Questions and Replies
06 July 2015 - NW2052
Motau, Mr SC to ask the Minister of Communications
Has her department (a) finalised and (b) gazetted the technical specifications for the manufacture of the direct-to-home set-top boxes; if not, on what date does she expect the specifications to be finalised; if so, (i) on what date was the Government Gazette published and (ii) under what Government Gazette number?
Reply:
(a) & (b) In terms of DTH SANS 1719, Section 5.2 and 6, the technical specifications for Direct-To-Home Set-Top-Boxes has be developed by Free-To-Air (FTA) Broadcasters. The technical specifications has not been developed and finalised. Timelines for the compilation and finalisation of the specification is yet to be obtained from the FTA broadcasters.
(i) As a result of the above, no gazette has been published; and
(ii) No gazette number since the specifications has not been developed.
MR NDIVHUHO MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
06 July 2015 - NW2055
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Communications
Will recipients of the free set-top boxes need valid SABC licences before digital switch on; if not, what regulatory amendments are anticipated to enable this?
Reply:
Yes, recipients of free set-top-boxes will have to present valid SABC television licence.
MR NDIVHUHO MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
06 July 2015 - NW2054
Majola, Mr TR to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What are the dates for the dual illumination period for the transition to broadcast digital migration, (b) what is the projected cost of the dual illumination period and (c) which departmental programme will finance the illumination period?
Reply:
(a) Dual illumination already exist in South Africa. We assume that dual illumination here is referred to the performance period. The performance period will be determined by the Minister in consultation with Cabinet in due course. The consultation timeline with Cabinet will be determined in consideration of a few factors:
- Bilateral engagement with neighbouring countries regarding harmonisation of frequency spectrum interference; and
- Pending court decision against the Government by eTV.
(b)
DESCRIPTION |
2015-2016 |
2016-2017 |
2017-2018 |
Dual Illumination (Ex VAT) |
R113, 975 542 |
R120, 683, 617 |
R129, 369, 314 |
Dual Illumination (Incl. VAT) |
R129, 932, 118 |
R137, 579, 323 |
R147, 481, 018 |
(c) Sentech has in its budget funding for Dual Illumination Period for 2015/16.
MR NDIVHUHO MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
03 July 2015 - NW2243
Balindlela, Ms ZB to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
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 has (aa) his department and (bb) entities reporting to him spent on each such payout, (ii) to whom were these payouts made and (iii) what were the reason for the early termination of the contracts in each specified case?
Reply:
(a) Yes
(b) Yes
(i) (aa) [Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries] (ii) and (iii)
SMS Members
Institution Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) |
Amount paid out |
To whom the payouts were made |
Reason |
DAFF |
R 1, 105,073.17 Amount includes leave credits that had to be paid out. |
Ms NJ Nduli (Former DG of DAFF). |
Employment contract was re-determined. |
DAFF |
R 1, 649,076.54 Amount includes leave credits that had to be paid out. |
Mr L Zita (Former DG of DAFF). |
Employment contract was re-determined. |
DAFF |
R 750, 125.25 Amount includes leave credits that had to be paid out. |
Ms B Thokoane (Former Special Adviser to the Minister). |
Employment contract was terminated. |
(i) (aa) [Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries] (ii) and (iii)
Non SMS Members
Institution Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) |
Amount paid out |
To whom the payouts were made |
Reason |
None |
|||
(i) (bb) [Entities] (ii) and (iii)
Entity |
Amount paid out |
To whom the payouts were made |
Reason |
Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) |
R 1, 195,918.28 |
Dr MM Dyasi |
Breakdown of the employment relationship. |
Agriculture Research Council (ARC) |
R 260 311.35 |
Ms SL Ginindza |
Termination of contract |
Agriculture Research Council (ARC) |
R 422 607.46 |
Ds ST Masia |
Termination of contract |
Agriculture Research Council (ARC) |
R 849 646.39 |
Mr CL Matthews |
Termination of contract |
National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) |
None |
||
Ncera Farms |
None |
||
PPECB |
None |
||
03 July 2015 - NW2417
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
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:
Response from the Department
(a) (i) (ii) (aa) (bb) (cc)
Advertising Cost: 2012/13
The annual advertising cost per newspaper per financial year is indicated in the table below:
Newspaper |
2012/13 Financial Year |
2013/14 Financial Year |
2014/15 Financial Year |
Sowetan |
R1 283 046.88 |
R1 146 164 .88 |
R511 733.97 |
Daily Sun |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Response from the Entities
Entity |
b (i)(aa) |
b (i)(bb) |
b (i)(cc) |
b(ii)(aa) |
b (ii)(bb) |
b(ii)(cc) |
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Credit Regulator (NCR) |
R 237 304 |
R 244 263 |
R 209 111 |
R 149 136 |
R 496 540 |
R 109 470 |
National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Empowerment Fund (NEF) |
R 135 254.40 |
R 111 960 |
R 657 600 |
R63 354 |
R 6 960 |
R 37 040 |
National Gambling Board (NGB) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Lotteries Commission (NLC) |
R 56 363 |
R 461 183 |
R 438 039 |
R 78 229 |
Not Applicable |
R 112 783 |
National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Regulator For Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Consumer Commission (NCC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Companies Tribunal (CT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
R 77 278.65 |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
03 July 2015 - NW2297
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)With regard to the amount of R352,4 million which was set aside to assist the nine municipalities affected by drought in KwaZulu-Natal, (a) which municipalities have received payments and (b) what amount has each municipality received to date; (2) have funding agreements been signed with all affected municipalities; if not, (a) which municipalities have outstanding agreements and (b) what action has been taken to remedy this?
Reply:
(1)(a) Refer to table below regarding the nine municipalities affected by drought in KZN:
No. |
Name of Municipality |
Business Plan |
Funding agreement |
Amount received to date |
1 |
Umzinyathi District Municipality |
Approved |
Approved |
R1 782 836.47 |
2 |
Umkhanyakude District Municipality |
Approved |
Approved |
R6 321 734.42 |
3 |
Uthukela District Municipality |
Received and pending approval |
Received and pending approval |
None |
4 |
Ugu District Municipality |
Approved |
Approved |
None |
6 |
Zululand District Municipality |
Approved |
Approved |
None |
7 |
UguDistrict Municipality |
Approved |
Approved |
None |
8 |
IlembeDistrict Municipality |
Approved |
Approved |
None |
9 |
Harry Gwala |
Approved |
Approved |
None |
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03 July 2015 - NW2224
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether she will consider Eskom’s request not to impose load shedding on the country’s water pumps and related infrastructure so as to ensure safe and continuous water supply and services; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
It is the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and not the Minister of Public Enterprises that can make determinations on the exemption of infrastructure or customers’ load shedding, as the impact on other customers and the national power system needs to be considered. The National Code of Practice for emergency demand reduction (NRS048-9) addresses the manner in which critical loads are treated – including water systems (section 7).
03 July 2015 - NW2348
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the presentation made to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on 2 June 2015 (a) what are the full details of each of the mobile schools, (b) how many learners are enrolled in each of the specified schools, (c) on what dates were each of the specified mobile schools established, (d) how many teachers are employed in each mobile school, (e) what is the reason for the establishment of the mobile schools and (f) for how long will the specified schools remain mobile schools?
Reply:
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) During a joint meeting of the Select Committee on Appropriations and the Portfolio Committee on Education on 02 June 2015, the acting Director General of Basic Education and other staff members of the Department of Basic Education made a presentation to the meeting regarding the delivery performance of the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) and the Education Infrastructure Grant. During the same meeting the National Treasury also made a presentation about the expenditure of these two programmes, and also reflected on non-financial performance within the same presentation. The National Treasury indicated that the non-financial data was sourced from the Department of Basic Education, which oversees and manages these programmes.
Following the National Treasury presentation the acting co-chairperson of the hearing, Mr C de Beer, informed members of both committees that questions regarding the actual service delivery performance of the grants or programmes should be directed to the Department of Basic Education, as this was the reason why they had been invited to the joint hearing. For this reason, and since the questions that have been asked are specifically related to the mandate of the Minister of Basic Education, please be advised that the questions have been forwarded to the Ministry of Basic Education, who will provide a reply.
03 July 2015 - NW2327
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether the law firm that has been appointed to audit Eskom has ever done any work for the Government, State organs or State institutions; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether any South African or international directors of this law firm have ever done any work for the Government, State organs or State institutions; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The Honourable member is referred to various government departments for a response on whether the firm has done any work for government. The Law firm (Dentons) has not previously been engaged by Eskom.
(2) As the Minister of Public Enterprises I am in no position to respond on whether the law firm has or not done any other work to various Government Departments and therefore request the Honourable member to direct the question to the relevant Government Department for a response.
03 July 2015 - NW2333
McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister of Finance
(1) (a) What is the total value of South Africa’s current gold reserves, quoted in US dollars, and (b) what proportion of South Africa’s gold reserves is (i) stored in South Africa and (ii) located offshore; (2) (a) where are the local gold reserves held and (b) when last was a stock check of the locally held gold reserves undertaken; (3) (a) where are the reserves kept which are held offshore and (b) what percentage share of the reserves is held at each respective location; (4) (a) when last (i) were the gold reserves held offshore inspected and (ii) was an accurate stock take undertaken and (b)(i) who conducted such an inspection, (ii) to whom do they report and (iii) where can a copy thereof be obtained; (5) has any portion of South Africa’s gold reserve ever been found to be missing or unaccounted for; if so, what steps have been taken to ascertain the whereabouts of said reserves?
Reply:
1 (a) The value of the official gold reserves as at 31 May 2015 was US$4.8 billion, which is approximately 4 million fine ounces.
1 (b) The SARB holds a large percentage of South Africa’s gold reserves in vaults of official sector institutions at offshore bullion centres, while a smaller amount is held locally. It is operationally efficient to store gold at offshore bullion centres should the need arise to conduct gold transactions. The exact percentage allocation is not made public.
2 (a) Gold reserves held locally are held at Rand Refinery Proprietary Limited (Rand Refinery), the South African Mint Company (RF) Proprietary Limited (SA Mint), and various branches of the SARB, including its head office.
