Questions and Replies

Reply:

Nether the department nor PRASA has given any information indicating of any investigation that can clarify the matter raised in the question.

Reply:

(1) A study conducted in July 2012 suggested that the backlog for buckets in formal areas is estimated at 58 010; a substantial drop from the 88 127. The latter was further clarified in as far as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro which had 19 444 buckets with an unsubstantiated claim of a further 100 buckets in the informal areas which was to be deducted from the 88 127. A second clarification came from the Free State Province in that the initial backlog was 42 815, however, after clarification reduced to 32 042 (a drop in 10 773), thus arriving at 57 910 in formal areas.

However, the Department has verified the buckets in formal areas which amount to 58 453.

(2) Refer to table below.

Province	Municipality	Project Name	Total
Eastern Cape	Makana	Grahamstown	737
	Makana 2	Grahamstown	288
	Sundays River Valley	Patterson	1245
	Baviaans	Steyterville	14
	Joe Ggabi	Steynburg	985
	Chris Hani	Indwe	89
	Ikhwezi	Jansenville	21
	Blue Crane	Somerset east	4
	Ndlambe	Nemato	2230
TOTAL			5613

Province	Municipality	Project Area	Total
Northern Cape	Dikgatlong	Proteahof	277
		Koopmansfontein	37
	Phokoane	Malelwane	85
	Ga-Segonyana	Bathlaros	498
	Emthanjeni	Britstown	424
	Thembelihle	Hopetown	52
	Tsantsabane	Maranteng	791
		Postdene	450
	KharaHais	Rosedale	2682
		Pabalello	533
		Louisvale	800
		DekotaWeg	306
		Kameelmond	122
		Kalksloot	138
	Renosterburg	PetrusvillePh 2	20
		Phillipstown	107
	Siyacuma	Breipal	282
		Bongani	555
		Bongani - Reservoir	49
		BonganiPhomolong	31
		Griekwastad	527
		Campbell	596
	Siyathemba	Marydale	175
	Sol Plaatjie	Ritchie	1345
		Freedom Park	167
		Promised Land	787
	Ubuntu	Victoria West	890
	Nama-Khoi	Various Sites	192
	Kai Garib	Various Sites	800
TOTAL			13 718

North West	City of Matlosana	Jouberton /Kanana	293
		Kanana	73
	LekwaTeemane	Boitumelong	230
TOTAL			596

-3-

Province	Municipality	Project Area	Total
Free State	Mohokare	Smithfield	148
		Fauresmith	36
		Bethulie	23
		Trompsburg	149
		Zastron	90
		Rouxville	756
	Naledi	Dewetsdorp	191
	Dihlabeng LM	Rosendal	976
	Mantsopa LM	Tweespruit	1266
		Hobhouse	1224
	Phumelela LM	Memel	568
		Vrede	150
	Mafube LM	Cornelia	612
		Villiers	1056
		Frankfort	2105
		Tweeling	304
	Ngwathe LM	Heilbron	1584
		Vredefort	1120
	Nala LM	Wesselsbron	1800
	Masilonyana LM	Theunissen	1438
		Hennenman	2848
		Winburg	180
	Matjhabeng LM	Virginia	2240
	Matjhabeng LM	Odendaalsrus	264
	Tokologo LM	Hertzogville	294
	Setsoto LM	Marquard	1431
		Ficksburg	5396
		Senegal	2913
		Clocolan	3379
	Nketoana	PetrusSteyn	2424
		Lindley	517
		Arlington	210
		Reitz	834
TOTAL			38526

(3)(a) All buckets in the formal areas will be eradicated by end of the financial year.

(3)(b) The programme is estimated to cost R975 339 000,00.

---00O00---

Reply:

1. The buckets in informal settlements are located in the provinces appearing in the table below. The Department is in a process to verifying and assessing all buckets in informal settlements by province and municipality. However it should be noted that with the proliferation of informal settlements, households utilizing the bucket toilets as a form of sanitation is a moving target hence backlog is not constant.

PROVINCE	NO OF SETTLEMENTS	NO OF HOUSEHOLDS
Eastern Cape	50	23 958
Western Cape	62	59 932
Gauteng	0	0
KwaZulu-Natal	0	0
Limpopo	0	0
Northern Cape	6	5 350
North West	21	4 150
Free State	75	46 758
Mpumalanga	3	600
TOTAL	217	140 748

(2) A preliminary figure is provided in the table above.

(3) The Department anticipates, subject to additional funding being made available that a further R4,3bn over the next 4 years will be required to address informal settlements.

---00O00---

Reply:

Department

(a) (aa)

(bb) (i) R280 740.96

(ii) R32 864.83

(cc) (i) 0

(ii) 0

Air Traffic & Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS)

I am imformed that ATNS has not advertised in any of the mentioned publications in the financial years indicated.

South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

(a) I am informed that it is not applicable and (b) the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s advertising spend in the (i)(aa) Sowetan was R0 in the 2012-13, R72 368,04 in the 2013-14 and (i)(cc) R23 118,62 in the 2014-15 financial years and in the (ii)(aa)(bb)(cc) Daily Sun it was R0 during the same periods.

Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited (ACSA)

I am informed that, “ACSA does not procure its advertising services with these newspapers directly, but uses marketing agencies who then choose respective newspapers”. ACSA therefore does not have records of amounts spent per newspaper.

(b) Road Accident Fund (RAF)	(aa) 2012-13,	(bb) 2013-14, and	(cc) 2014-15 financial years:
(i) The Sowetan and	R0.00	R133 966.87	R101 183.44
(ii) The Daily Sun	R0.00	R111 398.97	R269 472.04
(b) Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA)	(aa) 2012-13,	(bb) 2013-14, and	(cc) 2014-15 financial years:
(i) The Sowetan and	R0.00	R0. 00	R0. 00
(ii) The Daily Sun	R0.00	R0. 00	R0. 00
(b) Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)	(aa) 2012-13,	(bb) 2013-14, and	(cc) 2014-15 financial years:
(i) The Sowetan and	R0.00	R0. 00	R186 250.87
(ii) The Daily Sun	R0.00	R0. 00	R0. 00
(b) South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL)	(aa) 2012-13,	(bb) 2013-14, and	(cc) 2014-15 financial years:
(i) The Sowetan and	R64 943	R2 061 673	R1 565 367
(ii) The Daily Sun	R100 711	R2 711 834	R1 787 011
(b) Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA)	(aa) 2012-13,	(bb) 2013-14, and	(cc) 2014-15 financial years:
(i) The Sowetan and	R0.00	R0. 00	R 89 706.12
(ii) The Daily Sun	R0.00	R0. 00	R 63 635.04

South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)

(b) I am informed that No payment was made to any of the newspapers for any of the period stated above.

