Questions and Replies
15 September 2023 - NW2590
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether, with regards to the Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo, she will furnish Ms T Breedt with (a) a copy of the most recent Management Plan for the park, including relevant details of the most recent mammal counts, (b) relevant details of any plans to expand the boundaries of the specified park including plans to acquire the remaining private farms within and/or on the boundaries of the park and (c) relevant details of initiatives to manage the elephant population of the park in conjunction with Botswana and Zimbabwe, including estimates of the elephant population within the park; if not, what not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
15 September 2023 - NW2589
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) (a) On what date was the last abalone population density estimates and projections done and (b) what are the details of the specified process; (2) what was the (a) result of the counting and projection and (b) effect of the finds on the issuance of permits and quotas in the various industry sectors and the recreational sector?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
15 September 2023 - NW2592
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether she will furnish Mr N Singh with the number of (a) repeat-offenders, (b) suspects and/or (c) arrest persons who have been re-arrested on any know rhino poaching and/or related charges since 2006, including charges of conspiracy to poach rhinos, being in possession of poaching-related weapons and/or other charges; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
15 September 2023 - NW2593
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Whether her department shares a joint corresponding database with the SA Police Service and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services of all rhino poachers who have been arrested referencing their trail and custody status, convictions and prison status and also their associates in order to understand the linkages and networks since rhino poaching has been declared a national priority crime; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find here: Reply
14 September 2023 - NW2570
Tseki, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she intends to ban the sale of Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses by beneficiaries to curb the cycle of homelessness in the Republic; if not, why not; If so, what steps does she intend to take to address the sale of BNG houses in the medium to long term?
Reply:
According to Section 10A of the Housing Act, 1997 (Act No. 107 of 1997) stipulates that the subsidy-financed property may not be disposed of by the beneficiary for a period of eight years from the date on which he or she acquired the property. This provision is to be registered against the title deed of the property and the Registrar of Deeds may not allow the transfer of ownership registration to occur without the approval of the relevant MEC.
Beneficiaries of subsidy-financed houses may therefore not sell or eliminate their properties within a period of eight years from the date on which the property was acquired, unless the property has first been offered to the relevant Provincial Human Settlements/Housing Department. It is worth noting that the sale restriction clause can only be enforced in the context of formal sale transactions between a beneficiary and a willing buyer. Therefore, in instances wherein the subsidy-financed property is sold in an informal process and transfer of ownership is not occurring, it is difficult for the Department to detect the sale transaction, thus making it hard to control or prevent such. The current mechanism of uncovering cases is where the sale transaction is reported to the Provincial Human Settlements Department, often done by a third party.
In addition, the Housing Act specifically states that “Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any other law, it shall be a condition of every housing subsidy, as defined in the Code, granted to a natural person in terms of any national housing programme for the construction or purchase of a dwelling or serviced site, that such person shall not sell or otherwise alienate his or her dwelling or site within a period of eight years from the date on which the property was acquired by that person unless the dwelling or site has first been offered to the relevant provincial housing department”.
Due to the illicit nature of the transactions, buyers are unable to register the acquired properties in their names through the Deeds Office. The Department considers the practice of selling properties off-register as a slap in the face to the Government’s collective efforts of housing the nation, and the fight to confront the apartheid legacy of inequality and poverty, as well as reducing the number of people living in informal settlements.
As part of the Department’s concerted efforts aimed at addressing the phenomenon of selling BNG houses, advocacy programmes are undertaken with communities to create awareness amongst citizens. Such programmes include the use of social media platforms and radio announcements. In addition to that, the Department has various training and consumer education interventions, namely;
Train the Trainer- Which is designed to provide training on human settlements policies and programme to officials working in provinces and municipalities.
Housing Consumer Education- Which targets potential human settlements beneficiaries and communities at large and provides them with information on the different programmes of the Department that they can benefit from and how to protect and maintain their properties.
Councillor Training- Is done in conjunction with SALGA and empowers Councillors on their roles and responsibilities in the delivery of housing and human settlements.
Training of Traditional Leaders- Which focusses on unlocking land for human settlements and providing education on housing legislation and policies.
While pursuing the fundamental importance of legislative compliance, the Department is similarly cognisant of the arising challenges ascribed to the restrictive nature of the guidelines contained in sections 10A and 10B of the Housing Act. The policy proposals in the draft White Paper on Human Settlements is to address this area.
13 September 2023 - NW2763
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
(a) (i) The Department of Basic Education has not printed Annual Reports since 2020 due Parliament requesting electronic copies.
(ii) SACE response: Please see Annexure.
UMALUSI response: Please see Annexure.
13 September 2023 - NW2691
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What (a) total amount was stolen from the Guardians Fund through a series of fraudulent transactions, as was reported to have occurred in April 2023, (b) was the nature of the fraudulent transactions which resulted in the funds from the Guardians Fund being stolen in April 2023 and (c) steps has his department taken to ensure that the fraudulent transactions do not occur again?
Reply:
(a) A total amount of R17 782 132,59
EFT |
AMOUNT |
109379 |
R430 424.37 |
109380 |
R761 207.41 |
109381 |
R4 912 046.36 |
109382 |
R572 419.55 |
109383 |
R4 983 504.36 |
109384 |
R3 140 524.81 |
109385 |
R2 982 005.73 |
Total |
R17 782 132.59 |
(b) Unauthorized payments went through the bank after hours. Upon discovery of this incident, Internal Forensic Investigation was conducted, and the report identified 4 officials suspected of having aided the commission of this fraud incident.
(c) The bank account profile which was linked to all the Guardian’s Fund Offices was suspended, a new profile was created, and in the interim the National Office is making payments on behalf of the Guardian’s Fund Offices until a permanent solution is sought.
END
13 September 2023 - NW2692
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the reported suspension of all payments from the Guardians Fund following the detection of the fraudulent transactions from the Fund in April 2023, (a) (i) what is the extent of the suspension of payments from the fund in terms ofquantum and (ii) the number of persons affected and (b) on what date will all suspended payments be finalised and paid to recipients?
Reply:
a)
Region |
i) Quantum |
ii) The number of persons affected |
Bloemfontein |
1 095 113 |
270 |
Cape town |
980 803 |
81 |
Grahamstown |
1 722 8912 |
155 |
Kimberly |
241 659 |
28 |
Pietermaritzburg |
6 202 007 |
66 |
Pretoria |
15 393 866 |
99 |
Total |
23 913 448 |
699 |
b) The National Office started processing payments on 13 June 2023 to date.
13 September 2023 - NW2749
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What total amount did (i) his department and (ii) each entity reporting to him pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
Reply:
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development did not incur costs of printing the Annual Report in the past three financial years. However, details regarding the printing of Annual Reports by the public entities are provided in the tables below.