2 (b) The SARB performs regular reconciliations on reports based on gold held at various local locations. An audit of locally held gold reserves is also conducted annually.
3 (a) Most of South Africa’s gold reserves are kept at secure offshore bullion centres, in vaults of official sector institutions.
3 (b) The exact percentage allocation is not made public.
4 (a) Senior SARB officials conduct due diligence visits to inspect gold reserves held offshore on a regular basis. The last due diligence visit was conducted during 2014.
4 (b) The report on each due diligence visit is forwarded to the executive of the SARB. As these reports contain confidential information, they are not publically available.
5 No.
03 July 2015 - NW2522
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
With reference to his response to oral question 153 on 10 June 2015, what amount has been budgeted for the implementation of the Agricultural Policy Action Plan in the 2015-16 financial year?
Reply:
(a) The Agricultural Policy Action Plan (APAP) is planned over a five-year period and will be updated on an annual basis. Cabinet furthermore approved APAP in March 2015, and implementation will commence in the 2015/2016 financial year. It is important to note that APAP does not act outside existing budgets such as DAFFs budgetary allocation. However it provides a comprehensive strategic approach in implementing the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and directs the spending on strategic interventions identified by all stakeholders.
APAP 2015/16 interventions are funded via DAFF’s grant programmes such as CASP, Ilema Letsema, and sector organisations’ contribution. The estimated total for APAP 2015/16 is R 4, 6 billion.
03 July 2015 - NW1913
Kalyan, Ms SV to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) Who are the current chief financial officers of (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her and (b) what is the qualification of each chief financial officer?
Reply:
Refer to the table below for the current Chief Financial Officers of the Department and the Entities:
Department/ Entity |
Full Names |
Qualifications |
Department: CFO Water Trading Entity |
Mr Mpho Mofokeng |
B Tech: Cost & Management Accounting Degree |
Department: CFO Main Account |
Ms Nthabiseng Fundakubi |
B Tech: Business Administration |
Amatola Water |
The CFO post is vacant. |
N/A |
Bloem Water |
Mr OJ Stadler |
B Comm Honours; Masters in Business Leadership (MBL) |
Lepelle Northern Water |
Mr JC Kilan |
Honours: Accounting; Masters in Business Administration |
Magalies Water |
Ms A Raphela |
B Comm Honours; Chartered Accountant |
Mhlathuze Water |
Mr B Ndaba |
(b) B Comm (Accounting) |
Overberg Water |
Ms A Cilliers |
B Compt, B Compt Honours; Chartered Accountant |
Rand Water |
Mrs SM Nyembe |
B Comm (Accounting); B Compt Honours |
Sedibeng Water |
Ms MA Shasha |
B Compt Honours |
Umgeni Water |
Mr TB Hlongwa |
B Comm (Accounting); B Comm Honours (Accounting); Chartered Accountant |
Inkomati-Usuthu CMA |
Ms Thembelihle Mjaji |
Qualified Chartered Accountant. Honours in Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree in Bachelor of Accounting Science |
Breede Gouritz CMA |
Mrs. Judith Ntombizanele Nkomombini |
Bachelor of Commerce |
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03 July 2015 - NW2218
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether the National Treasury had (a) refinanced debt in order to keep up its rate of spending at any stage from 1 January 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) undertaken any exercise, with independent verification, to assess to what extent the heavier borrowings by the Government in the specified period had served a clear countercyclical purpose as is shown by economic growth taking the country out of the trough it was into a higher gradient; if not, why has the national debt risen so rapidly to its present level; if so, what (i) are the details and (ii) impact will the refinancing of debt have on the fiscus in the next four years in a market where the cost of borrowing will have risen; (2) whether, in pursuit of achieving intergenerational equity, the Government is keeping young South Africans fully informed of the repayment burden that is being shifted to them to settle?
Reply:
- (a) Government borrows money to finance the main budget balance and maturing debt. To partly mitigate refinancing risk – the risk that government will not be able to raise money to finance the budget deficit and repay debt at any scheduled point, or will have to do so at high cost – government also makes use of a bond-switch programme to ease pressure on targeted areas of the bond redemption profile by exchanging short-term for longer-term debt. Between 2008/09 and 2014/15, government switched R203 billion short-term debt (domestic bonds) for longer-term debt.
(b) (i) National Treasury estimates the impact of fiscal policy on economic growth. Internal estimates of the fiscal multiplier are in line with published South African peer-reviewed journal articles, which find that fiscal stimulus has a fairly significant short-term impact on growth.
As was the case for South Africa, many governments had estimated in 2010 that the economy would quickly recover to pre-crisis growth rates. Countercyclical stimulus was expected to reduce the time it would take for economies to return to potential levels of output. These growth projections proved to be over-optimistic; a secular decline in global growth delayed fiscal consolidation and produced rising levels of debt.
Countercyclical policy can influence short-term deviations from trend growth, but cannot be used to address structural declines in output. Many governments have grappled with the fiscal implications of a global slowdown in growth. In South Africa’s case, potential growth has been revised downwards due to lower long-term global growth projections and electricity supply constraints.
Slower potential GDP growth implies that the output gap is fairly small, with two implications for fiscal policy: first, the level of output cannot be significantly increased by running larger deficits; second, the deficit will not likely be reduced by a cyclical upturn in taxes, implying that there is a structural imbalance between revenue and expenditure. The focus of the 2015 Budget is on narrowing the structural fiscal deficit by raising taxes, slowing spending growth and putting in place measures to improve spending efficiency.
(b) (ii) Government is paying interest at an average coupon/interest rate of 10 per cent on the debt which needs to be refinanced over the next four years. It is projected that this debt will be refinanced at a lower average coupon/interest rate of 9 per cent.
2. The 2015 Budget is aimed at ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability, which is a defining feature of intergenerational equity. The budget also aims to change the composition of borrowing, in order to ensure that government debt is used to fund expenditures with a long-term impact.
Government has stated that there is a long-term (or structural) imbalance between revenue and expenditure, and is addressing this imbalance by raising taxes and reducing the rate of expenditure growth. The bulk of the slowdown in spending growth has been targeted at government consumption, with the current deficit (i.e. the gap between revenue and consumption spending) projected to close in 2015/16. Government is protecting capital expenditure, which remains the fastest growing area of non-interest spending. These three elements of the budget are likely to improve the intergenerational fairness of fiscal policy.
Government reports on the long-term implications of its fiscal choices. The 2015 Budget Review includes estimates of the debt outlook and debt repayments up to 2020/21. In addition, the main findings of the long-term fiscal model are available on the Treasury website. The long-term model’s main finding is that current social spending policies are sustainable over the next three decades.
03 July 2015 - NW1839
Balindlela, Ms ZB to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether she has taken any steps to implement the recommendations of the Auditor-General with regard to preventing the procurement of goods and services with a transaction value below R500 000 without obtaining the required price and quotations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details with regard to each recommendation;
Reply:
(1) Yes, steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the Auditor- General with regard to preventing the procurement of goods and services with a transaction value below R500 000, refer below:
- The Accounting officer invites and accepts written price quotations for requirement up to an estimated value of R500 000.00 from as many suppliers as possible, that are registered on the list of prospective suppliers.
- Where no suitable suppliers are available from the list of prospective suppliers, written price quotations may be obtained from other possible suppliers.
- If it is not possible to obtain at least three (3) written price quotations, the reason should be recorded and approved by the accounting officer/ authority or his /her delegate.
- The Supply Chain Management policy which incorporates the above and other quotation process has been approved and is currently utilized within the Water Trading Entity as a guideline for the procurement process which include other related National Treasury practices notes and related circulars issued by other authorities within the Water and Infrastructure Sector e.g. CIDB Regulations.
(2) Yes, steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the Auditor-General with regard to preventing the procurement of goods and services with a transaction value above R500 000.00, refer below:
- Accounting officer invite competitive bids for all procurement above R500 000.00.
- Competitive bids are advertised in the Government Tender Bulleting and in other appropriate media should an accounting officer deem it necessary to ensure greater exposure to potential bidders. The responsibility for advertisement cost lies with the relevant accounting officer.
- Should it be impractical to invite competitive bids for specific procurement, such as in urgent or emergency cases or in cases of a sole supplier, the accounting officer/ authority may procure the required goods and services by other means, such as price quotations or negotiations in accordance with Treasury Regulation 16A6.4. The reasons for deviating from inviting competitive bids are recorded and approved by the accounting officer or his/ her delegate.
- The Accounting officer reports within ten (10) working days to the relevant Treasury and the Auditor-General regarding all cases where goods and services above the value of R1 Million (VAT inclusive) and providing description of the goods or services, the name/s of the suppliers/s, the amount/s involved and the reasons for deviating from the prescribed competitive bidding process.
- Goods, works or services may not deliberately be split into parts or items of lesser value merely for the sake of procuring the goods, works or service otherwise than through the prescribed procurement process. when determining transaction values, a requirement for goods , works or services consisting of different parts or items must as far as possible be treated and dealing with as a single transaction
- Accounting officers apply the prescripts of the preferential procurement policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act No. 5 of 2000) and its associated Regulations for all procurement equal to or above R30 000.00.00 (VAT included) less than
that amount if and when appropriate.
- The Supply Chain Management policy which incorporates the above and other bids processes has been approved and is currently utilized within the Water Trading Entity as a guide-line for the procurement process which include together with other related National Treasury practice notes and related circulars issued by other authorities within the Water and Infrastructure Sector e.g. CIDB Regulations.
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03 July 2015 - NW2304
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether, with regard to her department’s report to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation on 3 June 2015 indicating the required investment in infrastructure over the next 10 years to be at R805 billion and available funding at only R46 billion for each year, her department has a plan in place to fund the R35 billion annual shortfall; if not, how does her department plan on managing the infrastructure; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, there is a plan to cater for the annual shortfall of R35 billion.
1. As part of the development of the Water Sector Infrastructure Investment Framework in 2012, the Department developed a first order Water Financing Strategy published on 5 June 2012.
