilessly outside his home as a result of his opposition to drugs in the Eldorado Park community?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW343
Gwarube, Ms S to ask the Minister of Police
What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) him, (ii) his department and (iii) officials of his department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?
Reply:
Find reply here
11 April 2024 - NW439
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Whether any progress has been made with the building of a new police station complex in Magabheni-Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, why not; if so, what is the latest progress report in this regard; (2)(a) what are the reasons for the removal of a satellite police station at Magabheni and (b) by what date will it be reinstated?
Reply:
Find reply here
10 April 2024 - NW826
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to the reply to question 490 on 14 March 2024, what (a) systems has (i) he and (ii) his department put in place to combat identity theft and (b) precautions are in place to prevent the involvement of officials of his department in identity theft?
Reply:
(a)& (b)
The following systems and precautionary measures are in place to prevent the involvement of officials of his department in identity theft:
- In terms of the Departments’ Information Security Policy, a model built around proactive risk assessment and risk management, Biometric Access Control Management (BACM) system is in place, that all officials responsible for capturing transactions on the National Population Register system within the domain of the organization, are assigned with biometric fingerprint authentication, to detect and hold users liable for fraudulent activities and information stored digitally, at any point in the Department systems.
- The Department in 2013 introduced and implemented the Live Capture system aimed at eliminating manual intervention by users, resulting in reduction of error rate and streamlining of business process for the issuance of Smart Identity Cards and Passports to citizens. The Department has also rolled out the system to 206 modernised offices. The Smart ID Card is engraved with security features that cannot be easily tampered with to prevent identity theft and fraud.
- Furthermore, the Live Capture system entails an online verification feature whereby any member of a public is verified against the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS), when applying for enabling documents. Similarly, the banks that offer Home Affairs services, have online verification whereby they can verify the legitimacy of client’s fingerprints as they are linked to departmental systems
- The Department reassessed the current business processes to close gaps identified within the passport application process. The department periodically reviews the passport security features in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards.
END
10 April 2024 - NW782
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) What were the total hours lost at Home Affairs offices in each province due to (a) load shedding and (b) system downtime (i) in the past five years and (ii) since 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) what was the total percentage of uptime of the Home Affairs services system hosted by the State Information Technology Agency in each province (i) in the past five years and (ii) since 1 January 2024 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
1. The available information is attached as Annexure A.
2. The available information is attached as Annexure B.
END
10 April 2024 - NW619
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether she has been informed about the collaboration between Discovery, Avis Southern Africa and Edu Wize to establish the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy that will assist in the maintenance of public roads; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether she intends to take steps to ensure the accreditation of the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy to offer a National Certificate in Roadworks Construction, which is an equivalent to a National Qualification Framework level 3 qualification, to assist in addressing the national issue of road maintenance and infrastructure improvement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures will she put in place to ensure the quality and sustainability of road repairs conducted by graduates of the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy?
Reply:
1. As the Minister of Transport, I am fully aware of the collaboration between Discovery, Avis South Africa and Edu Wize on Discovery Pothole Patrol academy that is accredited by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) to offer a 12-month practical skills training programme on NQF Level 3 qualification that kicked off on 1 February 2024.
2. Considering the rapid decline in the condition of South Africa’s roads and the lack of resources and technical capacity to fix potholes, My Department welcome the Pothole Patrol Academy`s initiative to provide on the job practical training in road Construction and Maintenance with the aim to improve the general condition of roads. My Department is engaging with various stakeholders and private sector for involvement and collaboration in addressing the bad condition of roads in the country of which Discovery, Avis South Africa and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) are already in partnership. Furthermore, My Department support any initiative to create jobs for youth while fixing potholes.
10 April 2024 - NW681
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with reference to the current curtailment framework as an addendum to the Generation Connection Capacity Assessment which lacks details in the live assumption of the grid and where capacity availability will emanate from, Eskom will publish through his department a comprehensive curtailment framework; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) by what date does he envisage it will be published?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
(a)
The curtailment framework creates capacity by exploiting the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources. Since they are not producing the same energy all the time, more resources can be connected to the grid and for most of the time, the grid capacity will not be exceeded.
Only on rare occasions when the output exceeds grid capacity, will it be necessary to curtail production.
(b)
The comprehensive curtailment framework will be published as soon as all pending matters, such as the compensation mechanism, have been resolved. All matters are expected to be resolved no later than July 2024.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Ms Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
10 April 2024 - NW809
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What total amounts have been paid out in bonuses to the (a) Chief Executive Officer, (b) Chief Operations Officer and (c) Chief Financial Officer of (i) SA Airways, (ii) Eskom, (iii) Transnet, (iv) SA Forestry Company Limited, (v) Alexkor and (vi) Denel, respectively, since May 2019?
Reply:
ALEXKOR
According to the information from Alexkor:
(a) R189 202,87 paid to Mr. L Pitsoe in January 2022;
(b) The position of Chief Operations Office does not exist; and
(c) No bonus paid.
DENEL
According to the information from Denel:
Denel SOC Ltd has not paid out any bonuses to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer and the Chief Financial Officer since May 2019.
ESKOM
According to the information from Eskom:
(a) (b) (c)
No bonuses have been paid out to any of the abovementioned positions since May 2019.
SAFCOL
According to the information from Safcol:
The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited made the following payments since May 2019.
Bonuses Paid during the below FY’s (2019-2023) |
|||||
Position |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
a) Chief Executive Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
173,359 |
0 |
b) Chief Operations Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
159,032 |
0 |
c) Chief Financial Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
146,376 |
0 |
Grand Total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
478,767 |
0 |
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
According to the information from SAA:
Since 2019, the following information should be noted with regards to South African Airways (SAA), bonus to CEO, COO and CFO since May 2019.
Year |
Chief Executive Officer |
Chief Operations Officer |
Chief Financial Officer |
2019 |
R nil |
R nil |
R nil |
2020 |
R nil |
R nil |
R nil |
2021 |
R nil |
R nil |
R nil |
2022 |
R nil |
R nil |
R nil |
2023 |
TRANSNET
According to the information from Transnet:
Transnet has not paid any incentive bonuses to either the Group Chief Executive or the Group Chief Financial Officer since May 2019
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved/ Comments
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
10 April 2024 - NW769
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) (a) What is the latest update on the restructuring and repositioning of Denel and (b) on what date is the restructuring and repositioning of Denel likely to be finalised; (2) (a) which aspects of Denel’s turnaround plan have been implemented to date and (b) what total amount of money is required by Denel to completely implement its turnaround plan; (3) whether Denel has been able to source and secure funding for the implementation of its turnaround plan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; The funding for the growth phase was included in the recapitalisation allocated to Denel in 2023 (4) what (a) is the current value of Denel’s order book and (b) was the value of this order book in each year in the last five financial years to date? NW947E
Reply:
According to the information received from DENEL
1. (a) Denel has materially implemented the first two phases of the turnaround which is the stabilise and sustain phases, starting with the growth phase.
(b) The turnaround plan will be implemented over a three- year period: 2022/23 financial year to 2024/25 Financial year.
2. (a) Denel has implemented the stabilise and sustain phase.
(b) The total amount for the completion of the implementation of the turnaround plans forms part of the recapitalisation allocated to Denel SOC Ltd.
3. The funding for the growth phase was included in the recapitalisation allocated to Denel SOC Ltd in 2023.
4. (a) R4 406m (Secured Order Book) and R16 580m (Order Pipeline/Winnable Projects) at the end of Dec 2023.
(b)
YEAR |
Order Book/Backlog (Rm) |
Order Pipeline/ Intake Rm |
Dec 2019 |
17 487 |
8 290 |
Dec 2020 |
13 240 |
11 650 |
Dec 2021 |
11 977 |
8 316 |
Dec 2022 |
8 862 |
9 414 |
Dec 2023 |
4 406 |
16 580 |
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved/ Comments
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date
10 April 2024 - NW617
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)In light of the launch of the Vala Zonke War Room in 2023, wherein the citizens were once again encouraged to use the Pothole Reporting App, what (a) has been the effectiveness of the specified App since its launch and (b) total number of potholes were (i) reported and (ii) repaired as a result of the initiative; (2) in light of the varied challenges facing road maintenance across the three spheres of government, what (a) specific training and (b) skills development initiatives are (i) planned and (ii) underway to build capacity within the relevant road authorities and maintenance depots; (3) Since the Vala Zonke War Room aims to centralise and expedite the response to pothole issues, what steps has she taken to ensure that the centralisation does not lead to bureaucratic delays and/or a disconnection from localised road maintenance needs and priorities?
Reply:
1. (a) The Vala Zonke Public Pothole Reporting APP was launched on 8 August 22, and to date we have had 21 341 downloads of the APP.
(b) (i) The Public has reported 46 693 potholes to date using the public APP
(b) (ii) Of the Public reported potholes a total of 7842 has been reported as closed to Vala Zonke War Room. This number excludes the blacktop patching numbers currently received from authorities. Indications are that this number is higher as not all Authorities are reporting back to the Vala Zonke War Room on actual repaired potholes or in the correct format to reconcile public potholes repaired. The War Room is trying to establish a mechanism to reconcile blacktop patching with potholes repaired.
2. (a) Various best practices national guidelines has been developed regarding road asset management and published under the auspices of the committee of transport Officials (COTO) as Technical Recommendations or Methods to be utlised by all spheres of Government.
b) (i) Various training initiatives using the above national guidelines are undertaken by the various spheres of Government and Service providers as and when new employees or sub-contractors are onboarded.
(b) (ii) SANRAL is in a process of entering in an MOU with the CETA. In terms of this MOU the CETA will provide the requisite accredited training to the supervisors and labour from the roads authorities engaged in the repair of potholes. A second aspect is the training of SMME’s and their teams in accredited training in the repair of potholes and in the management, operation of these small construction entities.
The CETA has developed accredited training courses specifically for the repair of potholes.
3. The role of the Vala Zonke War Room is not to actually perform the pothole repairs, these repairs are still performed by the responsible Road Authority for the section of road in their respective road networks as per provisions of the Constitution. The Vala Zonke War Room provides central oversight, reporting and monitoring on repair of potholes by the responsible road authority, establish reasons into the delay in repairing potholes by responsible road authorities and identify common reasons in delays that needs to be escalated to be unblocked at appropriate Authorithy level. The War Room also provides training on the use of the APP’s to the respective Road authority officials and the use of the central electronic database – Integrated Transportation Information System (ITIS).
10 April 2024 - NW613
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to her reply to question 98 on 28 February 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price of all the official vehicles purchased for (i) her and (ii) the Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
Make |
Model |
Year Manufacture |
Cost |
Purchase Date |
Official |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
|
BMW |
5 Series Sedan |
2022 |
R 748 624.04 |
27/01/2022 |
Previous Minister |
No other vehicles were procured during this period for the previous Minister, the current Deputy Minister or the previous Deputy Minister
10 April 2024 - NW754
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What are the reasons that the Public Service Commission cases that have been handled through the National Anti-Corruption hotline took more than three years to conclude, impacting badly on the taxpayers?
Reply:
Cases reported through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) are referred to departments, public agencies and other public bodies for investigation in accordance with the agreed protocols. These departments, public agencies and other public bodies are required to investigate the referrals in terms of their particular mandates on investigations within 40 days of the referral of the case. Generally, many investigations are prolonged due to a variety of factors depending on complexity of the case. Some of the problems experienced by the Departments in the handling of NACH cases appear to be link to the lack of investigative capacity, financial constraints and the fact that some departments do not have appropriate structures or specialised units to deal such cases as required by the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capabilities set by Cabinet.
The PSC has put in place mechanisms to monitor and to follow up regularly with departments.
End
10 April 2024 - NW709
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether he will furnish Mr M S Malatsi with a (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by his department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic, including the (i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a)&(b) The Department of Home Affairs does not have plans for the 30 years of democracy in the Republic. Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is the lead department and once the department is invited, it will participate.
END
10 April 2024 - NW732
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What are the full details of the steps she has taken to address the taxi violence over the Lusikisiki route that has claimed 13 lives so far?
Reply:
The Department has collaborated and supported the Eastern Cape province in dealing with this matter. It should be stated that in terms of section 85 of the National Land Transport Act No 5 of 2009, the MEC is the enforcement authority responsible for land transport law enforcement and he intended to issue a notice indicating the intention to invoke section 91 of the Act, which includes closing down the affected taxi ranks. Ordinarily, the role of dealing with violence and ensuring safety within the taxi industry is for SAPS and other law enforcement agencies and the Department is always in support of those endeavours. As a result, the Department availed itself and participated in a high-level meeting called by the Minister of Police on 25 January 2024 to explore a number of possible interventions to address this matter. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Police, Minister of Transport, Premier of the Eastern Cape, MEC for Transport Eastern Cape, amongst others. The meeting resolved that SAPS and DOT should investigate and identify police officers who are taxi operators and submit names to DOT for verification. It was further resolved that law enforcement must ensure that all illegal operators in the area are dealt with in terms of the law.
10 April 2024 - NW618
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether she intends to take any steps to establish a private-public partnership with the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy to align it with the broader skills development and job creation strategies of the Government, particularly in the infrastructure sector; if not, why not; if so, what does she envisage to be the impact of such a private-public initiative on the unemployment rate among the youth, considering the entrepreneurial opportunities it purports to offer?
Reply:
As the Honourable Member may be aware, my Department has already initiated a process to enter into Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Discovery Health Insurance Company that is already in partnership with Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). Several meetings have already been convened with JRA and Discovery Health to determine the areas of collaboration and role clarification including skills development and job creation. Engagements are still ongoing with the South African Insurance Association to adopt a national integrated approach in partnership with the entire insurance sector with the view to align Government initiative with the broader skill development initiative. The PPP initiative will contribute significantly in addressing the high number of unemployment especially amongst the youth.
In addition to the above, the initiative will enable private companies to make donations towards the maintenance and upkeep of roads through their Corporate Social Responsibility and claim for BEE Scorecards and obtain Tax deduction for such donation in terms of section 18A of SARS.