(i) (ii) (aa) (bb) (cc) Falls away

Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)

1. I am informed that Railway Safety Regulator has spent the following amounts on advertisement in The Sowetan (Times Media):

1. 2012-13 R56 886, 00
2. 2013-14 R0,00
3. 2014-15 R132 481,68

1. I am also informed that Railway Safety Regulator has not placed advertisements in The Daily Sun on the mentioned financial years.

Passenger Rail South Africa (PRASA)

1. The Sowetan
2. 2012-13 R0
3. 2013-14 R0
4. 2014-15 R104,470.71
5. The Daily Sun
6. 2012-13 R0
7. 2013-14 R0
8. 2014/15 R0

Reply:

(a) and (b) The Department of Environmental Affairs gives such notices and/or directives only in instances where there is non-compliance with specific Environmental Acts and EIA regulation.

--ooOoo--

Reply:

(1)(a) PART A: WK Construction (company), PART B: Ascul Construction (company) and PART C: Murray and Dickson (company). In addition to these appointments in this project the following companies were appointed: Vuwani/Valdezia pipeline: Internal Department of Water and Sanitation Construction North, Design and construction monitoring: Bigen Africa Services (company), and Specialist Quality Control: QPI/TIS (company).

(1)(b) Refer to the table below for the scope of the work to be completed by the company:

Contract	Pipe Size	Chainages	Pipe Length
Part A WK Construction	800mm Ø	CH 1 326 to 11 460	10 134 m
Part B Ascul Construction	800mm Ø	CH 11 460 to 23 130	11 670 m
Part C Murray & Dickson	800mm Ø	CH 23 130 to 31 617	8 487 m
	900mm Ø	Valdezia Section	2 200 m

The supplying dam is Nandoni Dam. The Luvuvhu River Government Water Scheme will supply water for domestic use to the area between Makhado and Punda Maria in the Limpopo Province, to about 800 000 people (380 communities) with the potential of reaching 1.3 million people.

-2-

(1)(c) The original completion date for Ascul Construction was 5 July 2013, however was further extended to 30 November 2013 with anticipated completion date for Part B being 31 March 2014. The last anticipated delivery date is 31 July 2015 as proposed by the project engineer design and construction monitoring engineer: Bigen Africa Services (company). With the Defect liability expected to start from August 2015 to 31 March 2016.

During the extension of the contract the original cost of the contract was not affected, as the extension was only for the duration of the contract. The project encountered some delays due to a number of reasons, including some financial difficulties by one of the companies; as a result, some sub-contractors withdrawing from site; inclement weather resulted in flooding of trenches and pipes and long delays were experienced to clean the pipes. Rainy conditions also prevented work and humid conditions prevented repair of linings and coatings, some land owners not allowing contractors into their land, strike action by communities, availability of water for hydraulic testing, pipeline deflection defects; delays in the supply of pipes and fittings; etc.

It is confirmed that construction progress is currently standing at 95% overall completion.

(2)(a) W0497-WTE: Levuvhu Rever GWS-Construction of the 800mm diameter Vuwanisteel pipeline was advertised on 01 February 2012 and closed on 01 March 2012.

(2)(b) The contract was awarded in March 2012 and the contract was signed by the representative of the Department on 20 April 2012 and by the Contractor on the 23 April 2012.

(3)(a) Refer to the table below for the value of the contract:

Contract	Pipe Size	Chainages	Pipe Length
Part A WK Construction	800mm Ø	CH 1 326 to 11 460	10 134 m
Part B Ascul Construction	800mm Ø	CH 11 460 to 23 130	11 670 m
Part C Murray & Dickson	800mm Ø	CH 23 130 to 31 617	8 487 m
	900mm Ø	Valdezia Section	2 200 m

(3)(b) Refer to the table below for the amount paid to the contracting company to date:

Contract	Pipe Size	Chainages	Pipe Length
Part A WK Construction	800mm Ø	CH 1 326 to 11 460	10 134 m
Part B Ascul Construction	800mm Ø	CH 11 460 to 23 130	11 670 m
Part C Murray & Dickson	800mm Ø	CH 23 130 to 31 617	8 487 m
	900mm Ø	Valdezia Section	2 200 m

-3-

(4)(a) Refer to the table below for the amount of work that has been completed on the project:

Contract	Pipe Size	Chainages	Pipe Length	Percentage
Part A WK Construction	800mm Ø	CH 1 326 to 11 460	10 134 m	99%
Part B Ascul Construction	800mm Ø	CH 11 460 to 23 130	11 670 m	95%
Part C Murray & Dickson	800mm Ø	CH 23 130 to 31 617	8 487 m	99%
	900mm Ø	Valdezia Section	2 200 m

(4)(b) The construction progress is currently standing at 95% overall completion.

(4)(c) Contractor appointed will complete the project on 31 July 2015 with the Defect liability expected to start from August 2015 to 31 March 2016.

(5) Copies of the contracts as mentioned in (4)(a) are available for inspections.

---00O00---

Reply:

Responses provided by the University of Fort Hare are tabulated below:

(aa) Tenders issued in the 2013-14 financial year

Contract Reference number	(a) and (b) Names and details of companies
	(i) successful bidder/contractor	(ii) bidders who lost the tender
UFH-SCM02/2013	Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd	VX Telecom
UFH-SCM03/2013	Simo Solutions CC & Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd (Joint Venture)	Gijima Datacentrix Business Connexion
UFH-SCM09/2013	Ntinga Projects Managers	DPV Quantity Surveyors Lurco Trading 307 Indwe Quantity Surveyors Ntlonzi Investments Aurecon SA Bigen Africa PD Naidoo & Associates Consulting Engineers Ngonyama Okpanum Zintle's Rural Development EOH Mthombo Dimension Data
UFH-SCM10/2013	SFM Electrical and Refrigeration CC	Interpro Trading cc Amatola Airconditioning Electric Link Flat-Foot Air conditioners
UFH-SCM13/2013	First Technology (Pty) Ltd	Aloe Office and Business Equipment Allied Business Solutions Dimension Data Datacentrix
UFH-SCM14/2013	Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd	First Technology Ubuntu Technologies Datacentrix Store Tech Business Connexion
UFH-SCM15/2013	Business Connexion (Pty) Ltd	Datacentrix Dimension Data First Technology Ceos Technologies
UFH-SCM17/2013	KPMG Incorporated	Aza Kopano Rakoma & Associates Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo PWC Marais and Smith Delloite & Touche Moore Stephens Nexia Sabat Umnotho Business Consultant

(bb) Tenders issued in the 2014-15 financial year

Contract Reference number	(a) and (b) Names and details of companies
	(i) successful bidder/contractor	(ii) bidders who lost the tender
UFH-SCM02/2014	Kamo Construction (Pty) Ltd	Thalami Consortium Golden Rewards cc Impelelo Construction cc MIS Maintenance
UFH-SCM16/2013	Itec East Cape (Pty) Ltd Aloe Office and business equipment t/a Xerox	Northern Cape Printing & Stationery Vitom Technologies Penit Printing & Stationery NRG Office Solutions Morvest Eratis Pinnacle Business Solutions
UFH-SCM05/2013	Asag and Isondlo Investments (Joint venture)	Iyevest Group & Partners Inframax/Africast Escotek Consortium Transtuct Building & Civil LDM Consortium Crowie Projects Focus & Enza Consortium VDZ Construction Kao Consortium SMADA Property Holdings Majestic Silver Trading 118 Equicent CBD Consortium - Bigen Africa

Compiler/contact persons:

Ext:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

REPLY TO QUESTION 2514 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

The University of Limpopo has responded as follows:

1. (a) Mr LL Lebelo was employed by the erstwhile University of the North, now the University

of Limpopo, on 1 June 1996.

(b) In 2014, the University embarked on a qualifications audit as Mr Lebelo could not

submit an original matriculation certificate.

1. Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd was employed to perform the verification of his qualifications and was unable to verify his qualifications. He is currently subject to a disciplinary hearing.

Compiler/contact persons:

Ext:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

REPLY TO QUESTION 2516 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

The National Department of Health has several programmes and platforms that are being used to inform, educate and raise awareness about TB, including MDR-TB at community level.

(a)  The national and provincial TB programmes have Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation units with focal persons whose role is to, on a regular basis, disseminate information to members of the community on the importance of being screened, tested and treated for TB, including MDR-TB. Each of these units have focal persons who, sometimes with support from partner organisations, use various platforms including the media (radio, television, and print) to educate communities about TB. The units also disseminate information through posters, fliers and billboards and sometimes conduct door-to-door campaigns to engage household members on TB.

(b)  In 2010, during the advert of the FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, the Department and Stellenbosch University conceptualised and implemented a communications platform called “Kick TB and HIV”, which uses community activations (campaign style) to educate members of the community on TB. Over the past year, 266 activations were conducted, and 467 817 people were reached.

(c)  The Deputy President launched, on 24 March 2015, a massive TB campaign that aims to mobilise millions of South Africans to be screened, tested and treated for TB, including MDR-TB.

(d) An integrated mass media communication and education campaign that will focus on HIV/AIDS, TB (including MRD-TB), maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, violence and injuries, has been developed and a tender is currently being evaluated to appoint a service provider to manage the campaign over the next 3 years.

END.

Reply:

1. The construction of Cool Air clinic was decided upon as part of the need to expand services to the underserved areas. The Cool Air clinic will be one of the clinics to be built out of the In-Kind-Grant in the 10 NHI Pilot Districts. Currently, the residents of Cool Air are serviced through the provision of a mobile clinic that visits the area twice a month as per schedule.

1. (a) (i) The budget for the proposed clinic is R31 million;

(ii) The budget will be allocated during the 2016-2017 financial year.

(b) The clinic is expected to be in operation in 2018.

END.

Reply:

1. Yes, forensic investigations were conducted in relation to non-compliance with the contractual agreements and suspected mismanagement of funds by project implementers. The department has decided on legal recourse in such cases. Where projects could not be completed due to cost escalations related to the changes in the built environment, the department will provide support for completion of such facilities based on availability of funds.

Page 2

1. Yes, the department has undertaken a review of the Social Responsibility Implementation’s (SRI) planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting processes in relation to infrastructure projects to ensure closer alignment with the built environment requirements. SRI also undertakes continuous improvement based on annual audits and monitoring of project implementation.

(3) No, the department did not revise the method of appointment of project implementers. The appointment of implementers is governed by the public finance management requirements as contained in the Public Finance Management Act and its regulations.

(4) Thirteen projects have been subjected to forensic auditing.

Reply:

The Eastern Cape Province is considering this matter and will be making a decision shortly.

The key imperatives in considering this matter are:

1. Our policy to provide Primary Health Care free at the point of delivery; and

1. The need to increase our EPI coverage in a manner that also makes access to immunization services as easy as possible.

END.

Reply:

(a) During February 2010, the Department of Human Settlements paid out an amount of

R 1,873,347.53 for the remainder of an employee’s contract due to termination before the contractually stipulated date of termination.

(b) None.

Reply:

(a) The department did not exist in the financial years of 2008/09 - 2009/10.

The department has not paid out the remainder of any employee’s contract since the 2010/11 financial year until date.

(aa) (i) – (iii) Not applicable

(b) SA Tourism has paid out the remainder of a contract.

(bb)

1. R1 512 781.90 (R1,080 022.90 was paid out 2011/12 and R437 759 was paid out 2012/2013)
2. Previous CEO, Ms T January-McLean 2011/12- 2012/13
3. Separation by mutual agreement with the SAT Board

Reply:

(a) - Yes

The list of demands is as follows:

1. All vacant positions including all other posts beyond 12 levels in DAFF must be filled no later than Friday, 1 May 2015 to fulfil all departmental mandates (Food Security, Job creation and Economic Growth) and an end to chronic staff shortage we have at the moment.
2. Finalise the integration of the three sector branches ( Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).
3. Union representation to ensure compliance to government legislation.
4. Improve the skills development plans of the officials in the department.
5. Prioritise the departmental visits including to remote offices and sites.
6. Equal pay for work of equal value.
7. Forensic investigation
8. Implementation of the Public Service Commission recommendation against the irregular appointment of Ms L Bouwer, Director: Human Recources Management.
9. Immediate changes in the employer’s delegation at Departmental Bargaining Chamber.
10. Immediate implementation of the sent inputs of the reviewed policies.

(b) All the grievances have been attended to.

(c) A letter dated 7 March 2015 was forwarded to the Chairperson of NEHAWU addressing the demands contined in their memorundum dated 22 April 2015. The department responded as follows in each of the demands listed below:

1. All vacant positions including all other posts beyond 12 levels in DAFF must be filling no later than Friday, 1 May 2015, to fulfil all departmental mandates (food security, job creation and economic growth) and an end to a chronic staff shortage we have at the moment.

Response from the department.

The Department has considered this demand. However, it is not possible to fill all the vacant positions on such short notice due to the recruitment and selection processes which must be complied with as well as the financial constraints as a result of the budget cuts.

2. Finalise the integration of the three sector branches (Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).

Response from the department.

The process of integration of the three branches has commenced and Organised Labour will continuously be consulted at the DBC in this regard.

3. Union representation to ensure compliance to government legislation.

Response from the department.

The Department has management structures and any issues with labour impact will be dealt with in terms of the Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995, at the DBC and through the dispute resolution processes, where the need arises.

Furthermore, you are required to take note that as NEHAWU members you are also employees of the Department. No employees participate in management structures. The legitimate forum for consultation or engagement with unions is the DBC.

4.  Improve the skills development plans of the officials in the department.

Response from the department.

The Department has a HRD Strategy and a HR Plan. In addition, every employee has a Work Plan and Personal Development Plan in terms of the Employee Performance Management System (EPMDS). All individual cases should be dealt with in terms of the relevant policy and applicable procedures. In addition, the Department has an Internal Training and Development Committee (ITDC) at which Organised Labour is represented.

5.  Prioretise the departmental visits including to remote offices and sites.

Action taken by the department.

The Employer, with Organised Labour, conducted various operational visits to outside offices under the auspices of the DBC in the previous financial year. The proposed recommendations are due to be discussed at EXCO and MANCO due to their financial implications. Feedback will be provided at the DBC.

6.  Equal pay for work of equal value.

Response from the department.

The Department acknowledges this demand and will take the necessary steps to address the issue as it is also on the agenda of the DBC. Progress in this regard will be provided at this forum.

7.  Forensic investigation

Response from the department.

It is a legal requirement that all SMS members disclose their financial interests on an annual basis. The office of the Public Service Commission as well as the Office of the Auditor-General monitors such disclosures on an annual basis. It will be appreciated if NEHAWU could indicate the basis for the allegations to enable the Department to conduct forensic investigations.

8.  Implementation of the Public Service Commission recommendation against the irregular appointment of Ms L Bouwer, Director: Human Recources Management.

Response from the department.

A letter dated 25 October 2014 was forwarded to Mr M Mahamba, Branch Secretary of NEHAWU responding to the allegations regarding the appointment of the Director: Human Resources Management (Ms L Bouwer) without following the normal recruitment and selection processes.

9.  Immediate changes in the employer’s delegation at Departmental Bargaining Chamber.

Response from the department.

Employer representatives have been duly appointed to serve at the DBC.

10.  Immediate implemantation of the sent inputs of the reviewed policies.

Response from the department.

All relevant inputs on policies made at multilateral meetings needs the due policy development processes. In order to fast track the policy development process, it is advised that Organised Labour provides inputs at the first consultation process.

(d)(i) All the grievances have been addressed.

(d)(ii) Not applicable.

 

Reply:

(1)(a) There are 185 641 applications for Unabridged Birth Certificates (UBC) that have been received by the department during the period 01 May 2014 to 31 May 2015.

(1)(b)(i-ii) According to available information the number of UBC applications received and processed during the period 01 May 2014 to 31 May 2015 at the department’s 9 regions / provinces and ready for collection are as follows:

Eastern Cape: 11 408

Free State: 5 589

Gauteng: 75 685

Kwazulu-Natal: 39 952

Limpopo: 4 645

Mpumalanga: 7 401

North West: 4 967

Northern Cape: 2 527

Western Cape: 33 467

 

(3)(a) The processing of UBC is dependent on the number of applications lodged on a particular day, and is a voluntary process.

(3(b) The issuance per day is dependent on the number of clients that come forth after notification was given to them, via an sms, that the UBC application is ready for collection.

(4)    6 to 8 weeks.

(5)   185 641

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department and Entities as follows:-

DEPARTMENT

(a) Nil

1. (i) SAPO R 95 722.20

SITA R 241 216.61

Others Nil

(b)(ii) SAPO - R813 297.29

Others Nil.

Reply:

I have been advised by USAASA as follows:-

1. The USAASA Board took a resolution to oppose the SIU Court Application. Supporting affidavits deposed by the CEO were filed by the Agency in support of its defence and to answer to the allegations involving the CEO. The Agency is therefore paying all the legal costs.

1. The CEO will not be held liable for any legal costs incurred in the event the application is unsuccessful. The reason for this is that, the CEO is not defending this matter in his personal capacity. The Board is defending the matter because it is the Board’s decision to appoint the CEO that is being challenged by the SIU. The Board’s decision to appoint Mr Zami Nkosi is what is at issue in this Court Case.

1. No steps will be taken to recover the specified legal costs if a cost order is awarded against the Agency. The Agency is defending its own decision

1. The Board, as the Accounting Authority, has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the Agency. The Board exercised its mind with due diligence when it decided to appoint Mr Zami Nkosi as its CEO and when it took a resolution to defend that decision and oppose the SIU Court application.

Reply:

(a-c) Applications for both a computerised unabridged and a vault copy of birth certificate were captured on the system on 6 October 2014. However, due to an oversight on the part of the official who received the application, only the computerised unabridged birth certificate was processed on 10 October 2014 and printed at the office of application on 13 October 2014. The vault copy was processed on 29 June 2015.

(d) The Department has put in place mechanisms where clients can enquire about the progress on their applications through its call centre. In addition it will strengthen the current controls and monitoring of these areas.

Reply:

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

1. The total number of people employed at Johannesburg International Mail Centre (JIMC) is 237.

(b)(i) (aa) Management 5

(bb) Permanent 211

(cc) Casuals 21

Reply:

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

SAPO does not receive revenue from Universal Postal Union.

Reply:

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

1(a)(i) (aa) February 2015 - 56 161

(bb) March 2015 - 59 138

(cc) April 2015 - 60 010

(ii) All items are subject to import duties and are processed by SAPO. South African Revenue Service (SARS) stops items for inspection in the event of any missing or required documentation or if items are deemed not to be allowed in the country.

(b) The set standard for processing items is 48 hours. However this may differ depending on the volumes received and that have to be processed.

2. The South African Police Service (SAPS) work in conjunction with SARS to stop items for inspection in the event of any missing or required documentation or if items are deemed not to be allowed in the country.

The set standard for processing items is 48 hours. However this may differ depending on the volumes received and that have to be processed.

No arrests have been made by SAPS for this period.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department as follows:-

1. The Office of the State Attorney instructed advocates from the Johannesburg Bar.

(b)The DG instructed the State Attorney, and the State Attorney appointed advocates.

(c)(i) Adv. M. Mooki (Initiator) - R 1100 per hour

Adv. Z. Z. Matebese (Chairperson) - R 1200 per hour

Adv. V. D. Ntsweni (Chairperson) – R 850 per hour

Adv. M. E. Mathaphuna (Chairperson) – R 750 per hour

Adv. M. A. Mavodze(Chairperson) – R 1050 per hour

Adv. M. S. Shaba (Chairperson) – R 1250 per hour

Adv. S. B. Mhlapo (Chairperson) – R 700 per hour

(c)(ii) Adv. M. Mooki (Initiator) – R 267 352.80

Adv. Z. Z. Matebese (Chairperson) – R 158 004

Adv. M. S. Shaba (Chairperson) – R 191 662.50

Adv. S. B. Mhlapo (Chairperson) – R 83 790

(iii) Yes, the payments of three chairpersons who have not yet submitted invoices.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) R 21 million has been allocated for Broadband Planning; and

R 200 million has been allocated for South Africa Connect.

The department will be buying services for the 8 identified districts from a service provider.

(b) No tenders have been issued for the implementation of the programme.

(c) N/A

Reply:

(a) The Department is an active member of the UPU and is in regular communication with the International Bureau of the UPU. I have met with the Director-General of the UPU, Ambassador Bishar Hussein of Kenya, in South Africa on the 6 August 2014, and provided an update of developments within the administration of the South African government relating to Telecommunications and Postal Services. Previously officials from the UPU had also been briefed by officials from DTPS as they interact on an ongoing basis.

(b) As the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services is the responsible Department for postal matters, including South Africa’s membership of the UPU, it follows that SAPO falls under DTPS. The UPU has been requested to update their website to record the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, instead of the Department of Communications.

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department as follows:-

1. One Deputy Director-General: Still in progress

One Deputy Director-General: Disciplinary hearing has been finalised

Personal Assistant: Disciplinary hearing has been finalised

Departmental Bid Adjudicating Committee: Still in progress

Departmental Bid Evaluation Committee: Still in progress

1. 12

1. Two employees: Salary level 15

One employee: Salary level 8

Six employees: Salary level 13

One employee: Salary level 14

One employee: Salary level 11

One employee: Salary level 9

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) Government will rollout broadband services in Eight District Municipalities targeting schools, health facilities, police stations, post offices and other government facilities. The eight districts are:

• Dr Kenneth Kaunda

• Gert Sibande

• O.R. Tambo

• Pixley ka Seme

• Thabo Mofutsanyane

• Umgungundlovu

• Umzinyathi

• Vhembe

This rollout programme represents the first phase of the national implementation of the Digital Development strategic pillar of South Africa Connect and it is delivered parallel to the programmes initiated by Gauteng and the Western Cape Province in an effort to deliver on the targets set in the National Broadband policy. The project will deliver the connectivity services via a mix of technologies in line with the South Africa Connect Policy objectives.

(b-d) National Treasury has allocated a total of R739 million over the MTEF for the programme. For the first phase, R200 Million has been allocated. The funds have been allocated as follows:

No	Year	DTPS Request	NT Allocation
1	2015/16	R 225 402 697	R 200 000 000
2	2016/17	R 516 343 210	R 268 300 000
3	2017/18	R 719 525 698	R 271 700 000
MTEF Sub-Totals	R 1 416 024 135	R 739 000 000

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department as follows:-

(1)(a)&(b) The development of the policy and policy directions have been delayed due to the complexity of the task and a lack of dedicated staff within the Department to carry out the extensive consultation required.

(2)(a) Analysys Mason

(2)(b) Analysys Mason was appointed through a process managed by the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) from National Treasury, who is assisting the Department with several aspects of the implementation of the National Broadband Policy (SA Connect).

(2)(c)(i) The contract price is R 3.65 million

(2)(c)(ii) The consultant has been appointed to assist the Department in developing the Rapid Deployment Policy and Policy Directions and to consult with affected stakeholders. It is expected that the Rapid Deployment Policy should have been developed by the end of the third quarter of 2015.

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

1. Yes, External consultants were sourced to assist and provide support in the development of the Business Case.

The CSIR was chosen as a result of its access to broadband infrastructure info at a national scale.

The Department’s primary support was provided by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) which assisted with the infrastructure information used to conduct the infrastructure gap analysis.

(b) Through the assistance of the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) who facilitated a competitive procurement process for service providers, the Department was also able to source the assistance of Deloitte to provide financial and procurement advisory services. The support of Deloitte assisted the department with the development of a financial model that could cost the project as part of the development of the business case.

(c) CSIR was paid R 5,643,000 and Deloitte was paid R850, 000

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:-

(a) and (b) In the development of the Project scope; Phase 1 Business Case and Plan; the Department engaged and consulted critical stakeholders including State-Owned Companies (SOCs) of the department who provided insight into the national footprint of infrastructure as part of the effort to determine the infrastructure gap. Provincial departments also provided input on their broadband rollout plans to ensure that they align with South Africa Connect and are integrated into the common plan of the DTPS. The national Departments of Health, Basic Education, Rural Development, National Treasury through the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC), South African Police Services and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) were consulted to develop the user requirement specification for the broadband services as part of the development of the business case.

Reply:

I have been advised by Sentech as follows:

1. R1 287 609 781. 84.

(b-c) The Manufactures warranties cover equipment for maximum period of 24 months. The table below provides a span of equipment for active components of the DTT networks. There is a total of 4712 DTT assets amounting to R447 663 469 that falls outside manufacturers’ warranties (highlighted in yellow) and a total of 3206 assets amounting to R324 058 305 falling within manufacturers’ warranty period (highlighted in green).

Acquisition year	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	Total
Warranty expiry date	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
Acquisition value	R63 056 479	R91 020 130	R82 065 010	R91 433 270	R120 088 580	R30 067 142	R229 562 145	R64 429 018	R771 721 774
Total assets	328	936	1551	583	1314	1655	1077	474	7918
Warranty status	Out of warranty period	Within warranty period

Reply:

No. The forensic report on the University of Limpopo for the 2013/14 financial year is not publically available as it contains confidential information with regards to untested allegations against individuals and in order to avoid the infringement of the fundamental rights of individuals mentioned in the report, I will not be able to release the report.

Compiler/contact persons:

Ext:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

REPLY TO QUESTION 2515 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr B NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

Reply:

Numerous possible appointment dates were discussed between the Station Management and Mr Mike Waters who is the Member of Parliament. The dates of 2015-04-19, 2015-05-25 and 2015-06-01 were not suitable for both the Member of Parliament and the Station Management. The date that was agreed upon was later found to be not suitable for the Station Management as many of the senior officers could not be available. The Cluster Commander of Tembisa under which Kempton Park resort, Major General Nick Sithole, will contact Mr Mike Waters, MP, to discuss a suitable date that will suit both the Station Management and him (Mr Mike Waters).

Reply:

(a)  Okholweni: Ward 1

 

• There is no place called Okholweni, the area is called Ukwalwini/ Ntabasibahle. Ward 1 is served by two stations namely Nquthu, and SAPS Ekombe. The biggest parts of Ward 1 are policed by SAPS Ekombe.

• There are no plans to establish a satellite police station within the area.

• The reasons are as follows:

• During an Accessibility Study, consultation with the community was conducted by this office and there was no need/ request identified for the establishment of a Satellite police station in this area.

• The area in question is within an 18km radius from the main police station. The province is currently focussing on areas with longer distances for prioritization of establishment of satellite police stations.

• Melmoth Stock Theft Unit investigates all Stock Theft Related cases within the Ekombe policing precinct.

(b)Mfongosi: Ward 9:

• There is already an established satellite station, Mfongosi under SAPS Ekombe.

(c)Emabhuqwini: Ward 2:

• There are no plans to establish a satellite police station within the area.
• The reasons are as follows:

• During an Accessibility Study, consultation with the community was conducted by this office and there was no need/ request identified for the establishment of Satellite police stations in this area.

• The area in question is within an 18km radius from the main police station. The province is currently focussing on areas with longer distances for prioritization of establishment of satellite police stations.

• Melmoth Stock Theft Unit is investigates all Stock Theft Related cases within the Ekombe policing precinct.

Reply:

(1) (a)(b) 10 087 public servants have successfully completed Module of the Compulsory Induction Programme and 3 685 public servants have completed all further Modules of the Compulsory Induction Programme.

Reply:

Yes, my Department is currently involved in a work employment agreement, deriving from a bilateral agreement that was reached between the Cuban and the South African Government. This agreement is part of the portfolio of cooperative agreements between the two countries. The agreement was signed on 9 September 2013 and its objective is to foster a technical development on water issues between the two countries.

(a) A total of 35 Cuban Engineers are (i) currently contracted with my Department for a period of two years, with a possibility of an extension to three years. (ii) Only one agreement has been concluded

(b) The Cuban secondment programme is meant to assist the Department of Water and Sanitation in the following mutually agreed areas:

• Hydraulic, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in the functional areas of the National Water Resources Infrastructure (NWRI) Operations Unit of the Department,
• The Geohydrological and Engineering Services in rural and other disadvantaged areas where such services are inadequate in areas of Regional Functions,
• The operations and maintenance of bulk raw water supply infrastructure,
• The capacity building through training and support of local staff,
• Augmenting project management capacity.

 

(c) The majority of the current employed 35 Cuban Specialists are qualified in Hydraulic Engineering, a field which is not offered in South Africa, and it emerged that this qualification is a specialty branch of Civil Engineering which focuses only on water engineering. Their field of specialization is therefore of great value to the Department in the field of Operations and maintenance. The rest of the Specialists are qualified in the fields of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and hydro geological Engineering, and they are also adding value to the different functions within my Department.

(d) My Department proceeds to recruit local specialist to fill permanent positions as it was the case with the 13 Electrical and Mechanical engineering posts recently advertised. The Learning Academy also proceeds with the facilitation of developing local engineering skills at entry level. The table below indicates the number of posts in the Engineering field that were advertised but not filled during the 2013/2014 financial year:

 

Region/Branch	No of posts advertised per Region/ Branch	Reasons for not filling the posts
NWRI - Northern Operations	29	A very small number of applications were received per post, in some instances no applications were received per post. The applicants did not meet the minimum criteria of the posts. Applicants are only registered as Candidates and not Technicians or Professionals Head-hunting for suitable candidates also did not yield any results, as individuals are requesting higher remuneration packages that cannot be offered by the Public Service.
NWRI - Southern Operations	10
Branch: NWRI - Head Office	18
Branch: Policy and Regulation	17
KZN Region	18
Free State Region	10
Eastern Cape Region	9
Gauteng Region	3
Limpopo Region	12
Mpumalanga Region	12
Northern Cape Region	9
Western Cape Region	1
Total	148

(e)(i) The total cost of contracting is an all-inclusive package of R532 278 per Cuban Specialist per annum.

---00O00---

Reply:

Edenvale CAS 89/05/2015. The fingerprints that were lifted are linked to the manager of the company because the vehicle that was hijacked is also the company car. The car was recovered and is at the pound. The vehicle circulation is cancelled. The suspects are unknown. Recovery statement is outstanding. The docket will be closed as undetected.

Reply:

The contract for the rehabilitation of the N11 from Nkunzi River Bridge to One tree Hill was completed in April 2015.

(a)(i)&(ii) I do not see the significance of the 10 km distance; surely the honourable member is not suggesting that communities from within the locality of the project but beyond the 10 km that was approximately 14,3 km long, should not be employed.

(b) I trust that the honourable member is not suggesting that skilled labour is termed as general labour? In terms of the Contract, the contractor is permitted to bring onto site its skilled employees.

(c ) The general labourers were sourced from within the local communities.

Reply:

Edenvale CAS 32/05/2015, the matter is still under investigation. Positive fingerprints were lifted on the scene, but he owner of the fingerprints is still not identified; meaning that the suspect is still unknown. Once identified, he/she will be traced.

Reply:

1. The Department does not currently monitor Barberspan or Chrissiesmeer for cyanobacteria, as they do not form part of the National Eutrophication Monitoring Programme (focused on dams). Both Barberspan and Chrissiesmeer are viewed as wetlands and will form part of the National Wetlands Monitoring Programme, which is currently being designed and will be implemented in 2016. For the other dams, the most recently available cyanobacterial counts are listed in the table below:

Dam	Cyanobacterial count (cells/ml) (including Anabeana, Arthrospira, Cylindrospermopsis, Lyngbya, Merismopedia, Microcystis and Oscillatoria
Hartbeespoort	22 342
Vaal	33 524
Spitskop	7 851
Koppies	Not available

2. Results can be provided for all the dams since 2011 as requested, except Barberspan and Chrissiesmeer. The data information can be viewed on the Directorate’s website - https://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs.

3. Addressing cyanobacteria in dams requires a multidisciplinary approach with its foundation in catchment management.  Nutrient loading resulting from run-off in catchment where the dam is located, is the main reason for cyanobacterial blooms.

This loading takes place as a result of, inter alia, overloaded and / or dysfunctional waste water treatment works and agricultural run-off. DWS addresses this through collaboration with and guidance to local authorities, whom is responsible for operating these waste water treatment works.  The Green Drop project is an example of this, where the efficient operation of wastewater treatment works by municipalities is audited and scored.  Based on the outcome of this evaluation, guidance is provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to municipalities to assist them with adhering to the license conditions of the waste water treatment works. 

The DWS has also recently acquired the services of Cuban engineers to assist local municipalities with the improved operation of their waste water treatment works.

The Department developed a set of guidelines for eutrophication management, including best agricultural practices which, if implemented by farmers, will reduce the nutrient loading resulting from agricultural run-off.

A specific project on the Hartbeespoort Dam to address the water quality remediation, which includes the treatment of cyanobacterial blooms, is the Metsi a Me project.  This is a multidisciplinary project which addresses the remediation of dam specific water quality.

There is currently no similar scale projects on the other dams mentioned in the question, as these dams’ issues are addressed on a catchment base.

(4)    Cyanobacteria, when present in high numbers in the water column, and under conducive environmental conditions, can release a toxin, microcystin, which could pose a health risk if untreated water is consumed by humans and animals.  In addition, when the algal blooms die off and decompose, it can result in unpleasant smells, impacting on recreational users.                                        

---00O00---

Reply:

Yes. Cabinet has recently approved the Socio Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) which is effective from 1 June 2015. The SEIAS requires that government departments must, before developing any policy, regulations and legislation, ensure that they take steps to minimize the unintended consequences of such policy, regulations and legislation, including unnecessary costs of implementation and compliance. The SEIAS further requires government departments to anticipate implementation risks and develop measures to mitigate such risks.

---00O00---

Reply:

Requesting the Honourable Member to refer to the response in NA 1128 published on 26 March 2015.

---00O00---

Reply:

(a) I am informed that the overall economic impact was positive. As a result of the additional road capacity, delays on the road network were substantially decreased, and traffic growth of more than 20% in many instances could be accommodated. Improvements in travel speeds/reduced congestion was also confirmed by independent studies (refer to reports from Congestion survey by Tom Tom). Furthermore, the development that took place in the immediate vicinity of upgraded interchanges such as Lynnwood, Atterbury, Garsfontein, John Vorster, Allandale, etc reflects the positive impact the road improvement project had on Gauteng. As was demonstrated in various economic studies, the project renders a high return on investment and a B:C ratio of 8 to 1. The Panel to investigate the social and economic impact of the GFIP made amongst others the following conclusions (the full report is available from the Gauteng Province):

The impact of the GFIP in the GCR economy;

Reduced Travel time benefits:

• 45 000 hours at morning peak
• Average speed increase of 64 km/hr (without GFIP) to 100 km/hr (with GFIP)
• Average speed increase on secondary routes from 40km/hr to 48 km/hr

Reduced vehicle operating costs (5% to 20% depending on route and distance)

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Reduced maintenance costs

Improved logistics efficiencies

Improved travel conditions

• Enhanced safety
• Rapid response emergency services and prevention of secondary accidents (1 400 / month)

(b)Sees (a) above

(c) SANRAL has various counting stations on the freeway network as well as parallel routes to the freeway network that counts traffic on an ongoing basis. The graphs below provides an indication, based on the situation in 2014, what the impact of the GFIP on traffic speeds on both the freeways and supporting road network was with and without the toll roads as well as before and after the tolling of the freeways commenced.

As can be seen from the graphs below, the conditions on the freeways and alternative roads are substantially better than what it would have been if the GFIP was not implemented, even after toll collection commenced.

Freeways & Alternatives Routes. See Annexure A

Reply:

1. Neither the Minister of Police (b) nor any officer from his Department authorized the use of Presidential Protection Service for the transportation of Head of State/Government and former Heads of States/Government during the African Union Summit in Johannesburg between 10 and 15 June 2015.

2. Presidential Protection Service was utilized for the purpose of transporting Heads of State/Government and Former Heads of State/Government (a) from the 10th to the 16th of June 2015 (b) from airports namely WAFB, ORTIA and Lanseria to Head Quarter Hotels and taken to Sandton ICC for the African Union Conference and back to the airports for departure.

3. Presidential Protection Service was authorized by NATJOINTS with a request from DIRCO to carry out the protection of VIP’s during the African Union Summit.

Reply:

 

(a) Yes

(aa)

(i) R580 597,82

(ii) Ms MP Mbengashe, Chief Director

(iii) The parties agreed to terminate the contract.

iSimangaliso

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

South African Weather Service

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

South African National Parks

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

South African National Biodiversity Institute

(b) No

(bb)

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

---oOo---

Reply:

No generators were installed at any of my Department’s and Entities offices for load shedding purposes.

---00O00---

Reply:

(a) In terms of the PFMA, Act of 1999, with specific reference to section 38(j), The Department annual secures written assurance from SANTACO that it implements effective, efficient and transparent financial management and internal control systems. The aforesaid is in the form a Memorandum of Agreement signed annually between the Department and SANTACO. SANTACO receives the funding through quarterly payments, and they are also required to submit quarterly reports on expenditure.

(b) (i) The management and performance of SANTACO is overseen by its National Executive Committee. The Department in its Memorandum of Agreement oversees only the financial performance of SANTACO to ensure that there is transparency and accountability of the funds transferred.

(b)(aa) Please refer to response in (b) (i) above

(b) (cc) Please refer to response in (b) (i) above

 

Reply:

Social media tools are active and being used within the SAPS. The following are the reasons SAPS has chosen to be active on social media platforms;

• To offer the organisation a way of interacting with the citizens on issues relating to crime, and various events/campaigns.
• To build a trustworthy relationship and a sense of community by engaging with each other thus improving the organization’s reputation with the community.
• To provide a forum for people to ask questions and report crime/successes.
• To spread knowledge quickly and with minimal effort that could protect your community, help catch suspects, find missing persons, etc.
• To place crime alerts warning the public of criminals using specific modus operandi, vehicles to look out for etc.
• Rapid exchange of information.
• To provide public education.

Reply:

The Government (GCIS) hereby confirms that the figures for advertising are as follows:

2013-2014 Daily Sun R196 286.35

Sowetan R271 732.44

 

2014-2015 Daily Sun R567 824.25

Sowetan R810 499.40

Reply:

 

Yes

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

The environment sector is mandated to ensure environmental sustainability in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996); the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA), as amended; as well as other Specific Environmental Management Acts (SEMAs). The right to a safe and healthy environment which is not dangerous to human life, which is enshrined in the Constitution, makes it imperative that there should be a balance between addressing the current development needs and protecting the natural environment. The principles set out in Chapter 1 of the Constitution lay a solid foundation on how environmental justice could be realised and participation in environmental governance ensured. The NEMA and all its SEMAs are all premised on these principles, and embedded in them are specific provisions, tools, systems and structures to ensure that the environmental right is realised and the above principles are adhered to.

In response to these legislative imperatives, the environmental sector (National and Provincial Departments of Environmental Affairs) in consultation with other stakeholders (South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and municipalities developed a five year Local Government Support Strategy for the Environment Sector, 2014-2019. In drafting the strategy, a survey was conducted to determine the level of capacity of municipalities to deal with environmental management and governance. The questionnaire specifically sought to determine the level of compliance by all 278 municipalities with NEMA and SEMAs. Questionnaires were differentiated in terms of municipal geographic location (inland/coastal) and environmental functions each municipality is expected to perform. The scores (converted into percentages) were then used to divide municipalities into three categories as follows: 0-29% = Establishment Phase, 30-59% = Consolidation Phase,
60% upwards = Sustainability Phase. The results of the survey were as follows:

• Local Municipalities (LMs): 51% establishment phase, 41% consolidation phase, 8% sustainability phase
• District Municipalities (DMs): 32% establishment phase, 48% consolidation phase, 20% sustainability phase
• Metropolitan Municipalities (Metros): 0% establishment phase, 11% consolidation phase, 89% sustainability phase

Based on these findings, the implementation plan was developed to address challenges identified. In 2014/15, specific focus was given to the establishment and formalisation of environmental governance structures within municipalities to provide a platform of engagement with all citizens on environmental governance structures. These structures were successfully established and they are now operational. The performance of these structures is monitored through the 2015/16 Implementation Plan, and reports are provided to the relevant Intergovernmental Structures. Below is an outline of specific interventions for key thematic areas i.e. Air Quality and Climate Change; Waste Management.

1. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Prior to the advent of democracy, little was known about the quality of ambient air that the majority of the citizens of South Africa were breathing, as well as the potential health impact of that quality of air. However, since the dawn of democracy a number of measures have been put into motion to address this challenge. The use of coal and other energy sources that result in air pollution poses a major threat to citizens enjoying their full rights as set out in section 24(a) and (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Since the promulgation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004) and the subsequent development of its National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa, the Department has facilitated, in partnership with the different spheres of government; the initiation of ambient air quality monitoring programmes.

The main objectives for monitoring are to provide information fundamental to decision-making; identifying air pollution that is non-compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); and defining intervention strategies to evaluate the efficacy of air quality management strategies. Ambient air quality monitoring is also being used to identify areas in need of restoration and their prioritisation, such as in the national air quality priority areas of Vaal Triangle, Highveld and Waterberg-Bojanala. Currently, there are close to 85 government owned ambient air quality monitoring stations across the country. The stations monitor a range of criteria pollutants, including ozone (O3), particulate matter (both PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (nitrogen dioxide NO2, and nitric acid NO), lead (Pb), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and the relevant meteorological parameters.

The observations from the ambient air quality monitoring networks have informed the development of air quality management plans (AQMPs) by all spheres of government, in accordance with the air quality management challenges faced. Municipalities, for example, are required to have these AQMPs incorporated in their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). This requirement elevates air quality issues in the planning processes of each of the municipalities.

The Department has developed priority area AQMPs, and has allocated specific funding for the implementation of these plans. In addition, and as part of the implementation of these plans, the Department has established Implementation Task Teams (ITTs) and Multi-Stakeholder Reference Group (MSRGs). These structures, amongst other things, facilitate the participation of communities in tackling air quality challenges facing them. There has been an increase in the participation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in these areas, and the Department acknowledges that awareness is key in addressing air quality issues in these areas.

The Department is also in the final stages of developing the Strategy to Address Pollution in Dense, Low Income Communities. The objectives of this strategy are:

• to establish a forum that will ensure that the interventions that address air pollution in dense low-income communities are carried out in a coordinated manner, with integration of policies and interventions from various departments/institutions;
• to facilitate, through the forum, the implementation of interventions within air pollution priority areas in order to ensure the air that is not harmful to health and wellbeing;
• to plan and co-ordinate the implementation of future interventions to address the problem; and
• to monitor and report progress annually to the Minister of Environmental Affairs.

The strategy offers a great opportunity for all the identified role players to work together and improve on the gains made thus far in tackling air quality challenges that are faced by the citizens of the Republic.

2.  WASTE MANAGEMENT

Government through Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) undertakes surveys at different intervals to establish trends in many different aspects, including provision of services. The Department works closely with Stats SA in relation to monitoring waste service in the country.

Waste services seem to be low in rural areas. However, we have discovered that this could be due to lack of understanding of the different service levels for waste services. The National Waste Collection Standards prescribe different service levels for different geographic areas. The Department is therefore currently capacitating municipalities on these collection standards. Municipalities are in turn required to educate their communities to ensure accurate reporting.

The Department also developed a number of waste management tools/measures to protect the environment and human health of all South African citizens by making sure that impact is managed appropriately.

These include:

• Waste Management and Classification Regulations; Norms and Standards for Assessment of Waste for Disposal; and Norms and Standards for Assessment of Landfill for waste disposal – which regulates the management classification of wastes in a manner that supports and implements the provisions of the Waste Act and prescribes the requirements and timeframes for management of certain wastes, among others.
• Draft Healthcare Risk Waste Management Regulations – which sets minimum requirements for management of waste from healthcare facilities, from cradle to grave.
• Licenses to ensure that facilities are operated in compliance with environmental legislation, ensuring that impacts are managed to protect the environment and human health.

--ooOoo--