2. In addition, my department has thus far successfully negotiated major increases in the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), the establishment of a new Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWIG), as well as major increases in the Water Board’s infrastructure investment budgets. This was done in collaboration with the National Treasury as well as the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, with the aim of increasing budgeting for especially municipal infrastructure operations and maintenance (O&M), addressing aged infrastructure, rehabilitation, and infrastructure replacement.
3. Partnerships with Financial Institutions and the broader private sector are also vigorously pursued.
4. As a result of financial constraints, there will be on-going prioritization of water supply areas to identify and sequence projects that offer the best economic and social returns and are addressing the most critical security of supply challenges.
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03 July 2015 - NW2119
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What amount was spent by her department on environmental rehabilitation due to sewage spills in each province (a) in the (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015; 2) (a) what was the location, (b) cause and (c) nature of the rehabilitation for each spillage?
Reply:
- Table 1 below reflects the amount that was spent by the Department on environmental rehabilitation due to sewage spills in each province (a) in the (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015:
Table 1
(a)Province |
(a)(i) 2013-14 |
(a)(ii) 2014-15 |
(b) since 1 April 2015 |
Eastern Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Free State |
R15 850 000 (ACIP) |
R42 850 000 (ACIP) |
R18 968 000 (Planned to be spent under ACIP) |
R5 000 000 (RBIG) |
R47 000 000 (RBIG) |
R90 474 000 ((Planned to be spent under RBIG) |
|
Gauteng |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
KwaZulu-Natal |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Limpopo |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Mpumalanga |
R9 000 000 (ACIP) |
R13, 7m (ACIP) |
R47m (RBIG) |
Northern Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
North West |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Western Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(2)(a) Refer to the table below for the (a) location, (b) cause and (c) nature of the rehabilitation for each spillage within the Free State and Mpumalanga provinces.
FREE STATE PROVINCE
2013/14 (ACIP)
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Clocolan |
Non-functional sewer pump stations due to ageing infrastructure |
Replaced all pumps, motors & electrical infrastructure |
Setsoto LM |
Ficksburg |
Collapsed old sewer pipes |
Unblocked sewer lines and replaced defective ones |
Setsoto LM |
Kroonstad |
Collapsed 1,2 km old asbestos sewer line from Gelukwarts polluting the Vals river |
Replaced 1,2km of sewer line. |
Moqhaka LM |
Wepener |
Non-functional sewer pump station & waste water treatment works |
Refurbished all pumps, motors & electrical infrastructure. |
Naledi LM |
2013/14 (RBIG)
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Vredefort |
Non-functional sewer pump station & waste water treatment works |
Refurbished all pumps, motors & electrical infrastructure. |
Ngwathe LM |
2014/15 (ACIP)
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Theunissen |
Collapsed old asbestos line |
Replaced a length of 500 meters |
Masilonyana LM |
Brandfort |
Non-functional two sewer pump stations due to old infrastructure |
Refurbished and upgraded the two pump stations. |
Masilonyana LM |
Winburg |
Non-functional one sewer pump station due to old infrastructure |
Refurbished and upgraded the one pump station. |
Masilonyana LM |
Vrede |
Non-functional pumps & motors and electrical infrastructure |
Replaced pumps and motors and refurbished electrical infrastructure |
Phumelela LM |
Waden |
Non-functional pumps & motors and electrical infrastructure |
Replaced pumps and motors and refurbished electrical infrastructure |
Phumelela LM |
Koffiefontein |
Non-functional pumps & motors and electrical infrastructure |
Refurbished pumps and motors and refurbished electrical infrastructure |
Letsemeng LM |
2014/15 (RBIG)
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Wesselsbron |
Non-functional electrical and mechanical components at waste water treatment plant. |
Replaced all non functional electrical & mechanical components. |
Nala LM |
Kroonstad |
Collapsed asbestos sewer pipe line in Hill street Collapsed Boitumelo Marabastad asbestos sewer pipeline Non-functional sewer treatment plant |
Multi-year projects. Replacing and upgrading the Hill Street sewer pipeline. Replacing and upgrading the sewer pipeline. Upgrading of the sewer treatment plant to meet the demands |
Moqhaka LM |
Vredefort |
Non-functional sewer treatment plant and old sewer line |
Refurbished and upgraded the waste water treatment plant and replaced the sewer line |
Ngwathe LM |
2015/16 (ACIP Projects under implementation)
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Koppies |
Non-functional electrical and mechanical components at waste water treatment plant. |
Replace all non-functional electrical & mechanical components. |
Ngwathe LM |
Reitz and Lindley |
Non-functional of electrical and mechanical components in pump station |
Refurbishment of non-functional of electrical and mechanical components |
Nketoana LM |
Koffiefontein |
Non-functional electrical and mechanical components at waste water treatment plant. |
Replace all non-functional electrical & mechanical components. |
Letsemeng LM |
Odendalsrus |
Collapsed old sewer lines |
Replacement of collapsed old sewer pipeline |
Matjhabeng LM |
Mamahabane |
Oxidation ponds not lined and the sewerage seeps through the nearby environment. |
Rehabilitation of oxidation ponds |
Matjhabeng LM |
Wepenar |
Collapsed old asbestos sewer pipeline and non-functional of two sewer pump station. |
Replace the collapsed sewer line and refurbish the two sewer pump stations. |
Naledi LM |
2015/16 (RBIG Projects under implementation)
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Kroonstad |
Collapsed asbestos sewer pipe line in Hill street
Collapsed Boitumelo Marabastad asbestos sewer pipeline Non-functional sewer treatment plant |
Multi-year projects. Replacing and upgrading the Hill Street sewer pipeline. Replacing and upgrading the sewer pipeline. Upgrading of the sewer treatment plant to meet the demands |
Moqhaka LM |
Vredefort |
Non-functional of electrical and mechanical components in pump station |
Refurbishment of non-functional of electrical and mechanical components |
Nketoana LM |
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
2013-14
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Mhlatikop and Komatipoort |
Ageing Infrastructure, operating beyond design capacities, poor operation and maintenance |
Refurbishment of the WWTW and pump stations Phase 1 |
Nkomazi |
2014-15
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Mhlatikop and Komatipoort |
Ageing Infrastructure, operating beyond design capacities, poor operation and maintenance |
Refurbishment of the WWTW and pump stations Phase 2 |
Nkomazi |
Leandra |
Refurbishment of the WWTW |
Govern Mbeki |
2015-16
Location (2) (a) |
Cause (2) (b) |
Nature of Rehabilitation (2) (c) |
Municipality |
Balfour |
Ageing Infrastructure, operating beyond design capacities, poor operation and maintenance |
Upgrade of the WWTW |
Dipaleseng |
Delmas |
Victor Khanye LM |
||
Botleng |
---00O00---
03 July 2015 - NW2523
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
1) With regard to the deal that was struck between South Africa and the United States of America (USA) in securing the country’s preferential market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), has his department developed a plan to assist the country’s poulty industry with adjusting its strategic position before the anticipated influx of chicken from the USA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) will the Government incentives under the Industrial Policy Action Plan and the Agricultural Policy Action Plan be made available to the poultry industry as a means of ensuring minimal damage to the industry’s future growth prospects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) What action steps has his department taken since the announcement of the agreement that was reached between the SA Poultry Association and its counterpart in the USA to ensure minimal disturbance to the industry and ensure that job losses are avoided? NW2895E
Reply:
1 As the honourable member is aware the APAP has included the Poultry Value Chain as a strategic value chain for development. The development of the value chain includes supporting the reduction of input costs through increasing the supply of good quality feed (soya) and possibly maize. All 9 provinces have identified a number of poultry projects which include increasing the number of Broiler houses as well as support for small scale processing via new abattoirs to be funded via CASP. This development plan was presented to the U.S. during the AGOA negotiations and it is understood that the U.S. response was to accept a lower volume once the developmental needs and objectives were made clear. The U.S. has also offered in support to the agreement on the quota to support training and capacity building of extensions officers as well as research personnel. The South African industry is in full support of this initiative.
2 The use of incentives under IPAP and APAP was discussed with the industry as well as with representatives of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI) in the Poultry Sector. However we are still in discussions on how this will take place in line with the Poultry Sector Value Chain development proposal in APAP.
3 DAFF Economic Development Trade and Marketing DDG has been in constant consultation with the industry body SAPA, the DTI as well as the APAP team and together they have engaged with the planned poultry value chain development proposal for sector growth. The poultry value chain development proposal is also a key commodity intervention the government’s 9 point plan under Priority 1: Revitalisation of Agriculture and the Agroprocessing Value Chains. A DAFF/DTI team is also in the process of identifying the criteria which will be used to allocate and administer the trade quota to ensure there is minimal volatility of import volumes to reduce the potential negative impact. The quota concession will include a volume which will be for HDI's only and will most likely to taken up by existing producers who have indicated that they need it to ensure they have a resonate supply level.
03 July 2015 - NW2151
Hunsinger, Dr CH to ask the Minister of Finance
With reference to the reply of the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to question 1629 on 25 May 2015, (a) on what date did the National Treasury’s forensic investigation into the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Integrated Public Transport system commence, (b) at what stage is the investigation, (c) when is the final report due to be released, (d) who is on the investigation team and (e) what (i) is the objective and (ii) are the terms of reference of this investigation?
Reply:
- National Treasury’s forensic investigation into the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality on the Integrated Public Transport system commenced on the 12th of November 2014. The Investigation is being conducted in phases as follows:
- Phase 1: Establish the total amount paid on the projects since its inception in 1 July 2004, obtain and secure all available documentation; conduct preliminary investigation to verify the reasonableness of allegations. This phase was completed in March 2015.
- Phase 2: An In-depth forensic investigation that is informed by the results of Phase 1, which commenced on 9 April 2015.
- Other Phases This will be informed by the results of Phase 2 and might include criminal, civil or disciplinary action depending on the findings of the investigation.
- The investigation is still in progress for Phase 2, which is focusing on an in-depth investigation of all the alleged implicated service providers, officials and other parties.
- The final report on Phase 2 is estimated to be completed by the 15 August 2015, but subject to cooperation by the relevant parties to provide the required information to reach an informed conclusion.
- The Investigation Team is composed of National Treasury Special Audit Services officials and its co-sourced forensic investigation firm, Deloitte & Touche.
- (i) The objective is to conduct comprehensive investigation that will assist the Municipality to implement the appropriate corrective action.
(ii) The terms of reference include, but is not limited to the following:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation of IPTS since its inception.
03 July 2015 - NW1736
Lovemore, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What are the full details of the readiness of (a) her department and (b) the nine provincial education departments to implement the newly revised curriculum for schools of technology in 2016, including (i) curriculum, (ii) workshop, (iii) textbook and (iv) teacher readiness;
Reply:
- (a)(b) (i) curriculum
The development of Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statements (CAPS) for Technical subjects was completed and signed by the Minister of Basic Education on the 13 April 2015; this is in accordance with the Government Gazette No 37840 dated July 2014. Printing is currently in progress and distribution of the CAPS documents will be completed before the training of teachers in June 2015. A total of 52, 750 copies of the CAPS documents for Technical Mathematics, Technical Sciences, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology and Mechanical Technology will be printed and distributed as indicated below:
- 5 copies ( 1 for each subject) to the National office DBE
- 5 copies ( 1 for each subject ) to each provincial office
- 5 copies ( 1 for each subject ) to each district office; and
- 10 copies (2 for each subject) to each school offering a technical subject
(b) (ii) Workshop
Since the inception of the grant, the objective of training 2,749 teachers, building 118 new workshops, refurbishing 266 existing workshops and supplying equipment, machinery and tools to participating schools has been achieved. The grant was reconfigured in 2014 and it now forms part of the new Mathematics, Science and Technology Conditional Grant. The outputs of the new grant include the supply of machinery, equipment and tools and the training of teachers. Based on the total number of technical schools and the state of physical infrastructure at most schools, the schools have the capacity to implement the curriculum. Those that had challenges were recapitalised by the conditional grant.
(b) (iii) Textbooks
The development process of both Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences textbooks sponsored and co-managed by Sasol-Inzalo Foundation and DBE will be finalised by July 2015. Publishers are in the process of developing Civil Technology, Electrical Technology and Mechanical Technology textbooks due to be finalised in August 2015. Printing and distribution of all technical textbooks will be completed by 30 October 2015.
(b)(iv) Teacher readiness
The changes introduced in the revised CAPS necessitated the need for orientation of subject advisors and re-training of teachers on theory and practical teaching methodologies.
An audit of skills centres in preparation for the training of FET Technical schools subject advisors and teachers and Technology Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9) subject advisors and teachers was conducted and finalised.
The Department issued letters to HOD’s on 16 April 2015 to inform them of the training process and to request them to ensure that notifications to all partners are issued.
A National Task Team (NTT) for the development of CAPS training guideline document for the three (3) Technical subjects specialisation; Civil technology, Electrical technology, and Mechanical technology have been developed and finalised.
A National Task Team (NTT) for the development of CAPS training guideline document for Technical Sciences and Technical Mathematics has been developed and finalised.
Subject Advisors and Teacher training on the three (3) Technical subjects has been scheduled for 29 June – 03 July and 05-09 October 2015 (School Holidays) and these dates have been communicated to all provinces. The training of Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences has been scheduled for July 2015 and these dates have also been communicated to all provinces. The training is aimed at 70% skills transfer and 30% on the strengthening of theory of the specialisation.
The funding for this training will be sourced from the reconfigured MST Conditional Grant. The objective of the grant is to, supply machinery, supply of equipments and tools. The objective of the grant is to train subject advisors and teachers, building of new workshops, refurbishing of existing workshops and supplying equipment, machinery and tools.
- (a)(i)(aa) (a)(ii)(bb)(cc)(dd)(ee) Numbers and percentage of learners offering Technology subjects per Province from 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
YEAR |
Civil Technology |
Engineering Graphics And Design (EGD) |
Electrical |
Mechanical |
||||
NUMBER WROTE |
% |
NUMBER WROTE |
% |
NUMBER WROTE |
% |
NUMBER WROTE |
% |
|
(aa) 2005 |
10283 |
2% |
20653 |
4% |
6510 |
1% |
6728 |
1% |
(bb) 2008 |
10392 |
2% |
26491 |
5% |
7526 |
1% |
7890 |
1% |
(cc) 2010 |
9359 |
2% |
26350 |
5% |
5843 |
1% |
6859 |
1% |
(dd) 2012 |
8759 |
2% |
25070 |
4% |
5010 |
1% |
5975 |
1% |
(ee) (2015) |
data is not yet available |
(b) All technology subjects are non-designated; i.e. HEIs do not recognise these subjects as requirements to university entrance.
3. The Department is aware that the National Curriculum Statements (NCS) present foundational skills to all learners and these skills create opportunities for learners to enter further and higher education. Therefore the list of critical skills according to the Government Gazette 37716 dated 3 June 2014 contains occupations that require the foundational skills, which are acquired through the basic education sector.
4. (a)The Universities do not consider these subjects as requirements for entrance into engineering courses at a university. This puts learners at a disadvantage if after three years of studying they change their minds and no longer want to become artisans but engineers, they are then not credited at HEIs.
(b)Based on the targets set by the National Development Plan (NDP), the Department is committed to contributing to the production of 30,000 artisans per year by 2030 (NDP, Chapter 9, p277), through the strengthening and refocusing of technical schools and increasing the learner enrolments from 27,000 to 57,000 in 2030. The revision of the curriculum and the recapitalisation process at technical schools will also ensure that the industry requirements in terms of technical specialisation are met and thereby increase participation in the technical education sector.
In order to further strengthen articulation between GET and FET Technology, Senior Phase Subject Advisors and Teachers will be part of the training for specialisations scheduled for June and October 2015 as mentioned above. Advocacy on the Decade of the Artisan in partnership with Department of Higher Education (DHET) is currently being rolled out in all provinces with the intention to increase participation in artisanship and engineering.
The Department and DHET have embarked on a process of aligning the curriculum for basic education with that of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
(c) The enrolment of learners in the technical fields has been declining since 2008 due to the changes in the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). The revision of the Nated 500 to remove areas of specialisation resulted in the overload of subject content areas and the decline in learner enrolment. The reintroduction of the specialisation by the revised Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for technical schools and the implementation of the recapitalisation programme will ensure that sector is expanded.
The following targets for the increase in learner enrolment have been set for 2014-2019:
Targets |
Mechanical Technology |
Electrical Technology |
Engineering Graphics &Design |
Computer Technology |
Technical Maths |
Technical Science |
Maths |
Physical Science |
2014 |
6,410 |
5,278 |
28,919 |
9,527 |
0 |
0 |
21,214 |
21,214 |
2015 |
6,602 |
5,436 |
30,943 |
10,003 |
0 |
0 |
22,275 |
22,275 |
2016 |
6,800 |
5,599 |
33,109 |
10,503 |
11,694 |
11,694 |
11,694 |
11,694 |
2017 |
7,004 |
5,767 |
35,427 |
11,028 |
12,279 |
12,279 |
12,279 |
12,279 |
2018 |
7,214 |
5,940 |
37,907 |
11,580 |
12,893 |
12,893 |
12,893 |
12,893 |
2019 |
7,431 |
6,118 |
40,560 |
12,159 |
13,538 |
13,538 |
13,538 |
13,538 |
Targets: National Learner Enrolment in Technical Schools (2014 – 2019)
Provincial Targets per Technology Subject:
2015 Targets |
||||||||
PROVINCE |
MT |
ET |
EGD |
CT |
Tech Maths |
Tech Science |
Maths |
Science |
EC |
507 |
418 |
2,377 |
768 |
|
|
1,711 |
1,711 |
FS |
582 |
479 |
2,727 |
882 |
|
|
1,963 |
1,963 |
GP |
1,753 |
1,443 |
8,214 |
2,655 |
|
|
5,913 |
5,913 |
KZN |
1,046 |
861 |
4,901 |
1,584 |
|
|
3,528 |
3,528 |
LP |
323 |
266 |
1,512 |
489 |
|
|
1,088 |
1,088 |
MP |
360 |
297 |
1,689 |
546 |
|
|
1,216 |
1,216 |
NC |
126 |
104 |
591 |
191 |
|
|
425 |
425 |
NW |
539 |
444 |
2,527 |
817 |
|
|
1,819 |
1,819 |
WC |
1,367 |
1,125 |
6,405 |
2,071 |
|
|
4,611 |
4,611 |
TOTAL |
6,602 |
5,436 |
30,943 |
10,003 |
|
|
22,275 |
22,275 |
2016 Targets |
||||||||
PROVINCE |
MT |
ET |
EGD |
CT |
Tech Maths |
Tech Science |
Maths |
Science |
EC |
681 |
560 |
3,314 |
1,051 |
1,170 |
1,170 |
1,170 |
1,170 |
FS |
530 |
436 |
2,581 |
819 |
912 |
912 |
912 |
912 |
GP |
1,808 |
1,489 |
8,804 |
2,793 |
3,110 |
3,110 |
3,110 |
3,110 |
KZN |
1,685 |
1,387 |
8,202 |
2,602 |
2,897 |
2,897 |
2,897 |
2,897 |
LP |
558 |
460 |
2,718 |
862 |
960 |
960 |
960 |
960 |
MP |
465 |
383 |
2,266 |
719 |
800 |
800 |
800 |
800 |
NC |
186 |
153 |
904 |
287 |
319 |
319 |
319 |
319 |
NW |
495 |
408 |
2,410 |
764 |
851 |
851 |
851 |
851 |
WC |
392 |
323 |
1,910 |
606 |
675 |
675 |
675 |
675 |
TOTAL |
6,800 |
5,599 |
33,109 |
10,503 |
11,694 |
11,694 |
11,694 |
11,694 |
2017 Targets |
||||||||
PROVINCE |
MT |
ET |
EGD |
CT |
Tech Maths |
Tech Science |
Maths |
Science |
EC |
635 |
523 |
3,211 |
999 |
1,113 |
1,113 |
1,113 |
1,113 |
FS |
584 |
481 |
2,955 |
920 |
1,024 |
1,024 |
1,024 |
1,024 |
GP |
2,063 |
1,699 |
10,436 |
3,249 |
3,617 |
3,617 |
3,617 |
3,617 |
KZN |
1,550 |
1,276 |
7,841 |
2,441 |
2,718 |
2,718 |
2,718 |
2,718 |
LP |
306 |
252 |
1,547 |
482 |
536 |
536 |
536 |
536 |
MP |
436 |
359 |
2,205 |
687 |
764 |
764 |
764 |
764 |
NC |
190 |
157 |
963 |
300 |
334 |
334 |
334 |
334 |
NW |
603 |
497 |
3,052 |
950 |
1,058 |
1,058 |
1,058 |
1,058 |
WC |
636 |
524 |
3,217 |
1,001 |
1,115 |
1,115 |
1,115 |
1,115 |
TOTAL |
7,004 |
5,767 |
35,427 |
11,028 |
12,279 |
12,279 |
12,279 |
12,279 |
2018 Targets |
||||||||
PROVINCE |
MT |
ET |
EGD |
CT |
Tech Maths |
Tech Science |
Maths |
Science |
EC |
574 |
473 |
3,018 |
922 |
1,027 |
1,027 |
1,027 |
1,027 |
FS |
487 |
401 |
2,560 |
782 |
871 |
871 |
871 |
871 |
GP |
2,059 |
1,695 |
10,818 |
3,305 |
3,679 |
3,679 |
3,679 |
3,679 |
KZN |
1,817 |
1,496 |
9,545 |
2,916 |
3,247 |
3,247 |
3,247 |
3,247 |
LP |
447 |
368 |
2,347 |
717 |
798 |
798 |
798 |
798 |
MP |
440 |
362 |
2,312 |
706 |
786 |
786 |
786 |
786 |
NC |
135 |
111 |
708 |
216 |
241 |
241 |
241 |
241 |
NW |
499 |
411 |
2,621 |
801 |
891 |
891 |
891 |
891 |
WC |
757 |
623 |
3,978 |
1,215 |
1,353 |
1,353 |
1,353 |
1,353 |
TOTAL |
7,214 |
5,940 |
37,907 |
11,580 |
12,893 |
12,893 |
12,893 |
12,893 |
2019 Targets |
||||||||
PROVINCE |
MT |
ET |
EGD |
CT |
Tech Maths |
Tech Science |
Maths |
Science |
EC |
592 |
487 |
3,230 |
968 |
1,078 |
1,078 |
1,078 |
1,078 |
FS |
502 |
413 |
2,739 |
821 |
914 |
914 |
914 |
914 |
GP |
2,121 |
1,746 |
11,575 |
3,470 |
3,864 |
3,864 |
3,864 |
3,864 |
KZN |
1,871 |
1,541 |
10,213 |
3,062 |
3,409 |
3,409 |
3,409 |
3,409 |
LP |
460 |
379 |
2,511 |
753 |
838 |
838 |
838 |
838 |
MP |
453 |
373 |
2,474 |
742 |
826 |
826 |
826 |
826 |
NC |
139 |
114 |
758 |
227 |
253 |
253 |
253 |
253 |
NW |
514 |
423 |
2,804 |
841 |
936 |
936 |
936 |
936 |
WC |
780 |
642 |
4,256 |
1,276 |
1,421 |
1,421 |
1,421 |
1,421 |
TOTAL |
7,431 |
6,118 |
40,560 |
12,159 |
13,538 |
13,538 |
13,538 |
13,538 |
(d) (i) Negotiations between the Department and Higher Education South Africa (HESA) and Umalusi are in progress for considering the designation of these technology subjects
(d)(ii)The non-designation is the only challenge that the Minister foresees.
03 July 2015 - NW2065
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(1)What is the total cost of the project to raise the wall of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape; (2) which company was appointed as supervisor of the project; (3) is the company a professional service provider (PSP) for her department; if not, why was the company appointed; if so, (a) when was the company appointed as a PSP and (b) in which category; (4) what are the project value parameters for each category of PSP as stipulated by her department?
Reply:
(1) The total cost of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (Raising of Clanwilliam Dam wall) is estimated to be R2.2 billion. This amount excludes the relocation of the N7, the relocation of the secondary road, cost for land acquisition, construction engineering supervising costs, Project Management costs, heritage expert costs, Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner, Environmental Control Officer, Hydro-power plant over and above the civil structure, communications, and escalation (inflation).
(2) Bigen Africa Services (Pty) Ltd was appointed for construction supervision and contract management of the project. Two more emerging companies, namely Tlou Integrated Tech cc and Batseta Engineering Services (BES Africa Engineering and Management Consulting (Pty) Ltd), from the panel were appointed for developmental and transformational purposes to work under the stewardship of Bigen Africa. This is intended to ensure that the scope is not entirely allocated to one Professional Services Provider (PSP) and that the technical expertise of a developed PSP (Bigen Africa) is used to develop emerging enterprises that are owned and managed by Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs).
(3) Bigen Africa Services (Pty) Ltd is part of the panel of PSPs that was created by the Department, (a) in 2013 under Contract WP0485-WTE (b) in Category five (5).
(4) The guideline project value thresholds is as follows:
Category |
Projects with a value between |
1 |
R0 up to R10,0 million |
2 |
R10.1 million up to R50 million |
3 |
R50,1 million up to R100 million |
4 |
R100.1 million up to R250 million |
5 |
R250.1 million up to R500 million |
6 |
R500.1 million - unlimited |
It should be noted that the above thresholds are only a guideline. The final Category chosen is determined based on the project’s scope and is determined, amongst others, the type of project, its complexity, its timeframes, developmental and transformational outputs to be achieved and the experience of companies in each of the categories.
---00O00---
03 July 2015 - NW2217
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether the Government had completed a detailed financial analysis to put an estimate on the final cost of Medupi Power Station; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the Government’s financial analysis corresponds with independent estimates that Medupi Power Staton will have cost the Government R300 billion rand or 10 times its cost at the signing of the contract; if so, what is the Government’s own estimate of the final cost; (3) does the Government’s final cost estimate differ with the independently estimated cost of R300 billion; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what amount below or above that mark, (b) will the Government explain what consequences will flow for all those who allowed the target to be overshot by the specified amount and (c) what measures has the Government implemented from 2009 to control the runaway costs; (4) will she make a statement on the handling and management of Medupi Power Station from its implementation up until the latest specified date for which information is available in light of the Government’s own fiduciary responsibility for Medupi Power Station? NW2574E
Reply:
(1) Yes. The cost to completion on the Medupi Project, as with other long term projects, is reviewed on an ongoing basis. The current approved cost to completion is R105bn. The Board of Eskom has not approved any further revision to the R105bn. The most recent review of the costs is currently undergoing internal Governance scrutiny. Should an increase to the current cost of completion be required, the Board will seek the necessary Shareholder approval through the PFMA process.
(2) Eskom is not familiar with the details, assumptions or factors that have been considered in the independent estimate of R300 billion, hence Eskom is not in a position to comment on the credibility of the estimate. The current approved project cost to completion on the Medupi Project is R105 billion.
(3) Eskom’s final cost estimate differs from the quoted independent estimate.
(a) Eskom’s current approved cost to completion of Medupi of R105bn is R195 billion below the above mentioned independent estimate.
(b) The Government is aware that the Medupi project might have cost overruns due to the various factors and Eskom will provide the detail of cost overruns to the Department in due course when all the Government processes have been completed.
(c) Eskom is consistently incorporating techniques to improve performance and manage costs. These ideas for improvement are derived from lessons learnt on other local and international projects. The following main cost control measures have been implemented:
• The introduction of additional supervisory resources to manage construction interfaces and the quality of on-site construction activities and off-site fabrication works.
• The strengthening of construction techniques within the project.
• Implementation of a robust claims management strategy.
• Improved Project oversight and streamlined decision making via the Eskom Board Build Program Review Committee and Eskom’s Executive Build Program Review Committee.
(4) The Minister will continue with the shareholder oversight pertaining to the progress of the Medupi Power Station project. The operational issues of the project are handled by the Eskom and quarterly progress is provided to the Department. The Department has undertaken a study to evaluate Eskom’s build programme and there has been lessons learned which are to be implemented to the build programme.
03 July 2015 - NW2299
Baker, Ms TE to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Are there any plans in place to release water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project to assist the Free State towns of Ficksburg, Clocolan and Marquard which have been affected by drought; if not, (a) why not and (b) what other measures have been put into place to deal with the effects of water security resultant from the drought in these communities?
Reply:
Yes, a submission has been made to the Director-General on 21 May 2015 for the release of water from the Katse Dam (Lesotho Highlands Water Project).
(a) Falls away
(b) In order to ensure the sustainability of supply within the system, pumping at the Tienfontein Pump Station (Caledon River) should be maintained. This can only be achieved by releasing water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme (Katse Dam) into the Caledon River. The transfer of water from Knellpoort Dam via the Novo transfer scheme to Rustfontein Dam should also be maintained. Fast-track and intensify the implementation of water conservation and water demand management measures in all affected municipalities. Urgent implementation of the gazetted water restrictions and the monitoring of possible unlawful water use along the Modder River, upstream of Maselspoort Dam.
---00O00---
02 July 2015 - NW2447
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(1)With regard to the published Liquor Policy Review, has his department conducted a regulatory impact assessment to ascertain what the cost to the economy would be in terms of job losses should the specified policy be implemented;
Reply:
(1) The initial Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was conducted to inform the liquor policy review process, and as the policy consultation process continues, assessment continues. RIA serves as an internal tool for government policy development process, and assessment of the cost to the economy is a component of the RIA process. The final RIA report will as submitted with the final liquor policy review document to Cabinet as per process, and the Liquor Amendment Bill will be introduced into Parliament thereafter.
(2)(a) Legal consideration has been applied to all proposals that are made in the liquor policy review document that has been published for public consultation. The proposal regarding suspension or revocation of a trading licence is intended to give the powers to effectively enforce conditions of the licence as per section 13 of the Liquor Act. Suspension or revocation of a licence will be an option available after all remedies within the Act, such as compliance notice, have been exhausted to achieve compliance.
(b)(i) No amendment will be made to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, Act 53 of 2003 as there is no need for such amendment.
(ii) No amendment will be made to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, Act 46 of 2013 as there is no need for such an amendment. There is a need for the liquor legislation to be amended to empower authorities to enforce adherence to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, and its codes, whatever the form.
(3) The draft policy has taken into consideration the Constitutional Court judgement where the dti acquired the exclusive regulation competence over macro manufacturing and distribution of liquor, while Provinces hold the regulation competence over micro manufacturing and retail sale of liquor. The Liquor Act provides for norms and standards in the regulation of liquor for harmonisation. This harmonisation is achieved through co-operative governance established through the National Liquor Policy Council comprising the Minister and the MECs who legitimately formulate such standards. The norms and standards were adopted in line with the mandate and is within the bounds of the Constitution. The provinces remain responsible for issuance of licences for micro manufacturers and retail sale.
02 July 2015 - NW2452
Hill-Lewis, Mr GG to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Has his department or any of the entities reporting to him awarded any funding for the production of (a) the Uzalo television drama, produced by certain persons (names furnished) or (b) any other (i) film or (ii) television production involving the specified two individuals; if so, what are the relevant details
Reply:
(a) No approval has been given for the production of Uzalo television dram produced by Mr Duma Ka Ndlovu and Ms Gugu Ncube.
(b) No film or television production involving the specified individuals has been awarded funding by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Entity |
a |
b (i) |
a(ii) |
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Credit Regulator (NCR) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Empowerment Fund (NEF) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Gambling Board (NGB) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Lotteries Commission (NLC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Regulator For Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
National Consumer Commission (NCC) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Companies Tribunal (CT) |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
02 July 2015 - NW2352
Figlan, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
Whether all citizens, including those born outside South Africa, are entitled to be issued with the Smart ID card; if not, why not?
Reply:
The rollout of the Smart ID Card is in the first phase of implementation and currently Smart ID Cards are only being issued to South African citizens by birth. All other categories such as permanent residence holders and naturalized citizens are not to be processed through the Live Capture at this stage; as this will form part of phase two of the modernisation project. The department will make an announcement on citizens born outside South Africa as the roll out evolves.
02 July 2015 - NW2236
Dreyer, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Home 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 has (aa) his department and (bb) entities reporting to him 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:
Responses provided by the Department of Home Affairs, Government Printing Works and Electoral Commission are given below:
(a) Department of Home Affairs
The Department 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 until 31 March 2015.
(b) According to the Government Printing Works
The Government Printing Works did not pay 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 date.
(b) According to the Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission did not pay out the remainder of any employee’s contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract from the 2008-09 financial year up to date.
02 July 2015 - NW2268
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)With reference to his department’s offices in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, is there a limit to the number of persons who can be assisted with the collection of documents such as identification documents, passports and residence permits in respect of each day; if so, (a) what is the maximum number of persons that can be assisted and (b) why can only a limited number of persons be assisted;
Reply:
(1)(a) Yes. When the office is busy and there are long queues, the office can assist at least 200 clients per day for both applications and collections of Smart Card IDs and Passports.
(1)(b) The office receives a large number of clients, due to the high demand for the acquisition of Smart ID Cards and the office can only serve the clients within the office operating hours. The increase in demand has been exacerbated by misinformation that has been given to the public, particularly the elderly.
For example, the elderly are being told that they would be charged a fee for the Smart ID Card if they do not apply immediately or they will not be paid their social grants by SASSA if not in possession of the Smart ID Card. This has resulted in a rush to acquire the Smart ID Cards which in turn causes overcrowding in the office as well as long queues.
The Department is working hard to counteract this misinformation and provide accurate information to clients through the channels of Operation Sukuma Sakhe, War Room meetings, Local Task Teams meetings, District Task Team meetings and other stakeholder engagements.
(2)(a) Yes. An additional collection counter will be installed as well as other resources that may be required within the limited space available.
(2)(b) An order is in the process of being issued for re-cabling and installation of additional data points so that the additional collection counter can be installed.
(2)(c) That will be determined once the additional counter has been added.
(3)(a-b) Yes, the clients are being informed by the floorwalkers and Office Manager about the numbers that can be assisted per day. Queuing numbers are issued to a certain number of clients that can be assisted per day while they are queuing outside. Moreover, the floorwalker is always available to check if all clients are being assisted and that they are seated in the correct queues. In addition, the floorwalker makes sure that the clients remaining outside are let in once there is availability of space in the office. Clients who are not able to be assisted on a particular day are informed.
01 July 2015 - NW1470
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(a) How many invoices from private contractors to his department currently remain unpaid for longer than 30 days and (b) in each case, what (i) are the details of the (aa) contractor and (bb) services provided and (ii) what is the (aa) date of the invoice and (bb) reason why the invoice was not paid within 30 days?
Reply:
- 27.
|
(i) (bb) |
|
(ii) (bb) |
Metrofile |
Storage of files |
See attached Annexure A. |
See attached Annexure A. |
F & J Distributors |
Newspapers |
||
Century Office |
Stationery |
||
Cape Town International Conversation |
Catering |
01 July 2015 - NW2377
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1) How many environmental mineral resource inspectors have been designated by him in accordance with section 31BB (1) (a) of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998;
Reply:
- 34
- (a) 34
(b) (i) 7 Regional Managers (including 3 with environmental qualification & 2 Legally qualified)
1 Director: Security Risk Management
1 Deputy Director: Mineral Laws
7 Deputy Directors: Environment
18 Assistant Directors
(ii) They are based in all 9 regional offices
3. The intention is to train a further 60 personnel in 2015/2016
4. All those who successfully complete the course shall be designated
01 July 2015 - NW2187
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
Is his department currently involved in a work exchange and/or employment agreement with the Republic of Cuba; if so, (a) what number of Cuban nationals (i) are currently employed and (ii) are due to be employed by his department, (b) what specific work roles are envisaged for the Cuban nationals, (c) what are the specific skill sets of each of the Cuban nationals (i) currently employed and (ii) due to be employed, (d) what are the details of the process followed to ensure that the same skill set was or is not available in the country and amongst South African citizens and (e) what is the total cost of the (i) employment or (ii) prospective employment of such Cuban nationals?
Reply:
The Department of Mineral Resources is currently not involved in any work exchange and/or employment agreement with Republic of Cuba.
01 July 2015 - NW2270
Macpherson, Mr DW to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)(a) Has a housing list been established for the uMshwathi Local Municipality and (b) what is the current back log of houses required;
Reply:
(1) (a) The Honourable member would be aware that I undertook to ensure that we have a credible Housing Database. This would include cleaning the housing waiting list and ensure that it is centralised to avoid double-dipping and related challenges. We also undertook to ensure that we prioritise the elderly and child-headed households. To this end, my Department has signed a service level agreement with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in line with this undertaking. The service level agreement with SITA caters for National Housing Needs Register on which households can record their housing needs.
Provinces and municipalities are encouraged to make use of the National Housing Needs Register system as it provides for a fair transparent and just process of selection of prospective subsidy beneficiaries and allows for regional specific preferential selection criteria. The System is linked to National Guidelines for the Allocation of Housing Opportunities created through the National Housing Programmes.
Currently, there are no records for uMshwathi Local Municipality on the National Housing Needs Register and the municipality has not implemented the National Housing Needs Register.
(2) (a) Based on project information registered on the Housing Subsidy System HSS), 182 houses were completed in the 2014 -15 financial year and
(b) The total cost for building these 182 houses was approximately R13 628 453;
(3) (a) The 2015/16 provincial business plan indicates that no houses are planned for construction in this financial year. There are two projects under the Integrated Residential Development Programme: Phase 1 and another project under the Enhanced Extended Discount Benefit Scheme (EEDBS).
(b) The Umshwathi Slums Clearance project has a budget of R49 236 000 and the Umshwathi Dalton/ Cool Air project has a budget of R7 750 000. The Umshwathi Cool Air EEDBS Project has a project budget of R7 000.00.
01 July 2015 - NW2086
Luzipo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
Is there any work that is being done by his department with regard to the challenges posed by transfer pricing, mispricing, as well as tax-base erosion and price fixing with other affected or relevant departments like the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Treasury; if not, why not; if so, how much ground has been covered?
Reply:
The Department of Mineral Resources participates in the Inter-Ministerial Committee of Revitalisation of Distressed Mining Towns, which has initiated a process to investigate transfer pricing and related matters. The National Treasury and South African Revenue Services are leading this process.
01 July 2015 - NW2008
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
Does his department maintain an updated asset register; if not, why not; if so, what is the (a) total number and (b) value of all motor vehicles recorded on such register?
Reply:
Yes.
(a) Five.
(b) R4,122,119.33
Annexure A
VEHICLES ON THE ASSET REGISTER |
||||
No |
Description |
User |
Purchase Date |
Price |
1 |
Motor Vehicle M-Benz ML |
Deputy Minister, Cape Town |
06 July 2011 |
774,270.00 |
2 |
Motor Vehicle M-Benz S350 |
Deputy Minister, Head Office |
19 September 2011 |
954,358.99 |
3 |
Motor Vehicle BMW 7 Series |
Department |
18 February 2010 |
1,200,100.00 |
4 |
Motor Vehicle Toyota |
Department |
03 March 2013 |
315,621.54 |
5 |
Motor Vehicle BMW X6 |
Minister, Head Office |
30 July 2012 |
877,768.80 |
TOTAL |
4,122,119.33 |
01 July 2015 - NW877
America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)Whether his department or the entities reporting to him provides any type of sponsorships; if not, what is his department’s position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the details of each sponsorship, (b) what is the value of each sponsorship, (c) when were each of these sponsorship deals undertaken and (d) when will each of the sponsorship deals end;
Reply:
- The Department of Mineral Resources, Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC), State Diamond Trader (SDT), Council for Geoscience (CGS) and South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator (SADPMR) did not provide any sponsorship. The Department’s policy and that of the MHSC and CGS does not make provision for sponsorships. Mintek did provide the following sponsorships during the 2014/2015 financial year.
Recipient |
Details |
Value (R) |
When were the deals undertaken |
When will the deal end |
THE MINERALS EDUCATION TRUST FUND |
Annual Contribution |
39 392 |
Jan-15 |
This was a once-off |
SA INSTITUTE OF MINING AND METALLURY |
Sponsored a table at the annual banquet |
12 540 |
Jan-15 |
This was a once-off |
NATIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FUND |
Sponsored a table at the annual banquet |
30 000 |
Jun-14 |
This was a once-off |
CORROSION INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA |
Sponsored a table at the annual banquet |
9 649 |
Sep-14 |
This was a once-off |
2. (a & b) No, the Department, MHS, CGS and SDT have not planned to enter into any type of sponsorship deal or contract in the 2015 - 16 and 2016 – 17 financial years. The Department’s policy and that of the MHSC and CGS does not make provision for sponsorships. The SADPMR does not intend to enter into any type of sponsorship deal or contract in 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years as they do not budget for any type of sponsorship as per National Treasury Practice note 4 of 2006/07.
Yes, Mintek does intend to enter into sponsorship deals similar to the deals mentioned in number 1 above. These sponsorships are for professional bodies and are assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into account affordability and benefit into consideration. They are of a once-off nature and there is no obligation to Mintek to continue with these sponsorships.
01 July 2015 - NW1136
James, Ms LV to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(a) What amount did (i) his department and (ii) state entities reporting to him spend on each newspaper subscription in each month (aa) in the (aaa) 2011-12, (bbb) 2012-13 and (ccc) 2013-14 financial years and (bb) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) how many copies of each newspaper were ordered on each day of the week (i) in each specified financial year and (ii) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available?
Reply:
(a) Department (i) (aa) (aaa) R127,697.86 (bbb) R539,975.57 (ccc) R520,438.02 (bb) R400,296.17 (b) (i) (ii).
Newspaper |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
2014/15 |
||||
Q |
Amount |
Q |
Amount |
Q |
Amount |
Q |
amount |
|
Business day |
10 |
R28 000.00 |
20 |
R62 400.00 |
15 |
R61 200.00 |
10 |
R40 800.00 |
Cape Times |
6 |
R 2 121.60 |
6 |
R 9 792.00 |
6 |
R 9 936.00 |
6 |
R 9 936.00 |
Citizen |
13 |
R 2 028.00 |
17 |
R12 240.00 |
10 |
R 8 160.00 |
10 |
R 8 160.00 |
The Star |
34 |
R10 961.60 |
66 |
R98 208.00 |
44 |
R70 752.00 |
35 |
R56 280.00 |
Sowetan |
14 |
R 2 912.00 |
55 |
R52 800.00 |
45 |
R48 600.00 |
40 |
R43 200.00 |
The New Age |
8 |
R 1 456.00 |
15 |
R12 600.00 |
15 |
R14 040.00 |
15 |
R14 040.00 |
Cape Argus |
5 |
R 1 430.00 |
5 |
R 6 600.00 |
5 |
R 6 960.00 |
5 |
R 6 960.00 |
The times |
31 |
R10 961.60 |
66 |
R107 712.00 |
58 |
R94 656.00 |
40 |
R65 280.00 |
Mail & Guardian |
26 |
R33 664.80 |
45 |
R58 266,00 |
39 |
R52 728.00 |
20 |
R27 040.00 |
City press |
3 |
R 2.028.00 |
3 |
R 2 028.00 |
3 |
R 2 402.40 |
3 |
R 2 402.40 |
Sunday Times |
4 |
R 3 328.00 |
4 |
R 3 328.00 |
4 |
R 3 556.80 |
4 |
R 3 556.80 |
Sunday Independent |
3 |
R 2 340.00 |
3 |
R 2 340.00 |
3 |
R 2 496.00 |
3 |
R 2 496.00 |
Sunday World |
2 |
R 728.00 |
2 |
R 728.00 |
2 |
R 884.00 |
2 |
R 844.00 |
Pretoria News |
11 |
R 3 546.40 |
50 |
R74 400.00 |
54 |
R86 832.00 |
44 |
R70 752.00 |
Beeld |
1 |
R 322.40 |
1 |
R 1 488.00 |
1 |
R 1 488.00 |
1 |
R 1 488.00 |
Financial Mail |
11 |
R11 428.56 |
22 |
R22 857.12 |
22 |
R58 080.00 |
18 |
R47 520.00 |
TOTAL |
182 |
R127,697.86 |
380 |
R539 975.00 |
326 |
R520 438.02 |
256 |
R400 296.17 |
ii) State owned entities monthly expenditure between 2011 and 2014
State Diamond Trader (a)(ii)
Quest |
Year |
Subscription |
Number of Copies |
Annual Fee |
Monthly Fee |
(aaa) |
2011-12 |
Business Day |
1 |
2,296.95 |
191.41 |
Sowetan |
1 |
745.58 |
62.13 |
||
Total |
3,042.53 |
253.54 |
|||
(bbb) |
2012-13 |
The Star |
1 |
1,237.28 |
103.11 |
Business Day |
1 |
2,368.42 |
197.37 |
||
Sowetan |
1 |
675.00 |
56.25 |
||
Total |
4,280.70 |
356.73 |
|||
(ccc) |
2013-14 |
The Star |
1 |
1,337.06 |
111.42 |
Sowetan |
1 |
786.32 |
65.53 |
||
Business Day |
1 |
2,368.42 |
197.37 |
||
Total |
4,491.80 |
374.32 |
|||
(aa) |
2014 to date |
Sowetan |
1 |
1,023.16 |
85.26 |
Business Day |
1 |
3,836.84 |
319.74 |
||
Total |
4,860.00 |
405.00 |
|||
|
|
||||
Grand Total |
6,675.03 |
1,389.59 |
Mintek
(a)(ii) The amounts on newspaper subscriptions spend during the period in question are depicted in the table below. Mintek subscribes annually and zero cost in any one month does therefore not suggest that no newspapers have been received for that month.
aa) |
aaa) 2011-2012 |
bbb) 2012-2013 |
ccc) 2013-2014 |
bb) 1 April 2014-28 February 2015 |
Total |
R 41 614 |
R 63 981 |
R 44 786 |
R 51 014 |
SADPMR - (ii)
(aaa) 2011-12 |
(bbb) 2012-13 |
(ccc) 2013-14 |
(bb) 01 April 2014 -28 February 2015 |
(aa) R 3 273.25 |
(aa) R 3 311.71 |
(aa) R 3 530.20 |
(aa) R 870.00 |
Mine Health and Safety Council (a) (ii)
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
2013-14 |
2014 -15 |
R0.00 |
R0.00 |
R26 942.20 |
R0.00 |
Council for Geoscience (a) (ii) and (b)
Financial Year |
2011/2012 |
2012/2013 |
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
||||||||
Newspaper |
Number of copies |
Amount |
Number of copies |
Amount |
Number of copies |
Amount |
Number of copies |
Amount |
||||
Beeld |
2 |
R2,808.38 |
- |
- |
1 |
R2,035.63 |
1 |
R2,488.00 |
||||
Business Day |
4 |
R10,474.08 |
4 |
R10,800.00 |
4 |
R12,852.00 |
4 |
R12,852.00 |
||||
Mail & Guardian |
1 |
R892.92 |
1 |
R892.92 |
1 |
R1,249.92 |
1 |
R1,785.00 |
||||
New Age |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
R792.00 |
1 |
R792.00 |
||||
Pretoria News |
2 |
R3,503.50 |
2 |
R2,275.00 |
1 |
R1,205.76 |
1 |
R2,889.25 |
||||
Sowetan |
2 |
R1,613.52 |
2 |
R1,792.80 |
2 |
R1,792.80 |
1 |
R896.40 |
||||
Star |
1 |
R1,319.50 |
1 |
R1,410.50 |
1 |
R1,524.25 |
1 |
R1,592.50 |
||||
Sub total |
12 |
ZAR 20 611.90 |
10 |
ZAR 17 171.22 |
11 |
ZAR 21 338.61 |
10 |
ZAR 23 295.15 |
||||
Notes: |
||||||||||||
The Council for Geoscience newspaper renewal is annual and prices are based on a one year subscription |
Question b (i) and (ii)
State Diamond Trader |
|||
(aaa) 2011-12 |
(bbb) 2012-13 |
(ccc) 2013-14 |
(ii) (bb) Period 1 April 2014 to date |
|
|
|
|
Mintek
The number of copies of the newspapers is as per the table below. These newspapers are only delivered weekdays. There are no weekend newspapers.
|
2011-2012 |
2012-2013 |
2013-2014 |
1 April 2014-28 February 2015 |
Cost for 2014-2015 per newspaper |
Business day |
7 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
27 000 |
Sowetan |
6 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
6 416 |
The Star |
5 |
13 |
14 |
6 |
8 695 |
Mail & Guardian |
2 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
8 904 |
South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator
(i) 2011-12 |
2012-13 |
2013-14 |
2014 - February 2015 |
day of the week
per day of the week
|
|
|
|
01 July 2015 - NW1921
Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(a) Who are the current chief financial officers of (i) his department and (ii) the entities reporting to him and (b) what is the qualification of each chief financial officer?
Reply:
(a) Who are the current chief financial officers of (i) his department and (ii) the entities reporting to him and (b) what is the qualification of each chief financial officer? |
|||
i)Dept |
Department of Mineral Resources |
|
|
a) |
b) |
||
ii)Entities |
Council for Geoscience |
Mr Leonard Dibela Matsepe |
|
MINTEK |
Mr Sakhiseni Abednego Simelane |
|
|
State Diamond Trader |
Mrs Nomonde Thamaga |
|
|
South African Diamond and Precious Metal Regulator |
Mrs Mukondeleli Irene Tshifura |
Short Courses:
|
|
Mine Health and Safety Council |
Mr David S Molapo |
|
01 July 2015 - NW1101
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
What amount did (a) his department and (b) entities reporting to him spend on advertising in The New Age newspaper in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial years?
Reply:
(a) (b) 00
(i), (ii) and (iii) Falls away
01 July 2015 - NW2252
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
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 has (aa) his department and (bb) entities reporting to him 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:
(a) (b) The Department and entities (Council for Geoscience, State Diamond Trader, Mintek, South African Diamond and Precious Metal Regulator and Mine Health and Safety Council) reporting to the Minister of Mineral Resources have never prematurely terminated the services of any employee who is on contract since 2008/ 09 to date. Therefore, has never had to make any pay out.
(i) (bb) N/A
(ii) N/A
(iii) N/A
01 July 2015 - NW2371
Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1)How many inspections to assess compliance with environmental management plans or programmes were conducted in respect of each region in the (a) 201314 and (b) 201415 financial years;
Reply:
REGIONS |
Inspections 2013/14 |
Orders issued 2013/14 |
Inspections 2014/15 |
Orders issued 2014/15 |
Limpopo |
261 |
147 |
268 |
211 |
Mpumalanga |
290 |
19 |
284 |
64 |
Gauteng |
167 |
71 |
173 |
48 |
North West |
292 |
110 |
304 |
58 |
KwaZulu Natal |
151 |
19 |
156 |
151 |
Eastern Cape |
100 |
02 |
164 |
09 |
Free State |
187 |
30 |
201 |
34 |
Western Cape |
157 |
33 |
141 |
27 |
Northern Cape |
263 |
42 |
165 |
11 |
TOTAL |
1868 |
473 |
1856 |
613 |
30 June 2015 - NW2253
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development
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:
(a) Neither the National Department of Social Development (b) nor the NDA has paid the out the said amount since the 2008/09 financial year.
With regard to SASSA, an amount R1 151 317.20 was paid to Ms B Rankin (Executive Manager: Corporate Services) due to her early termination of her employment services in the 2008/09 financial year.
In the second case, an amount of R 313 267.51 was paid to Mr J Mofokeng (Chief Financial Officer) as a dispute settlement which resulted in early termination of employment contract.
30 June 2015 - NW2359
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to her reply to question 1818 on 26 May 2015, (a) what services were provided by the law firm for the R222 876.04 paid and (b) how was the law firm appointed?
Reply:
(a) The law firm reviewed the outcome of the constitutional court judgment on the payment tender and the leakage of information to media houses.
(b) The law firm was appointed in terms of SASSA‘s Annual Procurement General Exemptions SASSA-12/10 which enables the Minister to appoint a commission of enquiry, special investigating units, forensic auditors and also to enable the Agency to procure services to seek legal opinion from Legal Firms without following the procurement process due to the sensitivity of the nature of the service.
30 June 2015 - NW2208
Lekota, Mr M to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether he will offer South African citizens a tax dispensation similar to that being offered by the new British government to its citizens, not to increase taxes for the duration of its term of office in order to give British taxpayers the certainty requisite to take out a mortgage to purchase a house; if not, why not; if so, when will he make such an announcement?
Reply:
South Africa is a sovereign country and would not copy or follow the tax policies of other countries without completing a thorough due diligence process to establish the benefits for our citizens. South Africa tax policy is developed in a transparent manner and outlined in the annual Budget and forms part of the fiscal framework which is shaped by the long-term objectives of the government as outlined in the National Development Plan and medium-term objectives like the Medium-Term Strategic Framework. Tax policy has been broadly stable since 1994 and provides relative certainty to all citizens and investors. Major tax policy changes are referred to expert committees like the Davis Tax Committee, which is currently considering various challenges faced by tax policy in South Africa. This follows on the work of the Katz Commission which shaped the tax policies of the democratic government soon after 1994. To the extent that changes in policy are made, they are done in a deeply consultative way and on the advice of expert committees and are not done in an ad-hoc manner. It should be noted that South Africa has different objectives and challenges to an advanced economy like Britain and our policies therefore reflect different priorities from Britain.
In considering the objective of encouraging South Africans to own their homes, I do not believe that tax certainty is an issue at all. The bigger challenges posing home ownership probably relates to non-tax issues like the cost of borrowing; availability and supply of housing, land; and the price and affordability of houses.
30 June 2015 - NW2242
Matsepe, Mr CD to ask the Minister of Finance
Whether (a) the National Treasury 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 has (aa) his department and (bb) entities reporting to him 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:
(a) The National Treasury has not paid out the remainder of any employee’s contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract for any financial year since 2008.
(b) Yes, the following entities paid out the remainder of the employees’ contractually stipulated date of termination of contacts for the specified period;
FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE CENTRE
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2010-11 FY |
R 35,741.50 |
Goitsimang April |
Settlement agreement |
R 445,677.08 |
Dineo Motsepe |
CCMA Settlement agreement |
|
2013-14 FY |
R 93,970.00 |
Derick Letlonkane |
Service no longer required |
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2010-11 FY |
R 1,548,217.00 |
M Ramataboe |
Board agreement |
GOVERNMENT PENSIONS ADMINISTRATION AGENCY
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2013-14 FY |
R 191,799.00 |
Mr. J. Ramatlhape |
Permanent CIO was appointed |
LAND BANK
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2011-12 FY |
R 527,769.64 |
Lehlohonolo Andrew Makenete |
Mutual agreement |
PUBLIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2014-15 FY |
R 3,188,014.00 |
Confidentiality agreements |
Voluntary termination of contract |
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2008-09 FY |
R 9,350,000.00 |
K Ngqula |
Seperation Agreement |
SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICES
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2008-9 to 2014-15 |
R 4,745,571.68 |
Confidentiality agreements |
Confidentiality agreements |
SASRIA
Financial years |
(i)(bb) Amount paid on early termination? |
(ii) Names of payout recipients |
(iii) Reasons for early termination |
2010-11 FY |
R 766,800.00 |
Mr Collin Macheke |
Position became redundant after restructuring. |
30 June 2015 - NW2362
Kopane, Ms SP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether, with regard to her reply to question 271 on 25 May 2015, she will provide a copy of the policy that guides how the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) should address disaster relief;
Reply:
(1) Social relief of distress is provided in terms of the criteria set in the Social Assistance Act, 2004. The policy on SASSA responses to disaster is a guide for SASSA staff to implement the legislative requirements in a uniform and consistent manner.
(2) Please refer to Section 4 of the SASSA guidelines.
30 June 2015 - NW2315
Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
Does his department have any time-specific plans for remedying the situation in National Technical Education programmes in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges, in which Umalusi has identified certain problems (details furnished);
Reply:
- Initiatives to transform the National Accredited Technical Diploma (NATED) programmes require both immediate and long-term approaches. Currently, the Department and National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) are working collaboratively with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) as the lead partner to model the translation of the NATED programmes into occupationally registered qualifications under the QCTO. The Electrical, Plumbing and Financial Management programmes will be used as pilots in the modelling exercise involving all the relevant statutory, industry and education and training stakeholders. Once this process is completed, the model will be applied progressively to prioritise NATED programmes in engineering and some business related programmes. The curriculum, assessment, work-placement and certification requirements in the transformed qualifications are being addressed holistically, taking cognisance also of the quality assurance mechanisms that will apply across the qualification provision pipeline.
The Department has to rely on the services of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college lecturers to set and internally moderate question papers. All examiners and moderators are briefed annually in specially convened sessions prior to engaging in the setting and internal moderation of question papers. The completion of assessment grids, standards for marking guidelines and the rigour expected in the internal moderation of question papers are all addressed in these sessions.
Several additional examinations posts are to be advertised and filled by 31 March 2016 as part of the migration process, to facilitate the appointment of suitably qualified and experienced curriculum specialists. These officials will, amongst other duties, serve as moderators in the setting process and in so doing, address the completion of assessment grids, standards for marking guidelines and the rigour expected in the internal moderation of question papers.
Various examination centres submit inaccurate and poorly captured data in both electronic and hard copy format for resulting purposes per examination cycle. This does not only delay the approval of results, but brings the integrity of the process into question. The Department has recently completed and tested a national document on data verification standards of examinations for implementation by examination centres. All Information Technology (IT) service providers that service TVET colleges were involved in the process and the IT system administrators will be briefed when the Department hosts examinations support workshops across the nine provinces from August to October 2015.
The Department is not aware of any consolidated irregularity report that is still outstanding. The consolidated irregularity report for the November 2014 examinations cycle of the General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training (GETC: ABET) Level 4 qualification was submitted late due to a delay in the response of the inputs required from Provincial Departments of Education. The Department has addressed this matter with the heads of examinations in provinces and agreed on the processes and timeframes to be adhered to for future examination cycles.
2) (a) Currently, there are 10 106 lecturers at TVET colleges.
(b) Work is underway to comprehend the skills shortfall of lecturers. Lecturers come from a varied background in some cases lacking pedagogical and technical skills. While an annual survey is done, it is not always possible to meaningfully identify the level of competence of lecturers.
(c) and (d) The Policy on Professional Qualifications for Lecturers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training was gazetted in May 2013. Universities are currently working on developing programmes that are aligned to the qualifications policy. The range of qualifications included in the policy will address the development needs of lecturers who are under-qualified, as well as those that may hold appropriate qualifications but need to develop pedagogical competence. The first programmes are likely to be offered in 2016, pending approval and accreditation by relevant bodies, and more will become available in 2017.
In the meantime, the Department has initiated a number of lecturer development activities such as continued curriculum updates on new curriculum. Recently, a Lecturer Support System was introduced with an aim to expand content updates to lecturers on a large scale. This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Dutch government. In addition, we are also developing mechanisms for structured workplace exposure for lecturers. A protocol on lecturer exchanges will also be developed this year.
Compiler/Contact persons:
Contact number:
DIRECTOR – GENERAL
STATUS:
DATE:
REPLY TO QUESTION 2315 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STATUS:
DATE: