Questions and Replies
30 July 2015 - NW2607
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What matters have been investigated by her department’s Accident and Incident Investigations Division in the (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15 financial years, in each case, (b) when were the specified investigations (i) initiated and (ii) concluded and (c) what were the outcomes in respect of each investigation?
Reply:
(a) The Accident and Incident Investigation Division investigates all major crashes that occur on the roads. Major crashes are defined as: (i) crashes where five or more people died, (ii) crashes where there are four or more vehicles involved with a fatality, (iii) crashes involving transportation of hazardous substances and there is a fatality and (iv) any crash that the Corporation may deem necessary to investigate.
- In 2012 -13 there were 107 major crashes investigated
- In 2013 – 14 there were 122 major crashes investigated
- In 2014 – 15 there were 109 major crashes investigated
(b) (i) Investigations were initiated as soon as a crashes occurred and (ii) concluded on average after three months.
(c) (i) In 2012-13, 99 cases were referred to the SAPS for prosecution.
(ii) In 2013-14, 118 cases were referred to the SAPS for prosecution.
(iii) In 2014-15, 71 cases were referred to the SAPS for prosecution.
30 July 2015 - NW2608
Mubu, Mr KS to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) What has been the funding model of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to date, (b) what (i) processes, (ii) procedures and (iii) mechanisms are in place to ensure the integrity of the specified funding model and (c) why has an expression of interest been called for by the RTMC?
Reply:
(a) In line with Section 24 (1) of the Road Traffic Management Corporation, Act No 20 of 1999 the RTMC is funded from:
- monies prescribed, subject to section 48(1)(b) which must include transaction fees charged by the Corporation for the sale of services; - transaction fees for vehicle licenses
- penalties and fines payable to the RTMC as an issuing authority in terms of Section 32 of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, 1998 (Act No. 46 of 1998);-
- infringement fees issued by NTP (interest on invested cash balances); and
- monies appropriated by Parliament - grant from the Department of Transport.
(b) what (i) processes, (ii) procedures and (iii) mechanisms are in place to ensure the integrity of the specified funding model
The legislative framework governing RTMC and the Treasury Regulations are in place to ensure integrity of the funding model.
(c) The financial sustainability assessment that was conducted in house amongst others proved that the financial dependency of RTMC on Government funding is not sustainable. Developing a sustainable funding model warrants scientific and intellectual proneness and specialty of a particular type in ensuring long term sustainability.
30 July 2015 - NW2581
Mokgalapa, Mr S to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1) With regard to the recently established National Export Advisory Council, how will the council enable the unlocking of opportunities and unleashing of barriers to trade whilst dealing with developmental issues and facilitating market access;
Reply:
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
The National Export Advisory Council (NEAC) will facilitate access to targeted international markets by prioritising the resources and supporting the exporters to enter foreign markets and service continental infrastructure projects. NEAC will facilitate the eradication of trade barriers in the targeted markets (as informed by the Export Diversification Strategy) whilst dealing with the developmental issues as defined by the “four gear concept” of the International Trade Center, which places emphasis on the developmental impacts of the export sector and its synchronicity with the national development goals
The NEAC structure will provide direction, co-ordination and oversight in order to enhance the trade and business environment and improving the competitiveness of companies and sectors. The NEAC approach is modelled on ITC’s Four Functional Gear Concept of Competitiveness and Development which informs the draft Integrated National Export Strategy (INES). The four gears comprise 1) Border-in or supply-side issues dealing with capacity development, capacity diversification, skills and entrepreneurship development; 2) Border or business environment dealing with infrastructure, trade facilitation and cost of doing business; 3) Border-out or demand-side issues dealing with market access, in-market support and strategic export promotion; and the developmental issues such as export-related employment, transformation efforts and regional development. The three competitiveness gears of should reinforce other each, whilst powering the 4) developmental gear resulting in a combined competitiveness-development focus for the country. The NEAC structure will deal with all four gears in unlocking regulatory or institutional bottlenecks in order to improve competitiveness and drive exports.
Question
(2) (a) who are the members that serve on the specified council and (b) how were they chosen;
Response
(2) (a) NEAC will comprise the Ministries involved directly or indirectly in the export development and export promotion regulatory and policy framework, State Owned Enterprises, 5 Proxies of Export formations (including Export councils, Export clubs, Joint Action Groups, Industry associations, Chamber of Commerce) Business Unity South Africa, Black Business Council, Provincial Investment and Promotion Agencies etc.
(2) (b) The aforementioned members are recommended on their respective roles in advancing the national export agenda contributing to the realization of the National Development Plan and New Growth Path imperatives.
Question
(3) what remuneration will each council member receive;
Response
(3) The remuneration package of the council member are not determined as yet as we are awaiting the finalisation of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the establishment of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill, the outcome thereof will inform the modality of NEAC.
The Bill which is being explored will provide for the establishment of structure/s with the functions to represent and promote the interests of the export community and to advise national, provincial and local spheres of government on policy imperatives in order to advance the national export agenda.
Question
(4) what costs will be incurred by the specified council to do its work;
Response
The costs have not been determined for the aforementioned reason (Awaiting the outcome of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill that will inform the modality of NEAC and the needs of the potential beneficiaries).
Question
(5) has (a) a business plan and (b) key objectives been developed for the specified council; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW2956E
Response
(5) (a) A business plan will be compiled upon the conclusion of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the establishment of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill. It will be important to consider the proposed structure within a national responsive institutional framework in order to address the current fragmentation and the on-going strengthening of NEAC’s capacity.
(b) The key objectives of the council will be developed upon the conclusion of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the establishment of the National Export Development and Promotion Bill.
30 July 2015 - NW2589
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1650 on 9 June 2015, she will provide a copy of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme concept document?
Reply:
This question has already been replied to and the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) concept document was sent for the Honourable Member’s attention on 16 July 2015.
30 July 2015 - NW2605
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) What tests have been undertaken by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications pertaining to (i) road safety and (ii) vehicle safety in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years and (b) In each case, (i) what were the outcomes of each specified test, (ii) when was each specified test undertaken and (iii) under what conditions were the specified tests undertaken?
Reply:
a) i) The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) ensures that all new vehicle models and certain safety critical replacement components that fall within the domain of its compulsory specifications and specific provisions of the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996), comply with all relevant requirements before they are offered for sale in South Africa. The NRCS is mandated to ensure new manufactured and imported regulated products are in compliance with the set requirements. In addition to this initial approval, market surveillance activities ensure that manufacturers and importers that offer products for sale, continually comply with the requirements, after initial approval has been granted. Product samples are inspected during the approval process. During its market surveillance activities, the NRCS may sample products to confirm compliance.
a) ii) The NRCS is not responsible for roadworthiness of vehicles and components in use during the life cycle of the product. This obligation resides with the National Department of Transport and the National Road Traffic Act.
a.a (and b i, ii and iii):
In the 2012-13 period 5867 products were approved as they met with the requirements of the relevant compulsory specifications. Test reports from accredited laboratories independent of the NRCS, confirmed the compliance of these products. In addition, 4326 market surveillance activities confirmed compliance of products to the relevant compulsory specifications. There were no instances of non-compliance confirmed in 20 samples where non- compliance was suspected. Samples of trucks, tow-bars, brake friction material, replacement glass and lights were verified against the requirements of the compulsory specifications at the time of approval and during market surveillance. Test conditions are specified in the relevant standard referred to in the compulsory specification for a particular product.
a.b and b i; ii and iii):
In the 2013-14 period 5800 products were approved as they met with the requirements of the relevant compulsory specifications. Test reports from accredited laboratories independent of the NRCS, confirmed the compliance of these products. In addition, 4054 market surveillance activities confirmed compliance of products to the relevant compulsory specifications. There were 9 non-compliant products confirmed in sample testing where non-compliance was suspected. Relevant sanctions were imposed on these clients. Samples of tow-bars, brake friction material, replacement glass and lights were verified against the requirements of the compulsory specifications at the time of approval and during market surveillance. Test conditions are specified in the relevant standard referred to in the compulsory specification for a particular product.
a.c and b I; ii and iii):
In the 2014-15 period 3602 products were approved as they met with the requirements of the relevant compulsory specifications. Test reports from accredited laboratories independent of the NRCS, confirmed the compliance of these products. In addition, 4511 market surveillance activities confirmed compliance of products to the relevant compulsory specifications. There were no instances of non-compliance confirmed in 19 samples tested where non- compliance was suspected. Samples of trucks, tow-bars, brake friction material, replacement glass and lights were verified against the requirements of the compulsory specifications at the time of approval and during market surveillance. Test conditions are specified in the relevant standard referred to in the compulsory specification for a particular product.
In terms of the NRCS Act: Act No 5 of 2008, the sanctioning process is an internal mechanism used by the Regulator to prevent the entry of non-compliant products into the market. However, such information specific to the company/client cannot legally be made public.
29 July 2015 - NW2157
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)(a) How many rural schools does her department provide with sport resources in each (i) province and (ii) education district and (b) what are the relevant details of these resources; (2) what progress has been made in (a) rolling out sport programmes in these schools in each (i) province and (ii) education district and (b) what are the relevant details of the progress?
Reply:
1(a) The Department of Basic Education does not have a budget to provide schools with sport resources. The schools budget for sport through funding from Norms and Standards or sponsorship from private companies. The Department of Sport and Recreation, however, has allocated 40% of the total allocation of the Mass Participation and Sport development grant to school sport. Each province has 10% to purchase equipment for disadvantaged schools identified through participation in school leagues. The 5% is allocated to purchase attire for disadvantaged schools that are registered for the school sport programme and participating in school leagues. The information of the schools and their location resides with Provincial Departments of Sport and Recreation.
2. The schools that are provided with equipment are monitored and supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation, as well as officials from the Department of Basic Education at District level. The officials ensure the participation of the supported schools in school league programme and the specific codes of sport. The report with the analysis is currently being drafted by the Department of Sport and Recreation.
29 July 2015 - NW2256
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Labour
Whether (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to her has paid out the remainder of any employee’s contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract since the 2008-09 financial year up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) what amount has (aa) her department and (bb) entities reporting to her spent on each such payout, (ii) to whom were these payouts made and (iii) what were the reasons for the early termination of the contracts in each specified case?
Reply:
The Department of Labour and entities are governed by laid down procedures, policies and legislations in managing employer and employee relations. Further more, monies paid out for any reason are reflecting in Annual Reports which Honourable member has access to.
29 July 2015 - NW2404
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)In respect of each province and district, (a) how many Grade 10 learners and (b) what percentage of Grade 10 learners in public ordinary schools are (i) enrolled to study Mathematics for the 2015 academic year and (ii) targeted to be studying Mathematics in the (aa) 2015, (bb) 2016 and (cc) 2020 academic years; (2) in respect of each province and district, (a) how many Grade 11 learners and (b) what percentage of Grade 10 learners in public ordinary schools are (i) enrolled to study Mathematics for the 2015 academic year and (ii) targeted to be studying Mathematics in the (aa) 2015, (bb) 2016 and (cc) 2020 academic years?
Reply:
The dataset for 2015 is not available yet for both LURITS and Annual School Survey.
- The Annual School Survey dataset will be available in February 2016.
- All learners and educators will be uploaded on LURITS by 30 September 2015.
29 July 2015 - NW2215
Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Labour
What is preventing the medical aid portion of the Compensation Fund from being privatised or operated by a private medical aid administrator, such as Medscheme, Discovery Health or Old Mutual?
Reply:
The Portfolio Committee on Labour was briefed by the Department of Labour through the Director General where the Department of Labour presented its plan and programmes to turn the Fund around. Also SCOPA was briefed on the same work plan approximately in the Month of June 2015. At this stage there are no intentions to privatise the medical aid portion.
29 July 2015 - NW2130
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With reference to the expenditure on payments of the National Teacher Awards ceremony for 2014-15, (a) what total amount was spent on this event, (b) how was this amount made up, (c) what is the amount overspent on the event, (d) what is the reason for the over-expenditure and (e) who authorised the over-expenditure?
Reply:
(a) R22.2 million
(b) The amount of R22.2 million was spent on the following:
- 2014 Build-up process costs (transportation, accommodation, adjudication training, provincial ceremonies,
- The 15th Annual NTA event: Transportation, Printing and Distribution costs, accommodation, prizes, audio-visual, catering and related event costs.
- Corporate gifts for the national event;
- Sign language interpreters for the national event;
- Television production for the national event; and
- Advocacy for the national event and travel agency and professional conference organiser fees.
(c) Over-expenditure amounted to R6 488 396,57
(d) The overspending on this programme is due to the fact that the NTAs expenditure was higher than the available funds for the period under review. The NTA has been earmarked as a critical instrument for the acknowledgement and advocacy attached to the strategic priority to support the professionalisation of teachers at all levels, across the curriculum, and focuses on the inclusion of all learners and teachers within the sector. The 15th Annual NTA was utilised to elevate and celebrate all teachers across the country that serve South Africa.
(e) The R6 488 396.57 over-expenditure was approved by the Acting Director-General of the Department of Basic Education after all due procedures for approval had been followed in order to ensure that the objectives of the NTA were met.
29 July 2015 - NW2446
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) When will her department’s 1 000 Libraries Campaign start, (b) until when will the specified campaign run, (c) what is the total cost of the specified campaign, (d) how will schools be prioritised, (e) which schools have been identified for the specified campaign and (f) how will these libraries be resourced with (i) books and (ii) staff?
Reply:
(a) The Department of Basic Education’s 1000 Libraries campaign started at the beginning of the current financial year.
(b) The campaign targets 1000 schools in 2019 and there will be at least 1000 additional libraries every year until 2019.
(c) The total cost of the campaign has not been determined yet.
(d) Because it is starting phase, softer criteria were used for 2015. The criteria that were used for the selection of the schools are as follows:
- There must be an existing structure;
- The structure must have minimal resources;
- The structure must be located within a functioning-school environment; and
However, the aim is to reach all schools which have no libraries.
(e) A total of 1 000 schools have been identified across the nine provinces.
(f) (i)Normal procurement procedures will be used and, in addition, donations will be received.
(ii)The Department of Basic Education is partnering with the ETDP SETA to place assistant school librarians in the identified schools. Staffing is going to be a major challenge.
29 July 2015 - NW2346
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)With reference to her call for written submissions on the draft amendment regulations in terms of the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996, pertaining to the national curriculum statement grades R to12, and specifically, the proposed insertion into the regulations of sub-regulation 4A(iD), requiring that mathematics be a compulsory subject choice in the event that any of the listed subjects are selected for study, (a) from whom was comment on this proposal received and (b) what was the content of the comment; (2) whether she has made a decision in respect of the proposal; if not, (a) why not and (b) what action will she now take with regard to this proposal; if so, (i) what decision has been taken, (ii) why was the decision taken and (iii) when will it be (aa) gazetted and (bb) implemented?
Reply:
1 (a) 38 individual responses and 1 (one) group submitted proposals in this regard.
|
2. Mr T Botha: Administrator: Life Sciences Member List |
3. M Tekere: Geography teacher |
4. Ms L Kroll: Brainline |
5. P Esterhuysen, HOD Wykeham College |
6. Ms L Rodwell: Holy Rosary School |
7. N Simamane: Geography teacher |
8. Mr KB Mbatha: Dwaleni High School |
9. Ms M Mokoka: Limpopo Education Dept |
10. Mr A Nxele: Eastern Cape Education Dept |
11.Mehmoodbhge |
12.Ms U Pillay: Geography teacher |
13 CT: Ndwandwe |
14. VT Miya: Amaphisi High School |
15. Ms I Grimsell: St Dominic’s College |
16. Ms E Haffajee: Maritzburg Muslim School for Girls |
17. V Govender: Mountview Secondary School |
18. Mr Provost: Pinelands High School |
19. P Oosthuysen: Holy Rosary School |
20. J Lucas: Holy Rosary School |
21. B Blampied: Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School |
22. JC Steimann: John Vorster Technical School |
23. Ms S Wiese: GED |
24. K Clover: Cedar House School |
25. T du Plessis: Milnerton High School |
26. A Davey: St Patrick’s College |
27. M Smith: St Andrew’s College |
28. Mr G Keats, Moderator for Geography |
29. Mr B Hughes: Bridge House School |
30. Ms J Brown Beaulieue: College: |
31. Mr DA Collins: Teacher |
32. Dr A Crowe: Lecturer at UCT |
33. HL Janse van Rensburg: False Bay High School |
34. Ms N Masurei: Pinelands High School |
35. Ms M Blignaut: St Catherine’s |
36. Ms S Webber: DSG School |
37. Mr C Nowlan: Weston Agricultural College 38. Ms Anne Oberholzer: Independent Examinations Board 39. A group of Geography teachers in the Limpopo Province, comprising of 131 individuals. |
1(b) Responses to the Government Gazette were as follows:
31 respondents are not in favour of the proposal, especially the coupling of Mathematics with Economics (2 respondents), Geography (24 respondents) and Life Sciences (7 respondents). Seven (7) respondents are in favour of coupling of Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Sciences; one (1) is in favour of coupling Mathematics with Physical Sciences only. One (1) respondent was in favour of the proposal of coupling Mathematics with all the listed subjects.
2. Not yet.
(a) The Minister is still considering the proposals and hence no decision has been taken yet.
(b) The proposals have been taken to relevant structures such as Heads of Education Committee for discussions and will then be considered by the Council of Education Ministers (CEM).
(i) No decision has been taken.
(ii) No decision has been taken yet.
(iii) (aa) The Minister will, after consultation with the Council of Education Ministers, pronounce the decision.
(bb) The amendments will be implemented in the month of January following the year of approval.
28 July 2015 - NW2470
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)With regard to the letter from a certain person (name and details furnished) from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council (EMMC) dated 3 September 2012 requesting condonation of irregular expenditure to the value of R819 million (details furnished) and National Treasury’s response (details furnished), why was the National Treasury not aware or made aware of (a) all the irregular expenditure in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years, (b) bids above R10 million under appeal and (c) bids above R10 million under investigation, in total over R7,2 billion (details furnished); (2) did the application for condonement by the specified city manager give a full picture of the irregular expenditure in the municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the National Treasury intends to take any relevant action (a) prescribed by applicable legislation in respect of this matter in general and (b) against the specified person (name and details furnished) of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether the National Treasury will conduct a forensic audit of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council’s (EMMC) finances; if not, why not; if so, when will the forensic audit commence?
Reply:
(a) Section 62(1)(d) of the Municipal Finance Management (MFMA) provides that the Accounting Officer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure or other losses are prevented. Furthermore section 125(2)(d) of the MFMA requires that the notes to the annual financial statements must include particulars of any material losses or any material irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure, including in the case of a municipality, any material unauthorized expenditure that occurred during the financial year and whether these are recoverable.
From the above it is clear that the legislation places the obligation to make public and disclose particulars of any irregular expenditure incurred, including taking steps to prevent such expenditure from being incurred, on the Accounting Officer. Moreover, the legal principle underpinning the MFMA is that the Accounting Officer and Council are responsible for implementation of the MFMA and to ensure appropriate corrective measures are taken.
b) The Honorable member to note that section 62 of the Municipal Systems Act sets out the process to be followed when aggrieved persons are dissatisfied with decisions taken by a municipality. The process provides for appeals to be dealt with by the municipality within its internal governance structures. There is no requirement in section 62 for decisions with regard to the outcomes of appeals to be reported to the National Treasury. Information in this regard is therefore only available at institutional level and therefore National Treasury was not made aware of the extent of the appeals.
c) With regards to supply chain management disputes or objections, regulations 49 and 50 of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations provide the procedure to be followed. The regulations provide that such disputes be first investigated internally by the municipality before it escalates the matter to the provincial or national treasury. It is therefore clear that the National Treasury will not be aware of supply chain management disputes unless a municipality or the relevant treasury was unable to resolve the matter through its internal processes. The details of such information will be available at institutional level.
(2) Correspondence was received from the City Manager dated 3 September 2012. However, this only provided information of irregular expenditure relating to the request for condonement. As mentioned earlier, the detailed information on all irregular expenditure is maintained within the municipality and in this instance was not shared with National Treasury.
(3) (a) Section 32(2) of the MFMA provides that the Municipal Council must recover all irregular expenditure incurred unless the municipal council has, after an investigation by a council committee, certified the expenditure as irrecoverable and has written it off. It is therefore clear that legislatively, the municipal council is the only appropriate structure who should take action in relation to the irregular expenditure that has been incurred. Information in this regard is therefore best obtained from the municipality concerned.
(b) Section 171 of the MFMA defines when an accounting officer of a municipality commits an act of financial misconduct. To further support the implementation of this section and chapter 15 as a whole, the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings (“Financial Misconduct Regulations”) was promulgated on 31 May 2014 which sets out processes to be followed by municipalities in dealing with allegations of financial misconduct. The regulations provide that as a start, allegations has to be dealt with by the municipal council through its internal established structures that deals with disciplinary matters. This relevant matter will therefore be referred to the Executive Mayor of this specific municipality for his further handling consistent with the provisions of the Financial Misconduct Regulations.
(4) The National Treasury will not be conducting any forensic audit at the municipality at this stage as the information at hand indicate that the Office of the Public Protector is in the process of conducting an investigation at the municipality. The National Treasury will await the outcome thereof.
28 July 2015 - NW2262
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether (a) his department and (b) any entities reporting to him has paid out the remainder of any employee's contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract since the 2008-09 financial year up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (i) what amount
Reply:
Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
- Yes
(aa)(i) Amount |
(aa)(ii) Person |
(aa)(iii) Reason |
R2 443 574.83 |
Ms Lindiwe Gail Msengana-Ndlela |
Re-determination of term of office |
The CRL Rights Commission
(bb)(i) Amount |
(bb)(ii) Person |
(bb)(iii) Reason |
R 1 397 711.20 |
Adv. Moreroa (former CEO) |
Based on certain complaints received by the Commission, the Commission initiated an internal investigation into such complaints. During the course of the investigation, the CEO reached an agreement with the Commission to terminate his services and therefore the investigation was suspended. |
The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB)
- Yes
(bb)(i) Amount |
(bb)(ii) Person |
(bb)(iii) Reason |
R385 683.00 |
Clayton Sebastiaan Swart |
During January and February 2014, the former Chief Executive Officer made offers of employment to three candidates, although the Board had taken a decision that the three candidates should not be appointed. The Board overturned the decision of the former Chief Executive Officer that the employment offers be retracted and invalidated. The three candidates took the matter to court, after which the matter was settled out of court. |
R192 827.00 |
Thandokuhle Ignatias Ngoza |
|
R143 717.00 |
Tsholanang Sinatra Polori |
|
R1 691 622.00 |
Gabusile Caroline Gumbi-Masilela |
The former Chief Executive Officer was suspended by the previous Board on 12 February 2014, pending an investigation. In March 2014, the new Board and the former Chief Executive Officer reached an out of court agreement resulting in the termination of the employment contract. |
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
The South African Local Government Association has not paid out the remainder of any employee's contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract since the 2008-09 financial year up to the latest specified date.
The South African Cities Network (SACN)
The South African Cities Network has not paid out the remainder of any employee's contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract since the 2008-09 financial year up to the latest specified date.
28 July 2015 - NW2396
Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether, since his reply to question 2029 on 17 November 2014, the information requested is now readily available within his department and will be provided; (2) (a) what is the (i) status and (ii) findings of the investigation and (b) what engagement has his department had with Vrede District Municipality in the Free State? NW2761E
Reply:
(1) Yes, the Department has received the information from the Phumelela Local Municipality.
(2) (a) (i) &(ii) According to the information received, the municipality did not utilize its budget in respect of the farm Krynauwslust in the Vrede district of the Free State; hence, no irregularities were reported (b) In the context of the preceding question, the Department did not engage with the Vrede District Municipality. Instead, the Department exchanged correspondence with the Phumelela Local Municipality on this matter
28 July 2015 - NW2482
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) How many recommendations of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities have not been acted upon by the relevant organ of state since 1 January 2009; (2) in respect of each case, (a) what was the recommendation not acted upon, (b) why was the recommendation not acted upon and (c) who is responsible for the inaction; (3) how many legal cases has the Commission embarked upon or become involved in either as a party to the case, or as an amicus curiae, as a result of the non-implementation of its recommendations since I January 2009; (4) in respect of each specified case, (a) who were the parties to the case, (b) what was the recommendation not acted upon and (c) what was the outcome of the case? NW2851E
Reply:
ATTACHED FIND HERE: Reply
28 July 2015 - NW2438
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What amount did (a) his department and (b) each entity reporting to him spend on advertising in (i) Sowetan and (ii) Daily Sun in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
(a)(b)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(cc)
The Departments:
The Sowetan |
||
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
111,444 .27 |
176,592.50 |
239,974.07 |
The Daily Sun |
||
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
- |
- |
38,136.42 |
The Entities:
The South African Cities Network (SACN)
The SACN did not spend any amount on advertising in Sowetan and Daily Sun in the 2012 /13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial year.
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
The Sowetan |
Total |
||
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
|
- |
R50, 940,90 |
R73, 051,20 |
R123,992,10 |
The Daily Sun |
|||
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
|
- |
- |
- |
Municipal Demarcation Board
The Sowetan |
Total |
||
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
|
R267,471,36 |
- |
R30,834,70 |
R298 306,06 |
The Daily Sun |
|||
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
|
R380,933,25 |
R298,981,26 |
- |
R679 851,54 |
28 July 2015 - NW2210
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether the Government has committed funds over the medium term to establish any new town or city as a result of any new set of compelling economic reasons; if not, why not; if so, (a) what was the rationale for doing so, (b) where is this new town or city to be located, (c) what information was shared with Parliament to get its input on the advisability of establishing such a new town or city, (d) what costs will the Government have to carry over the medium term and (e) when did the Cabinet have the opportunity to study the feasibility report and accept the desirability to proceed with the establishment of such a town or city?
Reply:
Government has not taken any decision to establish new cities, and thus no funds have been set aside for this purpose. It should also be noted that development of cities can evolve from small towns or urban nodes that grow as a result of increased economic activities and population growth. Examples of such areas include towns such as Lephalale, which is growing rapidly due to increased economic activities and public infrastructure investments in the area. Furthermore, the location, desirability and growth of such areas are informed by municipalities’ Spatial Development Frameworks. It is, therefore, the responsibility of municipalities to approve such developments. However, as new and substantial economic hubs develop in new towns and cities, government will assist these municipalities to acquire appropriate planning and other technical capability to manage these new challenges and opportunities.
28 July 2015 - NW2448
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour
Whether she has found that the lack of work placements is due to the delays by employers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what ways are employers responsible for the delay in work placements?
Reply:
No. the law has only been in place for few months hence cannot make a realistic analysis of what the real cause of the delays are at this stage.
28 July 2015 - NW2219
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Communications:
Whether the Government will request the SA Broadcasting Corporation to precede one or more of its evening broadcasts in an indigenous language with a five minute vocabulary introduction in English, so as to enable listeners who wish to learn that indigenous language to prepare themselves with the necessary vocabulary to follow the news and thus begin to learn that language; if not, why not; if so, what steps will she take in this regard? NW2576E
Reply:
If news were required to give up five minutes of the bulletin, the SABC will hardly be left with enough time to do the stories that are already limited.
The SABC Television and SABC Education are already providing an invaluable service as per its mandate and the ICASA license conditions
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: 24/07/15
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
ATTACHED FIND HERE: QUESTION NUMBER 2305 OF 2015
28 July 2015 - NW2360
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)What is the breakdown with regard to the current price per liter of (a) petrol and (b) diesel in terms of the (i) cost of petrol or diesel, (ii) fuel levy, (iii) tax and (iv) any other items; (2) what amount has been collected by National Treasury through fuel levy (a) in the (i) 2011 12, (ii) 2012 13, (iii) 2013 14 and (iv) 2014 15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015; (3) whether any amount is ring-fenced for the maintenance of roads; if so, what amount has been spent on maintaining roads (a) in the (i) 2011 12, (ii) 2012 13, (iii) 2013 14 and (iv) 2014 15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015?
Reply:
The Honourable Member should note that the Department of Energy is responsible for administering the petrol and diesel prices, and also for determining the basic fuel price (BFP). The Minister of Finance is only responsible for setting the levies and any taxes on petrol and diesel. However, to make it easy for the Honourable Member, I will draw from the website of the Department of Energy (http://www.energy.gov.za/files/petroleum_frame.html) to assist in providing a comprehensive response to the question. The starting point in arriving at the domestic wholesale retail selling price of petrol diesel in South Africa is the calculation of the basic fuel price (BFP), and I will draw on the website of the Department of Energy in response to questions 1(a) and (b) (i) (and (iv)), and then provide my own response to the questions on the tax and levies on petrol and diesel.
(1). (i) and (iv) The website of the Department of Energy states that the basic fuel price (BFP) attempts
“to represent the realistic, market-related costs of importing a substantial portion of South Africa's liquid fuels requirements, and it is therefore deemed that such supplies are sourced from overseas refining centres capable of meeting South Africa's requirements in terms of both product quality and sustained supply considerations.
The petrol price in South Africa is therefore directly linked to the price of petrol quoted in US dollars at refined petroleum export orientated refining centres in the Mediterranean area, the Arab Gulf and Singapore. This means that the domestic prices of fuels are influenced by (a) international crude oil prices, (b) international supply and demand balances for petroleum products and (c) the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate”.
The website goes on to note that there are both international and domestic influences that are added to the BFP to arrive at the final pump prices in the different fuel pricing zones (magisterial district zones). The domestic influences include inland transport costs, wholesale margin, retail profit-margin, the slate levy, and various taxes / levies as listed below. It should be noted that diesel prices are regulated only up to the wholesale level; so the retail price of diesel is not regulated.
(ii), and (iii) Levies on fuels and taxes
The following levies and taxes that apply to liquid fuels in South Africa are provided below:
Table 1: Levy, tax and additional items on PETROL AND DIESEL
Levy |
Date first imposed |
Amount of levy Fiscal year 2015/16 |
Objective of the levy |
General fuel levy |
Early 1980s; Customs and Excise Act, No.91 of 1964 Introduced for the first time around April 1983 |
255 cent per litre on petrol and 240 cent per litre on diesel |
Revenue (net of the refunds) go to the National Revenue Fund, from which they are appropriated to fund government’s general expenditure programmes, including the construction and maintenance of roads and support of public transport. Refer to the annual Budget Review for more information for any specific fiscal year. . Since the abolishment of RSC levies, about one third of the revenue is shared with metropolitan municipalities. |
Customs and excise levy |
1994; Customs and Excise Act, No.91 of 1964 Introduced in April 1983 |
4 cents per litre on petrol, diesel and biodiesel. The 4 cents per litre has been fixed since the 1990s. |
Included in the Southern African Custom Union (SACU) pool and shared amongst the SACU member countries. |
Road accident fund levy |
Road Accident Fund Act, No.56 of 1996 Introduced in May 1997 |
154 cents per litre on petrol, diesel and biodiesel |
Provides cover for all road users against injuries sustained or death arising from accidents involving motor vehicles. |
Equalisation fund levy |
Central Energy Fund Act, No. 38 of 1977; Introduced in January 1979 |
Zero cents per litre on both diesel and petrol since 1996 |
The fund was in the past primarily used to smooth out monthly fluctuations in the price of liquid fuels. This was an attempt to try and limit the impact of volatile international crude oil prices and fluctuations in the Rand / US $ exchange rate on fuel prices. This effort has not been very successful and was ceased about 5 years ago. |
Demand Side Management Levy |
The Central Energy Fund Act, No. 38 of 1977; Introduced in January 2006 |
10 cents per litre on 95 Octane petrol in inland areas |
Most vehicles in the inland market do not require 95 ULP. In an effort to limit the demand for 95 ULP in the inland area to prevent "octane wastage" and to ensure sufficient supply for motorist who really need it the DSM levy was introduced. |
Petroleum Pipelines Levy |
The Petroleum Pipelines Levies Act, No. 28 of 2004 Introduced in March 2007 |
0.15 cents per litre - NERSA |
To meet the general administrative and other costs for the functions performed by the Petroleum Pipelines Regulatory Authority. |
Slate Levy |
The Central Energy Act, No.38 of 1977 Introduced in January 2009 |
Fluctuates |
To finance the balance in the Slate account when the Slate is in a negative balance. If the daily Basic Fuel Price (BFP) is higher than the BFP in the fuel price structure, a unit under recovery is realised otherwise there is an over recovery for the oil companies. |
IP tracer dye levy |
Central Energy Fund Act, No. 38 of 1977. Introduced in August 1999 |
0.01 cents per litre |
To curtail the unlawful mixing of diesel and illuminating paraffin, an illuminating paraffin tracer dye is injected into illuminating paraffin. An illuminating paraffin tracer dye levy was introduced into the price structures of diesel to finance expenses related thereto. |
The Table below indicates how the pump price for petrol, and the wholesale price for diesel, is determined for an inland province like Gauteng.
Table 2: Composition of levy, tax and additional items in Gauteng
COMPOSITION OF THE RETAIL PRICE OF PETROL AND THE WHOLESALE PRICES FOR DIESEL IN GAUTENG FOR June 2015 |
||
|
||
GAUTENG FUEL PRICES |
Petrol 93 ULP |
Diesel * 0.05% S |
|
c/l |
c/l |
Basic fuel price (BFP) |
644.65 |
638.63 |
Wholesale margin |
33.50 |
64.70 |
Service cost recoveries |
30.00 |
30.00 |
Dealers margin (*) |
151.10 |
N/A |
Zone differential in Gauteng |
35.30 |
35.30 |
Fuel levy |
255.00 |
240.00 |
RAF levy |
154.00 |
154.00 |
Customs & excise duty |
4.00 |
4.00 |
IP Tracer levy |
N/A |
0.01 |
Slate levy |
0 |
0 |
Petroleum Pipelines Levy |
0.15 |
0.15 |
Rounding |
0.3 |
|
Retail price |
1 308.00 |
|
Wholesale price |
|
1 166.79 |
(2) Fuel levy revenue
The money received from the fuel levy is recorded in the relevant audited financial statements every year, and included in the appropriate Budget Review, all made available to Parliament and the public. The figures below are drawn from annual Budget Reviews.
Table 3: Revenue from the General Fuel Levy and RAF
R million |
General Fuel Levy (net)* |
Road Accident Fund Levy |
2011/12 (audited) |
36 589.07 |
16 628.02 |
2012/13 (audited) |
40 320.20 |
17 621.42 |
2013/14 (audited) |
43 684.65 |
19 961.98 |
2014/15 (estimate) |
48 466.52 |
22 038.71 |
* Net of diesel refunds |
||
Source: Budget Review Table 4: Initial estimate of revenue collected since 1 April 2015 to 31 May 2015 |
||
2015/16# |
8 602.88 |
4 364.56 |
Revenue from 1 April 2015 to May 2015 |
||
Source: Statement of the National Revenue, Expenditure and Borrowing as at 31 May 2015 issued by the DG: National Treasury |
(3) No, as noted in the Budget Review and other budget documents every year, there is no money received from the fuel levy that is ring-fenced for the maintenance of roads. The building and maintenance of roads is done by departments or agencies in all three spheres of government, and is appropriated in national and provincial laws and municipal budgets. The amounts spent directly by the national government on the maintenance of roads are appropriated from the National Revenue Fund, and the budget information is provided below. A national entity like SANRAL also funds maintenance of certain roads, using budgetary funds and revenue it may collect. The actual funds spent per year on the maintenance of roads requires the Honourable Member to consider the budgets and annual reports of all organs of state involved with road funding in all three spheres of government.
It should also be noted that in 2014/15 R10.19 billion of the net revenue from the general fuel levy was allocated to the eight metropolitan municipalities as a part of a revenue sharing arrangement.
Money from the Road Accident Fund levy is ring-fenced and used by the Road Accident Fund to compensate victims of vehicle accidents for injuries sustained as a result of such accidents. The Road Accident Fund Levy is thus a form of a personal injuries insurance policy. Further information is available from its annual reports.
The tables below are from the 2015 Budget document Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) and provide an overview of the funds allocated to the National Department of Transport.
Vote 37: National Department of Transport |
|||
Subprogramme: R million |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
Administration |
382.90 |
399.80 |
423.50 |
Integrated Transport Planning |
81.20 |
84.30 |
89.10 |
Rail Transport |
15 034.60 |
18 362.00 |
19 389.60 |
Road Transport |
21 645.30 |
22 852.10 |
23 876.20 |
Civil Aviation |
148.30 |
154.00 |
162.70 |
Maritime Transport |
110.60 |
115.40 |
121.80 |
Public Transport |
11 323.80 |
11 846.40 |
12 779.10 |
TOTAL |
48 726.70 |
53 814.00 |
56 842.00 |
Vote 37: National Department of Transport |
|||
Subprogramme: % |
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
Administration |
0.8% |
0.7% |
0.7% |
Integrated Transport Planning |
0.2% |
0.2% |
0.2% |
Rail Transport |
30.9% |
34.1% |
34.1% |
Road Transport |
44.4% |
42.5% |
42.0% |
Civil Aviation |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
Maritime Transport |
0.2% |
0.2% |
0.2% |
Public Transport |
23.2% |
22.0% |
22.5% |
TOTAL |
100% |
100% |
100% |
28 July 2015 - NW2296
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)With reference to the consolidated report on the audit outcomes of local government for the 2013-14 financial year, what are the names of the 12 auditees where management did not investigate all incidents of possible fraud or improper conduct in supply chain management processes in the 2012-13 financial year as recommended by the Auditor-General; (2) (a) how many findings were reported for each of the 12 auditees and (b) why were all of the findings not investigated, in each case? NW2657E
Reply:
The department is currently gathering the information required to respond to this question as it is not information that is readily available. After the details of the 12 auditees referred to in the General report have been received from the Auditor General, each of these municipalities will be requested to provide the details of the cases that constituted the total of the irregular expenditure in question in order to respond to part two of the question.
The response will be provided as soon as possible after this information is made available.
28 July 2015 - NW2528
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to the tour undertaken by the Cuban Five to South Africa, what amount did her department spend on (a) accommodation, (b) flights, (c) meals, (d) in-country transport and (e) entertainment for the five men and their family?
Reply:
R0
28 July 2015 - NW2462
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) Whether he is aware that a certain official (Mr K Ngema) from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality wrote to the bid adjudication committee (BAC) (BB7 Attached)requesting that they use a new form to change their operating procedures in order to ensure that all tenders above R10 million be forwarded to the specified person; (2) Whether he is aware that the specified official requested that the new procedure be applied retrospectively to three tenders that have already been adjudicated by the bid adjudication committee; if so, what is his position in this regard? NW2830E
Reply:
I am not aware of these assertions, nor, have not investigated this matter and therefore, I have not established any facts surrounding this matter.
I intend writing to the MEC responsible for Local Government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission and investigation into the matter.
28 July 2015 - NW1330
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What discussions (i) have been or (ii) are being held with her department regarding the long-standing debts owed to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa for broadcast licensing fees by (aa) the SA Police Service and (bb) the SA National Defence Force, (b) when were these meetings held, (c) what was the purpose of the meetings and (d) what was the outcome, in each case?
Reply:
(a) The SAPS and SANDF are not holders of Broadcasting Licences.
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
28 July 2015 - NW2464
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether he is aware that a certain person (Mr K Ngema) sent letters (details furnished BB29) to the members of the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC); (2)Why did the specified person compel BAC members to give a line of evidence that contradicts the minutes of the BAC meeting on 18 April 2011 and the appointment letter of Lesira Teq PTY LTD (details furnished BB28); (3)What is his position on this course of action by the specified person? NW2832E
Reply:
I am not aware of these assertions.
I intend writing to the MEC responsible for Local Government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4) (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
I will await the outcome of the investigation to determine whether or not there are findings that will enable me to provide specific responses in respect of sub-questions (1),(2) and (3).
28 July 2015 - NW2483
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)In each (a) metropolitan, (b) local and (c) district municipality, what is the total amount currently owed for rates and service charges by municipal councillors and/or traditional leaders serving on municipal councils which is over 90 days; (2) in respect of each case, (a) who is the councillor or traditional leader involved, (b) what is the amount owed and (c) has a repayment agreement been reached with the councillor and/or traditional leader; if so, when will the amount be repaid in full; (3) whether any action has been taken against such councillors and/or traditional leaders in terms of section 13 and 14 of the Code of Conduct for Municipal Councillors; if not, why not; if so, (a) who is the councillor and/or traditional leader involved and (b) what action has been taken; (4) whether his department will take any action against the (a) municipality, (b) speaker of the municipal council and (c) municipal council in cases where no action has been taken in this regard?
Reply:
The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available within the Department. We have, however, requested all the Provinces to provide this information.
The Honourable Member will be provided with the requested information as soon as it is submitted to us.
28 July 2015 - NW2349
Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
What is the present monitoring and evaluation capability within her department?
Reply:
The monitoring and evaluation component of the Department is currently at a level of a Sub-directorate, and consists of a Deputy Director and an Assistant Director. A process currently is underway with DPSA to review the organisational structure.
28 July 2015 - NW2418
Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Finance
What amount did (a) the National Treasury and (b) each entity reporting to it spend on advertising in (i) The Sowetan and (ii) The Daily Sun in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
NATIONAL TREASURY
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 58 945.10 |
R 60 760.00 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 131 131.69 |
R 31 640.00 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 183 605.28 |
R 0.00 |
FINANCIAL SERVICES BOARD
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 18 148.80 |
R 24 519.39 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 18 148.80 |
--- |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 53 286.74 |
--- |
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 64 022.40 |
R 87 723.00 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
GOVERNMENT PENSIONS ADMINISTRATION AGENCY
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 726 707.52 |
R 812 130.97 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 598 581.50 |
R 705 080.88 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 462 578.27 |
R 362 853.79 |
INDEPENDENT REGULATORY BOARD FOR AUDITORS
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 20 174.00 |
R 0.00 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 53 904.90 |
R 0.00 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 0.00 |
LAND BANK
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 47 174.02 |
R 0.00 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 107 963.33 |
R 0.00 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 149 736.10 |
R 0.00 |
PENSION FUNDS ADJUDICATOR
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 8 166.96 |
R 0.00 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 80 028.00 |
R 421 956.70 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 0.00 |
R 116 520.77 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 648 226.80 |
R 62 996.40 |
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICES
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 892, 611.88 |
R 651, 197.07 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 794, 341.85 |
R 452, 260.17 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 1, 405, 492.00 |
R 827, 689.12 |
SASRIA
Financial year |
|
|
(aa) 2012-13 |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
R 0.00 |
R 0.00 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
R 33 744.00 |
R 0.00 |
Other entities have not spent any funds on advertising in Sowetan and The Daily Sun during the financial years in question.
28 July 2015 - NW2467
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether he is aware that a certain person (EMMC) refused to call a council meeting in order to deliberate over the alleged financial irregularities (details furnished BB40 and BB41), which contravened a council resolution and certain statutory provisions (details furnished BB39); if so, what action is he taking against the specified person for failing to adhere to the law?
Reply:
I am not aware to these assertions.
I intend writing to the MEC responsible for Local Government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission and investigation into the matter.
I will await the outcome of the investigation to determine whether or not there are findings that will enable me to provide a response to this question.
28 July 2015 - NW2432
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Labour
What amount did (a) her department and (b) each entity reporting to her spend on advertising in (i) Sowetan and (ii) Daily Sun in the (aa) 2012-13, (bb) 2013-14 and (cc) 2014-15 financial years?
Reply:
The Department spent as per below breakdown:
|
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
2014-2015 |
(i)SOWETAN |
R560 159.87 |
R585 060.78 |
R271 368.72 |
(ii)DAILY SUN |
R777 265.50 |
R789 273.05 |
R699 177.80 |
ENTITIES:
(b) ENTITIES REPORTING TO THE MINISTER (i) (Sowetan) |
(aa) 2012-13 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
NEDLAC |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
UIF |
n/a |
R148,243.32 |
R371,229.60 |
CF |
R291, 012.20 |
R624, 552.22 |
R66, 983.43 |
PSA |
n/a |
R76, 799.52 |
R254, 177.02 |
CCMA |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
(b) ENTITIES REPORTING TO THE MINISTER (ii) (Daily Sun ) |
(aa) 2012-13 |
(bb) 2013-14 |
(cc) 2014-15 |
NEDLAC |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
UIF |
n/a |
R29,930.47 |
n/a |
CF |
R174, 911.80 |
R298, 344.39 |
n/a |
PSA |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
CCMA |
n/a |
n/a |
*R 39, 979.80 |
# PSA – payment made to Times Media with adverts in Sowetan and Sunday times.
Compensation Fund – Sowetan Live – 2013/14 = R100, 000.00.
28 July 2015 - NW2468
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether he is aware that certain persons holding executive positions at the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council (details furnished: a. Executive Mayor, b. Speaker of Council, MMC Finance and the d. Chief Whip), all received a letter (details furnished BB39) stipulating the financial mismanagement at the specified Metro; if so, what action did each of the above person take with regard to all the allegations in the letter; (2)What is his position with regard to the action taken in respect of each case; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2836E
Reply:
(1)No, as stated in my response to PQ2015/2467, I have not investigated the matter and therefore am not aware of the details pertaining the matter.
(2)I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
28 July 2015 - NW2459
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, with reference to the employment contract of Mr K Ngema he has established that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council (EMMC) was misled by the A-CORP (19-2012) report (details furnished) where it is stated that the duration of the specified person’s contract is from 17 August 2009 to 16 August 2014; if not, how was the EMMC allowed to contravene (a) its own resolution (details furnished), (b) the appointment periods stated in the amended Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, (c) the SA Local Government Association circular 14/2012 (details furnished) and (d) a judgment by the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in case 5238/12 (details furnished); if so, (i) what action does he intend taking and (ii) who wrote the confidential report?
Reply:
I am not aware to these assertions.
I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4) (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
According to Section 106 (4)(b)of the Municipal Systems Act, the MEC must table a report in the relevant provincial legislature, detailing within 90 days from the date of my request to him, to conduct the investigation. The MEC is required to simultaneously send a report to me, the Minister of Finance, and the NCOP.
I will await the outcome of the investigation to determine whether or not there are findings that enable me to provide specific responses in respect of sub-questions (a)(b)(c)(d) and (i)(ii).
28 July 2015 - NW2387
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Police
(1)How many operational members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) did not have a driving licence (a) in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13, (v) 2013-14 and (vi) 2014-15 financial years and (b) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; (2) how many of the specified members of SAPS have since acquired a driving licence in the case of each financial year or period; (3) how many of the operational SAPS members with driving licences have a licence to drive an official vehicle?
Reply:
The information is not readily available and must be obtained from the provinces. A request is hereby made for an extension in order for us to provide quality and correct information as soon as it is received.
28 July 2015 - NW2484
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether there was an audit committee in place in each (a) metropolitan municipality and (b) municipality that received a disclaimer or adverse audit opinion for the 2013-14 financial year; if not, why not; if so, (i) what are the qualifications and relevant experience of each member of each audit committee and (ii) how many times did the specified committee meet in the 2013-14 financial year; (2) were any reports from each specified committee tabled and considered in each relevant municipal council; if not, why not?
Reply:
The question asked by Honourable member, Mr K J Mileham, must be directed to National Treasury, as it is the competent authority to provide the information requested. National Treasury monitors Audit Committees in terms of sec 166 of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
28 July 2015 - NW2465
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether he is aware that a certain person (Mr K Ngema) made applications to the National Treasury on 3 September 2012 (details furnished BB9) requesting condonation of irregular expenditure to the value of R819 million and of National Treasury approval (details furnishedBB13), while bids above R10 million that did not go out to tender in the specified period totaled over R7.2 billion (details furnishedBB10,BB11, BB12); (2)whether he intends to take any action in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2833E
Reply:
(1) No, as ststed in my response to PQ2015/2464 I am not aware of these assertions.
(2) I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
28 July 2015 - NW2294
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)How many qualified and registered engineers are employed by each metropolitan municipality on a permanent basis? (2) What is the field of specialisation of each specified engineer in respect of civil engineering, electrical engineering and any other engineers employed; (3) (a) how many vacancies exist for qualified and registered engineers in each metropolitan municipality, (b) what is the job title of each vacancy and (c) since what date has each position been vacant; (4) Whether there are any criteria determining the number of engineers in each field to be employed by each type of municipality; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) where is this codified? NW2655E
Reply:
The following response is based on the information provided by Ekurhuleni, EThekwini, City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, City of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay and Mangaung Metropolitan municipalities. The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality did not meet the deadline for submission of responses. However, the municipality has been requested to respond accordingly. The information will be delivered to the Honourable Member as soon as it is received:
1)
Municipality |
Qualified and Registered engineers |
City of Johannesburg |
68 |
Ekurhuleni Metro |
170 |
City of Tshwane |
328 |
Mangaung |
10 |
City of Cape Town |
547 |
EThekwini |
55 |
Nelson Mandela Bay |
53 |
2)
Municipality |
Field of specialisation of each specified engineer in respect of civil engineering, electrical engineering and any other engineers employed |
|
Ekurhuleni |
Energy :71 Engineers Roads and storm water : 44 engineers Water and sanitation:55 engineers |
|
City of Tshwane |
74 Engineers/ Engineer Technologists
|
|
City of Johannesburg |
Freight Infrastructure Support. |
|
Mangaung |
8: Civil Engineering 2: Project Engineering |
|
City of Cape Town |
2: Chemical Engineers 134: Civil Engineers 11: Construction Engineers 2: Development Engineers 31: Electrical Engineers 208: Engineers I ii iii iv 12: Mechanical Engineers 2: Network Engineers: 2 145: Project Engineers |
|
EThekwini |
55: Civil Engineers Information on other engineers is outstanding. |
|
Nelson Mandela Bay |
53 Civil engineers |
3)
Municipality |
|
|
|
|
Ekurhuleni |
44 vacancies |
See attached |
See attached |
|
City of Tshwane |
96 vacancies |
|
|
|
City of Johannesburg |
16 vacancies |
|
||
Mangaung |
45 vacancies |
Job Title: Engineer in Training//Senior// First Engineer |
The majority of vacant posts are new posts on the MMM structure and have been created with effect from August 2012. |
|
City of Cape Town |
55 vacancies |
Senior Professional Officer: Tenders and |
05-May-15 |
|
Professional Officer |
30-Apr-15 |
|||
Principal Professional Officer |
21-Apr-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
21-Apr-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
21-Apr-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Apr-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Apr-15 |
|||
Waste Water Treatment Works Manager |
01-Apr-15 |
|||
Pump Station Manager |
05-Mar-15 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Mar-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Mar-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Feb-15 |
|||
Head: Asset Management Water |
01-Feb-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Feb-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
20-Jan-15 |
|||
Principal Professional Officer |
01-Jan-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer: Infra Man |
01-Jan-15 |
|||
Bulk Water Storage & Conveyance Specialist |
01-Jan-15 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Dec-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
25-Nov-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
25-Nov-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
25-Nov-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
25-Nov-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
18-Nov-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
18-Nov-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Nov-14 |
|||
Co-ordinator: Transmission System Developer |
01-Nov-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Nov-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Nov-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Nov-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Nov-14 |
|||
Head: Water Laboratory |
01-Oct-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Oct-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Aug-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Jul-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Jul-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Jul-14 |
|||
Head: Fleet Management |
01-Jun-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-May-14 |
|||
Head: Quantity Survey |
04-Apr-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
18-Mar-14 |
|||
Senior Professional Officer |
01-Mar-14 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Jan-14 |
|||
Head: Public Transport Survey & Analysis |
01-Dec-13 |
|||
District Manager: Waste Water Ops |
01-Sep-13 |
|||
Principal Professional Officer |
07-Aug-13 |
|||
Director: HS Planning & NHP Implementati |
01-Aug-13 |
|||
Principal Professional Officer |
01-Aug-13 |
|||
Chief Mechanical Design Engineer |
01-Jul-13 |
|||
Head: Integrated Waste Man Strat & Pol |
25-Jun-13 |
|||
Bulk Water Scheme Manager |
01-Feb-13 |
|||
Principal Professional Officer: IMS-DS |
01-Jan-13 |
|||
District Manager: Waste Water Ops |
01-Jan-13 |
|||
Professional Officer |
01-Oct-12 |
|||
Pump Station Manager |
01-Sep-12 |
|||
EThekwini |
69 vacancies |
Professional engineer |
31/05/2014 |
|
Professional engineer |
29/06/2011 |
|||
Professional engineer (chemical) |
01/07/2012 |
|||
Professional engineer (chemical) |
01/07/2012 |
|||
Professional engineer (chemical) |
01/07/2012 |
|||
Professional engineer (chemical) |
06/12/2010 |
|||
Professional engineer (electrical) |
02/05/2014 |
|||
Professional engineer (electronics) |
31/10/2014 |
|||
Professional engineer (mechanical) |
06/07/2014 |
|||
Senior professional engineer (civil) |
31/05/2012 |
|||
Senior professional engineer (civil) |
01/12/2014 |
|||
Information is outstanding |
||||
Nelson Mandela Bay |
16 vacancies |
16 technicians |
5 technicians: 2010 2 technicians: 2011 2 technicians: 2012 2 technicians: 2013 4 technicians: 2014 |
4)
Municipality |
Whether there are any criteria determining the number of engineers in each field to be employed by each type of municipality; if not, why not; if so, |
b) what are the relevant details and |
c) where is this codified |
City of Johannesburg |
Positions are determined in terms of the approved Organisational Structure and the service delivery requirements |
This is determined in terms of the approved Organisational Structure. |
This is determined in terms of the approved Organisational Structure. |
Ekurhuleni |
The number of engineers needed is determined in collaboration with the relevant Head of Department by means of a functional analysis and work study. |
||
City of Tshwane |
Service Infrastructure –Water and Sanitation , Transport Department and TRT |
The details are on approved structure of the department |
The details are on approved structure of the department |
Transport Department and TRT |
Organizational Structure |
Organizational Structure |
|
Mangaung |
Not provided |
Not aware of any criteria determining the number of engineers in each field. |
|
City of Cape Town |
Yes. Competency framework for local government occupational streams |
Knowledge, experience and qualifications |
Not provided |
EThekwini |
Yes |
ECSA and Water Services Act requirement |
ECSA and Water Services Act |
Nelson Mandela Bay |
Yes |
1 Professional engineer. 4 technologist and technicians |
ECSA and SAICE |
28 July 2015 - NW2469
Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether a certain person (Mr M Mlandu was dismissed by a certain person (name and details furnished BB48 Mr L Gumbi) at the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council (EMMC) following a council resolution; if not, why not; if so, what is the (a) number and (b) date of the council resolution; (2)was he informed of the specified dismissal as required by the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3)what is his position with regard to the action of the EMMC in this regard; if not, why not; if so, why?NW2837E
Reply:
(1)No, I have not investigated the matter and therefore am not aware of the details pertaining the matter.
(2)I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4) (a) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
(3) Falls off.
28 July 2015 - NW2461
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Whether he is aware that a certain person (Mr K Ngema) further delegated his powers (details furnished letters attached BB5 and BB6) by approving a requisition of a (Chief Financial Officer) and authorising the specified official to procure intelligent water meters from a contract of another organ of state; (2)Whether he is aware that the internal audit investigation found that the specified person’s unlawful delegation of his powers led to the forging of the specified documents and subsequent defrauding of (Madibeng Municipality); if not, why not; if so, what steps has he taken in this regard? NW2829E
Reply:
I am not aware of these assertions.
I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
28 July 2015 - NW2295
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)With reference to the consolidated report on the audit outcomes of local government for the 2013-14 financial year, what are the names of the 87 auditees for which the Auditor-General reported findings of possible fraud or improper conduct in supply chain management processes for investigation by management; (2) How many findings for investigation were reported for each auditee? NW2656E
Reply:
The department is currently gathering the information required to respond to this question as it is not information that is readily available. After the details of the 87 auditees referred to in the General report have been received from the Auditor General, each of these municipalities will be requested to provide the details of the cases that constituted the total of the irregular expenditure in question in order to respond to part two of the question.
The response will be provided as soon as possible after this information is made available.
28 July 2015 - NW2286
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
With reference to her reply to question 1898 on 29 May 2015, what amount has been spent on (a) purchasing, (b) installing, (c) operating cost, including fuel, and (d) maintaining generators in each calendar year in the period 1 May 2008 to 1 January 2015?
Reply:
The Department of Human Settlements:
(a) & (b) The amount spent by the Department of Human Settlements on purchasing and installation of a generator is R1 784 859,00.
(c) The amount for operating costs (fuel) since the generator was purchased R 22 956.00.
(d) There are no maintenance costs incurred thus far.
The Entities:
(a) There are eight (8) public entities reporting to the Minister of Human Settlements, only the following three public entities have purchased generators:
- EAAB spent R391 006.40 on the 11th March 2014;
- NURCHA has spent R 288 635 in 2007; and
- NHBRC has spent R 700 000.00.
(b) Installation cost for the generators of NHBRC and NURCHA was included in the purchasing amount. EAAB has spent R 10 000.00 for installation.
(c) Spending on operational cost, including fuel:
- The HDA is responsible for the refuelling of the generator. The average cost to refuel the generator is R 4000.00, based on 4x4 hour load shedding per month;
- NURCHA has spent R 69 223.00;
- EAAB has spent R 9 763.84 from 12/05/2014 to 01/01/2015; and
- NHBRC has spent R 134 982.82 (This includes: Diesel = R 93 091.49; SMS Commander = R 10 545.00; and SDM Controller = R 31 346.33)
(d) Maintenance of generators
- EAAB has spent R 15 298.80 to maintain the generators from 23/09/2014 to 01/01/2015;
- NURCHA has spent R 13 800.00 per annum
- NHBRC has spent R 64 655.63 for the service and maintenance of the generators since 1 April 2013.
28 July 2015 - NW2466
Chance, Mr R to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance andTraditional Affairs
Whether the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council executive mayor implemented the council resolution (details furnished BB43) which compelled the executive mayor to recover unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure from a certain person as contemplated in section 32(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003; if not, what action does he intend taking in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
I am not aware of these assertions.
I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
28 July 2015 - NW2513
Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Communications
With reference to her reply to question 1031 on 14 November 2014, on what basis can she justify spending more money advertising on Tshwane TV than advertising on SABC 3 given that Tshwane TV has a viewership equating 1,5% of the viewership of SABC 3 (details furnished)? NW2884E
Reply:
Advertising is audience centred. Tshwane n/ was selected as the preferred community television station for campaigns as they have the highest amount of viewers among community television stations and that they met the targeted audience the programme was intended for.
The GClS uses scientific methods to determine which media best reach our audiences, as determined by the AMPS, TAMS, RAMS surveys that the SA Advertising Research Foundation (SAARF) conducts.
MR D LIPHOKO
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: 24 July 2015
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
Parliamentary question 2513 of 2015
28 July 2015 - NW2455
Mackay, Mr G to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the Mmamabula Power Purchase Agreement drafted between Eskom and the independent power producer, CIC Energy, that allowed for a potential electricity supply of 4 800MW and the proposed Mmamabula Energy Project emanating from the specified agreement, was National Treasury involved in the decision-making process responsible for aborting this project; if not, why not; if so, to what extent?
Reply:
The Department of Energy, not the National Treasury, is responsible for developing the
Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) and making determinations relating to generation capacity required to enable procurement of power from the proposed Mmamabula Energy Project.
28 July 2015 - NW2068
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)How many municipal managers are currently suspended and/or prevented from performing their roles and functions in their municipalities; (2) in respect of each case, (a) who is the municipal manager, (b) what municipality are they from, (c) when were they placed on suspension and (d) what is the misconduct with which they have been charged?
Reply:
(1) The Department is not aware of any municipal managers that are prevented from performing their functions but rather municipal managers who have been suspended from work for breach of conduct.
(2) According to information furnished by provinces, the following are municipal managers that have been placed on suspension by municipalities:
Province |
Municipal Manager |
Municipality |
Date placed on suspension |
Nature of misconduct |
Eastern Cape |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Ikwezi LM |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Inkwanca LM |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
|
Free State |
Mr PI Radebe |
Mafube LM |
5 January 2015 |
Council decision to implement consequence management due to Auditor-General audit opinion of a disclaimer over the past 5 years. |
Gauteng |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Province |
Name of municipal manager |
Name of the municipality |
Date of suspension |
Nature of misconduct |
KwaZulu-Natal |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Endumeni LM |
26 March 2014 |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Imbabazane LM |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
|
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Indaka LM |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
|
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Vulamehlo LM |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
|
Limpopo |
Mr TM Maake |
Mopani DM |
1 February 2015 |
Financial misconduct |
Mr Ntwane |
Thabazimbi LM |
10 December 2014 |
Maladministration, misappropriation of funds and non-compliance with supply chain procedures |
|
Mr M Mathivha |
Thulamela LM |
28 April 2015 |
Fruitless expenditure |
|
Ms C Mamitla |
Polokwane LM |
4 May 2015 |
Financial misconduct |
|
Mr MF Ramaphakela |
Lepelle-Nkumpi LM |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
Details not furnished. Province requested to obtain information. |
|
Mpumalanga |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
North West |
Mr K Rabanye |
Mahikeng LM |
29 November 2014 |
Corruption and maladministration |
Mr J Bhine |
Ditsobotla LM |
3 April 2013 |
Gross maladministration |
|
Mr J Makade |
Ventersdorp LM |
11 October 2014 |
Maladministration |
|
Northern Cape |
Mr TF Leeuw |
Magareng LM |
20 April 2015 |
Maladministration |
Mr M Fillis |
Ubuntu LM |
5 March 2015 |
Corruption and maladministration |
|
Western Cape |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
28 July 2015 - NW2527
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Did (a) she or (b) any officials from her department give instructions to any person or persons on duty at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, Gauteng, to (i) authorise and (ii) facilitate the departure of any (aa) diplomats or (bb) delegates from the base on 15 June 2015; if so, what are the name(s) of this person or persons; (2) did (a) she or (b) any official from her department give any instructions to any person or persons on duty at the airbase (i) not to disclose or (ii) conceal the identity of any (aa) diplomat, (bb) delegate or (cc) passenger on any aircraft departing from the airbase on 15 June 2015; if so, on what authority did she or any official from her department issue such a directive?
Reply:
I cannot reply to this question as the matters raised are currently sub judice.
28 July 2015 - NW1335
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Communications
What amount was owed to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa for unpaid broadcasting licence fees by (a) all spheres of government and (b) entities reporting to national government departments as at 31 March 2015?
Reply:
(a) None
(b) Only South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which is exempted from paying an annual license fee.
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
28 July 2015 - NW2155
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
(1) Whether, with reference to the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube's statement in her budget speech on 14 May 2015, that Mpofana Local Municipality has returned to a good state of health, he has found accordingly; if not, why not; if so, what is the basis for his finding; (2) will effective service delivery now take place in the specified municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) has he now found that the specified municipality is financially viable; if not, what action does he intend taking with regard to the municipality; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2467E
Reply:
(I), (2) and (3) The Honourable Member should note that by-elections-to elect a new Municipal Council in the Mpofana Local Municipality with held on 26 November 2014. Before this by-election was held, a recovery plan was circulated to relevant stakeholders for input. The recovery plan covered the following priority areas:
(i) Municipal Institutional Development and Transformation
(ii) Municipal Financial Viability and Management;
(iii) Basic Service Delivery;
(iv) Local Economic Development
(v) Good Governance and Public Participation; and
(vi) Cross Cutting Issues.
From the assessment made by the KZN CoGTA Department, it appeared that Mpofana Local Municipality would still be in a vulnerable state when the section 139(1) (c) intervention terminated after the by-election was held. The Provincial Executive therefore took a resolution to replace this intervention with a directive issued in terms of section 139(1) (a) of the Constitution after the by-election. This directive, which was envisaged to expire at the end of March 2015, provided that the municipality must fulfil the following:
(i) Adopt by Council Resolution, the exit strategy in respect of the close-out report of the intervention in terms of section 139(1) (c) of the Constitution, and accept the continuation and provision of support by KZN CoGTA or any other stakeholder during the period of the intervention;
(ii) Accept a resource deployed by CoGTA to assist the municipality to implement the exit strategy;
(iii) Ensure that the Municipal Manager and all senior managers account in respect of all indicators included in the exit strategy, on a monthly basis;
(iv) Attend all Steering Committee meetings convened by KZN CoGTA on interventions; and
(v) Develop a strategy of addressing imminent service delivery protests.
In the notice of the termination of the intervention, it was reported that the Mpofana Local Municipality has made substantial progress on its exit strategy and also complied with the above directive. It was also reported that the remaining issues on the exit strategy will be implemented by the municipality, with ongoing support from KZN CoGTA and other sector departments. Strategies to address outstanding issues were developed and these strategies were integrated into the Back to Basics approach.
Apart from the above notice, a presentation of the close-out report which was prepared by the Ministerial Representative has highlighted several overall achievements of this intervention. Some of these achievements are the following:
(i) Portfolio committees and MPAC have been established, and meetings of the Municipal Council and portfolio committees convene every month;
(ii) An Interim Finance Committee was established to address cash flow problems;
(iii) There has been a revival of ward committees and the newly elected councillors, who have since undergone capacity building programmes, hold public meetings in all wards;
(iv) As most service delivery challenges revolve around water shortages, the municipality and Umgungundlovu DM are working much closer than before to address the problem;
(v) Successful resolution of the litigation matter between the municipality and Tai Yuen Textiles; and
(vi) Sporadic service delivery protests have been promptly addressed, and there has been an improvement in meeting legislative compliance deadlines.
The achievements made during this intervention partly address the challenges that were prevalent in the municipality, which led to the intervention, such as the absence of an Internal Audit Committee. These achievements also address some of the challenges which were identified in the Back to Basics Support Plan for Mpofana Local Municipality, such as serious backlogs in water provision.
Notwithstanding these achievements, it appears that there are still several challenges among those that were identified shortly before the intervention was invoked, which still remain unaddressed. Examples of these are losses in the sale of electricity, due to illegal connections, and poor debt recovery. In addition to these, the presentation of the close-out report lists further challenges in this municipality. Some of these challenges are:
(i) Very weak internal audit and audit committee, and the skills audit process is long overdrawn and still incomplete;
(ii) The projected budget is in deficit, and there is a lack of relevant capacity in managing municipal finances within the Budget and Treasury Office (BTO), which will delay the financial turnaround;
(iii) The municipality owes grant funds, used for operational reasons, and there is no reflection in the budget on how this will be paid back;
(iv) Inadequate project management and coordination at a technical level delays project implementation;
(v) Ability to manage Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and other grants is inadequate, and there is inadequate development planning capacity; and
(vi) No risk management.
In light of the challenges still prevalent in the Mpofana Local Municipality, the MEC will closely monitor and provide the necessary support to the municipality, working together with the relevant KZN Back to Basics Task Team.
28 July 2015 - NW2460
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1)Why did a certain official (Mr K Ngema) ignore the memorandum from the Legal and Administrative Services department of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council (which in paragraph 5 refers to the supply Chain management Policy details furnished) by allowing the bid adjudication committee to continue awarding said tenders as recommended by the bid evaluation committee, in terms of the bid adjudication committee’s delegated powers; (2)Whether his department will take any action in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2828E
Reply:
- No, as stated in my response to PQ2015/2459, I am not aware of these assertions.
- Again as stated in my previous response to PQ2015/2459, I intend writing to the MEC responsible for local government in Gauteng, in terms of Section 106(4)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No.32 of 2000), requesting him to commission an investigation into the matter.
28 July 2015 - NW2449
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Labour
Whether she has found that there are challenges in matching suitable candidates with the requirements of employers ; if so, what steps will she take to ensure that these challenges are overcome?
Reply:
No. The law has only been in place for few months hence cannot make a realistic diagnosis of the challenges in matching suitable candidates with the requirements of the employers at this stage.