Questions and Replies

Filter by year

04 June 2020 - NW721

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)In light of the various initiatives launched to provide online learning to school learners and tertiary students during the national lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, what is the smart phone penetration in rural areas across the Republic; (2) What is the (a) television and (b) radio penetration across the Republic?

Reply:

1. According to the ICASA’s State of ICT Sector in South Africa 2019, the penetration of smartphones countrywide is 81, 72% as at the end of September 2018, compared to 43, 5% in September 2016 and 74, 2% in September 2017.

ICASA recorded smartphones subscriptions at 46, 9 million as at 30 September 2018. According to ICASA that total number of 4G/LTE devices in 2018, was 12 644 364 million countrywide with GP being the highest at 4 304 758; KwaZulu-Natal at 1 859 095; Western Cape at 1 562 239; Limpopo 1 532 666; Mpumalanga at 1 310 633; Eastern Cape at 745 272; North West at 664 362; Free State at 444 639; and Northern Cape at 220 700.

The data does not into account socio-economic factors.

(2) (a) The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRC) is a body which commissions and oversees the delivery of radio and television audience measurement research for broadcasters. According to the latest BRC TAMS report for the period July 2018 to June 2019: 14 577 947 television households.

(b) The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa (BRC) is a body which commissions and oversees the delivery of radio and television audience measurement research for broadcasters. The BRC RAM™ figures released in February 2020, and covering the period January 2019 to December 2019, reveal that radio reach countrywide is:

  1. 92% weekly with 37.5 million listeners listening at any given time during the week.
  2. 73% daily (Monday to Friday) with 29.9 million listeners, on average each weekday.

The data does not take into account socio-economic factors.

 

MR J MTHEMBU, MP

ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 June 2020 - NW438

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister has each employed ministerial special advisors; if so, in each case, (i) what is the name of the special advisor, (ii) on what date was the advisor appointed, (iii) what are the duties of the advisor, (iv) at what post level was the appointment made, (v) what is the salary level of the advisor, (vi) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (vii) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor?

Reply:

(a) Yes

(b) No

(a)(i) Mr Thabiso Kenneth Thukani

(a)(ii) 29 August 2019

(a)(iii) The duties of the special adviser are the following:

(i) Provide strategic advice to the Minister in the development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy and regulatory framework, including monitoring implementation as well as its impact on the wellbeing of the citizens of South Africa;

(ii) Provide specialist advice to the Ministry in executing the mandates of Departments of Communications (DoC), Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) and its State-Owned Entities (SOEs);

(iii) Assist with developing appropriate relationships with the sector, academia, caucus, and civil society groups in order to facilitate progress of policy and legislation within the Minister's portfolio of responsibilities;

(iv) Review submissions going to the Minister, drawing attention to any aspect which has policy/political implications, and ensuring that sensitive political issues are addressed accordingly;

(v) Speechwriting, thought leadership and related research, including ensuring that relevant overarching government policies are reflected in material prepared by the Department.

(a)(iv) Compensation level III

(a)(v) Salary level 15

(a)(vi) 12 months

(a)(vii) To advise the Executive Authority on the exercise or performance of the Executive Authority’s powers and duties, and on the development of policy that will promote the Department’s objectives.

MR J MTHEMBU, MP

ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 June 2020 - NW506

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) number of judgments and (b) court orders were made against her department in the (i) 2017-18 and (ii) 2018-19 financial years, (b) number of the specified judgments and court orders (i) were implemented and (ii) await implementation by her department and (c) was the nature of each (i) judgment and/or (ii) court orders.

Reply:

(a)(i) One judgement was delivered against the Department during the year 2017/2018.

(b)(i) None

(a)(ii) One judgment was delivered against the Department during the year 2018/2019.

(b)(ii) None

(b) The Department has two judgements, meaning that the matters have been finalised through court proceeding or arbitration, for the financial years 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 and no court orders.

(b)(i) Both judgments, one issued by the Labour Court in Paris (France) and one award issued by the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa, were implemented.

(b)(ii) The Department has no judgment or order that awaits implementation.

(c) Judgment issued against the Department during 2017/20

In the matter between Ms Terry Crawford (“Ms Crawford”) and the Republic of South Africa (Paris Mission), Ms Crawford instituted legal proceeding in the Labour Court (Paris) for compensation for the termination of her employment contract, psychological harassment, the payment of her leave credits and reimbursement of cost incurred for the litigious matter, amounting to 513 416.48 Euro. The Labour Court found that Crawford was not dismissed without actual or serious basis as she claimed.

Crawford was employed as a switchboard operator by the Embassy on 21 January 1991. During 1999 the Embassy opened a new section to represent the Department of Communications and Ms Crawford was employed as an Administrative Assistant to support the official seconded to the Embassy. Subsequently, the Department took a decision to close the Communications Section which resulted in the official seconded to the Embassy returning to South Africa. Ms Crawford’s position became redundant and the Embassy offered her an alternative position as Accounts Clerk. Ms Crawford was dissatisfied with the position offered to her and instituted legal proceedings where she cited, amongst others, unilateral termination of her employment contract on 19 September 2012. During the hearing Crawford disclosed confidential information and was dismissed on 11 August 2014, after she failed to attend a disciplinary enquiry.

On 10 July 2017 the Labour Court (Paris) ordered that Crawford be paid an amount of 16 252.57 Euros as compensation, representing the minimum amount to be paid for the termination of the contract, instead of the 513 416.48 which Crawford claimed.

The judgment was furnished to the Department on 8 March 2018, the date on which Crawford’s’ legal representatives furnished the Department’s legal representative, with same. Payment in the amount of R236 891.77 was made on 28 March 2018.

Judgment issued against the Department during 2018/2019

Following a procurement process, the Department of Communications (DoC) entered into an agreement Draft FCB Africa (FCB), who was the successful bidder to conceptualise, develop and implement a comprehensive three-year public awareness strategy for Broadcasting Digital Migration on 24 February 2009. The effective duration of the agreement was from 1 November 2008 for a period of three years, same to terminate on 31 October 2011. The initial total price tendered for was R399,078,495.84 but the evaluation committee removed certain items not required and brought the tender price down to an amount of R282,500,000.00.

The DoC, terminated the contract on 3 May 2010 and withdrew the termination notice on 30 June 2010, indicating that “the department intends to review the contract for the sake of progress of the matter”. Thereafter FCB stopped rendering services to the former DoC due to payment delays after it failed to submit signed off timesheets of consultants that worked on the project. FCB instituted court proceeding against the DoC during December 2011 and the matter remained dormant for a period of almost three years, whereafter same was subjected to arbitration. On the advice of SC, the Director-General appealed the arbitration award issued on 30 September 2017.

On 4 June 2018, the Office of the State Attorney informed the Department that the Appeals Panel has now concluded the appeal and issued a final arbitration award against the Minister of Communications and the Director-General of DoC ordering them to pay to FCB Africa an amount of R45,064,990.84.

The Department notified National Treasury of the award on 5 June 2018 and on the advice of National Treasury, a meeting was held with FCB Africa on 12 June 2018, wherein the Department explained that it lacked the funding to satisfy the award and requested indulgence to execute the award on or before 31 January 2019, after the budgetary adjustment processes of Government has been concluded. Payment of an amount of R18 940 000.00 was made on 7 February 2019, and the balance of R26 572 515.51 was paid on 3 April 2019.

MR J MTHEMBU, MP

ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 June 2020 - NW739

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister have undergone any training on media since she has been appointed to the Cabinet; if so, what (i) is the name of the service provider, (ii) was the total cost of the media training and (iii) number of sessions has completed?

Reply:

(a) Yes, the Minister did attend training on media.

(i) This was an in-house training conducted by the GCIS.

(ii) There were no financial implications.

(iii) One session.

(b) Yes, the Deputy Minister did attend training on media.

(i) This was an in-house training conducted by the GCIS.

(ii) There were no financial implications.

(iii) One session.

MR J MTHEMBU, MP

ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 June 2020 - NW686

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)In respect of purchases made with each official credit card issued to (a) her, (b) her staff and (c) the Deputy Minister during the period 8 May 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (i) what is the (aa) name and (bb) organogram position of the user and (ii)(aa) what is the value of each purchase made, (bb) what are the details of each item purchased and (cc) for what purpose was each purchase made; (2) whether any alcoholic beverages were purchased; if so, (a) what (i) are the relevant details and (ii) is the value of the specified purchases in each case and (b) for what purpose was each purchase made?

Reply:

1. The Department did not issue any credit card issue to:

(a) Minister

(b) Ministry staff

(c) Deputy Minister

(i) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(ii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(2) (a) (i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(b) N/A

MR J MTHEMBU, MP

ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

04 June 2020 - NW353

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What is the (a) total number and (b) percentage of employees of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) who have disclosed their business interests in the past three financial years as required by the SABC's Conflict of Interest Policy. (2) Employees who disclosed business interests, what are the full details of the specified (a) business interests and (b) companies currently doing business with the SABC including the (i) Rand value of the contracts involved and (ii) service delivered in terms of each contract; (3) Whether the specified contracts were put out to tender; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW508E

Reply:

Date

Employee Submissions

Total Number of Employees

% Compliance

28-Mar-18

3045

3578

85.1

31-Mar-19

3402

3,460

98.3

02-Mar-20

1836

3,039

60.4

2. Refer to annexures A and B.

3. Refer to annexures A and B.

MR J MTHEMBU, MP

ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

07 April 2020 - NW452

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) What is the breakdown of the amount spent by her department on any persons who accompanied (i) her, (ii) the Deputy Minister, (iii) the Director-General and/or (iv) any of her staff to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, including (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation, (cc) entertainment and (dd) any further costs and (b) in each case, what is the (i) relationship and (ii) reason for accompanying the relevant person?

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

There is no amount that was spent by the Department in relation to attending the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

09 March 2020 - NW148

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(a)(i) On what date and (ii) under what terms was a set-top box testing facility established at the SA Bureau of Standards, (b) what was the cost to her department of establishing this facility and (c) what number of set-top boxes have been tested at the facility since it was completed?

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

(a)(i) The SABS decoder testing lab was established in February 2012.

(ii) The lab was established to test decoders to be manufactured in South Africa based on the SANS862 national DTT decoder standard administered by the SABS. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Communications (DoC), Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] and the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS). Under the terms of the MoU, the SABS had to:

  1. Assume responsibility for the establishment and operations of the decoder conformance lab.
  2. Procure lab test equipment
  3. Appoint personnel to operate the lab
  4. Work closely with the DoC and broadcasters on operational matters of the lab as and when necessary.

(b)The SABS was given a once-off grant of R30-million for the establishment of the facility by the DoC under the terms of the MoU, to perform the duties as outlined.

(c) According to the records provided by the SABS, they have tested and issued certificates for eleven (11) decoder samples from a number of local suppliers since the inception of the lab in 2012. The method was to test one decoder sample per model of decoder that the manufacturer was in the process of putting into production. The list of the samples is provided below:

Supplier

DTH-Satellite STB

DTT-Terrestrial STB

Model

ABT

x

 

STB351-SNT-MTC-01

ABT

 

x

STB341-MTC01

African Digitech Solutions (ADS)

 

x

TJ5023U

BUA Africa

 

x

DTD 4N

BUA Africa

 

x

HT8863L

BUA Africa

x

 

HSJ10

BUA Africa

 

x

HS6100

Altech UEC

 

x

DTD 4126

CZ Electronics

 

x

FR9600

Leratadima

 

x

STB341-MTC01

M-Net

 

x

Go-TV

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

28 February 2020 - NW46

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What business has the SA Post Office (SAPO) conducted with a certain company (name furnished) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019; (2) Whether (a) SAPO, (b) her department, (c) the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, (d) the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, (e) the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa and/or (f) the Universal Service and Access Fund have entered into any agreements with the specified company with regard to the manufacture and distribution of set-top boxes; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) scope, (ii) extent and (iii) costs of the agreements of each specified

Reply:

The Department and its entities have advised me as follows:

1. The South African Post Office (SAPO) did not conduct any business with Yekani Manufacturing Company from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019.

2. The Departments and the listed entities did not enter into any agreements with Yekani Manufacturing Company to manufacture and distribute set-top boxes.

 

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

28 February 2020 - NW106

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) are the reasons that the repeat fee claims (details furnished) submitted to the SA Broadcasting Corporation have not been paid on time in compliance with the National Treasury circulars on the timeous payment of invoices and claims and (b) actions have been taken against the relevant accounting officers for the (i) late and/or (ii) no payments?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:

a) The SABC has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place on Royalties which stipulates the processes, timelines and requirements for a claim to be successfully processed and paid. These requirements have been communicated to all claimants. The SABC has paid on time all repeat claims which met the prescribed requirements. The public broadcaster is processing claims that are due for payment at the end of February 2020.

There are several older claims which are in dispute, based on the fact that these do not fully comply with the requirements, i.e. licenses (SABC does not pay repeat fees on Licensed Content), not being lead actors (only lead actors can claim). Some of the older claims are disputed by the SABC due to fact that no contracts have been provided as proof and claimants are not willing to align the rate with the prescribed requirements and processes. However, the SABC is willing to pay these claims if the claimants align with prescribed requirements. The older claims have been raised in various forums and have been dealt with in several continuous communication and forums.

b) No actions have been taken against anyone as there is no dereliction of duty involved.(i) and (ii) as per Annx.A

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

19 December 2019 - NW1486

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether, with reference to the fact that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have sold licensed programmes to other broadcasters all over the world, she will supply a list of the (a) programmes licensed throughout the world in the past 10 years, (b) fees attached to each transaction and (c) individual share of profits due to each of the (i) producers, (ii) writers and (iii) performers for each transaction; (2) what are the details of the (a) programmes sold on DVD in the Republic and throughout the world, (b) fee attached to each transaction and (c) individual share of profit due to the producers, writers and performers for each transaction; (3) whether the SABC will be paying interest for late payment considering that the share in profit due to producers, writers and performers is by contract and should have been paid bi-annually; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details?NW2754E

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

1. (a) The attached Pivot worksheets entitled, Programme sales FY2014 to FY2019, details all, the licensed programming sold worldwide, by the SABC, since 2014. Manual records were kept prior to 2014.

(b) The sheets named 2017/2018 royalty calculations and 2018/2019 royalty calculations, details all royalty calculations since formal records were kept. The sheet indicates all the fees payable, for each transaction, for the writers, producers and performers.

(c) The sheets named 2017/2018 royalty calculations and 2018/2019 royalty calculations, detail all share of the profits due, for each of the writers, producers and performers.

2. (a) The worksheet titled: Calculations of DVD royalties for Oct 2018-Jan 2019 details all programme’s sold on DVD in the Republic and throughout the world.

(b) and (c) The worksheet titled: Calculations of DVD royalties for Oct 2018 – Jan 2019, details for (b) fee attached to each transaction and (c) individual share of profit due to the producers, writers and performers for each transaction.

3. The SABC management had taken a decision not to pay interest on late payments.           

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

13 December 2019 - NW1485

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will supply a list of (a) programmes licenced to KykNet up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) the fees attached to each transaction and (c) individual share of profit due to each of the (i) producers, (ii) writers and (iii) performers for each transaction; (2) On what date will the SABC (a) honour their contracts and (b) pay the share of the profit of commercial exploitations to the producers, writers and performers for each transaction; (3) whether the SABC will be paying interest for late payment considering that the share in profit due to producers, writers and performers is by contract and should have been paid bi-annually; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further relevant details? NW2753E

Reply:

I have been advised by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:

1. (a) (b) (c) A list of 78 titles have been licenced to Kyknet, as detailed in the attached spreadsheet and the fees received for all titles licenced is included therein. It further indicates the profit share where applicable.

2.

(a) Contracts for licensed content from 2014-2018 have been honoured in line with the applicable SOP. Content contracts for 1996 – 2014 are still to be processed. The date is to be determined.

(b) Profit / commercial exploitation payments for licensed content from 2014-2018 have been made. Payments for the years 1996- 2014 are still to be processed and the date thereof to be determined.

3. The SABC does not pay interests on late payment of commercial exploitation fees. Payment of interest must be negotiated with the SABC.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

13 December 2019 - NW1487

Profile picture: Mhlongo, Mr TW

Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Is the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) broadcasting on or licensing drama series or parts thereof to YouTube and other electronic media platforms such as ShowMax; if so, what (a) is the name of each programme affected, (b) amount is received from each transaction and (c) individual share of profit is due to each producer, writer and performer for each transaction; (2) on what date will the SABC pay the relevant profit share fees to each producer, writer and performer? NW2755E

Reply:

I have been advised by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:

1. Yes, the SABC broadcasts on You Tube, Show Max and Vu.

(a)  See attachment, titled, Media platforms the SABC broadcast on. It details each programme name.

(b) See attachment, titled, Media platforms the SABC broadcast on. The attachment details the amounts received by the SABC for each programme sold.

(c) Commercial exploitation fees and profit share are used interchangeably.  When we refer to profit share we normally mean commercial exploitation fees. Yes commercial exploitation fees are paid to the Producer, the Writer and the Principal Performers in licensed programmes.  The Producer might be paid a further 10% of the commercial exploitation fee where the Producer facilitated the licensing of the programme.

2. Payments are made on a continuous basis based on each agreement. The royalty payments / profit share payments were allocated for payment at the end of October 2019 after receiving the first portion of the bailout.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

13 December 2019 - NW1160

Profile picture: Steenhuisen, Mr JH

Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether her department incurred any costs related to the (a) inauguration of the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, held in Pretoria on 25 May 2019 and (b) State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town on 20 June 2019; if so, in each case, (i) what costs were incurred and (ii) for what reason?

Reply:

I have been advised by the departments as follows:

a) Inauguration

The Department incurred costs amounting to R34,916.97 relating to the inauguration as follows:

Item (i)

Details (ii)

Amount (iii)

Accommodation

4 Commissioners

R7 345, 96

Accommodation

3 Officials in the ICT workstream

R4 820, 95

Road Transport

4 Commissioners

R9 094, 72

Air Transport

2 Commissioners

R13 655, 34

Total Costs

 

R34 916, 97

b) State of the Nation Address

The Department incurred costs amounting to R119 540, 84 relating to the SONA as follows:

Item (i)

Details (ii)

Amount (iii)

Accommodation

Guest of the Minister

R1 440, 00

Accommodation

Deputy Minister’s support staff

R11 722, 40

Accommodation

Minister’s support staff

R7 380, 00

Road Transport

Minister

R12 785, 00

Road Transport

Deputy Minister’s support staff

R9 378, 00

Road Transport

Minister’s support staff

R5 083, 00

Air Transport

Guest of the Minister

R13 996, 00

Air Transport

Minister

R10 530, 00

Air Transport

Deputy Minister

R14 660, 00

Air Transport

Deputy Minister’s support staff

R17 108, 44

Air Transport

Minister’s support staff

R15 458, 00

Total Costs

 

R119 540, 84

STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

11 December 2019 - NW1484

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to determining net profit of a commercial script, why does the SA Broadcasting Corporation insist on deducting fees paid to contract writers as if it is a royalty fee paid to a copyright owner?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:

The fees received by Script Writers are contract fees for the writing of the scripts, not “royalties” as the writers are commissioned to produce an SABC owned script. However, the writer’s fee is currently deducted from the sales amount when calculating the producer’s portion as part of the administrative process. However, the SABC is reviewing its TV Script Writer’s Agreement and is re-looking the term “royalties” in the Agreement.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

11 December 2019 - NW1483

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether she has found that (a) it would be just to allocate 15% of the profit to principal performers in accordance with clause 7.2.1 of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Freelance Contract and (b) principal performers are often a group of five or more individuals who have to share 2% of the profit; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) Whether actors have requested the specified 15% in terms of clause 7.2.1 of the SABC Freelance Contract through the SA Guild of Actors, which is the only representative organisation for actors in the Republic; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2751E

Reply:

I have been advised to by the SA Broadcasting Corporation as follows:

1a) It would not be justifiable to pay 15% if there was just one sale.

b) The 2% is paid when there is no prior agreement in place, this percentage has now been increased to 5% for productions on the Encore channel.

2) The SABC has no knowledge of actors requesting 15%.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

06 December 2019 - NW781

Profile picture: Mokoena, Mr L

Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)(a)What amount was spent on advertising by (i) her department and (ii) state-owned entities reporting to her in the (aa) 2016-17, (bb) 2017-18 and (cc) 2018-19 financial years; (2) what amount of the total expenditure incurred by (a) her department and (b) state-owned entities reporting to her went to (i) each specified black-owned media company and (ii) outdoor advertising in each specified financial year and (c) on outdoor advertising by her department and state-owned entities reporting to him went to each black-owned media company in each specified financial year? NW1896E

Reply:

I have been advised by the departments and entities as follows:

DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND POSTAL SERVICES

See the link below 1(a)-(b) 

http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW781_Table1.pdf

http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW781_Table2.pdf

2(a)(ii) N/A. There was no outdoor advertising by the Department.

2(c) N/A. There was no outdoor advertising by the Department.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

1 (i) (aa) (bb) and (cc) The amount spent by the Department of Communications is reflected as per the table below.

DOC Advertising Spend

Financial Year

Amount

2016/17

R 1,229,768.66

2017/18

R 2,943,619.13

2018/19

R 2,059,150.79

Total

R 6,232,538.58

2 (a) (i) The amount spent by the Department of Communications is reflected in the tables below:

Financial Year 2016/17

Supplier

Order Amount

Ownership

Infinity Media Networks

R 958,689.84

Black owned

Total

R 958,689.84

 -

Financial Year 2017/18

Supplier

Order Amount

Ownership

Tiso Blackstar Group

R 125 377.20

 Black Owned

Community Radio Stations

Order Amount

Ownership

Aganang community radio

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Alfred Nzo community radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Barberton community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Cosmo FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Eden FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Eldo's FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Emalahleni FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Good News community radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Icora FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Impact radio

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Inanda FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Kanyamazane radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Lekoa FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Makhado FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Mmabatho FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Modiri FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Mohodi community radio

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Moletsi community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Moretele community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Mosupatsela FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Myeza Network

R 16 000.00

Black owned

Nkqubela community radio

R 36 000.00

Black owned

North Coast radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Nqubeko community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Pheli FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Pongola FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Radio 786

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Radio Gamkaland

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Radio KC

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Radio Mafisa

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Radio Zibonele

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Ratlou FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Revival FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Rise community radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Sedibeng FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Siyathuthuka FM

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Sound fusion

R 6 840.00

Black owned

Takalani community radio

R 36 000.00

Black owned

The voice of the Cape

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Tubatse community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Ugu Youth Radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Umgungundlovu FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Univen radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Forte community radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Vukani community radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Westside FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Worcester FM

R 36 000.00

Black owned

Zebediela community radio

R 42 000.00

Black owned

Zululand FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Total

R 1 648 217.20

 

Financial Year 2018/19

Owneship

Supplier

Order Amount

 

Tiso Blackstar Group

R 813 141.54

Black Owned

Community Radio Stations

Order Amount

Ownership

Aganang Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Bojanala FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Eldo's FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Emalahleni FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Hlanganani FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Icora FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Impact radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Inanda FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Inkonjane FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Intokozo FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Itheku FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Kanyamazane radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Makhado FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Malamulele Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Mkhondo FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Mmabatho FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Modiri FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Mohodi Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Moletsi community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Moretele community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Mosupatsela FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Motheo FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Moutse Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Nongoma FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

North Coast Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Nqubeko Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Pheli FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Radio 786

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Radio KC

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Ratlou FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Rise community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Sajonisi Youth Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Siyathuthuka FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Takalani Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Tubatse community radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Ugu Youth Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Vibe FM

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Vukani Community Radio

R 6 000.00

Black owned

Total

R 1 041 141, 54

 

2 (ii) (c) The Department of Communications did not spend any amount herein.

FILMS AND PUBLICATIONS BOARD (FPB)

1 (a) (ii) (aa) (bb) (cc) The amount spent by the FPB is reflected as per the table below.

Films and Publications Board Advertising Spend

Financial Year

Amount

2016/17

R 517 389.26

2017/18

R 608 513.76

2018/19

R 1 074 158.10

Total

R 2 200 061.12

2 (b) and The blacked owned media company for the said financial years.

FINANCIAL YEAR: 2016/17

Media Platform and Owner

Ownership Status

Amount

Pretoria News:  Independent Media SA (Pty) Ltd: Newspaper Division

54.90% White owned

42 388.20

Cape Times:  Independent Media SA (Pty) Ltd: Newspaper Division

54.90% White owned

74 161.06

The Star: Independent Media SA (Pty) Ltd: Newspaper Division

54.90% White owned

101 178.30

The Mercury: Independent Media SA (Pty) Ltd: Newspaper Division 

54.90% White owned

59 594.90

Screen Africa:  Sun Circle Publishers t/a Screen Africa

100% White owned

108 300.00

The Loeries: The Loerie Awards Company NPC

100% White owned

9 875.00

Sunday Times: Tiso Blackstar: Newspapers 

53.25% Black owned

121 888.80

TOTAL

 

517 389.26

     
     

FINANCIAL YEAR: 2017/18

Media Platform and Owner

Ownership Status

Amount

Screen Africa:  Sun Circle Publishers t/a Screen Africa

100% White owned

15 960.00

Callsheet:  Film & Event Media

100% White owned

28 500.00

Sunday Times: Tiso Blackstar: Newspapers

53.25% Black owned

369 313.83

Stuff Mag:  Stuff Group (Pty) Ltd 

100% White owned

75 998.67

GQ Magazine: Independent Media SA (Pty) Ltd

54.90% White owned

118 741.26

TOTAL

 

608 513.76

     

FINANCIAL YEAR: 2018/19

 

 

 

Media Platform and Owner

Ownership Status

Amount

City Press:  Media24: News

60% White owned

68 629.00

Business Day: Tiso Blackstar: Newspapers 

53.25% Black owned

50 542.50

Government Handbook: Yes Media 

100% White owned

74 750.00

     
     

City Press: Media24: News

60% White owned

89 239.00

Daily Sun:  Media24: News

60% White owned

87 375.00

Mail and Guardian: M&G Media Limited

100% White owned

34 414.10

Sunday Times: Tiso Blackstar: Newspapers

53.25% Black owned

182 655.00

SABC Radio (Motsweding FM; Mhlobo Wenene FM; 5FM; RSG)

State Owned Entity

486 553.50

TOTAL

 

1 074 158.10

SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (SABC)

1 (a) (ii) (aa) (bb) and (cc)

SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (SABC)

Financial Year

Amount

2016/17

R42, 296,162.00

2017/18

R22, 298,233.00

2018/19

R5, 187,878.00

Total

R 69 722 273.00

2 (a) Not applicable

2 (b) (i) The SABC’s media buying and advertising were done through a media buying agency “The Media Shop”. The Media Shop was appointed in 2010 through a procurement process. SABC does not negotiate directly with media owners but this is done via the agency “The Media Shop”. The Media Shop is a Level 1 Contributor.

(ii) Outdoor advertising

SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (SABC)/ OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

Financial Year

Amount

2016/17

R 29, 179,391.00

2017/18

R 13, 494,927.00

2018/19

R 3, 658,578.00

Total

R 46, 332, 896 .00

(c) The SABC media buying and advertising were done through a media buying agency “The Media Shop”. The Media Shop was appointed in 2010 through a procurement process. SABC does not negotiate directly with media owners but this is done via “The Media Shop”. The Media Shop is a Level 1 Contributor.

ICASA

1(a) (ii)

ICASA Advertising Spend

Financial Year

Amount

2016/17

R 122 842.27

2017/18

R 1 737 664. 17

2018/19

R 7 102 589.84

Total

R 8 963 096. 28

2 (b)(i)

Recruitment advertising 2016-2017 total – R122 842.27

Ownership status

Black-Owned

Media Platform

Amount

Jozi Media

100% Black owned

Full page colour advert

R 21 090.00

Ultimate Recruitment Solutions

 

Adverts 4 positions

R15 398.21

Basadzi Personnel

 

Advert: PE

R 1 228.12

Basadzi Personnel

 

Advert: JHB

R 24 699.54

Ultimate Recruitment Solutions

 

Adverts 2 pos – Snr Man Facilities

R 24 637.13

Basadzi Personnel

 

Adverts advert 4 positions

R 10 982.36

Kone Staffing Solutions

 

adverts market analyst

R 24 806.91

 Total

 

 

R122 842.27

Recruitment advertising 2017-2018 total – R343 798.26

Ownership status

Black-Owned

Media Platform

Amount

Basadzi Personnel

100% Black owned

CCC Vacancies

R 77 911.03

Basadzi Personnel

 

Vacancy Adverts

R 24 931.53

Ayanda Mbanga Communications

 

Advert for CEO

R 25 471.21

Human Communications

 

Manager Type Approval Advert

R 26 845.63

Human Communications

 

Technical Officer Eastern Cape

R 2 190.99

Ayanda Mbanga Communications

 

Adverts for Adm Manager

R 25 474.63

Ayanda Mbanga Communications

 

Ayanda Mbanga - Advertisements

R 25 474.63

Basadzi Personnel

 

CCC, ITRC, Applications Develop

R 106 232.61

Nugen Media

 

Placement of adverts

R 29 266.00

 Total

 

 

R 343 798.26

Recruitment advertising 2018-2019 total – R166 623.72

Ownership status

Black-Owned

Media Platform

Amount

Human Communications

100% Black owned

Recruitment Advertising

R 26 691.88

Basadzi Personnel

 

Adverts x2 Sunday times

R 26 580.73

Basadzi Personnel

 

2 x adverts

R 26 598.09

Kone Staffing Solutions

 

Adverts Sunday Times City Press

R 28 039.39

Human Communications

 

Adverts Rf Specialist

R 28 823.63

Kwanza Communications

 

Advert Supervisor procurement

R 29 890.00

 Total

 

 

R 166 623.72

2. (b) Not Applicable

(ii)Not Applicable

(c) Not Applicable

DTPS ENTITIES

1.(a)(ii)(aa,bb,cc)

ENTITY

2016-17

2017/18

2018/19

USAASA

R48 693.85

R1 000.00

R4 174.80

NEMISA

R96 900.00

R50 000.00

R57 384.00

ZADNA

R3 675 165.00

R1 210 485.00

R77 611.00

SITA

R1 755 277.50

R1 316 466.69

R3 542 576.98

BBI

R199 500.00

R22 344.00

R56 868.00

SAPO

R11 109 283.99

R4 179 423.60

R7 878 262.52

SENTECH

R255 417.00

R387 452.37

R737 606.06

2. (b)(i,ii)

ENTITY

BLACK OWNED MEDIA

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

USAASA

-

-

-

-

NEMISA

-

-

-

-

ZADNA

Independent Newspaper

R386 536.61

   
 

Pure Brown

 

R16 000.00

 
 

Lebone

 

R131 314.12

 
 

Eclipse

 

R69 563.75

 
 

Pesiyanto Stationery

 

R5 700.00

-

SITA

Off-the-Wall

R1 595 000.00

   
 

Flash Marketing

 

R1 316 466.69

R3 542 576.98

BBI

-

-

-

-

SAPO

MOD Management Consulting, Polokwane

R62 888.00

   
 

MA Executive CC, Laudium

R26 803.50

   
 

Morwamphtshe Trading Projects

R22 701.00

   
 

Sondlo &Knopp Advertising

R308 829.54

   

SENTECH

Highbury Media

R127 053.00

 

R80 000.05

 

Whoodoo Media & Advertising

   

R40 589.25

 

Times Media Pty Ltd

R17 784.00

R55 723.20

 

(c)

ENTITY

Outdoor Advertising

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

USAASA

-

-

-

-

NEMISA

-

-

-

-

ZADNA

-

-

-

-

SITA

Flash Marketing

-

R93 000.00

-

SABC

-

-

-

-

BBI

-

-

-

-

SENTECH

-

-

-

-

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

06 December 2019 - NW1424

Profile picture: Mpambo-Sibhukwana, Ms T

Mpambo-Sibhukwana, Ms T to ask the Minister of Communications

What precisely was the R540 million interest free loan from SA Social Security Agency to the SA Post Office used for?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAPO as follows:

Following the withdrawal of the cash payment tender by SASSA, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) requested SAPO to look into assisting with the distribution of cash payments to beneficiaries through utilising SAPO infrastructure. An agreement was reached between the parties (SAPO and SASSA) to focus on the immediate needs to ensure that beneficiaries are serviced. SAPO was required to perform a detailed review of its current infrastructure to determine if any upgrades would be required to be able to adequately render the service to SASSA. The analysis indicated that SAPO would require R541 million in the FY 2018/19 to address all immediate needs which include the following capacity areas:

  • IGPS licenses and a new instance for Cash (Biopay). This environment was subsequently funded by Postbank.
  • Front End Infrastructure for Retail
  • Dignity services
  • Network Upgrade/ Refresher and banking host infrastructure
  • CIT, Guarding and Response Service
  • Risk Management (Insurance)
  • Branch staffing
  • Banking charges

The actual expenditure in the identified areas that was funded from the R541 million advance are reflected in the link below:

http://pmg-assets.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/RNW1424Table.pdf

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

06 December 2019 - NW1519

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) number of premises or properties are leased or rented by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and (b) are the full relevant details of the lease agreements, including the (i) name of the landlord(s), (ii) description of the property or properties, (iii) usage of the property or properties, (iv) annual rental and (v) terms of the lease?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) as follows:

ICASA leases 9 premises across the country. The details of the properties are provided in the table below:

ICASA Office Premises Rental Costs (a)

Lessor b (i)

Description & Size (b)(ii-iii)

Rental p. a (b)(iv)

Expiry Date (b)(v)

  1. WESTERN CAPE REGION

Redefine Properties

599.5 square metres office space

1,317,548.04

30/09/2024

         

2.    FREE STATE REGION

Factaprops 185

827 square metres office space

1,250,180.16

31/10/2020

         
         

3.    EASTERN CAPE REGION

Reotic

500 square metres office space

981,238.92

30/11/2021

         
         

4.   KWAZULU –NATAL REGION

Delta Properties

500 square metres office space

963,475.80

31/05/2021

         
         

5.    LIMPOPO REGION

Valzone 104

339 square metres office space

819,743.22

28/02/2023

         
         

6. MPUMALANGA REGION

Bousaam Trust

197 square metres office space

398,359.56

28/02/2021

         
         

7. NORTH WEST REGION

SABC

125 square metres office space

313,255.92

31/08/2020

         
         

8. NORTHERN CAPE REGION

Prestige Properties

135 square metres office space

197,949.50

30/11/2019

         
         
         

9. HEAD OFFICE (CENTURION)

Centurion Vision

9320 square metres office space

26,031,896.57

30/09/2028

         
         

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

06 December 2019 - NW576

Profile picture: Mokoena, Mr L

Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)What number of (a) security, (b) cleaning and (c) general worker personnel who work in buildings, facilities and all other infrastructure are employed through tenders obtained by their companies or third party service providers at (i) the SA Broadcasting Corporation, (ii) the SA Post Office and (iii) Telkom; (2) what total amount does the SA Broadcasting Corporation, the SA Post Office and Telkom spend from their current budget on security, cleaning and general worker personnel who work in their buildings, facilities and all other infrastructure? NW1573E

Reply:

I have been advised by the department and entities as follows:

SA BROADCASTING CORPORATION:

1. (a) Number of Security Personnel

Area

Number of personnel

SABC HEAD OFFICE - AUCKLAND PARK

157

SABC MPUMALANGA

14

SABC NORTH WEST

32

SABC LIMPOPO

29

SABC EASTERN CAPE

23

SABC NORTHERN CAPE

12

SABC TSHWANE

21

SABC FREE STATE

16

SABC WESTERN CAPE

16

SABC KZN

26

1. (b) Number of Cleaning Personnel

Area

Number of personnel

SABC HEAD OFFICE - AUCKLAND PARK

117

SABC MPUMALANGA

2

SABC NORTH WEST

17

SABC LIMPOPO

15

SABC EASTERN CAPE

14

SABC NORTHERN CAPE

8

SABC TSHWANE

5

SABC FREE STATE

9

SABC WESTERN CAPE

11

SABC KZN

8

(c) Number of General Workers

Zero

2. Total amount budgeted for FY2019/20 on:

Security Services: R64.1 million

Cleaning Services: R23.1 million

General Workers: Zero

SA POST OFFICE

1. (a) SAPO’s total number of guards in all provinces is 6 010.

(b) SAPO’s total number of cleaning service personnel is 134 in all provinces.

(c) SAPO does not have general worker personnel.

2. SAPO security budget for the 2019/2020 financial year is R 827 104 090.00 (eight hundred and twenty-seven million one hundred and four thousand and ninety rand). To date as at the end of October 2019 the amount spent is R 457 000 000 (four hundred and fifty-seven million rand). On cleaning services R22 924 551. 61 was spent and no amount on general workers.

TELKOM

Telkom is exempted from entire provisions of section 51 of the PFMA which deals with, among other things, procurement of goods and services in general and the submission by the public entity of all reports, returns, notices and other information to Parliament.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

26 November 2019 - NW1093

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to the approximately R364-million framework agreement contract between the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and Micro Focus, (a) why did the Micro Focus terminate the two-year contract with Afrocentric Projects and Services after just eight months, (b) what was the reason for appointing a X-Telecoms in place of Afrocentric Projects and Services for the remainder of the contract and (c) what role did her Department’s Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana, play in the decision to change small, medium and micro-sized enterprises contractors and appoint X-Telecoms instead?

Reply:

                                                                                  

I was informed by SITA as follows:

a) According to the letter from Microfocus, Afrocentric fulfilment agreement was terminated for convenience in accordance with the agreement between the parties. After insisting on reasons, SITA was informed that there were some irregularities that led to the on-boarding of Afrocentric, which SITA is currently investigating. No further information was given to SITA which tend to prove or disprove this allegation.

SITA embarked on a preliminary investigation following the reports in the media. Subsequent the allegations purported in the media, the Agency received formal correspondence from Microfocus dated 01 October 2019. SITAs Internal Audit Unit initiated a forensic investigation on 03 October 2019, which is underway.

b) SITA has ensured that the onboarding of SMMEs is addressed by clause 12.2; 12.3 and 12.4 of the SITA Framework Agreement. In addition, there’s Annexure J of the agreement that governs the relationship between SITA and Microfocus states that Microfocus agrees to make use of the selection criteria for the purposes of selecting a black owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) to develop and empower. It is with this provision that InnovD (Afrocentric) was onboarded as a fulfilment agent to Microfocus. To date SITA has not onboarded any additional fulfilment agent. SITA received an email correspondence dated 21 August 2019 from Microfocus communicating they have identified a fulfilment partner. This was followed with official correspondence from Microfocus dated 02 September 2019, communicating details of the identified fulfilment partner. SITA has not implemented the recommendation. As an interim arrangement SITA is engaging directly with Microfocus and not utilising any of the fulfilment partners.

SITA through the office of the Acting Executive SCM raised an objection to this appointment as per the clauses that govern this agreement on the 3rd September 2019.  A meeting was convened on 25th September 2019 and a follow up was held on the 11th October 2019. SITA and Microfocus agreed that a process which is compliant with PFMA will be used for the appointment of Fulfilment Agents going forward. 

It is envisaged this process should be finalised at the end of November 2019.

(c)   SITA has never received any instruction from Deputy Minister to on board SMMEs to the Framework Agreement.                                                                                       

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

26 November 2019 - NW1482

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

Why does the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) apply clause 7.2.2. of the SABC Freelance Contract, which offers the principal performers 2% of the profit to be shared amongst them, and ignore clause 7.2.1 which requires the SABC and the principal performers to first endeavour to agree on a lump sum amount before applying clause 7.2.2?

Reply:

I have been advised by the department as follows:

There are two reasons why the SABC applies clause 7.2.2

a) The SABC is not forced to (or must) negotiate a lump sum in terms of clause 7.2.1. It is merely an option available to the SABC. The SABC therefore prefers to opt for clause 7.2.2 which refers to the 2% profit share.

b) It also becomes practically impossible and a protracted process to negotiate individually with the performers once the SABC has commercialized a production. Therefore, the implementation of clause 7.2.2 is applicable, see below.

cid:image003.png@01D59A2D.266A1570

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

21 November 2019 - NW998

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

What are the reasons that the De Rust Post Office is closed and (b) by what date will the post office reopen to continue providing essential services to the rural community?

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

a) The landlord evicted Post Office due to rental dispute as the landlord increased the rental money more than double the amount the Post Office was paying.

b) The De Rust Post Office opened on 02 October 2019.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

21 November 2019 - NW554

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

Has the SA Post Office been subjected to any Special Investigating Unit in the period 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2019; if so, (a) what was the subject and nature of each investigation, (b) what was the outcome of each finalized investigations and (c) what is the current status of each incomplete investigation?

Reply:

Mr C MacKenzie (DA) to ask the Minister of Communications:

Has the SA Post Office been subjected to any Special Investigating Unit in the period 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2019; if so, (a) what was the subject and nature of each investigation, (b) what was the outcome of each finalized investigations and (c) what is the current status of each incomplete investigation? NW1551E

REPLY:

I have been advised by SA Post Office as follows:

The SA Post Office was subjected to a Special Investigating Unit investigation in terms of Proclamation No R5 of 2014 read with Proclamation R56 of 2014 into certain affairs of the SA Post Office.

(A) The terms of Proclamation R5 of 2014 was to investigate the following:

  1. The procurement of goods, works or services by or on behalf of the SAPO and payments made,
  2. Irregularities, malpractices or maladministration in the affairs of the SAPO in relation to:

(a) The management of immovable property;

(b) The implementation of the WebRipost system;

(c) Loans granted to Courier and Freight Group (Pty) Ltd; and

(d) The failure by officials or employees of the SAPO to take necessary steps to prevent the SAPO from suffering financial losses or damages as a result of industrial action.

(3) Irregularities relating to the recruitment, selection and appointment of officials or employees of the SAPO.

 

(4) Payments which were made by the SAPO to fictitious officials or employees.

 

(5) Any undisclosed or unauthorized interests the officials or employees of the SAPO have had with regard to –

(a) Vendors, contractors, suppliers or service providers who bid for work or did business with the SAPO;

(b) Contracts awarded by or on behalf of the SAPO;

 

(c) The Terms of Proclamation R56 of 2014 was to investigate the following:

(d) The further extension of Proclamation R5 of 2014, by addition of the following paragraph after paragraph 5 of the Schedule;

(e) “6” Irregular conduct by the Board members of the SAPO in relation to the matters set out in paragraphs 1 and 3 above”.

(B) What was the outcome of each finalised investigation and;

Response:

The outcome of the investigations is contained in the recommendations in the table below. In addition a criminal case has been lodged with the South African Police Services and the National Prosecuting Authority as well as a civil case seeking to set aside the lease contract for the Ecopoint building together with a claim for all rentals paid by SAPO to M&T Properties. The civil case has been set for the 18 – 22 November 2019 in the North Gauteng High Court. SAPO officials implicated in the investigation have faced disciplinary action and as at current date, no officials implicated are still in the employ of SAPO.

(C) What is the current status of each incomplete investigation?

Response:

SAPO received correspondence from the Presidency on the 2nd October 2018 advising it that the SIU had concluded its investigations in respect of the above proclamations. Consequently, all investigations by the SIU have been completed, however, there are recommendations from the reports that still need to be finalised. The table below indicates the status of the various recommendations:

Recommendation

Response

Status

SAPO should approach the Auditor General for purposes of dealing with the irregular expenditure amounting to R 2 735

SAPO established a Financial Misconduct Committee (FMC) in 2015 and has since its inception led to a significant reduction in irregular expenditure.

This matter was not initially addressed, as the SIU report had not been shared with management in its totality. The FMC will in addition process this irregular expenditure for condonation with the Auditor-General, and also review the SIU Report in its entire in order to identify and strengthen

any control weaknesses

SAPO has submitted a the request for condonation to National Treasury. Further information required by National Treasury was provided including the fact that action was taken against the employees involved. SAPO still awaiting final outcome from National Treasury

The SAPO should approach the Auditor-

General for purposes of

SAPO established a Financial Misconduct

Committee (FMC) in 2015

SAPO has submitted a the request for

condonation to National

dealing with the fruitless and wasteful expenditure amounting to R125 187 961

and has since its inception led to a significant reduction in irregular expenditure. This matter was not initially addressed, as the SIU report had not been shared with management in its totality. The FMC will addition process this irregular expenditure for condonation with the Auditor-General, and also review the SIU Report in its entire in order to identify and strengthen

any control weaknesses

Treasury. Further information required by National Treasury was provided including the fact that action was taken against the employees involved. SAPO still awaiting final outcome from National Treasury.

The SAPO should approach the Auditor- General for purposes of dealing with the fruitless and wasteful expenditure amounting to R15 700 309.84

A submission was prepared and submitted to National Treasury for the condonation of this irregular expenditure.

National Treasury had acknowledged receipt of this application for condonation and requested for additional information is being provided through the

FMC.

SAPO has submitted a the request for condonation to National Treasury. Further information required by National Treasury was provided including the fact that action was taken against the employees involved. SAPO still awaiting final outcome from National Treasury.

The SAPO should engage

the services of

The SAPO engaged

Werkmans Attorneys in

Policies are being

developed on the basis of

appropriate experts who would assist it in the developing policies and/or procedures relating to its relationships with its subsidiaries. These should include all aspects relating to the granting of loans by the SAPO to its subsidiaries

determining the processes and options that should be explored with respect to its relationship with CFG. That opinion is available. The process for the development of a broader set of policies and/or procedures to deal with intra-company transactions has

commenced.

advice from experts and these will be completed in this third quarter.

The SAPO should take the necessary action to create and maintain a register to record the receipt of declaration of interest forms.

A file with all declarations of interest for Board members is kept, and copies of declaration of interests for staff is kept on employee’s personal files. Line managers has ensure completion of declaration forms and HR has commenced the development of a database for all declarations of interests across the organisation.

This should be reflected as complete, the recommendation has been implemented

The SAPO should take the necessary action to recover the placement fee

that was paid to Interim

Placement fee, Interim Consulting – SAPO Legal department assessing the

matter in terms of

Due to the time that it took management to be aware of the

recommendation the

Consulting in respect of the appointment of Mr Jacobs.

conscription and prospects of success.

matter had prescribed. Furthermore actual service was rendered by the employee concerned. There are no reasonable prospects of recovering

these fees.

The SAPO should consider entering into a Memorandum of Understanding or Intergovernmental Protocol with the Department of Home Affairs in order that the SAPO can verify and authenticate the identity numbers of all SAPO employees.

The recruitment policy was reviewed to ensure that all experience and education requirements are reviewed by HCM and the line manager prior to the advertisement being issued. Verifications are part of the interview process. Candidates completed affidavits in the interim to mitigate the risk, where verifications could not be done due to financial constraints. In 2018 as part of the SASSA process all management employees were vetted by State Security Agency. This is an on-going process.

SAPO will be meeting with department of Home Affairs to engage on a

memorandum of

This item should reflect as complete. Not only has SAPO considered the entering into an agreement with DHA, they actually have a working relationship with respect to the issue at hand. A MOU with Home Affairs is in the process of been completed and will be a holistic agreement taking into account all potential aspects for collaboration. That MOU should be concluded and signed by the parties in this third quarter 2019/20 financial year.

 

understanding in this regard to verify all ID numbers in the system. SAPO and Home Affairs already have an arrangement to verify ID Number and life status of all pensioners. Currently all ID number are verified during the recruitment process.

 

The SAPO should ensure that properly qualified, skilled and or/experienced staff are appointed in order to ensure that all data regarding the current SAPO immovable property inventory is kept up to date.

The skills required for this function are currently not at the required level as these employees are recruited from within SAPO. The skills development of employees within SAPO is underway and a process has started with the Services SETA to address these critical

skills development needs.

SAPO has appointed Broll Properties to assist in this regard including the transfer of skills. Currently all property inventory is up to date.

The SAPO in respect of the SAPO properties that are at present being leased or occupied by Telkom, take steps to:

After rental and utilities reconciliations Telkom has agreed to pay SAPO R60m.

Further reconciliation is being done to recover

Various engagements have been entered into with Telkom. The reconciliations have been concluded and each party is aware of the obligations

they have in regard to the

  • Finalise the reconciliation/audit of all outstanding amounts (including arrear property rates and taxes) due to the SAPO by Telkom and take the necessary action to collect any outstanding amounts in this regard (if

applicable).

outstanding utilities since April 2017 from Telkom which is estimated at R11m.

properties. Therefore this item should be recorded as complete.

In the future ensure that the records pertaining to all rental properties are regularly updated and consolidated.

Signed lease schedules are now being submitted by Telkom and loaded onto the SAPO system for the collection of outstanding and future rentals. Currently SAPO has 29 signed lease Schedules out of the 118 have been received from Telkom and a follow- up meeting is being scheduled to discuss the

outstanding leases.

SAPO has appointed Broll Properties to assist in this regard including the transfer of skills. Currently all property inventory are up to date. This item should therefore be considered complete.

 

21 November 2019 - NW914

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa was the subject of any investigations by the Special Investigating Unit in the period 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2019; if so, what was the (a) subject and nature of each specified investigation and (b) outcome of each such investigation?

Reply:

I have been advised by USAASA as follows:

The SIU investigation into USAASA relates to maladministration and irregular expenditure. The area or subject of investigation is as per the table below:

No

Subject

Outcome

(a)

The alleged irregular appointment of Mr Zami Nkosi, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of USAASA

The SIU found that the appointment of Mr Zami Nkosi as the CEO was irregular and as such USAASA incurred irregular expenditure in the sum of

R255 211.27. Mr Nkosi’s contract expired before the report could be released. Therefore, his contract could not be nullified as legislatively required.

 

Resulting from this, the SIU referred the matter on the irregular expenditure of R255 211.27 to the National Prosecuting Authority in respect of 3 former Board members of USAASA (2013/2014 and 2014/2015

financial years) on 16 November 2017.

(b)

The alleged funding by

There was no funding of irregular expenditure in

 

 

USAASA, by way of a subsidy in the amount of R500 million, to CellC for the construction and expansion of an electronic communications network for the Emalahleni Local

Municipality.

respect to the CellC investigation.

(c)

The appointment of Mthinthe Communications (Pty) Ltd in respect of phase 2 of the Rapid Development Programme

The SIU found that the appointment of Mthinthe Communications (PTY) Ltd in respect of phase 2 of the Rapid Development Programme was irregular.

 

Therefore, the SIU found that the Accounting Authority of USAASA at the time represented by the former Board (2013/14 and 2014/2015 financial years) were grossly negligent and / or willfully negligent in the execution of their fiduciary duties. The SIU further found the evidence substantiating the commission in offence of financial misconduct as envisaged in Section 86 (2) of the PFMA.

 

 

 

Resulting from the above, USAASA incurred irregular expenditure on appointment of Mthinthe Communications in the sum of R33 914 567.84. The SIU referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority as the evidence pointed to the commission of an offense of financial misconduct as envisages in Section 86 (2) of the PFMA on 16 November 2017.

 

 

 

USAASA contravened the following:

 

 

 

  • Section 217(1) of the Constitution which effectively requires USAASA to procure its goods and services by means of a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective.
  • Section 51 (1)(a)(ii) of the PFMA which requires USAASA to ensure that it has a procurement system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective.
  • Regulations 16A3.2(a) of National Treasury Regulations which required USAASA to have and maintains a procurement system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective and that is consistent with PPFA.
  • USAASA effectively contravened their own

SCM policy.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS MINISTER

21 November 2019 - NW999

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

With reference to her reply to question 303 on 4 September 2019, (a) by what date will the work to restore the Mondeor Post Office after years of neglect commence, (b) what is the (i) scope and (ii) cost of the work and (c) which company, contractor or department has been authorised to carry out the work?

Reply:

 

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

(a) The contractor officially took over the site on 12 November 2019 to commence with work. Demolition work has already started. SAPO delegation and the contractor met on site on 14 November 2019, to finalize the project plan. A meeting with the local Councilor was on 15 November 2019. The work is scheduled to be completed by 7 December 2019.

(b)(i) The scope of work entails the total refurbishment of the Mondeor Post Office building which includes electrical works, plumbing works, shop fitting, roof repair and reinstallation of post boxes etc.

(ii) The total cost of work is R776 228, 46 excluding VAT, however there could be variations due to unforeseen structural defects.

(c) The appointed contractor is Sewele SA RE Phoo Business Enterprise

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS MINISTER

20 November 2019 - NW354

Profile picture: Weber, Ms AMM

Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) number of official international trips is (i) she and (ii) her deputy planning to undertake in the 2019-22 medium term expenditure framework, (b) will the (i) destination, (ii) date, (iii) purpose and (iv) number of persons who will travel with the delegation be and (c) is the detailed breakdown of the expected cost of (i) flights, (ii) accommodation and (iii) any other expenses in each case?

Reply:

I have been by the Department as follows:

Please see attached Annexure in response to the above-mentioned questions in relation to the 2019/20 period. For the periods from 2020/2021 period and beyond the Department is unable to provide the requested information. This is due to the fact that the Department is still in the process of reconfiguration and reviewing its policies and strategies, which includes reviewing all our existing international engagements.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

13 November 2019 - NW340

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether (a) each artist who receives any form of payment from the SA Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC), first has to be registered with the SABC Pay Office under a unique artist number and (b) this number include the artist’s (i) full names including his or her stage name, (ii) ID number, (iii) tax number, (iv) postal address and (v) banking details; if not, why not; (2) does the Pay Office’s computerised pay system automatically reject payment to an artist who has a unique artist number and details on the claim form that do not correspond with the details kept under the artist’s artist number; if not, why not; if so, (3) why do the artists still need to provide certified copies of their ID numbers not older than 3 months when unique artist numbers are created; (4) whether she has found that the above red tape causes unnecessary delays in processing of repeat fees, which in turn leads to unnecessary expenditure for the SABC in the form of interest for late payment and to what extend has this procedure created fruitless and wasteful expenditure for the SABC; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SABC as follows:

1. Yes, any individual and or company who receives payment from the SABC requires to be registered with the SABC either as an independent contractor through the payroll system or as a vendor and as a vendor they need to adhere to Treasury regulations. No actor that claims repeat fees from the SABC can be paid without being registered as an independent contractor.

2. Yes, the SABC uses a payroll system which has all the details of the individuals loaded on their artist number and claims are verified against this in the standard payroll system.

3. This is part of the SABC’s governance and internal controls processes. The SABC needs to verify the validity of the claim to ensure that a fraudulent claim is not submitted by an individual, getting hold of and using, the artist’s unique number. The two numbers (ID and artist number) are vetted by TV and then send to the SABC’s corporate shared services payroll to process payment (against the artist number).

4. No, the SABC’s verification process is not causing unnecessary delays in processing of repeat fees.  The documents are necessary to verify claims, i.e. it is a governance and internal control measure.  Fruitless and wasteful expenditure has not been incurred as a result of the verification processes. 

Fruitless and wasteful expenditure has been incurred due to interest levied on late or non-payment of service providers.  This was not because of the verification processes but because the SABC had no money to pay its service providers.  During FY2018/19 an amount of R81m was viewed as fruitless and wasteful expenditure owing to interest and penalties levied on late / non-payment

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

13 November 2019 - NW1402

Profile picture: Mphithi, Mr L

Mphithi, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether, in light of the fact that the Republic faces some of the highest data and internet costs in the world and taking into account the role that the high data costs play in youth unemployment, her department has any plans or strategies to lower data costs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the plans or strategies?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

The Department has the following plans or strategies to lower data costs:

a) End User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations (EUSSC): In response to the Minister’s Policy Direction on Price Transparency

The EUSSC regulations were first published by ICASA in August 2017, and the final regulations in February 2019.

The Regulations provide for:

  1. Notifications of service depletion to be sent to the end-user at set intervals (50%, 80% and 100%). All licensees to provide options to consumers to rollover unused data. This is to ensure that consumers do not lose unused data as is the current practice.
  2. All licensees are required to provide an option to consumers to transfer data to other users on the same network. All licensees are no longer allowed to charge consumers out-of-bundle rates for data when their data has run out without consumers’ specific prior consent.

b) Priority Markets in the Electronic Communications Sector: In response to the Minister’s Policy Direction on Lack of effective competition in the broadband market

Pursuant to the above policy direction, ICASA has since undertaken the following:

  1. Released a discussion document on the list of markets that are prone to ex ante regulation and recommendation on priority markets.
  2. Released a Findings Report which identified a list of markets that would require a market review process. The report specified, the wholesale fixed access, upstream infrastructure markets and mobile services as markets to be prioritised for market review.

c) Competition Commission’s Data Services Market Enquiry

Following consultation with the Minister of Economic Development, the Competition Commission has since undertaken a market enquiry on data services:

  1. The Data Services Market Inquiry was initiated by the Competition Commission in terms of Section 43B (2) of the Competition Act No. 89 of 1998 (as amended) in August 2017. The Competition Commission held public hearings on the data inquiry on 1 October 2018.
  2. The data market enquiry provisional findings released in April 2019, identified recommendations that provide immediate relief to high prices, especially for low income consumers, combined with initiatives to improve mobile price competition and greater alternatives to consumers over the medium term.
  3. The Competition Commission will release the final findings and recommendations towards the end of the 2019/2020 financial year.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

13 November 2019 - NW555

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

What are the reasons the SA Post Office in Walmer, Port Elizabeth has been closed to the public, (b) on what date is the post office likely to reopen and (c) what happens to the mail and parcels of customers awaiting collection from the Walmer Post Office?

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

a) The Walmer Post Office was closed following an armed robbery on 1 July 2019. All staff members with the exception of one employee were present when the robbery occurred and were booked off for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Customers were referred to the nearest post office, that is, Emerald Hill, which is 6 kms away as well as Central Hill, which is 3.7 kms away.

b) The Walmer Post Office opened on 19 August 2019 after staff were requested to return from sick leave where possible.

c) The mail was delivered to the Emerald Hill and Central Hill Post Offices depending on where customers resided and the Walmer Post Office was opened twice a week during the closure period to deliver parcels to customers.

STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

13 November 2019 - NW304

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

(a) Why has SA Post Office in Bluff Towers in Durban been closed to the public, (b) By which date is the specified post office likely to reopen to the public and (c) What has she found happened to the (i) mail and (ii) parcels awaiting collection at the Post Office? NW1270E

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

a) The Post Office in Bluff Towers in Durban was closed because the landlord wanted a 6 months advanced rental and utility services payments before entering into an agreement. SAPO could not make the payments due to PFMA rules.

b) The intention is to reopen the outlet as soon as a suitable site can be found in the vicinity of the old Bluff Post Office.

c) (i)(ii) All mail items and parcels are delivered from the Jacobs Post Office which is approximately 3km away from the old site (Bluff Towers).

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

14 October 2019 - NW246

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1) Whether the Freelance Contract for Performers announced by the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 27 August 1997 between the SABC and actors is the final, legal and binding contract; if not, what legislation was put in its place; (2) Whether production companies are altering contracts at will; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps is the SABC taking to ensure that the correct contract is used at all times; (3) Whether the contract may be amended without prior written approval by the SABC; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Why do actors allegedly not receive remuneration in line with the 15% received by producers and 10% received by writers in the commercial exploitation of programmes when sold to other television stations; (5) Whether the SABC has agreed to negotiate the fee in giving effect to clause 7.2 of the actors’ contract; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why does the SABC not agree with the proposal of the SA Guild of Actors to at least set the actors’ portion at 15 %?

Reply:

I have been advised by SABC as follows:

  1. Yes, the Freelance Contract for Performers of 27 August 1997 between the SABC and actors is indeed the final, legal and binding contract.
  2. No, production companies are not altering contracts at will, however, should any alterations be required those will be effected after agreement between the SABC and affected company. 
  3. No alternations may be made without the SABC’s consent. The SABC issues the performers’ agreement and advises specifically that clauses 5 and 7 cannot be altered without prior approval of the SABC. [Clause 5 and 7 are attached]
  4. The payment of actors is prescribed in clause 7 of the Agreement in question. The SABC is merely adhering to the percentages set out in the agreement.
  5. There is no new agreement in place and the SABC is complying with the stipulated payment of 2%. The SABC can enter into new negotiations but it would have to be with all representatives in the Industry and not only with SAGA.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

14 October 2019 - NW916

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

1. Whether the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has been the subject of any investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the period of 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2019; if so, what was the (a) subject and nature of each specified investigation and (b) any further relevant details? 2. Whether the specified investigations have been completed in each case; if not, what is the current status of each of the incomplete investigations; if so what was the outcome of the investigation in each case?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SITA as follows:

Yes, SITA was the subject of an investigation by the SIU.

  1. (a) (i) Subject

1 (a) (ii) Nature of each Investigation

1 (b) Any further relevant details?

  1. Status of each Investigation

Proclamation No. R. 53, 2014

Investigate payments which were made by SITA (SOC) Ltd to IBM SA (PTY) Ltd, in terms of an agreement dated 30 April 2013, concluded between IBM SA (PTY) Ltd and SITA, for the period 08 September 2012 and 01 August 2014.

Alleged tender irregularities and non-compliance with PFMA as well as supply chain management prescripts

None

Pending Investigation

Proclamation No. R. 15, 2015 (Amendment)

Investigate contracts concluded with IBM SA (PTY) Ltd / SITA (SOC) Ltd, iFirm Consulting (PTY) Limited/SITA (SOCT) Ltd for the procurement of goods or services for itself or for and on behalf of State Institution; and payments made to such institutions for the period 03 August 2012 to 17 March 2015.

Alleged corruption, tender irregularities and non-compliance with PFMA as well as supply chain management prescripts

None

SITA went to court against iFirm Consulting (PTY) Limited based on the report received from SIU. SITA successfully, set aside the agreement.

Proclamation No. R32, 2017

Amendment to Proclamation No. R.7 of 2014, amended by Proclamation No. R.599 of 10 July 2015 extending the period of the Proclamation to the date of publication this Proclamation, to 06 October 2017.

Substituting paragraph 2 of the Schedule of the Proclamation.

Proclamation No. R. 7, 2014 as amended. Alleged tender irregularities and non-compliance with PFMA as well as supply chain management prescripts

None

Pending Investigation

Proclamation No. R. 599, 2015 (Amendment)

Amendment to Proclamation No. R.7 of 2014 extending the period of the Proclamation to 10 July 2015.

Substituting paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the Proclamation.

Proclamation No. R. 7, 2014 and R32 of 2017 as amended. Alleged tender irregularities and non-compliance with PFMA as well as supply chain management prescripts

None

Pending Investigation

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

14 October 2019 - NW343

Profile picture: Mbhele, Mr ZN

Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Communications

What was the rationale for the implementation of the State Information Technology Agency Transversal Contract 2007/2015 for the provision of printer consumables, (b) what promotional marketing efforts were undertaken to invite prospective service providers to apply for the contract’s preferred supplier list, (c) why was sufficient opportunity not given to prospective service providers to tender for the contract, (d) why is the contract being implemented so late in its scheduled term and (e)(i) which companies are on the preferred suppliers list for the contract, (ii) in which province do they operate and (iii) what criteria were applied to select them?

Reply:

I have been advised by the SITA as follows:

 

(a) The rationale was to afford new service providers an opportunity to respond to the bid, new brands to be added and afford an opportunity to existing service providers to add additional provinces to their offerings.

Secondly, to get Government volume discount from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and to support the transformation in the ICT sector by developing existing and new suppliers/partners through training, certification, accreditation and SMME incubation. This includes skills transfer to partners/resellers to build skills base in the ICT sector.

(b) RFB 2007/2015 was published through an open market on 04 December 2015. The bid was published in the following platforms:

  • Government Tender Bulletin
  • National Treasury portal
  • SITA Website

In terms of the Treasury Regulations, bids are published in Government Tender Bulletin and in any other media. So SITA website was used as an additional media for advertisement.

(c) The bid was published on 04 December 2015 and closed on 29 January 2016 and the advertisement was prior to the annual closure period. The Vendor Briefing Session was held on 10 December 2015. The minimum period for advertisement of bids is 21 days and the bid was published for more than 21 days.

(d) SCM received a tasking from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on the 13 November 2014. SITA embarked on extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure the strategic approach of economic transformation was all encompassing, which resulted in a delay in publishing the bid. The specification was developed by SITA and approved by DPSA. An open tender process was used for sourcing the required solution. A competitive bidding process allowed bidders in the market to participate and compete fairly.

(e) (i) and (ii) A detailed list of accredited suppliers per province and brand is attached as Annexure A

(iii) SITA evaluated RFB 2007/2015 as follows:

  • Screening of mandatory documents
  • Technical Evaluation
  • Mandatory Requirements
  • Price Evaluation/Mark up %

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

14 October 2019 - NW611

Profile picture: Mokoena, Mr L

Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) total amount has (i) her department and (ii) each of the entities reporting to her spent on (aa) cleaning, (bb) security and (cc) gardening services in the (aaa) 2017-18 and (bbb) 2018-19 financial years, (b) amount was paid to each service provider to provide each specified service and (c) total mount was paid to each of the service providers?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Departments and SOEs as follows:

DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND POSTAL SERVICES (DTPS):

(a)(i)

(b) & (c)

DTPS Entities:

(a) (ii) Entities

(aa-cc) Services Rendered

(aaa) 2017-18

(bbb) 2018-19

Nemisa

Cleaning

R474 072.51

R430 605.56

 

Security

R716 049.95

R1 067 762.05

 

Gardening

0

0

USAASA

Cleaning

R6 418.12

R95 455.40

 

Security

R313 045.34

R322 380.10

 

Gardening

0

0

BBI

Cleaning

R678 672.87

R1 096 749.38

 

Security

R764 413.51

R1 750 976.73

 

Gardening

R14 750.00

R20 650.00

Sentech

Cleaning

R4 324 098.91

R4 545 512.18

 

Security

R15 477 947.57

R14 617 214.00

 

Gardening

R551 582.45

R549 863.33

SITA

Cleaning

R7 813 707.26

R3 550 716.09

 

Security

R18 546 017.02

R18 534 970.58

 

Gardening

0

0

SAPO

Cleaning & Gardening

R11 664 273

R11 260 278.26

 

Security

R125 266 999.97

R387 837 961.07

ZADNA

Cleaning

R60 000.00

R60 000.00

 

Security

-

-

 

Gardening

-

-

       

 

(b) (c)

Entity

Service Provider

Cleaning

2017/18 2018/19

Gardening

17/18 18/19

Security

2017/18 18/19

Total Amount

Nemisa

Masana Hygiene Service

R48 368.96

         

R48 368.96

 

Neledzi Cleaning Services

R317 994.88

         

R317 994.88

 

Walking Tall Trading & Projects

R107 708.67

R430 605.56

       

R538 314.23

 

Rise Security Services

       

R311 760.35

R1 067 762.05

R1 379 522.40

 

Usendo Security & Cleaning Services

       

R404 289.60

 

R404 289.60

USAASA

Mode Security Pty Ltd

       

R333 240.65

 

R333 240.65

 

Bamogale Security Services

       

R112 269.04

 

R112 269.04

 

MIXTELEMATICS

       

R5 597.18

 

R5 597.18

 

Locksmith

       

R2 536.00

 

R2 536.00

 

Fidelity Security Services

       

R181 782.57

 

R181 782.57

 

Bidvest Steiner

 

R3 323.52

       

R3 323.52

 

Thole Events Management & Projects

 

R68 000.00

       

R68 000.00

 

MOKGALEMA Trading

 

R25 000.00

       

R25 000.00

 

Nsuku Integrated Hygiene

R5 550.00

         

R5 550.00

BBI

Bidvest Prestige Cleaning

R28 766,23

R14 383,16

         
 

Abasemonti Cleaning and Garden Services

R21 300,00

R24 850,00

         
 

Baduscope (Pty) Ltd

 

R42 860,50

         
 

Ipigogo Spring cleaners and trading

R2 700,00

 

         
 

Masello Ngoako & Associates

 

R27 655,46

         
 

Masana Hygiene Services CC

R320 086,61

 

         
 

Momacha Trading CC

R254 866,50

R628 656,07

         
 

Nindzy's Contractor services CC

 

R88 599,75

         
 

Phiwami Ulpholstery and Services

 

R47 196,00

         
 

Relaele trading (PTY) LTD

R4 789,50

R33 526,50

         
 

Supercare Service Group Polokwane

R27 302,21

R16 702,67

         
 

Supercare Service Group Richards Bay

R18 861,82

R40 532,17

         
 

We can do it Transport & Projects

 

R47 900,04

         
 

Yonwabeli Mzansi Cleaning

 

R83 887,06

         
 

Bidvest Prestige Cleaning

R28 766,23

R14 383,16

         
 

Servest Security

R322 578,98

 

         
 

Azifani Security and Cleaning services (Pty) Ltd

 

R405 145,10

         
 

Mafoko Security Patrols

 

R516 099,81

         
 

Mamafha Protection services(Pty) Ltd

 

R53 852,34

         
 

National K9 Security Service

 

R3 288,00

         
 

Rianah Access Systems Security Solutions

R48 689,40

R29 316,25

         
 

Rise Security Services

R387 018,33

R656 706,44

         
 

Rosdea Security Services

 

R28 167,50

         
 

Supreme Range General Suppliers CC

 

R53 199,00

         
 

Alfa Security

R6 126,80

R5 202,29

         
 

Ngwelezani cleaning services

   

R14 750,00

R20 650,00

     

SAPO

Steiner Services Edms Bpk

R63 314.53

R30 489.41

       

R93 803.94

 

Steiner Service

R15 414.48

0

       

R15 414.48

 

Isikhonyani Cleaning (Pty) Ltd

R19 582.07

R73 997.69

       

R93 579.76

 

Fidelity Supercare Cleaning Service

R14 537.04

R39 302.00

       

R53 839.04

 

Sry Environmental Pest Control & Pro

R2 060 938.88

R3 631 892.54

       

R5 692 831.42

 

Steiner Service

R0

R216 207.60

       

R216 207.60

 

Steiner Hygiene

R148 882.80

R0

       

R148 882.80

 

Steiner Services

R11 342.34

R23 226.00

       

R34 568.34

 

Cleancor- A division of Servest

R88 327.72

R0

       

R88 327.72

 

Staza Cleaning Services

R0

R465 689.65

       

R465 689.65

 

Health Care Cleaning

R1 766 651.28

R1 125 802.90

       

R2 892 454.18

 

Tsebo Solutions Group

R71 438.04

R62 977.76

       

R134 415.80

 

Mamulo Trading & Projects

R83 145.24

R27 271.64

       

R110 416.88

 

QUINTAX 31 Cc

R3 384 573.53

R150 855.45

       

R3 535 428.98

 

Khayalami Services

R1 017 018.20

R1 254 232.38

       

R2 271 250.58

 

Ssg Cleaning Pty

R151 980.00

R1 254 232.38

       

R303 960.60

 

Abaphumeleli Trading

R105 125.81

R91 866.90

       

R196 992.71

 

Texinox Investment

R285 863.81

R12 105.00

       

R297 968.81

 

Nontlahla Civil Building & Cateri

R759 727.58

R753 437.96

       

R1 513 165.54

 

Kwagga Holdings Pty

R984 484.80

R991 974.84

       

R1 940 459.64

 

Lnv Logistics

R520 485.20

R806 752.04

       

R1 327 237.24

 

Eyenu Holdings Pty

R147 440.00

R600 216.50

       

R747 656.50

 

Fholisani Projects

R0

R750 000.00

       

R750 000.00

 

G4S Cash Services (SA) Pty

       

R55 959 561.80

R93 598 570.11

R149 558 131.91

 

Excellerate Services t/a Enforce

       

R1 407 162.29

R1 584 504.97

R2 991 667.26

 

Fidelity Security Services

       

R39 839 932.24

R263 457 794.04

R303 297 726.28

 

Distinctive Choice 447 CC

       

R1 645 584.46

R1 540 994.99

R3 186 579.45

 

Mabotwane Security Services

       

R12 811 907.43

R10 710 017.19

R23 521 924.62

 

JCM Security Joint Venture Pty Ltd

       

R3 073 143.36

R2 868 693.82

R5 941 837.18

 

Fidelity Cash Solutions Pty

R10 529 708.39

R14 077 385.95

       

R24 607 094.34

 

 

Note: Sentech and SITA questions (b and c) are attached as Annexure A and B

ZADNA has a permanent employee that is appointed for the cleaning services. The security and gardening services are included in their rental amounts.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION (DOC)

DOC has not spent any amount on cleaning, security and gardening.

DOC Entities

(ii) ICASA

Services rendered

Amounts

Number of Years

aa)Cleaning

R1,874,003.59

2017/18

2018/19

 

R2,008,510.05

 

bb)Security

R 1,917,100.51

2017/18

2018/19

 

R 2,188,855.70

 

cc) Gardening services

Not Applicable-It is the land-Lord responsibility as per the lease agreement.

2017/18

2018/19

(b)

2017-18 Financial year

Supplier name

Total Amount

Bidvest Steiner

407 094.75

DKZEE Cleaning Services

72 272.16

Kusile Hygiene and Industrial

39 801.15

Matsapa Trading 749

52 800.00

Milestones Izagaba Trading Ent

85 029.56

Neledzi Cleaning Services (Pty

1 014 021.03

Prestige Cleaning Services

49 583.60

Red Alert TSS (Pty)LTD

48 714.78

Super Clean

104 686.56

Grand Total

1 874 003.59

(aa) Cleaning

2018-19 Financial year

Supplier name

Total Amount

Bidvest Steiner

65 969.72

DKZEE Cleaning Services

100 245.97

Impact Cleaning CC

345 167.46

Kusile Hygiene and Industrial

79 583.77

Limcapri Homecare Services

29 881.18

Milestones Izagaba Trading Ent (Mpumalanga)

76 079.08

Monabo Hygiene Services

346 781.62

Neledzi Cleaning Services (Pty

627 688.71

Quintax Cleaning Services(Limpopo)

109 663.10

Red Alert TSS (Pty)LTD

90 093.85

Super Clean

137 355.59

Grand Total

2 008 510.05

(bb) security

2017-18 Financial year

Supplier name

Total Amount

Analytical Risk Mng t/a 2 RM S

1 878 059.46

Bloemsec

1 443.00

Defensor Electronic Security S

7 757.55

Fidelity ADT

17 551.30

Stallion Security (Pty) Ltd

12 289.20

Grand Total

1 917 100.51

2018-19 financial year

Supplier name

Total Amount

Analytical Risk Mng t/a 2 RM S

1 978 131.47

Defensor Electronic Security S

4 830.00

Fidelity ADT

30 794.39

Modise Protection Services cc

175 099.84

Grand Total

2 188 855.70

(cc) gardening services

ICASA didn’t spend any amount on Gardening service as this service are provided by the landlord in line with the lease agreement.

(c) The amount paid to each service provider is the same figures as per (b) response.

FILMS AND PUBLICATION BOARD (FPB)

The Film and Publication Board did not procure cleaning, security and gardening services in the financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19.

SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (SABC)

aa)

(bb)

cc)

c)

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

14 October 2019 - NW641

Profile picture: Mokoena, Mr L

Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether her department and /or any entities reporting to her contracted the services of certain companies (names furnished) if so, (a) what services did each company render, (b) what was the total monetary value of each contract, (c) what amount was paid to each contract, (d) what was the duration of each contract, (e)who signed off on each contract and (f) was each contract in line with the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 and relevant departmental regulations?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Departments and SOEs as follows:

DTPS & DoC:

Both Departments have not contracted the services of Forensic Data Analysts, Muvoni Technology Group, Muvoni Investment Holdings, Ideco or any of their affiliated companies.

Entities:

Nemisa, BBI, USAASA, Sentech, ZADNA, SAPO and SABC have not contracted the services Forensic Data Analysts, Muvoni Technology Group, Muvoni Investment Holdings, Ideco or any of their affiliated companies.

SITA only contracted services of Forensic Data Analysts.

ICASA only contracted services of Muvoni Technology Group.

FPB only contracted services of Muvoni Technology Group.

  1. – (f)

SITA

(a)

Services Rendered

(b)

Total monetary value for each contract

(c)

Amount paid to each contract

(d)

Duration of contract

(e)

Who signed off the contract

(f)

In line with PFMA and relevant regulations

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R31 437 095.70

R31 437 095.70

6 months

Blake Mosley-Lefatola, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R15 718 547.85

R15 718 547.85

3 months

Blake Mosley-Lefatola, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R16 583 067.96

R16 583 067.96

3 months

Blake Mosley-Lefatola, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R11 055 378.64

R11 055 378.64

2 months

Freeman Nomvalo, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R17 660 970.00

R17 660 970.00

Month to month (1 Sept 2013-30 Nov 2013)

Freeman Nomvalo, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R153 788 818.08

R153 788 818.08

12 months

Freeman Nomvalo, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and support of SAPS ROFIN, Spheron and Nikon products for SAPS

R582 252 167.87

R582 252 167.87

5 years

Freeman Nomvalo, Chief Executive Officer

Yes

Maintenance and technical support of SAPS Firearms Permit Systems (FPS)

R20 297 345.03

R20 297 345.03

1 year

Marvin Sebela, HoD: Strategic Sourcing (Acting).

Yes

ICASA

(a)

Services Rendered

(b)

Total monetary value for each contract

(c)

Amount paid to each contract

(d)

Duration of contract

(e)

Who signed off the contract

(f)

In line with PFMA and relevant regulations

Installation and Commissioning of Broadcasting Monitoring System

R14,654,958.14

R14,654,958.14

28 March 2013 to 30 September 2016

CEO: Mr. Themba Dlamini

Yes

FPB

(a)

Services Rendered

(b)

Total monetary value for each contract

(c)

Amount paid to each contract

(d)

Duration of contract

(e)

Who signed off the contract

(f)

In line with PFMA and relevant regulations

Credential verification services

R168.72 X7 Executive Competency assesments R9747 & R2924) (X1 Psycometric assesment R 9804) (X9 Credential vericfication R168.72)

R72 665.25

3 Years

ACEO: Ms Lillian Phahla

Yes

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

25 September 2019 - NW915

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether the Broadband Infraco (BBI) has been the subject of any investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the period of 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2019; if so, what was the (a) subject and nature of each specified investigation and (b) outcome of each such investigation? 2. Whether the specified investigations have been completed in each case; if not, what is the current status of each of the incomplete investigations; if so what was the outcome of the investigation in each case? NW2069E

Reply:

I have been advised by the BBI as follows:

BBI was not the subject of an investigation by the SIU.

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

25 September 2019 - NW735

Profile picture: De Villiers, Mr MJ

De Villiers, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether her department hosted any event and/or function related to its 2019 Budget Vote debate; if so, (a) where was each event held, (b) what was the total cost of each event and (c) what is the name of each person who was invited to attend each event as a guest; (2) whether any gifts were distributed to guests attending any of the events; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the gifts distributed and (b) who sponsored the gifts?

Reply:

1. No.

(1)(a), (b) and (c) Not applicable

(2) No

(2)(a), (b) and (d) Not applicable

 

Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

Minister

25 September 2019 - NW474

Profile picture: Van Damme, Ms PT

Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications

1. What reasons did a certain official (name and details furnished) give for resigning; 2. Whether she has found that there was no undue political interference in the specified person’s decision to resign; if not; (a) will the alleged undue political interference be investigated and (b) what action will be taken against persons found to have been involved in the alleged exercising of the undue political interference in the specified person’s decision to resign? NW1466E

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

  1. The erstwhile Post Office GCEO, Mr Mark Barnes, mainly cited the ultimate separation of the shareholding, control and management of Postbank and SAPO as his main reason for his resignation. He reasoned that the decision goes against the agreed strategy for SAPO business model founded on a diversified revenue strategy.
  2. The resignation letter does not indicate that undue political interference was the reason for the resignation. (a) and (b) are therefore not applicable.

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

20 September 2019 - NW436

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

1)       What are the details of the (a) name of each consultant and/or contractor, (b) amount allocated to each consultant and/or contractor, (c) project each consultant and/or contractor will work on and (d) expected duration of each project her department budgeted for in the 2019-20 financial year; (2) Whether each project was or will be put out to tender; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (3) Whether the relocation of her department’s offices will result in cost savings; if not, (a) why not and (b) why is her department relocating its offices; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) What amount did her department spend on offices in each of the past five financial years?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Departments as follows:

In respect of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services:No

No. 

NAME OF CONSULTANT

  1.  

AMOUNT ALLOCATED

2019/20 FY(b)

PROJECT

  1.  

EXPECTED DURATION

  1.  

1. 

Broadband Infraco

R134 million

SA Connect ( Broadband provisioning to government facilities)

  1.  

2. 

SITA

R40 million

SA Connect ( Broadband provisioning to government facilities)

  1.  

3. 

N/A – Project not contracted

R2 million

Organisational Structure Development

12 months

4. 

N/A – Project not contracted

R1 million

Leadership Development

12 months

5. 

N/A – Project not contracted

R1 million

Implementation and maintenance of CCTV cameras

36 months

 

2. All projects not yet contracted mentioned above will be put out on tender.

The contracts awarded to Broadband Infraco and SITA were not put out on tender because the department mandated its State Owned Companies to implement the projects on its behalf. The BBI and SITA contracts will run for 10 years, from 2018/19 to 2028/29.

3.  No cost savings will be realised.

(a) The Department is not relocating offices.

(b) The Department is not relocating offices.

4.  An amount of R90 million was paid with respect of the lease / rental of office accommodation as from April 2014 until March 2019.

In respect of the Department of Communications:

1.

No

NAME OF CONSULTANT

(a)

AMOUNT ALLOCATED

(b)

PROJECT WILL WORK ON

(c)

EXPECTED DURATION

(d)

1

N/A – Consultant not yet appointed

R 400 000.00

Conducting cost benefit analysis of the draft South African Audio Visual Content Growth Strategy.

2 months

2

N/A – Consultant not yet appointed

R 300 000.00

4IR training for emerging content producers

Once Off

3

N/A – Consultant not yet appointed

R2 000 000.00

Research and report on ID television set and decoders sold by retailers

12 months

4

N/A – Consultant not yet appointed

R2 000 000.00

Implementation evaluation of the Community Media Policy and Support Programme.

12 months

2. Projects 1-2 will not be put on tender because the amount is less than tender threshold of R500 000.00. RFQ process will be followed.

Projects 3-4 will be put on tender. Tender specifications have not been finalised.

(3) It is not known at this stage if the relocation will result in the cost savings or not as the discussions on the relocation and costs thereof have not commenced as yet.

(a) N/A

(b) The department is relocating because of the pronounced reconfiguration together with Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services to establish a new department.

(4) The accommodation cost over the past financial years are as follow:

2015/16 - R0.00

2016/17 - R0.00

2017/18 - R0.00

2018/19 - R250 271.49 per month (R3, 003 million for the year)

2019/20 - R256 666.00 per month (R1, 027 million for the 2019/20 financial year to date, i.e. April to July 2019). The amount will be paid per month until the integration of the merging departments is completed.

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

04 September 2019 - NW303

Profile picture: Mackenzie, Mr C

Mackenzie, Mr C to ask the Minister of Communications

By which date will the SA Post Office situated in Columbine Avenue in Mondeor, Johannesburg, reopen to the public; 2. Whether her Department has taken any steps to secure the premises (a) from trespassers and (b) against vandalism, if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW1269E

Reply:

I have been advised by SAPO as follows:

1. The Post Office situated in Columbine Avenue in Mondeor, Johannesburg will re-open on 01 November 2019.

2. (a) The Department provides oversight over SAPO and therefore, is not responsible for securing SAPO’s premises. However, SAPO has assured the Department that it has taken steps to secure the premises from trespassers, in that SAPO’s Security and Investigation Unit contacted the local SAPS for assistance and will continue to monitor the situation.

(b) Palisade fencing has been placed and lockable doors locked. The side gate is locked with a chain and lock.

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

26 August 2019 - NW247

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Do the producers have to deliver all signed artist contracts to the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) at least 14 days prior to the first production payment by SABC and not later than 60 days after signing of the production contract; (2) whether the producers have to provide the SABC with a list of the principal performers and their remunerations for the purpose of repeat fees; if so, what clause of the SABC Freelance Contract for Performers reflects this; (3) whether the SABC has the records of fully signed contracts with producers and contracts of all actors in all productions in the SABC archives; if so, why does a certain person (name furnished) insist on fully signed contracts from contractors when the specified person could retrieve the contracts from the records kept by the SABC; (4) why (a) does the fact that the contract lacks the signature of the producer make the contract invalid and (b) can the SABC not sign as producer, as the SABC is the ultimate commissioning producer? NW1206E

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

1. Yes.

2. Yes. Producers have to provide a list of the principle performers. There is no clause in the SABC Freelance Contract for Performers that reflects this.

3. No, the SABC has records of contracts captured on its CRM system dating back to 2009 only. If actors for older programmes are claiming fees, the SABC will ask for a copy of the contract and if they don’t have a copy, an affidavit will be required. The SABC Content Drama department will watch the programmes and check the onscreen credits to establish the actors that were principled.

4. (a) A contract is only valid when all parties sign.

(b) No, the SABC cannot sign the contract as it is not the Producer of the

programme. The SABC commissions the content but does not produce it.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

26 August 2019 - NW341

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications

In light of the SA Revenue Service (Sars) Vat News No. 20, dated September 2002, which announced that tax invoices may be issued electronically instead of the paper format, why does the SABC (a) repeat claims department still insists on originally signed tax invoices and (b) not allow invoices via email in PDF format which are in accordance with SARS instructions?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

a) The SABC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Repeat Fees still requires the original tax certificates. The SOP will, however, be updated.

b) The SABC accepts invoices via email in PDF format in accordance with SARS instructions.

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

12 August 2019 - NW147

Profile picture: Majozi, Ms Z

Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications

(1)Whether she has established a date on which 5G high-speed mobile network technology will become widely available; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether her department has any strategic partnerships with other countries or companies in rolling out 5G technology; if so, will she furnish Ms Z Majozi with a list of the countries and/or the companies with their country of origin; (3) whether she envisages that the roll-out of 5G infrastructure in alliance with her department’s strategic and investment partners may pose any potential state security threats due to information being shared with the specified partners; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details and (b) steps taken by her department to ensure that the security of the State is not compromised; (4) whether she has found that 5G infrastructure can be used to breach individual property and privacy laws; if not, how can she guarantee that this will not happen; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) measures has her department taken to avoid such a breach; (5) whether the White Paper on 5G Radio Network Architecture has been drafted and made publicly available; if not, why not; if so, will she furnish Ms Z Majozi with a copy of the specified white paper?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows: -

1. The Minister is not responsible for technology launches and thus does not determine technology launch dates.

Suffice to say, the Minister provides policies that establish an enabling environment and broad frameworks for creating equitable opportunities for all market players.

2. The department is working with various industry players who are rolling out latest 5G technology. As an example, the department recently partnered with Nokia and Vodacom during the recent Digital Economy Summit wherein President Ramaphosa, speaking at Gallagher Convention Centre, had his address simultaneously broadcast as a holographic image to the Rustenburg Civic Centre.

3. The national security agencies and the departments in the security cluster, continuously scan the environment for any potential threats to the State and its people, and if there is any potential security threat, it will be dealt with. Furthermore, the Cybersecurity Hub in the department falls under the Government’s broader security mandate and such engages with other government security institutions and industry players to implement safety standards and measures.

4. With regards to security, 5G is no different from previous generation networks and the same established security principles will need to be applied. As stated, national security agencies and the departments in the security cluster are continuously scanning the environment to deal with any potential threats to the State and its people. The government has legislated the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) and the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. Government has also developed the Cyber Security Policy Framework and the department is currently working on the Data Policy. All these policies and legislation, inter alia, address issues of security.

5. No.

 

 

MS STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

MINISTER

12 August 2019 - NW437

Profile picture: Kopane, Ms SP

Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Communications

What are the full reasons for her department increasing its advertising budget (a) in the past two financial years and (b) for the 2019-20 financial year?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Departments as follows: -

In respect of the budget allocation for the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

a) The Advertising budget decreased in the 2017/18 financial year; it was mainly for the marketing and promotional items as well as advertising to fill vacant posts. In the 2018/19 financial year, the budget increased mainly for marketing and promotional items due to the Department hosting the BRICS Summit and International Telecoms Union (ITU) World Telecom in September 2019 at the INkosi Albert Luthuli Conversion Centre in Durban.

b) The budget for Advertising decreased in the 2019/20 financial year; the budget is mainly for marketing and promotional items as well as advertising to fill vacant posts.

In respect of the budget allocation for the Department of Communications:

a) Advertising budget increased during the 2017/18 financial year due to advertising done in respect of the Digital Terrestrial Television Project (DTT). During 2018/19 financial year, the budget increased due increased branding and promotional items that were procured.

b) The advertising budget for the 2019/20 financial year increased mainly for awareness campaigns for the DTT Project.

 

MS. STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS, MP

MINISTER

30 July 2019 - NW269

Profile picture: Weber, Ms AMM

Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Communications

What (a) total amount is budgeted for her private office for the 2019-20 financial year and (b) was the (i) total remuneration, (ii) salary level, (iii) job title, (iv) qualification and (v) job description of each employee appointed in her private office since 1 May 2019?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) R 16, 235 million

(b) See table below:-

(i) TOTAL REMUNERATION

(ii) SALARY

LEVEL

(iii) JOB TITLE

(iv) QUALIFICATION

(v) JOB DESCRIPTION

R 1,521,591 pa

15 -

Compensation level III

Special Advisor

National Senior Certificate

National Diploma: Electrical Engineering

Master of Arts: ICT Policy & Regulation

Special Advisor to Minister

R 1,251,183 pa

14

Chief of Staff

National Senior Certificate Bachelor of Arts

Higher Diploma in Education MA: Public Health

BA Hons: African Languages in Communications

Diploma in Media Management

Postgraduate Diploma: Monitoring

and Evaluation

Program in Monitoring and

Evaluation

Diploma in Project Management

Chief of Staff

R 1,073,202 pa

13

Parliamentary and Cabinet Support

National Senior Certificate

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Laws

Certificate in Money Laundering Control

Advanced Public Project Management

Parliamentary and Cabinet Support

R 1,057,326 pa

13

Media Liaison

National Senior Certificate

Media Liaison

   

Officer

                          BCOM: Marketing

                          BCOM Hons: Communications

Officer

R 733,257 pa

11

Cabinet and Parliamentary

Officer

                          National Senior Certificate

Cabinet and Parliamentary

Officer

R 755,418 pa

Acting allowance paid against first notch of SL 13

R 1,057,326

11

(acting in level 13 post and receives an acting allowance)

Acting PA to Minister

National Senior Certificate

BCOM: Human Resource

Management

Diploma in Transport Management

Personal Assistant to Minister

R 733,257 pa

11

Community Outreach Officer

National Senior Certificate Primary Teachers Diploma Certificate: Report Writing Certificate: Basic Fire Fighter

Certificate: Project Management

Community Outreach Officer

R 733,257 pa

11

Portfolio Co- ordinator

National Senior Certificate

BA: Corporate Communications

Portfolio Co- ordinator

R 376,596 pa

9

Assistant Appointment Secretary

National Senior Certificate Certificate Basic Fire Fighter Secretary Skills Course Certificate: Commercial Law Diploma in Business Management

Assistant Appointment Secretary

R 257,508 pa

7

Secretary/Rece ptionist

National Senior Certificate

BA: Environmental Management

Secretary/Receptio nist

R 257,508 pa

7

Registry Clerk

National Senior Certificate Certificate in HR

Registry Clerk

R 224,626 pa

3

Domestic Worker

Grade 11

Domestic Worker: Cape Town Residence

R 224,626 pa

3

Domestic Worker

Grade 11

Domestic Worker: Pretoria Residence

R 109, 534 pa +

37%

2

Food Aid

Grade 11 Auxiliary Nursing

Food Aid

MS STELLA NDABEBI-ABRAHAMS MINISTER

01 July 2019 - NW39

Profile picture: Mokoena, Mr L

Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether any plans are in place to roll out 5G in the Republic; if so, (a) in which area, (b) on what date is it envisaged to be rolled out and (c) for what purposes?

Reply:

In line with international developments, we expect 5G commercial deployments to take place from around 2020 in South Africa.

Minister will give full and further details of the roll out when she makes her pronouncement on the policy direction.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

01 July 2019 - NW40

Profile picture: Mokoena, Mr L

Mokoena, Mr L to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Whether the Government has any plans to assist or take part in the rolling out of 5G; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

There are no direct plans for Government to take part in the rollout of 5G. Suffice to say, Government has been involved in a global multilateral process under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to identify and allocate radio frequency spectrum for IMT2020 or 5G. This process will be concluded at the ITU World Radio Conference which will take place at the end of 2019.

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

25 February 2019 - NW27

Profile picture: Ndlozi, Dr MQ

Ndlozi, Dr MQ to ask the Minister of Communications

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) entities reporting to her awarded any contracts and/or tenders to certain companies (names and details furnished) from 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, in each case, (i) what service was provided, (ii) what was the (aa) value and (bb) length of the tender and/or contract, (iii) who approved the tender and/or contract and (iv) was the tender and/or contract in line with all National Treasury and departmental procurement guidelines?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Departments as follows:

DOC and DTPS

The departments have not awarded contracts and/or tenders to any of the listed companies.

ENTITIES

FPB, MDDA, BBI, NEMISA, .zaDNA & Sentech

These entities have not awarded contracts and/or tenders to any of the listed companies.

BRAND SOUTH AFRICA

Kindly note that Brand SA contracted Vox Telecommunications as indicated below:

Name of the company

(i)Descriptions of services

(ii) aa. Value

(ii) bb. Length

(iii)Who approved the tender/contract

(iv)Tender/ Contract in line with the National Treasury

Vox Telecommunications (PTY) Ltd.

Internet and Voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

R23,657.12 per month inclusive of VAT

36 months’ contract, extended for further one year

36 months’ contract was signed by Ms. Alice Puoane - Chief Financial Officer

One-year extension of contract was signed by Dr. Jonty Tshipa – Director: Corporate Service

No record available to confirm whether or not the contract was in line with all National Treasury and procurement guidelines

ICASA

Kindly note that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa contracted Vox Telecommunications as indicated below:

Name of the company

(i)Descriptions of services

(ii) aa. Value

(ii) bb. Length

(iii)Who approved the tender/contract

(iv)Tender/ Contract in line with the National Treasury

Vox Telecommunications

Provision of 20 Mbps Data Link 3 years from February 2015

R1 002 941.69

3 years from February 2015

3 years from February 2015

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Audio and Video Equipment - Once-off 2016

R542 969.69

Once off 2016 ( May 2016)

Bid Adjudication Committee ( PFMA) requirement(BAC)

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

20 Mbps Data Link Access for Nelspruit Office - 28 months until September 2018

R7 870.33

28 month until September 2018

BAC and CEO

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

ADSL & MPSL 5 years from April 2017

R7 270 099.20

5 Years from April 2017

BAC and CEO

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Network configuration changes - Once off

R2 052.00

Once off (September 2017)

SCM Manager and CFO

Yes

Total

8 825 932.91

       

SABC

Kindly note that SABC contracted the companies as indicated below:

Name of the company

(i)Descriptions of services

(ii) aa. Value

(ii) bb. Length

(iii)Who approved the tender/contract

(iv)Tender/ Contract in line with the National Treasury

Orion Telecom South Africa (Pty) Ltd(The supplier sent a notification of name change from Orion to Vox in May 2009. The company registration number as well as VAT number remained unchanged).

Telephone lines in the following Provincial Offices:

KZN, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape

R1,450,150.78

2009 to 2013

Provincial and Technical Managers and Head of Legal

Contracts were approved in line with Delegation of Authority Framework (DAF) applicable at the time.

Vox Telecommunications (Vox)

Telephone lines in the following Provincial Offices

KZN, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape

R2,180,047.15

2013 to 2018

Provincial and Technical Managers and Head of Legal

The contracts were continuation of subscriptions of initial contract entered into with Orion. The approval of the contract was done in line with Delegation of Authority Framework (DAF) applicable at the time. Subscriptions, water and lights, TV Licence Pay points and others similar services were part of exclusions as detailed in the Procurement Policy.

SAPO

Kindly note that SAPO contracted the companies as indicated below:

Name of the company

(i)Descriptions of services

(ii) aa. Value

(ii) bb. Length

(iii)Who approved the tender/contract

(iv)Tender/ Contract in line with the National Treasury

AFRAIT Pty (Ltd)

Supply Trailers

R14 134 720.00

9and a half months

GCEO

Yes

USAASA

Kindly note that the USAASA contracted Vox Telecommunications as indicated below:

Name of the company

(i)Descriptions of services

(ii) aa. Value

(ii) bb. Length

(iii)Who approved the tender/contract

(iv)Tender/ Contract in line with the National Treasury

Vox Telecommunications

Internet Connectivity equipment and Connectivity Services

R1 308 030.00

24 months

CEO, Mr Zami Nkosi

Yes

SITA

Name of the company

(i)Descriptions of services

(ii) aa. Value

(ii) bb. Length

(iii)Who approved the tender/contract

(iv)Tender/ Contract in line with the National Treasury

Vox Telecommunications

Annual maintenance of the email service for SA engineer formation

R1 773.68

1 year

Senior Manager

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Annual maintenance of the email service for SA engineer formation

R1 519.9

1 year

Senior Manager

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Annual maintenance of the email service for SA engineer formation

R1 463.05

1 year

Senior Manager

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Annual maintenance of the email service for SA engineer formation

R1 463.05

1 year

Senior Manager

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Digital Viewer Software Expert- SAPS Port Shepstone

R34 758.86

Details cannot be found on the archives of the entity and employees responsible are no longer at SITA.

Provincial HoD

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Digital Viewer Software Expert- SAPS Port Shepstone

R34 758.86

Details cannot be found on the archives of the entity and employees responsible are no longer at SITA.

Provincial HoD

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Digital Viewer Software Expert- SAPS Pietermaritzburg

R13 326.4

Once off

Provincial HoD

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Telephone handsets for the DoE in KZN

R347 367.3

Details cannot be found on the archives of the entity and employees responsible are no longer at SITA.

Provincial HoD

Yes

Vox Telecommunications

Training for the server administration for right fax

R12500

Details cannot be found on the archives of the entity and employees responsible are no longer at SITA.

HoD: Capital Management

Yes

Over and above the transactions listed in the attached table, in 2014 SITA published to the open market RFB 1316/2014 for off-net voice services for the agency. After evaluation and approval the tender was awarded for 3 years to Vox for the total amount of R10 425 600.00. The tender was approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee as per the SITA Delegation of Authority. In terms of the tender requirements, bidders were required to provide two options on the solution required and to price them separately. After award, it was realised that the bid price for the solution awarded to Vox was actually for the other option.

SITA attempted to withdraw the award. The decision to withdraw was challenged by Vox as it was of the view that it is entitled to the tender. SITA launched a counter application to have its decision set aside in order to approach the market. The Court set aside the award to Vox as it was based on the incorrect evaluation results.

_____________________________

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date:

25 February 2019 - NW52

Profile picture: Ntlangwini, Ms EN

Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister of Communications

What number of (a) television channels, (b) radio stations and (c) newspapers are funded by (i) her department and/or (ii) entities reporting to her?

Reply:

I been advised by the department as follows:

The Department of Communications [DoC] and entities reporting to the DoC have not funded any TV channels, radio stations and newspapers. However, the MDDA provides grant funding to qualifying community television, radio stations and community and small commercial media print newspapers and magazines.

In addition, the department funds, through appropriation, Channel Africa, a public radio station located within the SABC.

_____________________________

Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP

Minister

Date: