Questions and Replies

Reply:

No, the disciplinary process against the Director-General Ms Rosey Sekese has not been finalised, and is ongoing. In order not to prejudice the disciplinary proceeding, full details will made available once the process is finalised.

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-

The current account balance on the corresponding dates was as follows:

a) 30 November 2015: R 230 264 199 (OD)

b) 31 December 2015: R 181 495 765 (OD)

c) 31 January 2016: R 218 439 294 (OD)

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

The South African Post Office did not receive any revenue from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 2015.

Reply:

I have been advised the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-

(1)(a) The Post Office branch in the Westridge Mall was temporarily closed by the landlord due to rental arrears, and

(1)(b) The branch is currently operational, when it was temporarily closed, neighbouring post offices were used as contingency branches.

(2)(a) The Ennerdale South Post Office was running at a huge loss and was situated only 1.4 km from the Ennerdale Post Office, hence it was decided to close this Branch.

(2)(b) Ennerdale Post Office in only situated 1.4km from this branch and all operations have been moved to that branch without inconveniencing the clients.

Reply:

The process being undertaken by the Department involves detailed analysis of the various options that will facilitate the roll-out of broadband infrastructure and services in a cost effective and expedited manner whilst ensuring that there is value for money for Government. This will ensure that Government achieves its policy objectives of universal broadband services within the short period of time as outlined in the South Africa Connect targets.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(1)(a) The research and report on consultations was finalised in September 2015. The Department used the research and report on consultations to prepare a draft Rapid Deployment Policy. The draft Rapid Deployment policy has been incorporated into the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy White Paper as it provides support to policies and processes contained in the White Paper.

(1)(b)&(c) National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper Policy will be submitted to Cabinet for approval in March 2016.

(2)(a)(i)&(ii) The Department contracted the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC), an agency of the National Treasury, established to provide advisory services, programme management, support high-impact government initiatives, and strengthen infrastructure planning to support the Department in the development of the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions on Electronic Facilities. Following a competitive bidding tender process run by GTAC with the involvement of the Department, Analysys Mason (Pty) Ltd, was appointed to liaise with stakeholders, conduct research and develop a draft rapid deployment policy.

(2)(b) The agreed upon deliverables and other project costs between the department and GTAC is R 4 996 732.00. GTAC has, to date, paid Analysys Mason, the service provider R 3 695 444.00.

(3)(a) Analysys Mason (Pty) Ltd, will not be further involved in both the finalisation and ratification of the policy because the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions have been incorporated into the ICT White Paper and will therefore not be finalised and ratified as a standalone policy.

Reply:

(1)(a)(i)&(ii) The Lead Entity has not been appointed yet. The Department is following due process to facilitate the roll-out of broadband for Phase 1 and Phase 2 is still at a planning stage considering that the funding has not been determined.

(1)(b)&(c) Refer to (1)(a) above.

(2)(b)&(c) Refer to (1)(a) above. The scope of work will be finalised after due process for the appointment of the service provider has been finalised.

(3) The announcement of the service provider will only be done once the Department has finalised the process indicated in 1(a) above and the subsequent conclusion of the necessary agreements.

Reply:

1. The Lead Entity has not been appointed yet because the Department is following due process.

(2)(a)(i) Current infrastructure roll-out is fragmented, it leads to duplication of efforts and resources, and also focuses on urban areas. Additionally, the roll-out of parallel and competing networks especially in rural areas is considered not feasible or viable because of the socio-economic profile of the rural areas and demand for services. The criteria for designating a Lead Entity took into consideration the extent of fibre infrastructure in the country and the national network scope and scale that can be leveraged to reduce the cost and distances to connect facilities to existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the entity should have the capacity to coordinate other State-Owned Entities (SOEs) in order to leverage and efficiently use State assets and investments to expedite broadband roll-out, particularly in rural areas, in a cost effective manner.

(ii) Refer to (i) above

(b) The appointment of the Lead Agency will be announced once the appointment process has been finalised.

Reply:

(1)(a) The rollout will commence after all preparations for implementation have been finalised.

(b) Refer to (a) above

(c) Refer to (b) above

(2) The National Treasury requested an implementation plan from the Department in order to release the funds.

Reply:

a) The National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper will be tabled in Cabinet for approval by the end of the financial year.

b) The Department intends to gazette the draft National e-Strategy before the end of the financial year.

c) SAPO currently needs financial assistance from Government.

SAPO has been given a guarantee of R1.67 billion in the past financial year and R2.5 billion in the current financial year. The Post Office uses these guarantees to raise cash from the financial markets.

Moving forward SAPO's Strategic Turnaround Plan (STP) has been developed and approved by Cabinet. Its effective implementation requires effective leadership and funding. As part of supporting SAPO's turnaround, the Department has recognised the need to stabilise SAPO's leadership. The board and the Group CEO have been appointed. To date, there has been more focus on the implementation of cost cutting initiatives. There is currently a need to implement revenue generation initiatives and these require funding. Effective implementation of the STP will enable the entity to be economically viable.

 

Reply:

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

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

Reply:

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

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

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

2(a) No.

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

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

Reply:

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

(b-c) Not applicable

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

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

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

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

Reply:

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

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

Reply:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reply:

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

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

(a) Yes.

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

(ii) Yes.

(b) None

Reply:

(a) The overall cost producing the USAASA annual reports for the year ended 31 March 2015 was a VAT inclusive sum of R265 486. 68 broken down as follows:

Item Description (Initial USAASA Copies	VAT Inclusive Total ‘R’
Project Management Costs	33 858. 00
Copywriter / Editor Package	15 475. 50
Strategic/Executive/Creative Directors	50 507. 70
DTP, Design, Layout & Electronic Assembly	24 453. 00
Photography Package	14 250. 00
Consumables Laserproof Colour A4 & CD	5 785. 50
Agency Fee	34 627. 73
Printing 250 USAASA Copies	26 926. 80
TOTAL	205 884. 23

Item Description (Additional USAASA Copies)	VAT Inclusive Total ‘R’
250 Copies USAASA	48 041. 88
DTP. Design & Layout	4 560. 00
Agency Fee	7000. 57
TOTAL COST	59 602. 45

The overall cost producing the USAF annual reports for the year ended 31 March 2015 was a VAT inclusive sum of R206 808.12 broken down as follows:

Item Description (Initial USAASA Copies	VAT Inclusive Total ‘R’
Project Management Costs	33 858. 00
Copywriter / Editor Package	15 475. 50
Strategic/Executive/Creative Directors	50 507. 70
DTP, Design, Layout & Electronic Assembly	24 453. 00
Photography Package	14 250. 00
Consumables Laserproof Colour A4 &CD	5 785. 50
Agency Fee	34 627. 73
Printing 250 USAF Copies	34 111. 08
TOTAL	213 068. 51

Item Description (Additional USAF Copies)	VAT Inclusive Total ‘R’
250 Copies USAF	36 179. 04
DTP. Design & Layout	4 560. 00
Agency Fee	7 000. 57
TOTAL COST	47 739. 61

(b) Total number of 2014/15 annual report copies produced as follows:

• USAASA – 500 copies
• USAF – 500 copies

(c) Active 8 Branding was contracted to produce all the USAASA and USAF 2014/15 annual reports and services provided included the annual report design, layout, editorial services and printing. This company is part of a panel of communications service providers that was appointed by the Agency to provide printing services amongst other communications-related services.

Reply:

1. The Minister (a) and officials (b) of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) have met frequently with the SAPO Management and Board. Discussions were mainly to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Turnaround Plan (STP). These included discussions on financial challenges and how to assist SAPO in addressing challenges at hand. As a result of these engagements, the Department facilitated financial requests to the National Treasury and also participated in SAPO's negotiations with the commercial banks on the borrowing requirements.

(2)(a) SAPO's Strategic Turnaround Plan (STP) has been developed and approved by Cabinet. Its effective implementation requires effective leadership and funding. As part of supporting SAPO's turnaround, the Department has recognised the need to stabilise SAPO's leadership. The Board was appointed in August 2015 and the appointment of the Group CEO and COO are also being fast tracked.  To-date there has been more focus on the implementation of cost cutting initiatives. There is currently a need to implement revenue generation initiatives and these require funding. It is envisaged that effective implementation of the STP will enable the entity to be economically viable.  Furthermore, the Department facilitated and opened doors for SAPO's engagements with the National Government Departments in order to encourage them to utilise SAPO's services as part of Government supporting the entity's turnaround.  To-date meetings were held with 21 Government Departments and the DTPS led all the initial engagements. The Department also facilitated SAPO's engagements with the National Treasury on the need to effect Cabinet Lekgotla's decision to ensure that over 30 percent of Government business is given to SAPO. We are awaiting the relevant Instruction Notice to be issued to give effect to this Cabinet decision.

(2)(b) No. There has been no decision to put SAPO on business rescue yet. However, some of its subsidiaries may be considered, if necessary.

(3) No. There has been no such consideration by Government.

 

Reply:

I have been advised by the South African Post Office (SAPO) as follows:-

 

1. Please see the table below in terms of the number of vehicle licenses renewed during the requested period and the monetary value thereof. Kindly note that the amounts collected are inclusive of the SAPO transaction fees.

MONTH	TRANSACTIONS VOLUMES	AMOUNT COLLECTED
Jan-15	228 170	R 119 299 153.47
Feb-15	177 993	R 99 689 200.01
Mar-15	200 791	R 112 294 174.68
Apr-15	173 128	R 95 966 091.69
May-15	177 244	R 105 498 716.07
Jun-15	169 278	R 102 662 712.57
Jul-15	215 355	R 129 590 982.51
Aug-15	189 843	R 109 654 347.04
Total	1 531 802	R 874 655 378.04

 

2. Please see the table below in terms of the payments made to the Gauteng Provincial Government per month during the requested period. The amounts paid over are exclusive of the SAPO transaction fees.

MONTH	TRANSACTIONS VOLUMES	ACT-EFT-AMNT (BANKED AMOUNTS)
Jan-15	228 170	R 101 785 538.80
Feb-15	177 993	R 89 094 993.31
Mar-15	200 791	R 107 526 815.80
Apr-15	173 128	R 79 614 110.61
May-15	177 244	R 100 417 522.65
Jun-15	169 278	R 91 653 567.64
Jul-15	215 355	R 109 478 868.19
Aug-15	189 843	R 104 154 828.07
Total	1 531 802	R 783 726 245.07

Reply:

(1)(a) The Cybersecurity Awareness Implementation Plan was developed internally by DTPS. It must be noted that Cybersecurity Awareness Implementation Plan is informed by the Cybersecurity Awareness Strategy of 2012 which was developed in consultation with stakeholders that included academia, the Internet Service Providers’ Association, the Wireless Application Service Providers Association and civil society.

(b) The Plan was developed in-house utilising internal skills and resources. Other than the internal resources, the Cybersecurity Awareness Implementation Plan did not have any additional costs.

(c) The details of the Plan focuses on the following four broad channels: Public Relations, Advertising, Stakeholder Communication and Social/Community mobilisation.

(d) The strategy will be implemented in phases. The strategy entails mass communications.

(e) The Department will leverage GCIS’s bulk buying power to maximise the impact of the rollout of the Cybersecurity Awareness Programme.

(f) The budget for this media strategy is R1 869 600.00 for this Financial Year.

(g) (i) In line with the JCPS Cluster outcome 3, the objectives of the media plan are to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe; to influence South Africans to be vigilant about practicing safer online habits; and to provide the public with resources, tips and tools to adopt safer online behaviour. ii) Deliverables over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework are subject to budget availability. The primary target will be private sector, public sector and communities (school children, youth, and parents).




END

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

No. The department is currently at 1.8% representivity.

The department has had difficulty in attracting persons with disabilities, who comply with the requirements of the positions. The departmental Human Resources and Employment Equity plans have however addressed this specific requirement. It is important to note that currently the department is merely short of one official with a disability on a SMS level to achieve its 2% employment equity target.



END

Reply:

The Department and its entities do not sit and define “red-tape”. However, they have mechanisms to deal with unnecessary delays in their operational processes such as regular reviews of rules, regulations, protocols and legal framework to improve effectiveness and efficiency in achieving our outcomes.

Amongst others, I would like to refer the member to annual reports, strategic plans and quarterly reports of the entities and the Department.



END

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department has had a number of interactions in the form of bilateral meetings with State-Owned Entities and the private sector with the purpose of understanding the current broadband infrastructure gap, understanding the different technology options as well as understanding the different approaches undertaken by the private sector in implementing various broadband initiatives.

(b) Several meetings were held to provide the Department with better insight into the possible solutions to the broadband infrastructure problem and to assist with the costing of the broadband business case.

(c) The specified meetings were mainly held at the offices of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

(d) Meetings were held with the private Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The purpose of the interaction with the private ICT sector on South Africa Connect was with the view to understand the technology trends, roadmap and infrastructure capabilities to achieve the SA Connect target and the broadband gaps. The purpose was also to understand the economic and social impact of the broadband initiatives to assist with setting up the parameters for monitoring the impact over the long term. Further to understand the different approaches to national Broadband Implementation Strategies implemented in other countries and the challenges and success thereof.

(e)(i)(ii) Meetings will be held with the private sector and are aimed at (i) Establishing key indicators to measure the impact of broadband infrastructure on the economy and (ii) Understanding how to further improve the current coverage.

(2)(a) (i) The Department has had interactions with the following companies to discuss technology options for broadband:

• Isizwe projects;
• Huawei Technologies;
• Alcatel-Lucent;
• Altec;
• Nokia,
• Seacom,
• the Living Labs project
• Viasat
• Avanti Communication Group

The following companies have been consulted to determine the extent of their infrastructure investment:

• • MTN
  • Vodacom
  • Neotel
  • Cell C
  • Altron
  • Telkom
  • Sentech
  • Dark Fibre Africa
  • Eskom
  • SACF
  • SANRAL

(ii) The following organisations were included in the interactions:

• Universal Service and Access and Agency of South Africa (USAASA);
• Council for Scientific Research (CSIR),
• BMI-T; and,
• Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

(iii) The National Broadband Advisory Council (NBAC) Working Group is the

Council has facilitated presentation from the Department and industry. The National ICT Forum has now been established to drive some of the industry interactions in a coordinated manner.

(b) The interactions were mainly in a form of bilateral meetings.

(c) The specified meetings were mainly held at the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services offices and CSIR convention centre

(3)(a) The engagement with the private ICT sector assisted the Department to understand the infrastructure gaps and various technology options and approaches to close the gaps.

(b) The outcome of the interactions with the private ICT sector assisted with the development of the broadband business case and implementation plan, and ensured that the duplication of infrastructure is avoided as much as possible during the planning process.



END

Reply:

(1)(a) The NCPF was communicated to the state-owned companies for the development of their cybersecurity strategies. The National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (NCPF) adopted by Cabinet in 2012, sets the agenda for cybersecurity in South Africa. Whilst the implementation of this policy is government led, its implementation includes all stakeholders, public and private sector, and citizens.

(b) The NCPF was developed taking into consideration South Africa’s national

interest, and global development.

(c) The policy framework was developed by an inter-departmental task team of the JCPS Cluster.

(d) It was communicated to the state-owned companies at the Joint DTPS- state-owned companies strategic workshop held in February 2015.

(e)(i) The strategies developed by SoCs are meant to mitigate the risk associated

with their respective businesses. To this end it is envisaged that the respective boards will be responsible for approving such strategies.

(ii) The boards appointed to these entities have an overall responsibility of ensuring that strategies adopted are implemented. The Department is responsible SoC oversight.

(f) The management and the boards of the state-owned companies will determine date of implementation.

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows;

No retrenchment notices or voluntary severance packages have been effected for the period 1 March to 31 July 2015 because of lack of funding.

Reply:

I’ve been advised by SAPO as follows;

Yes, the person in question was employed by the South African Post Office as the General Manager; and in 2003, internal disciplinary actions were instituted against him for two allegations relating to sexual harassment and intimidation.

(a) He was subjected to disciplinary actions on two charges of sexual harassment and intimidation.

(b) The person in question was found not guilty on both allegations.

Reply:

I have been advised by Sentech as follows:-

No, Sentech has not called tenders for equipment upgrade to the value of R185 million.

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not Applicable

(c) Not Applicable

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department has engaged all provinces, particularly those that will form part of Phase 1 of the broadband rollout programme. The purpose of the engagements was to ensure alignment between provincial initiatives and the SA Connect; communicate the intentions of the Departments with respect to Phase 1 of SA Connect; ensure that that there is optimum coordination between provincial line departments and the service providers who may rollout the programme.

(b) Only two provinces have funding for Broadband Projects, Gauteng (R1.2bn over 5 years) and Western Cape (R1.3bn over 7 years). Other provinces have broadband plans that do not have dedicated funding.

(2) The Department has established Provincial Broadband Steering Committees (PBSC). The PBSCs are provincially based structures that will support the co-ordination, alignment and increased professionalism of broadband implementation in the provinces. In order to fully achieve the effects of well managed broadband initiatives, the management of a combined approach between provinces and municipalities have been recognised.

Priority was given to provinces that are targeted for the first phase of Digital Development implementation. Gauteng and Western Cape Provinces will also be engaged on how to collaborate for the development of the implementation plans of facilities in the respective provinces.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(1) (a) The implementing agency will lead and coordinate State-Owned Companies in the rollout of broadband infrastructure in the identified areas to facilitate government connectivity.

(b) The Department is following the relevant treasury regulation and supply chain management processes.

(c) Cabinet; the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development (ESEID) Cluster; and State Information Technology Agency (SITA) will be consulted.

(d) The appointment will be made once due process has been followed and Cabinet, National Treasury and the Auditor General have been informed.

(e) The agency will not incur any cost for the Department. The operational expenditure of the agency over the MTEF will not be attributed to the Department.

Reply:

I have been advised the Department as follows:-

(a)(i) Mr. Kefilwe Madingoane heads the Department’s South Africa Connect project office

(b) The project office comprises of eighteen (18) full time departmental staff members.

(c) Their roles include:

• Broadband infrastructure gap analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools

• High-level broadband technical planning to determine appropriate technology options and to develop the technical specification

• Stakeholder engagement at a National Government level to ensure coordination of the rollout plan with the requirements of the line Departments

• Stakeholder engagement at Provincial and Local Government level to ensure that there is coordination between the rollout programme and the readiness of the targeted facilities. Also to assist Provincial Governments with setting up appropriate provincial broadband steering committees to drive the rollout programme at the provincial and local government level.

• Development of relevant business cases to secure funding for the rollout of broadband initiatives.

• Coordination with stakeholders such as State-Owned Companies and the private sector to ensure alignment with public and private sector initiatives.

(d) The budgeted cost for the office over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework is as shown below. The budget includes broadband rollout, remuneration, goods and service and professional services.

Financial Year (over MTEF)	Budget:R’000
2015/16	R 227,150
2016/17	R 380,181
2017/18	R 390,361

(e)(i)(ii)(iii) The mandate is to execute on the four (4) strategies of the SA Connect Policy. The deliverable target is to achieve 100% broadband penetration by 2020 as per Outcome 6 of Medium Term Strategic Framework.

 

Reply:

(1)(a) In 2010

(1)(b) It emanates from a resolution of the International Telecommunications Union that was taken in 2009 and the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) responded as a Member State of the ITU by developing the Child Online Protection Programme that was developed in 2010.

(2)(a) Consultation workshops took place in all provinces on the Children Strategy which included the Online Protection Programme.

(2)(b) Children’s Rights Organisations; Children’s Organisations that work in the ICT Sector; State-Owned Companies, Department of Basic Education, Department of Social Development, National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service, the former Ministry for Women, Children and People with Disabilities; and International Bodies such as Unicef and the ITU.

(2)(c) During the financial years 2010/2011 and 2011/12.

(2)(d) Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), Free State Province, North West Province, Gauteng, Northern Cape Province and the Eastern Cape Province.

(3) No, but an advertisement ran on national television and radio. Further, a Webpage was set up for the programme;

(4)(a) On 19 August 2015 in KZN as part of the launch of the Children and ICT Strategy;

(4)(b) The DTPS and Non-Profit Organisations namely; Resources Aimed at Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention; Childline South Africa, Disabled Children’s Action Group (DICAG); and the Film and Publication Board.

 

(4)(b)(i) Through School-based Awareness Workshops and in this regard we have conducted (5) five workshops in the Eastern Cape, KZN, Western Cape, and North West Province.

(4)(b)(ii) Evaluation workshops are conducted with the schools where the programme is implemented and in this regard we have done one evaluation workshop in KZN this year.

Reply:

 

1. The Department has not as yet specifically interacted with the ICT Companies about employee retrenchments. The Department intends to hold consultations during the 3rd and 4th quarters to address the issues affecting employment in the sector.
2. The Department will communicate the format and objectives of the interactions once held. Outcomes will also be communicated.

Reply:

Yes ,the Director –General signed on 01 April to March 2015.

 

Reply:

(a) The Department is undertaking work on Open Access within the broader scope of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper. The white paper policy will determine, amongst other things, the appropriate policy and regulatory remedies for the management and regulation of the open access framework. Should the white paper process determine that there is a need to publish open access regulations, the system protocols will be outlined as part of the functional specification that is defined to implement the regulations.

(b) The protocols have not been defined yet but would be defined as part of the work related to the implementation of the open access regulation.

(c) See response above

(d) Oversight over the development and implementation of the functional specifications would fall within the ambit of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)

Reply:

(1)(a) Intervention put in place are SA Connect a programme of government to connect 100% of the country to the internet.

(b)(i) Planned interventions are Broadband Infrastructure rollout, E-strategy, internet strategy and USAASA interventions, ICT Policy review

(ii) Broadband rollout to 8 district municipalities including associated digital opportunity programmes.

(2)(a) Yes. Through USAASA, there will be an initiative to subsidise schools, public access points and people in underserved areas.

(b) Yes, in areas where it is not economically viable for operators.

(c)(i-ii) No. The Department does not have plans to subsidise mobile data providers’ prices. The department will pursue policy interventions for the reduction of voice and data costs.

Reply:

I have been advised by SITA as follows:-

(a-d) No, SITA did not play a role in planning or implementation of the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, City of Pietermaritzburg and the City of Cape Town broadband projects.

Reply:

(a)(i) The mandate of the Cybersecurity Hub is to be the central point of collaboration for Cybersecurity incidents;

(ii)(aa)The budget for 2015-16 Financial Year is R11 755 000.00

(bb)The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework is as follows:

Financial Year (FY) 2016-17 (R11 847 000.00)

FY 2017-18 (R11 939 000.00)

FY 2018-19 (R12 536 000.00)

(iii) The money will be spent on operations of the Cybersecurity Hub as per the Cybersecurity Hub Road Map.

(b) The operations of the Cybersecurity Hub is currently outsourced.

(c) Most of the staff members from the Service Provider hold Masters Degrees.

(d) As outlined in the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework, the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services is in charge of the Cybersecurity Hub and the Cybersecurity Hub is headed by Mr Jabu Radebe.

(e) He is a Chief Director: ICT Security

(f) The Cybersecurity Hub reports to the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services, the Director-General of the Department, Deputy Director-General: ICT Infrastructure Support and the Cybersecurity Response Committee (CRC).

Reply:

(a) No, and the rest of the questions fall off.

Reply:

Extensive discussions have been held with stakeholders in both the government and private sectors.

These include:

National Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Rural Development and Land Reform; Environmental Affairs; Economic Development; Public Enterprises; Transport; Water Affairs; Performance Monitoring and Evaluation; Office of the Chief State Law Adviser; the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA); South African Local Government Association (SALGA); Broadband Infraco; Cell C; Dark Fibre Africa; Fibreco; Internet Solutions; Dimension Data; Link Africa; Liquid Telecoms; MTN; Neotel; Sentech; Telkom; Vodacom; Vumatel; Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Council; Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Association; Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA); South African Communications Forum (SACF); Wireless Access Providers’ Association (WAPA); Eskom; Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA); South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL); State Information Technology Agency (SITA); Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Transnet; Cape Town Municipality; Ekurhuleni Municipality; Tshwane Municipality and ATC South Africa.

Following these engagements, the Department of Transport, ICASA, Office of the Chief State Law Adviser and Telkom provided further information in writing. Based on these engagements a discussion paper highlighting the policy issues has been developed and circulated to stakeholders.

The Discussion Paper is also available on the Department’s website. This Discussion Paper has been workshopped with stakeholders on 21 August 2015, the draft Rapid Deployment Policy will be developed based on the input derived therefrom.

Reply:

(a)(i) Yes, an Intervention Team that worked under the supervision of the Administrator did a comprehensive diagnostic work into the difficulties / challenges faced by the South African Post Office (SAPO). The work resulted in a Turn-around plan, which has been approved by Cabinet and proposes a new business model. This Strategic Turnaround plan is being implemented.

(ii) The diagnosis undertaken paid specific attention to the financial difficulties of SAPO and proposed specific interventions to deal with these.

(b) Government is not considering selling either part or the whole of SAPO as the company still has value to offer to the citizens especially those residing in the underservice parts of the country especially the rural areas.

Reply:

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the body responsible for issuing electronic communications regulations in South Africa. ICASA will be in a position to issue the Rapid Deployment Regulations in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the Electronic Communications Act No 36 of 2005 after the Cabinet has approved the Rapid Deployment Policy.

Reply:

The monies will be used to provide broadband connectivity services to the targeted government sites in the Phase 1 districts.

Reply:

(1) (a) Presentations were held on the 21 August 2014 and 27 November

2014.

(b) Presentation were held at the DTPS offices

(c) For the meeting of the 21 August 2014, six members of the NBAC Working Group, four members from the department and a representative from Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) were in attendance. For the meeting of the 27 November 2014, five members of the NBAC Working Group were in attendance as well as six members of the department. Viasat and the Gauteng Broadband Network (GBN) were invited to deliver presentations at the meeting of 27th November 2014 but only Viasat managed to deliver the presentation on the day.

(2) The Minister will meet the Chairperson of the NBAC to map a way forward with regards to the continuing role of the NBAC as well as the work plan that will guide the NBAC going forward.

(3) Since the work plan is expected to be a dynamic document, it will not be gazetted to allow for flexible adaptation of the document to the rapidly changing ICT environment and to ensure that the work of the NBAC remains relevant.

Reply:

(a)(i) National Department of Health (NDOH) has rolled out connectivity in 34 of the 50 targeted for the NHI Pilot. The solution will dovetail and align with SA Connect once the service rollout commences following the appointment of a service provider.

(ii) At provincial level, only the Gauteng provincial government and the Western Cape provincial government have financed broadband plans

(iii) At local government level, there are various initiatives by Government and the private sector to provide Wi-Fi hotspot infrastructure and access to the public. Initiative from Tshwane and Lusikisiki are good examples were WiFi infrastructure was financed. The rollout in Tshwane cost in the order of R77, 000 per Wi-Fi site.

(b) The rollout programme of the DTPS will focus on broadband infrastructure and services for government facilities. The DTPS will aggregate government demand to ensure that there is a compelling business case for infrastructure to be extended to the rural areas. The national, provincial and local government departments will then compliment the efforts of the DTPS by focusing on the provisioning of end-user devises and equipment, applications, relevant content and the training of users of the technology. The DTPS has worked with provincial departments to establish provincial broadband steering committees that are used to ensure alignment of the DTPS programme and provincial plans.

Reply:

(a)  Only one meeting was held by the Governance and Security Chamber. The Social Chamber meeting is scheduled to take place on 21 August 2015, the Economic Chamber for 26 August 2015 and the ICTs and Disability Chamber in the first week of September 2015.

(b)  Governance and Security Chamber meeting was held on 17 August 2015.

(c)  Yes, the meeting did quorate.

(d) The following decisions were made by the meeting:

• The terms of reference of the Chamber were developed and adopted.
• A clear Scope of Work was developed and adopted.
• Working Groups were established in three areas, namely, cybersecurity, internet governance and e-commerce.
• Convenors of the Working Groups were nominated and confirmed.
• Each Working Group will develop a specific action plan to be implemented by the Chamber.

Reply:

1. (a) The draft policy direction has already been prepared and consultation with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa commenced.

(b) The draft policy direction was drafted by the Department.

(2) After finalising consultation with ICASA, public consultation will commence in accordance with section 3(5) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 that requires that the text of a policy direction must be published in the Gazette for 30 days to obtain the views of interested persons.

Reply:

1. The African Union Convention on Cyberspace Security and Protection of Personal Data was adopted by the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union which was held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 26 and 27 June 2014.

South Africa has not ratified the African Union Convention on Cyberspace Security and Protection of Personal Data because South Africa has not yet signed as she is awaiting the official document from the African Union Commission to be dispatched through diplomatic channels.

The Convention has not yet been signed.

2.  The provisions of the AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection

(a)  Will have to be studied by the relevant department and authorities, as part of the process of ratification to ensure that it is consistent with our domestic law and not in conflict with any of South Africa’s international law obligations and that procedurally South Africa is in a position to ratify the Amendment. This will be done by the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Office of the Chief State Law Adviser - International Law of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

(b)  No information is available, awaiting the study and legal opinion.

(i) Not applicable

(ii) Not applicable

Reply:

The amendment of the ECT Act was taking place in parallel to the ICT Policy review process. It was decided to halt the amendments of the ECT Act pending the finalisation of the review. This was to ensure alignment and coherence with the outcomes of the policy review.

Reply:

1. South Africa has not ratified the Southern African Development Community Model Law on Electronic -Transactions and Electronic-Commerce Model Law; Data Protection Model Law; and Cybercrime Model Law.

These SADC Model Laws were developed under the Harmonization of ICT Policies in the Sub-Sahara Africa (HIPSSA) project to assist and to build a comprehensive regional framework for the development of the information society and the knowledge economy in SADC; and to guide the SADC Member States to draft or update their corresponding national legislations.

The SADC Model Laws were adopted as framework, not as binding agreement. Ratification is not applicable.

2. The SADC Model Laws are included in the following:

   (a) None.

   (b) The National ICT Policy.

(i) To be determined on finalization of the National ICT Policy White Paper.

(ii) To be determined by the National ICT Policy White Paper.