Legal Aid South Africa |
|||
FINANCIAL YEAR |
No. PRINTED |
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID |
SERVICE PROVIDER |
2020/2021 |
120 |
R110,214.85 |
Creativity Graphic Design & Marketing (PTY) LTD |
2021/2022 |
120 |
R122,840.70 |
Shereno Printers CC |
2022/2023 |
120 |
R189,708.84 (Still to be paid) |
Lebone Litho Printers (Pty) Ltd |
Table : Legal Aid South Africa
Special investigating Unit |
|||
FINANCIAL YEAR |
No. PRINTED |
TOTAL AMOUNT PAID |
SERVICE PROVIDER |
2020/2021 |
300 |
R195 295,84 |
Seriti Printing |
2021/2022 |
147 |
R233 553,50 |
Msomi Africa |
2022/2023 |
200 |
R263 837,60. (still to be paid) |
Msomi Africa |
Table : Special Investigating Unit
The Office of the Chief Justice; (a) (i) (ii); (aa); (bb); (cc) (b) (c) (i) and (ii) provides the following details:
OCJ Annual Report Financial Year |
Total amount paid to the service provider/supplier for the proof reading and printing the OCJ annual report. |
Number of OCJ annual report Copies Printed |
Name of the Supplier responsible for printing the OCJ annual report/s |
2020/21 FY |
R113 502.98 |
150 |
Seriti Printing Digital |
2021/22 FY |
R129 600.00 |
200 |
Seriti Printing Digital |
2022/23 FY |
R127 581.00 |
150 |
Seriti Printing Digital |
a) (i) (aa) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) paid R130 422.76 for printed copies of the integrated Annual Reports for 2020/21.
a) (ii) (aa) Not applicable
a) (i) (bb) Department of Correctional Services paid R141 127. 35 for printed copies of the integrated Annual Reports for 2021/22.
a) (ii) (bb) Not applicable
a) (i) (cc) Department of Correctional Services has not paid printed copies of the Integrated Annual Reports for 2022/23.
a) (ii) (cc) Not applicable
b) The Annual Reports were printed by Shereno Printers. Department of Correctional Services has a five- year contract (01 October 2020 to 31 September 2025) with Shereno Printers for the design, layout and printing of the Annual Reports, Annual performance Plan and Strategic Plans.
c) (i) & (ii) Department of Correctional Services printed:
- 100 copies of the integrated Annual Report for the 2020/21 financial year.
- 250 copies of the Annual Report for 2021/22 financial year.
END
13 September 2023 - NW2782
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
With reference to the ongoing investigation by the Public Service Commission into the qualifications of approximately 2 000 senior managers, what action will her department take against senior managers without the requisite qualifications for the positions that they currently occupy?
Reply:
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is currently investigating the qualifications of senior managers, the findings and recommendations of which have yet to be officially reported. As such, it would be both early and premature to speculate on potential sanctions against senior managers lacking the requisite qualifications for their current roles. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will dictate the appropriate sanctions. Notably, some senior managers have been serving in their current positions well before the issuance of the 2017 Directive on minimum entry requirements. Their long-term experience could potentially demonstrate the acquisition of sufficient knowledge and skills necessary for their roles.
End
13 September 2023 - NW1829
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
What (a) is the total number of reported cases of financial misconduct for the 2022-23 financial year, (b) is the (i) breakdown of the implicated departments for each (aa) national and (bb) provincial department and (ii) nature of the financial misconduct involved in each specified case and (c)(i) total amount was lost by the State due to the cases and (ii) amount of the total amount was recovered by the State?
Reply:
The Public Service Commission (PSC) reporting on the overview of Financial Misconduct for the financial year 2022-23 will be made during the 2023/24 financial year, as the data has not yet been audited and consolidated in the Annual Reports of departments. Such would be submitted as soon as the Annual Reports of government departments have been finalized, audited, and tabled to Parliament.
End
13 September 2023 - NW2632
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What (i) total number of witnesses have been enrolled in the witness protection programme in the past two financial years and (ii) is the average duration of stay of witnesses on the programme and (b) at what cost per witness in each month?
Reply:
|
2021/2022 |
2022/23 |
(a) (i) total number of witnesses enrolled in the witness protection programme in the past two financial years |
367 |
361 |
(ii) average duration of stay of witnesses on the programme |
20 months |
22 months |
(b) cost per witness in each month
|
R 16 943.80 |
R 18 281.27 |
13 September 2023 - NW2699
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1)What total number of public servants in each province were on extended sick leave with full pay in the (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23 financial years; (2) (a) for how long has each of the public servants been on sick leave and (b) on what date is each expected to return to the office; (3) what (a) positions and (b) salary levels do the specified public servants occupy; (4) what total amount did the State spend in paying the public servants in each specified financial year?
Reply:
1. The total number of public servants on extended sick leave was 39 478 in the 2021/2022 financial year and 19 769 in the 2022/2023 financial year. The table below provides for breakdown per Province and financial years:
Extended Sick leave utilised by Public Servants in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years.
Province |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
||||
Number of persons |
Median days on extended sick leave |
Median days until return |
Number of persons |
Median days on extended sick leave |
Median days until return |
|
Total |
39 478 |
6 |
44 |
19 769 |
15 |
56 |
Eastern Cape |
2 514 |
13 |
0 |
1 614 |
26 |
108 |
Free State |
2 087 |
5 |
0 |
970 |
15 |
0 |
Gauteng |
6 656 |
4 |
0 |
2 464 |
16 |
40 |
KwaZulu Natal |
5 708 |
6 |
0 |
2 823 |
16 |
56 |
Limpopo |
1 562 |
9 |
0 |
743 |
19 |
126 |
Mpumalanga |
727 |
8 |
0 |
369 |
18 |
0 |
National |
14 055 |
8 |
44 |
7 843 |
12 |
25 |
North West |
1 199 |
7 |
0 |
591 |
14 |
115 |
Northern Cape |
1 143 |
8 |
0 |
663 |
20 |
115 |
Western Cape |
3 827 |
5 |
0 |
1 689 |
14 |
56 |
(2) (a) Given the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act the Department (DPSA) is prohibited from sharing individual details of employees without their consent. The average number of days public servants were on extended sick leave was 16,53 days for the 2021/2022 and 25,23 days for the 2022/2023 financial years.
(b) Only 2 public servants were still on extended sick leave at the end of the 2021/2022 financial year and 115 at the end of the 2022/2023 financial year. The public servants returned within an average of 43,5 days after the end of the 2021/2022 financial year and within an average of 69,97 days after the end of the 2022/2023 financial year.
(3) (a) & (b) The salary levels public servants occupied while on extended sick leave in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years were as follows:
Extended Sick leave utilised by Public Servants in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years
by Salary level and Dispensation
Salary level |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
||||||
MMS* |
OSD* |
Other |
SMS* |
MMS* |
OSD* |
Other |
SMS* |
|
Total |
413 |
27125 |
11 729 |
211 |
269 |
13 810 |
5 568 |
122 |
01 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
02 |
0 |
0 |
2 231 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
938 |
0 |
03 |
0 |
537 |
1 443 |
0 |
0 |
210 |
657 |
0 |
04 |
0 |
696 |
586 |
0 |
0 |
233 |
245 |
0 |
05 |
0 |
4018 |
3 694 |
0 |
0 |
1626 |
1 787 |
0 |
06 |
0 |
3269 |
1 307 |
0 |
0 |
1673 |
668 |
0 |
07 |
0 |
7222 |
1 152 |
0 |
0 |
4167 |
579 |
0 |
08 |
0 |
4895 |
768 |
0 |
0 |
2888 |
399 |
0 |
09 |
0 |
3620 |
317 |
0 |
0 |
1698 |
154 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
1941 |
228 |
0 |
0 |
872 |
137 |
0 |
11 |
161 |
450 |
0 |
0 |
84 |
225 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
252 |
477 |
0 |
0 |
185 |
218 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
146 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
82 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
34 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
*SMS – Senior Management Service
MMS – Middle Management Service
OSD – Occupation Specific Dispensation
(4) The total amount the Public Service spent on extended sick leave was R2 028 877 538 for the 2021/2022 financial year and R1 853 919 973 for the 2022/2023 financial year.
End
13 September 2023 - NW2033
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Whether she will furnish Ms T Bodlani with a list of the details and outcomes of each case of the Media Development and Diversity Agency that was before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not; if so, on what date?
Reply:
The MDDA had four (4) matters before the CCMA in the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. Three of the matters were resolved by 31 March 2023 and one matter was pending. The three (3) were awarded in favour of the MDDA and one (1) against the Agency. All these matters are available as public records at the CCMA.
Parties |
CCMA Case No. |
Issue in dispute |
Outcomes or status |
T Sibeko versus MDDA & Z. Mqolomba |
GAJB1019521 |
The employee referred an unfair labour practice on the basis that the MDDA failed to appoint (promote) T Sibeko into the contested position of Executive Manager: Research, Training, Monitoring and Evaluation. |
Date of outcome: 27 July 2022 CCMA found in favour of the MDDA and found that the process followed in appointing Z Mqolomba was not flawless and by the same token was not unfair. |
MDDA versus Z Potye |
H040-22 |
The Board of the MDDA raised issued on incompatibility in terms of Sec 188A of the LRA with the Z Potye and issue was referred and determined by the CCMA. |
Date of outcome: 22 January 2023 CCMA found in favour of the MDDA. |
MDDA versus Z Potye |
GAJB2028222 |
Z Potye referred an unfair labour practice matter to the CCMA to have it determined whether the conduct of the MDDA in relation to the non-payment of an annual bonus constituted an unfair labour practice. |
Date of outcome: 10 May 2023 CCMA found in favour of the MDDA and found that it was persuaded that the decision to defer Z Potye’s second term bi-annual assessment pending the finalization of a Sec 188A inquiry by an Arbitrator and lifting her suspension was not unfair labour practice. |
D Moreroa versus MDDA |
GAJB2560222 |
D Moreroa referred an unfair labour practice on the basis of an unfair decision to demote him. |
Outcome not issued by end of 2022/23 financial year |
NAME OF THE DRAFTER: Professor Hlengani Mathebula
DESIGNATION : Chairperson of the Board of Directors
CONTACT DETAILS : 082 448 9219
SIGNATURE : ____________________________
_____________________________
Nomonde Mnukwa (Ms)
Acting Director-General: Government Communication and Information System
(GCIS)
Date:
__________________________
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency
Date:
13 September 2023 - NW2556
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Given the fact that the residents of three municipal towns in the Blue Crane Route have been battling a deluge of sewage leaks in the past five years, affecting critical service centres such as clinics, and threatening both human and environmental health in KwaNojoli, Cookhouse and Pearston, what steps has his department taken to address the specified situation; (2) whether he intends to lay criminal charges against officials and politicians responsible for the ongoing human rights violations flowing from these sewage leaks; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has taken steps to address the various complaints received in relation to sewage leakages affecting Blue Crane Route Local Municipality (BCRLM) communities. These have been investigated and the DWS in its regulatory role, has taken the following actions:
- Issued a Directive dated 31 October 2019 for the failing Somerset East sewage pump station.
- Notice of Pollution dated 19 December 2020 for the Aeroville pump station.
- Notice of failure to comply with license conditions dated 18 February 2021.
- Non-compliance letter for poor Green Drop Report Audit Findings dated 08 April 2022.
- Directive for failure to address pollution of the Somerset East Irrigation canal dated 22 February 2023.
- Notice of breach of obligation for sewer spillages in Cookhouse and Somerset East dated 25 July 2023.
2. The DWS takes a range of regulatory actions in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities. Criminal charges has not been pursued as yet because the municipality has been responsive to the non-compliance directives and directives as indicated below:
- The municipality has submitted a suitable action plan to address various non-compliances. The implementation thereof is being monitored by the DWS. To this end, all blockages have been cleared and vandalised cables replaced, however the mechanical and electrical Professional Services Provider is awaiting delivery of spares and refurbished pumps for the high lift pump, the Mayele pump station and the Memese pump station all at Somerset East.
- The municipality has also appointed a new Water Services Manager who commenced duty on 01 August 2023
- The Ministry met with MEC of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Mayor and Leadership of BCRLM on 16 August 2023 during the Ministerial visit to the Eastern Cape, where provincial and municipal leadership committed to work towards improving wastewater management.
---00O00---
12 September 2023 - NW2571
Sihlwayi, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the fact that for the past two financial years his department has recorded underspending on the grants and transfers allocated to the local sphere of government for the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure, what strategies and/or steps does he intend to implement to eradicate underspending by the local government in order to enable the provision of water and sanitation services to communities?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has put measures in place to prevent underspending on the grants and transfers allocated for the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure. Some of the strategies and/or steps includes the following:
- Collaboration with Implementing Agents to address challenges emanating from Supply Chain Management.
- Reprioritising the budget towards projects with acceleration plans and effective contract management.
- DWS is improving project audits and ensuring compliance for both direct and indirect grants funded projects to mitigate against poor performance.
- The DWS has established and is capacitating its Water Services Branch with engineers and project managers to improve monitoring of all projects across the country.
---00O00---
12 September 2023 - NW1369
Bodlani, Ms T to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What are the (a) reasons that the Media Development and Diversity Agency funding process does not make direct payment to the beneficiaries instead of making payments via intermediaries and (b) full details of all (i) intermediaries that were utilised and (ii) related transactions (aa) for the 202223 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
a) The MDDA does not fund through intermediaries. Applications are submitted directly to the MDDA, and communication is between the MDDA and applicants. Upon approval of a funding application, contractual arrangements are concluded between the MDDA and successful grantees.
b) (i) and (ii) not applicable
(aa) not applicable
(bb) not applicable
DRAFTER OF THE REPLY
Name: Prof. Hlengani Mathebula
Designation: Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Contacts: 082 448 9219
Signature:
_____________________________
Ms Nomonde Mnukwa
Acting Director General: GCIS
Date:
__________________________
Hon. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency
Date:
12 September 2023 - NW2572
Tseki, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In light of the fact that the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA), committed his government to eradicate the backlog of water use licence applications and reduce the turnaround time to only 90 days, what total number of (a) water use licence applications were approved since 10 February 2022 and (b) those approved, were for previously disadvantaged communities?
Reply:
a) 791 water use licence applications were approved since 10 February 2022
b) 198 of the 791 water use licence applications were issued to Historically Disadvantaged Individuals.
---00O00---
12 September 2023 - NW2372
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
With reference to motor vehicle licenses as reflected in the Budget Vote of The Presidency, what (a) is the reason for the increase in expenditure from R4000 in the 2021-22 financial year to a projected expenditure of R 46000 in the 2022-23 financial year on the line item and (b) are the full relevant details?
Reply:
There is no significant increase on the expenditure for vehicle licence as The Presidency only spent R 6 000 for car licensing at the end of 2022-23 financial year. The projected expenditure of R 46 000 might be the result of misalignment of the budget as transfers and subsidies includes both vehicle and car licenses expenditure.
NAME OF THE DRAFTER : Dineo Kau
DESIGNATION : Acting Chief Financial Officer
CONTACT DETAILS : 063 669 1968
SIGNATURE : ____________________________
______________________________
Phindile Baleni (Ms)
Director General and Secretary of Cabinet
Date:
__________________________
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency
Date:
12 September 2023 - NO503
Dlamini, Mr M to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Given that her department is a large employer and through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) provides work opportunities to persons who are unemployable in the labour market due to a lack of education and/or skills, what are the (a) relevant details of the EPWP in relation to the sectors of her department in which the employment occurs and (b) levels of skills development for women and youth in the specified programme
12 September 2023 - NO529
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
(1) What is the status of the complaint submitted to her department regarding the cofferdam mining by Alexkor in the Richtersveld; (2) whether she has found that the One Environmental System affects the ability of her department to take action on mining sites; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
12 September 2023 - NW2551
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Considering that metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng are facing major water supply issues from the Rand Water, with some households not receiving water for weeks, what measures have been put in place to curb the shortage of bulk water supply from the Rand Water, specifically in preparation for the summer months?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Rand Water, working with all Water Service Authorities (WSA) within the Gauteng Province, have put in place the following measures to curb shortages of bulk water in the province:
- Rand Water commissioned the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant on 31 August 2023. The Zuikerbosch WTW will provide an additional 150ML/d into the water supply system and WSAs are expected to provide DWS with detailed plans on how the additional water will be used more efficiently.
- Municipalities are encouraged to fix leakages that result in high non-revenue water losses.
- Rand Water and Water Service Authorities are implementing Water Conservation/Water Demand management measures.
- Municipalities are raising awareness to water users to reduce consumption of water.
- DWS is also engaging all municipalities in Gauteng to build more reservoirs to curb water outages.
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12 September 2023 - NW2563
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether his department has taken any action to assist the Lesedi Local Municipality to deal with the massive sewage leaks and spillages that have been ongoing for the past 18 months; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)has sent a Notice of Intention to issue a Directive in terms of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) to the Lesedi Local Municipality in relation to the operations and maintenance of Devon Waste Water Treatment Works. In addition, a non-compliance letter was issued to the municipality in terms of the 2022 Green Drop audit findings.
The DWS has provided support to the municipality in the 2022/2023 financial year through the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Grant (WSIG). The WSIG transfer went towards Devon Wastewater Treatment Works for:
- Upgrading of power supply
- Refurbishment of critical Mechanical and electrical equipment
- Licensing of the works to ensure compliance with Green Drop Certification programme.
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12 September 2023 - NW342
Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister in the Presidency
What follow-up strategies has he undertaken to assess the impact of the red tape reduction program of the Red Tape Unit?
Reply:
The Red Tape Reduction initiative led by Mr Sipho Nkosi is working on reducing red tape that impacts the climate for investment and business. The initiative has identified ten priority areas for intervention, of which five are underway, namely those related to tourism operator transport permits, the mining and prospecting rights license system, work permit and visa administration, informal trading, and early childhood development (ECD) centres in townships.
The impact of the programme is monitored through the internal management processes of the Presidency, including quarterly management reports. The Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation also conducts evaluations on a quarterly basis. The Presidency’s 2022/23 annual report will report on the extent to which the RTR targets contained in The Presidency’s 2022/23 APP have been achieved.
Moreover, the RTR initiative has since April 2023 been transferred to fall under the Project Management Office in the Presidency which will apply project management disciplines to measure the progress and impact of the programme.
NAME OF THE DRAFTER: ____________________________
DESIGNATION : ____________________________
CONTACT DETAILS : ____________________________
SIGNATURE : ____________________________
____________________
Phindile Baleni (Ms.)
Director-General and Secretary of the Cabinet
Date:
APPROVED/NOT APPROVED
______________________________
Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Minister in The Presidency
Date:
12 September 2023 - NO532
Bryant, Mr D W to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment
(1) What impact has she found the delays in the implementation of the small-scale fishing process in the Western Cape have had on the sector; (2) whether her department has put plans in place to create additional opportunities for small-scale fishers in the Western Cape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Find reply here
12 September 2023 - NW2652
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to the land claim on the farm Syferfontein 80 JP and a number of other farms where an amended Government Gazette 37443 Notice 221, dated 20 March 2014 was published, being in contradiction to the Land Claims Commission’s 2020/21 Annual report (details furnished), what (a) are the details of the explanation that she, her department and the National Land Claims Commissioner furnished for the discrepancy and (b) was the (i) amount of financial compensation paid to the community and (ii) basis for the estimation?
Reply:
a) It must be noted that an error was committed at the time of the publication of the amended gazette Notice No. 221 of 2014 in the Government Gazette No.37443 dated 20 March 2014.
The purpose of publishing property in terms of section 11(7) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1992, as amended, is to notify all the interested and affected parties of the land Restitution claim and should not include the Restitution award.
The error on the subject line of the Gazette notice in that the claim will be settled through financial compensation will be corrected through another Government Gazette.
b) (i). No payment has been processed.
(ii). Falls away.
END
12 September 2023 - NO508
Gantsho, Ms N to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment
What are the relevant details of the process that her department has embarked upon to empower small fishers and communities to access the oceans economy?
Reply:
Find reply here
12 September 2023 - NW2540
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) factors has his department found to be the main reasons for the deterioration of the water and sanitation systems in the large metros since the award-winning days of the eThekwini Municipality in 2014 (details furnished) and (b) plans has he put in place to turn the declining situation around?
Reply:
a) The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), has found the main reasons for the deterioration of the water and sanitation systems are:
- Infrastructure is in a poor condition, caused by a lack of maintenance, which is in turn caused by non-prioritization of budgets for maintenance and operations as well as poor billing and revenue collection, which are in turn caused by poor leadership and management.
- Non-adherence to standard operating processes for drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment, caused by municipalities failing to hire the necessary staff with the correct skills and qualifications as well as poor management in the municipalities. These factors are as important as infrastructure condition, if not more important, as contributors to poor performance.
- DWS, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Department of Human Settlements (DHS) allocate approximately R20 billion per annum in water and sanitation infrastructure grants to municipalities, but often this money must be used to repeatedly repair and refurbish infrastructure which has deteriorated rapidly due to a lack of maintenance by municipalities.
- Vandalism and metal theft are an increasing cause of infrastructure failure, but this is partly a result of inadequate security being provided by the municipalities.
b) The DWS released its Green Drop report in 2022, which indicated that the performance of many municipal wastewater treatment systems has deteriorated. The report identified 334 wastewater systems in a critical state of performance, in 90 municipalities. Blue Drop assessments are also being conducted by the DWS to all Water Services Authorities to measure all aspects contributing to a sustainable Water Services Business, and provision of safe water to the citizens of South Africa. The Blue Drop report is due to be released at the end of September 2023. Beyond producing the Blue and Green monitoring reports, DWS is engaged in several initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of pollution of rivers by municipal wastewater treatment works in the following ways:
- Firstly, the Minister has agreed on action plans to address infrastructural deficiencies in many of the worst performing municipalities, and DWS is assisting municipalities with funding from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to address these deficiencies.
- Secondly, DWS is taking regulatory action in terms of the National Water Act, including issuing non-compliance notices, directives, taking civil action, and as a last resort, laying criminal charges against polluting municipalities.
- Thirdly, DWS is drafting amendments to the Water Services Act to strengthen its role as the regulator of municipal water and sanitation services and to enable the Minister to intervene effectively when there is non-compliance with directives to stop pollution.
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12 September 2023 - NW2468
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1)What are the (a) relevant details of the progress that has been made on the (i) establishment of a state-owned holding company to house strategic state-owned entities (SOEs) and (ii) recommendations to retain, consolidate and/or dispose of SOEs and (b) time frames in terms of the establishment and implementation of the recommendations; (2) whether the evidence-based criteria for the restructuring of SOEs have been published; if not, on what date will the criteria be published; if so, (3) whether she will furnish Ms S J Graham with the specified evidence-based criteria; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Parliamentary Question 2468 does not fall within the scope of my competence.
NAME OF THE DRAFTER :
DESIGNATION :
CONTACT DETAILS :
SIGNATURE : ____________________________
______________________________
Phindile Baleni (Ms)
Director General and Secretary of Cabinet
Date:
__________________________
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency
Date:
12 September 2023 - NW2647
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1195 on 4 May 2023, she foresees any further factors that may affect the settlement of the specified land claim in the third quarter of the 2023-24 financial year; if not, what further progress has been made to ensure that the long overdue land claim is settled; if so, what are the relevant details of the factors; (2) whether any steps have been taken to ensure that all pertinent issues that are stalling the payment of the claim are resolved, especially those that led to the beneficiaries adopting the verification interdict process because of some disagreement of the payment to be made; if not, (a) why not and (b) what (i) are the detail of the issues that still need to be resolved and (ii) is the timeframe thereof; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps that have been taken?
Reply:
(1) (i) No, The claim is projected for settlement in the 3rd quarter of the current financial year as per the reply to question 1195 submitted on 4 May 2023. The Settlement memorandum has been compiled and is currently undergoing the internal processes for consideration by the delegated authority.
(2) Yes, the offer was accepted by the claimants and the settlement agreement was signed with the addition verification lists.
(a),(b)(i),(ii) Falls away.
END
11 September 2023 - NW2558
Khumalo, Dr NV to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Given that the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is intended to be a key stakeholder to capacitate and regulate the sector, (a) what total number of NHBRC offices were opened in rural areas since 1 August 2022 and (b) where is each specified office located?
Reply:
a) There were no offices opened in rural areas during the period in question. The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) is in the process of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). This MoU aims to secure locations for service points (shared office space in rural municipalities), which will cater for communities that are far from the existing main offices and the rural communities. Furthermore, the NHBRC reaches out to these communities through the utilisation of community halls and outreach programmes as part of its service strategy.
b) Not applicable.
05 September 2023 - NW2344
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Which court orders regarding Siyangena Tehnologies have (i) been met and (ii) not been met to date, (b) what are the reasons that the specified orders have not yet been met and (c) by what date will the orders be met?
Reply:
a) (i)The court ruled in favour of PRASA in the High Court (Gauteng Division) case number 14332/18 and declared the Siyangena Technologies contract unlawful and irregular. Siyangena Technologies proceeded to launch an appeal application in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) under case number 487/2021. The SCA confirmed the High Court decision and thereby ruling in favour of PRASA.
(ii) Refer to (i) above.
b) The Superior Courts Act, 2013 provides that an application for leave to appeal, or an appeal, suspends the operation and execution of a decision, pending the outcome of the application or appeal. Consequently, a court order cannot be executed until the appeal proceedings are determined.
c) Siyangena Technologies has launched an application for leave to appeal the SCA judgment in the Constitutional Court. Siyangena Technologies has launched an application for leave to appeal the SCA judgment in the Constitutional Court and PRASA is awaiting judgment in that regard. The judgement from the Constitutional Court dismissed Siyangena’s leave to appeal the SCA judgement which in favour of PRASA. The Con Court further awarded costs in favour of PRASA. The parties (Siyangena and PRASA) must now appoint an engineer within 30 days of the judgement in order to determine the value of the works as per the judgement.
05 September 2023 - NW953
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)With reference to the internal inquiry that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is instituting into the Chairperson of Prasa following reports that he used the organisation’s rental house in Cape Town for personal use, (a) what are the full relevant details on the matter and (b) on what date will Prasa release the report on the matter; (2) whether the house continues to be rented by Prasa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) (a) The details are part of the report.
(b) The report on the matter was concluded on the 31 March 2023. The report was submitted by the Board of Control of PRASA to the Minister of Transport for consideration. Based on the findings of the report the Chairperson was released of his responsibilities as the Chair of the Board.
(2) Mr. Ramatlakane, vacated the house on 15 March 2023, in line with the short-term lease. The house in question is owned by PRASA and is one of many others in the portfolio, which is leased out to tenants as part of the PRASA’s secondary mandate to generate revenue out of its assets. As already mentioned above, a proposal on the future use (internal or external consumption of the asset) has been prepared and will serve at the various committees within PRASA for approval to ensure the secondary mandate is achieved.
01 September 2023 - NW2675
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to the Auditor-General’s 2020/2021 report which stipulates that 84% of municipalities in the Republic failed to pay their creditors within the mandated 30-day period, her department has conducted a detailed quantitative and qualitative assessment of the resultant socio-economic ramifications, specifically the adverse impact on job losses and business viability for small companies, sole proprietors and cooperatives; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the (a) assessment and (b) strategic measures under consideration to rectify this systemic issue?
Reply:
Noting that, in accordance with Section 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), municipalities submit Section 71 reports to National Treasury (NT) each month detailing their creditors, and NT assesses those reports. Given the foregoing context, this inquiry must be forwarded to the minister of finance so that National Treasury can react appropriately.
End.
31 August 2023 - NW2507
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
In light of how small businesses and/or co-operatives are struggling to access funding from her department, what total number of businesses did she develop in her hometown since the start of her term of office?”
Reply:
My Hometown is Mthatha, in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, since the 1st August 2021 I have been advised that;
The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) funded 5901 Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (KSD) to the value of R79.5 million. This financial support helped create and sustain 4963 jobs. In terms of developmental impact, sefa’s disbursements to businesses owned by black entrepreneurs were R79.5 million, women-owned businesses received disbursements to the value of R28.5 million, the youth owned businesses received R19.5 million in disbursements and those based in the rural areas received R49.5 million over the same period. And this covers small business in both Mqanduli and Mthatha my hometown.
The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) service delivery is geared on a provincial focus with District Municipalities as it’s networks for reach and access of services. From 2021 when I was appointed as the Minister of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) to date, Seda Eastern Cape (EC) supported 8516 SMMEs and Co-operatives of which 1706 are residents of OR Tambo District Municipality. These numbers pertain to non-financial support provided to SMMEs and Co-operatives by Seda EC and exclude support provided by various other ecosystem stakeholders.
Seda’s impact is not only based in the Minister’s hometown but rather regional. For the 2023 financial year in the Eastern Cape, the Seda Technology Programme currently supports fourteen (14) Incubators in the Eastern Cape. Twenty-seven (27) clients were funded through the Technology Transfer Assistance Programme at a total cost of R14 296 665.00. Furthermore, five (5) clients were supported with quality and standards interventions at a total cost of R237 103.97.
Annexure 1
The attached annexure illustrates Seda’s financial and non-financial support in the Eastern Cape Province:
Seda Eastern Cape clients
Newly Approved Incubators
Quality and Standards Beneficiaries
Technology Transfer Assistance Beneficiaries
31 August 2023 - NW1880
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What other steps has her department taken to ensure that the most remote rural areas and secluded persons are aware of and able to benefit from the services offered by her department, when her department hosts outreach programmes that are aimed at showcasing and giving information regarding the services that it offers available to a wider audience as these outreach programmes are rarely held in the specified areas, and that means that persons who need the services are still unable to access them despite Government trying to do so by reaching out once or twice a year?”
Reply:
The Department of Small Business Development and its agencies, Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), from time to time participate in Municipal LED Forums organised by the Municipalities in various Provinces across the Country. This includes Business Forums, Imbizos, Summits / Conferences, Community Outreach Programmes as well as Road Shows. The DSBD uses these platforms to share information regarding the services that are available to SMMEs and Co-operatives. The Department also utilises Seda and sefa offices across the country to share information regarding the services of the Department and its agencies.
Furthermore, and in line with the District Development Model (DDM), the Department had in the past financial year assigned senior and middle managers, from Acting Deputy Directors-General to Deputy Directors to all districts and provinces to act as both the provincial and district champions wherein they ensure continuous engagement with districts and municipalities to expose and enable SMMEs to access the services and programmes of the Department. The Department has taken this further by bringing in personnel, additional to the establishment, to link with the districts directly to take forward the work of DDM.
30 August 2023 - NW2451
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What total amount (a) has been allocated to each agri-park in each financial year since it was established and (b) was spent by each specified agri-park in each specified financial year; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the full list of all agri-parks, indicating (a) the total number of agri-parks, (b) the relevant details of the current status of each agri-park and (c) which agri-parks are currently (i) functional and (ii) dysfunctional; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. (a), Refer to Annexure A for amount allocated to Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSUs) and AgriHubs.
(b) The Agri-Hubs has three components, i.e. Farmer Production Support Unit, Agri-Hub and Rural Market Centres. The Department has thus far constructed 51 FPSUs and 10 Agri-Hubs
2. (a) 51 FPSUs and 10 Agri-Hubs
(b) Refer to Annexure B
(c) (i) and (ii) refer to Annexure B
30 August 2023 - NW1616
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
In light of how his department outsources most of its work to outside bidders, which measures has he taken to build state capacity and a register of credible suppliers?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
State Capacity
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has a two-prong approach to executing the maintenance functions. It is a blend of Out-sourced and In-sourced Services. On the other hand, the In-sourced services, are executed internally through utilisation of the Workshops in our various Regional office, whilst on the other hand, the Department acquires the talent of young graduates and tradespeople and facilitates with the on-job training. Through this, the Department also assists in market absorption within the spheres of government with overflow branching-off to the private sector. The artisan trainees are paired with the appointed service providers to transfer the skills towards obtaining the trade certificates.
Furthermore, the continuous improvement strategy in Facilities Maintenance is inter alia to improve the up-keeping of assets throughout their life cycle through the increased use of the In-Sourced Workshops. The aim of the initiative is to expand on the Workshops to deliver in-sourced facilities management services, efficiently and cost-effectively in line with the FM Strategy. This will in turn build the maintenance capacity within the department.
Credible Suppliers
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure sources the suppliers for its various undertakings within the confines of current prescripts such as the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) and including the provisions of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) where applicable.
CSD is a repository of service providers that wish to participate in the goods and services rendered in government. The department has committed to enhancing the levels of screening of the service providers obtained from the CSD to ensure the department sources credible suppliers. Quotation-based procurement does not ideally facilitate for the adequate screening, hence a move toward tendering process where possible.
The tendering process allows for appropriate screening of the competencies of potential service providers. This is through an established procurement process that allows for the establishment of competent committees such as the Bid Specification Committee (BSC) and Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) and the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC).
29 August 2023 - NW2453
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Considering that the Animal Health Act, Act 7 of 2002, was passed by Parliament and signed into law by former president Mr Thabo Mbeki in 2002, what (a) are the reasons that the specified Act was never promulgated and (b) was the name of the official who failed to implement the Act?
Reply:
a) The Animal Health Act, 2002 is a complete departure from the Animal Diseases Act 1984 and requires a complete overhaul of the entire animal health regulatory service. The country, industry and markets must be thoroughly planned and prepared as any hasty overhaul will have implications for South Africa’s trading partners. We are in the process of ascertaining and analysing what would be in the best interest for South Africa i.e. whether to strengthen weaknesses identified in the Act that is currently in force (Act No. 35 of 1984) or repeal and replace it with the un-promulgated Act (Act No. 7 of 2002). The Department aims to conclude this exercise before the end of the current calendar year and will approach Parliament for guidance once all factors have been assessed.
b) There are no records that point to any one official who could have decided not to have the Act promulgated. The Department is currently undertaking an analysis as to whether to strengthen the current Act No. 35 of 1984 or proceed with the necessary steps to promulgate Act No. 7 of 2002.
29 August 2023 - NW2227
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Whether he will elaborate in a comprehensive manner the bases of the predicted revenue increase for the SA Post Office of an average annual rate of 4.7% per cent, from R5.5 billion in the 2021-22 financial year to R6.3 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, which he alluded to in the recent debate on Budget Vote 30; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The revenue budgets for the SA Post Office are contained in the Corporate Plan. In determining the revenue budgets in the Corporate Plan the following aspects were taken into consideration:
• Current revenue
• Current cost
• Revenue projects and initiatives
• Cost containment projects and initiatives
• Revenue tariff increases
• Inflationary increases
The budget is as per the Corporate Plan 2023/24FY is indicated below:
29 August 2023 - NW13
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the details of the (a) total breakdown of funding used to support the Chloe Land Care Programme in Juno, Limpopo, since the start of the project, (b)(i) past and (ii) current land care programmes and (c)(i) beneficiaries of such programmes and (ii) employment created; (2) what led to the demise of the Chloe Sisal Project?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Chloe ‘LandCare’ Project was not funded from the LandCare Conditional Grant since its inception. On investigation we found out that the project was conceived from the umbrella principles of LandCare to pursue the LandCare ethos; it is for this reason the project was called Chloe LandCare.
The Chloe ‘LandCare’ Project sought to improve the grazing conditions of the area and to establish a livestock association. Workers were hired to erect the fence and to clear bush encroachment and sisal to improve the area under grazing.
Our further investigations revealed that this Project was funded from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)’s Integrated Incentive Grant and reported to Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as a National Transferring Officer for the grant.
(b) (i),(ii),(c)(i),(ii) List of 2021/22 and 2022/23 land care projects are attached. Please refer to Annexure A.
(2) The Limpopo Department of Agriculture undertook a rigorous economic assessment and research by a specialist who concluded that the Sisal projects should be closed since they were not economically viable.
29 August 2023 - NW2195
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
With reference to his reply to question 1210 on 19 May 2023 and the costs associated with the upgrade of the Digitech website, (a) what is the name of the company, entity and/or person to whom the contract was awarded to redesign the website, (b) who are the directors and/or members of the entity that was awarded the specified contract, (c) what specifications and/or requirements were required in the design, (d) what is the purpose and function of the new website, (e) what was the justification for the cost of almost R 750 000 for redesigning the website and (f) what are the reasons that an outside service provider was appointed instead of the State Information Technology Agency that designed the original website?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:-
(a) No external service provider was awarded the contract, as SITA was tasked by the DCDT to develop the website.
(b) No external service provider was awarded the contract, as SITA was tasked by the DCDT to develop the website.
(c) All requirements for the solution have been included in the User Requirement Specification (URS).
(d) The purpose of DigiTech is to collect data about digital products developed in South Africa with the aim of supporting the products’ technology enablement and promote and expand their adoption and use. Through DigiTech, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies seeks to promote SA-developed digital products in other markets whilst facilitating partnerships with other countries on the co-promotion of local technologies (source: https://www.digitech.gov.za/en/about)
(e) The development of the website included the following key items:
• Project Management
• Infrastructure Provisioning Requirements and Software Upgrade o Upgrade of the O/S
• Upgrade of Application software
• Commissioning of the beta environment at CFI
• Development (analysis, design, and testing)
• User Requirement Specification
• Conceptual Solution Architecture
•Developing the DigiTech according to the URS
•Updating the Digitech website with the new theme
• Testing o Technical Testing
• UAT and Sign-off
• Implementation o Vulnerability assessment scans
•Deployment
(f) SITA was tasked by the DCDT to develop the website
28 August 2023 - NW2436
Hendricks, Mr MGE to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether her department has any regulatory control over the curriculum being taught by a certain school (name furnished) as confirmed by its Director for Education (details furnished); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether she will intervene to de-register and close the school for (a) promoting a certain ideology (name furnished) in furtherance of apartheid and (b) preparing and encouraging South African learners to serve in a foreign army that is renowned for its brutality and ongoing defence of apartheid (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she has found that the school’s curriculum and ethos contravene the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which rails at all forms of apartheid, which the United Nations Organisation declared a crime against humanity; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The school is an independent school and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) indicates that it receives support as required. It teaches the CAPS curriculum.
All independent schools are required to adhere to the Regulations relating to the registration of and subsidies to independent schools, which is monitored by the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).
The school must ensure that:
(i) The average duration of a school day and the minimum number of school days per calendar year comply with the prescribed national hours as stipulated in the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement Documents.
(ii) The curriculum for learners in the various school phases meet the required outcomes of the NCS and are recognised by the Authority and Higher Education South Africa, and after registration, the independent school applies for accreditation with Umalusi.
The WCED ensures that the standards by and conditions under which such examinations are conducted by an independent school, equate to those required of a public school for the same examination.
The WCED will monitor the school’s compliance with the assessment requirements, including School Based Assessment (SBA), Practical Assessment Tasks, and Language oral assessments. This involves, inter-alia, moderation of assessments.
2. The power to deregister schools lies with the relevant Provincial Education Department.
3. The CAPS curriculum is aligned to the Constitution.
24 August 2023 - NW2049
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether Christiaan Prinsloo, a former Police Colonel, convicted of stealing policeowned firearms and selling them to, amongst others, Cape Town gangs, racketeering, corruption and theft, who as a result was sentenced to an effective 18 years of direct imprisonment on 21 June 2016 by the Bellville Regional Court, has been released on parole; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what date and (b) what process was followed prior to his release?
Reply:
a) Offender Christiaan Prinsloo was released on parole on 04 August 2020, and his sentence will expire on 20 June 2033.
b) The offender in question benefitted from the special remission of sentence granted by the President of the Republic of South Africa on 16 December 2019, which reduced his sentence with one (01) year. He then became eligible to be considered for parole as part of the Special Parole Dispensation and his placement on parole was approved by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB).
The following factors were inter alia taken into consideration when an offender was considered for possible placement on parole:
- the offender ‘s response to development and treatment programmes associated with rehabilitation;
- the existence and quality of support systems in the community;
- the probability of re-offending;
- the risk that the offender may pose to the community at large;
- the outcome of restorative justice processes and possible referral for mediation if it had not been done prior to the CSPB meeting; and
- the risk to the victim.
END
22 August 2023 - NW2385
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the lifestyle audits that will be undertaken in terms of the Regulations and Guide issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration in 2021, what (a) steps has he taken to ensure the audits are undertaken in (i) his department and (ii) entities reporting to him and (b) are the details of the outcomes of any audit that has already been undertaken?
Reply:
Background: Lifestyle audits, according to DPSA guide on lifestyle audits, are a critical and legitimate management tool and forms part of a department’s system of risk management. Accordingly, heads of department are required, in terms of Regulation 22 of the Public Service Regulations of 2016 to analyse ethics and corruption risks as part of their department’s system of risk management.
The DPSA guide on lifestyle audits divided the lifestyle process in three phases that include lifestyle review by using the financial disclosure framework as a tool, then the second phase is to conduct investigations if the lifestyle review is indicating that the declared interests are not commensurate with the lifestyle of the particular designated employee, and lastly a full lifestyle audit is to be conducted if the investigation has found indications or suspicions of the designated employee living beyond their means.
a) In the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the steps taken to ensure the audits are undertaken include the following:
(i) lifestyle reviews were done through the Financial Interests Disclosure Framework, as part of the lifestyle audit process for the previous financial disclosure periods. All the Senior Management Service members were verified, an assessment report with findings was provided by the Public Service Commission, and no SMS member was recommended for a detailed profiling in relation to their affordability and standard of living.
Secondly, lifestyle reviews were done for other categories of employees designated to disclose financial interests that include financial administration employees, supply chain management employees, Middle Management Service members and equivalent OSD designated employees, assistant directors and equivalent OSD designated employees. In this category, there were no referrals recommended after the reviews were done.
Furthermore, the Department has a risk management policy in place and is in the process of reviewing the Anti-Corruption and Ethics management policy to include lifestyle audits as one of the tools to prevent, investigate and ultimately deal with employees who are found to have acted unethically or committed any offence that include fraud, theft, conducting business with the organs of the State and corrupt activities in general.
(ii) Steps taken to ensure the audits are undertaken in Department and entities reporting to the Minister,
- In the NPA, lifestyle review and lifestyle investigations were conducted for all SMS and Non-SMS members. During the 2021/22 financial disclosure period, 203 SMS members (Level 13-16) and 982 non-SMS members (Level 9-10 including OSD) submitted their financial declarations through the e-Disclosure system. These categories of employees were verified and there were no referrals recommended for detailed profiling in relation to conducting full investigations. In addition, the NPA conducted a total of 1185 random lifestyle reviews for both SMS and Non-SMS. Out of the 1185, a total of 7 officials were referred for lifestyle investigations.
- The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has drafted a lifestyle audit policy, which is in the consultation stage. However, lifestyle reviews are conducted in accordance with the Financial Interests Disclosure Framework, as provided by Regulation 18 of the Public Service Regulations, as the OCJ’s policy has not been approved, no audits have been undertaken in terms thereof and no outcomes can therefore be reported.
b) Are the details of the outcomes of any audit that has already been undertaken?
Regarding the Department as well as the two institutions/entities reporting to the Minister, there were no referrals emanating from lifestyle reviews for further investigations and therefore no audits have been conducted in the preceding periods.
There are no outcomes that can be reported at this stage.
22 August 2023 - NW2170
Mulder, Mr FJ to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether the (a) Legal Practice Council and/or (b) any of the various Bar councils in the Republic have set (i) race and/or (ii) gender admission targets for pupillages in their domain; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) What (a) race and (b) gender were the pupils who (i) applied for and (ii) were admitted to a pupillage position to become an advocate at the various Bars in the Republic in the past three years?
Reply:
(1) The Legal Practice Council has not set specific race or gender targets for admission to pupillage. The Legal Practice Council does focus on transformation, as one of its core mandates, and this is evident in the pupils who are admitted into the pupillage programmes each year.
The Bar Councils are non-statutory independent bodies and the Minister does not account to Parliament for their actions and policies.
(2) Number of Pupils 2021, 2022, 2023 (broken down by race and gender) with registered Practical Vocational Training Contracts at the various Bar Councils in South Africa:
2021 |
||
Race |
Gender |
Total |
Black |
Female |
29 |
Coloured |
Female |
4 |
Indian/Asian |
Female |
1 |
White |
Female |
7 |
Black |
Male |
36 |
Coloured |
Male |
3 |
White |
Male |
5 |
2022 |
||
Race |
Gender |
Total |
Black |
Female |
42 |
Coloured |
Female |
1 |
Indian/Asian |
Female |
3 |
White |
Female |
7 |
Black |
Male |
34 |
Coloured |
Male |
1 |
Indian/Asian |
Male |
2 |
White |
Male |
2 |
2023 |
||
Race |
Gender |
Total |
Black |
Female |
40 |
Coloured |
Female |
5 |
Indian/Asian |
Female |
2 |
White |
Female |
3 |
Black |
Male |
38 |
Coloured |
Male |
3 |
Indian/Asian |
Male |
3 |
White |
Male |
6 |
22 August 2023 - NW2376
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). What impact does the ongoing litigation against the outcomes of the elections held in 2022 have on the day-to-day operations of the SA Football Association (SAFA) and its legacy trust. (2). what is the status of the criminal investigation against the SAFA President filed by a former SAFA National Executive Committee Member, as stated in the SAFA Annual Financial Statement? NW2713E
Reply:
(1). According to SAFA, the day-to-day work is progressing without any hindrance. The Legacy Trust as an entity has concluded its work and a closeout report has been sent to Parliament through the Department of Sport Arts and Culture and to the Portfolio Committee of Sport during SAFA’s appearance in April 2023. The ongoing litigations only mean that some of the funds meant for football development is now being channeled to defending the Association against such litigations.
(2). The status can only be provided by law enforcement and the individual who laid the charges.
21 August 2023 - NW2432
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a) measures has his department together with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs put in place to effectively address the critical issue of municipalities struggling to meet their payment commitments for bulk water, which poses a severe threat to essential services and the well-being of affected communities, (b) actions and strategies will he take to tackle the mounting municipal debts to water boards, in the event that the defaulting municipalities persist in their non-responsiveness and neglect of their obligations and (c) specific measures does his department have in place to ensure their accountability and prevent the burden of non-payment from unfairly impacting the water boards?
Reply:
a) The Department of Water and Sanitation convened a joint workshop with Water Boards, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and South African Local Government Association on 5 December 2022. The purpose of the workshop was to develop strategies to improve Billing and Revenue Collection in the water sector. The resolution from that workshop was to draft standardised operating processes (SOP) for debt recovery, to cater for both the Water Boards and the Department’s Water Trading Entity.
b) The proposed actions and strategies in place to tackle the municipal debt include the following:
- DWS will collaborate with National Treasury to ensure that equitable share allocations are withheld from non-paying municipalities.
- DWS will ensure that standardised credit control and debt recovery processes are put in place across all the water boards. This will include consistent enforcement of water restrictions on non-paying municipalities and legal processes to attach municipal bank accounts where necessary.
- Bulk prepaid meters will be installed by water boards in municipalities with a poor payment record.
c) The Minister has finalized the consultation process with 144 Water Services Authorities on the outcome of the above-mentioned workshop. The Minister is currently engaging with the Water Boards regarding the measures to address municipal debts to the Water Boards.
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21 August 2023 - NW2377
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What are the full details of the state of football development in each of the 52 regions of the SA Football Association, giving objective criteria in terms of the (a) regional and local football association leagues and competitions, (b) financial stability, (c) governance, (d) administrative capacity and (e) any other specified related criteria?
Reply:
According to SAFA, Football is being played in all our 52 Regions. We have the Men and Women Regional Leagues. The promotion and demotion system are in place, wherein teams from the Regional Leagues are being promoted to the Provincial Leagues, which are known as ABC Motsepe Leagues and Sasol Provincial Leagues. Furthermore, our teams are also being promoted from the Provincial Leagues to the Motsepe Foundation League and Hollywood bets Super League.
We believe that with the availability of more financial resources, the highlighted areas, which are financial stability, governance, and administrative capacity, can be improved.
21 August 2023 - NW2375
Mhlongo, Mr TW to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Whether a certain person (name furnished) is still employed by the SA Football Association Legacy Trust; if not, what (a) was the position of the specified person and (b) are the reasons stated for leaving the employ of SAFA; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to SAFA, Ms. Amanda Dlamini has never been employed by the 2010 Legacy Trust, (a) and (b) falls off.