Questions and Replies

Reply:

a) The National Department of Health has been informed by the Gauteng Department of Health about the stolen copper pipes/cables at Charlotte Maxeke, Steve Biko and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. There were other similar incidents that were reported by the Free State Department of Health regarding copper pipes being stolen from the following hospitals:

1. Bongani hospital (Welkom)
2. Boitumelo hospital (Kroonstad)
3. Thebe hospital (Harrismith)
4. Monapo hospital (Qwa Qwa)
5. Elizabeth Ross hospital (Qwa Qwa)
6. National hospital (Bloemfontein)
7. Universitas hospital (Bloemfontein)
8. JS Maroka hospital (Thaba Nchu)
9. Mohau hospital (Hoopstad)

All these incidents were reported to the nearest police stations and case numbers were issued accordingly.

b) Minster of Health has appointed Ministerial Task Team for safety and security in all public health facilities. The purpose of the task team was to assess the effectiveness of security measures and make recommendations. The task team has conducted security assessments at all public health facilities. Subsequently reports were drafted with the following recommendations:

• Improve security infrastructure like perimeter fencing and security guard rooms.
• Installation of security technology like CCTV camera systems, access control and alarm systems.
• Development of standardised security framework.
• Effective security contract management to hold Service Providers accountable.
• Regular security patrols at public health facilities by SAPS especially in hotspot facilities.
• Deployment of police reservists at hotspot public health facilities.
• Implementation of intelligence driven security measures at hotspot facilities
• Escort of EMS by SAPS to hotspot communities.

In this regard, memorandum of understanding was entered into between SAPS and NDoH to ensure regular patrols and deployment of police reservists.

Ministerial task team meet on regular basis to monitor the implementations of the recommendations and to assist provinces with any required security intervention.

END.

Reply:

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services learned about these allegations through media reports and immediately instituted an investigation into the above matter through the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services. The National Commissioner then appointed investigators who are currently busy with all allegations related to inmate Thabo Bester and his escape.

Arrests have been effected and certain individuals are undergoing court processes based on criminal charges in relation to inmate Bester.

END

Reply:

a) Kalgold Mine, Kalahari Gold Ridge Mining Company Ltd) near Kraaipan in the North-West, is a mining right holder of NW 30/5/1/2/2 77MR. The Social Responsibility Programme implemented in the past 10 years, which from the perspective of the provisions of the Act, is a Social and Labour Plan, that is part of the mining right holder’s obligation, are as follows:

• Reverse Osmosis Water Project in Kraaipan village.
• Community Skills Development and SMME Facility in Kraaipan village.
• Setlagole RDP Houses Settlement Formalisation for Setlagole village.
• Mining Education Infrastructure in Ratlou community – renovated one classroom into computer laboratory at Aaron Letsapa Primary.
• SMME Development in Ratlou – Sewing project in Kraaipan village.
• Refurbishment of Centre for Itereleng Self-Help Group in Madibogo.
• Broad-Based Livelihood Vegetable and Livestock in Ratlou.
• Youth Development Mobile Centre (ICT) at Ratlou Municipality.
• Madibogo Tyre and Wheel Alignment.
• Kraaipan Bricks and Aggregate Manufacturing.
• And contributions towards various CSI initiatives (Donations of Laptops to top matric leaners, NGO Capacity building), Renovations of Resegofetse Early Learning Centre, Renovations of three classrooms)

In addition to the above, Kalgold Mine has offered 17 external bursaries, 05 external learnerships, 14 internships to the external candidates also.

b) The Department issues administrative orders in terms of section 93 to remedy non compliances.

Reply:

The total costs to date incurred by the Department in relation to the national intervention into the administration of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality are R 2, 006 283, 13.

End.

Reply:

a) According to information received from the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements, a contractor was appointed to build 290 houses for the Keubong 290 Rural Project, under Mt Fletcher- To date 267 houses have been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries and the remaining 23 houses will be completed in the current 2023/24 financial year.

b) The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements confirmed receiving a request from Elundini Local Municipality for the construction of houses in Tembeni, under the 2400 Rural Project.

i) The Project Application will be presented to Project Appraisal Committee for project and funding approval.

ii) The Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements has targeted to conduct planning activities in Etembeni 2400 Rural Project and commence with construction during the 2024/2025 Financial Year

Reply:

1. None. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development did not in the last 10 years [2013-2023], provide funding to private companies that were responsible for technical support to emerging farmers either in terms of the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RADP) or the current Land Development Support (LDS) Programme. Currently, the Department has a partnership with commodity organisations registered with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and collects levies in accordance with Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, No. 47 of 1996.

2. No, since no funding support was provided to private companies as indicated above.

(a),(b)(c) Falls away.

Reply:

1. (a) Since the withdrawal of the Gas Amendment Bill, the Department has been working on finalizing the revision of the Bill with the incorporation of all these factors and inputs. We are currently finalising inter-departmental consultations to solicit further inputs. At the conclusion of this process, we will follow the prescribed broader stakeholder consultation which will lead to the re-submission of the Bill in Parliament.

(b) The development of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill and gas discoveries which came after the Gas Amendment Bill was drafted necessitated that we align the legislative frameworks for regulating the gas sector and ensure that there are no contradictions and overlaps.

2. Yes, the goal of drafting or amending legislation is to precisely govern the sector. However it is also important to amend such that the country has legislation that is keeping with the latest developments which sometimes include technological advancements.

Reply:

(a)(i) Please refer to Annexure A for damages in terms of livestock, crop and infrastructure. The losses recorded on livestock was R1 476 650,00, infrastructure was R165 325 422,00 and crop was R251 311 301,27 including sugarcane.

(ii) Long-term damages and or changes to the sector include reduction in the planting area due to hectares of land lost through soil erosion, which resulted in lower yields of sugar cane tonnage. Furthermore, there has been a lot of variation in the price per ton of cane sugar. However, the unrest that took place in KwaZulu-Natal also placed considerable strain on the industry. Currently, no shortage is envisaged but increased prices in sugar and its derivatives are one of the long-term effects that can be expected.

(b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has not done an assessment on total number of farmers who lost operation and exited the market due to losses incurred in the floods nor has it received any report to that effect.

(c) DALRRD continues to issue early warning information and advisories as well as awareness to assist farmers with their preparedness plans.

(d) Reports attained showed that 1107 farmers incurred losses in grain, another 670 farmers had suffered losses in vegetable and horticulture production. There were also losses suffered by 482 livestock farmers for both small and large stock.

(e) During the 2022-2023 financial year, DALRRD allocated R30 million to support KwaZulu-Natal farmers with repairs of damaged infrastructure, fertilisers and seeds following the flood disaster. DALRRD further supported the provincial request for additional funds to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), however, the application was not successful as funding was depleted since priority was given to humanitarian and social relief.

Reply:

According to information sourced from the developer, Balwin Properties and Infrastructure South Africa, the Mooikloof Mega City Residential Development is at an advanced stage of development.

Since the gazetting of the project in 2020, Infrastructure South Africa has worked with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and Balwin Properties to unlock various approvals including the Service Level Agreements, regulatory approvals and key infrastructure connection challenges which caused delays in the construction of the first phase. There were further delays with regard to the environmental approvals for the Eastern Link sewer, however, authorization has been granted and Infrastructure South Africa continues to support the unblocking of such regulatory approvals.

The availability of bulk infrastructure enabling development is a challenge that is experienced across the country, including the Mooikloof Mega City Residential Development.

However, parallel to the construction of the apartments, upgrades to some bulk infrastructure are in progress. Upgrades to the Hill Waste Water Treatment Works are completed and upgrades to Garsfontein road are in progress. Furthermore, Balwin Properties is implementing bulk infrastructure upgrades to the value of R 138 million at present.

Infrastructure South Africa is still engaging City of Tshwane Metro, (who is responsible for the implementation of bulk infrastructure), to develop possible funding mechanisms towards addressing the challenge of bulk infrastructure.

In addition, Infrastructure South Africa has conducted structured engagements with the National Treasury and Development Finance Institutions to put in place mechanisms, within the current legal framework, to provide fiscal support for bulk infrastructure requirements. These processes are envisaged to continue for some time, as different options are being considered, that will unlock funding for bulk infrastructure in the medium to long-term.

The developer gave assurance that the current delays on the project are within their control.

Reply:

(1)(a & c) No, Goodwood Regional Office and Pollsmoor Correctional Centre’s installation of vibracrete walls does not fall into the respective financial years as stipulated in the above question. It is for this reason it does not appear on the infrastructure plan.

(1)(b) Allandale Correctional Centre’s installation work is being done by Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and therefore does not appear on the infrastructure plan of the Department of Correctional Services

(2) The total expenditure incurred was for the purchase of building material as follows:

• Pollsmoor Management Area - R490 000.00;
• Allandale Management Area – R 866 844.60;
• Goodwood Management Area – R324 000.51

Own resources were utilised for construction of the walls at Goodwood and Pollsmoor Management Areas. In Allandale Management Area DPWI is assisting with the use of a service provider for the construction.

(3) According to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards, Act No.103, 1977 section 2 subsection 3 does not bind the State in submitting building plans to the Municipality.

END.

Reply:

The following steps were taken to ensure that the person arrested in Tanzania was confirmed to be inmate Mr Thabo Bester who escaped from Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC):

• Individuals’ fingerprints were compared with those fingerprints on the warrant/s of imprisonment at the MCC;
• South African Police Service (SAPS) also confirmed that the fingerprints of the person arrested in Tanzania are the same as the fingerprints of the inmate as on the criminal records kept by the SAPS.

END

Reply:

In terms of the RFP issued for the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme, the Bidders assume responsibility to obtain all environmental consents. As such it is the responsibility of Karpowership to engage with the NGOs as well as other Interested and Affected Parties with regard to objections that they may have in the process of the environmental authorisations aligned with the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act.

Government continues through existing environmental legislation provision to consult and engage with key stakeholders.

Reply:

I am concerned about the safety of students and staff members at all the institutions of higher learning.

Following certain outbursts by senior management in the media, I have tabled the protection of whistle blowers on the agenda for discussion with the Council of the University of Fort Hare.

The University of Fort Hare has in the interim confirmed that the Council expedited the finalization and approval of the Whistleblowing Policy and Procedures, through which any information brought forth would be investigated in a fair and regulated manner. We are advised that the policy makes provision for protection of staff members and students who have alerted the university to corrupt conducts and acts.

Reply:

(1)(a) No, the mentioned wall is a pre-cast vibracrete wall. Installation was done as per domestic pre-cast installation, therefore, no civil engineer was required. However, the manufactures’ specifications were adhered to for the installation and training was provided by the supplier on site. No safety agent was appointed. However, health & safety regulations were adhered to.

(1)(b) In the case of Allandale Correctional Centre, the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI) appointed a service provider for the installation of the wall. A shop drawing, specification and construction method were provided. See attached as “Annexure 1”. There was no safety agent appointed. However, Health & Safety Regulations are being adhered to.

(1)(c) For Pollsmoor Maximum Correctional Centre a shop drawing was designed and signed by the Manufacturer’s Professional Engineer and specifications with construction methodology were provided. See attached as “Annexure 2”. There was no safety agent appointed however Health & Safety Regulations are being adhered to.

(2) In respect of all three sites, existing fence lines were being replaced by a new type of fence which is the pre-cast walling. Therefore, with respect to Environmental impact studies there wasn’t any registered, however, the necessary installation specifications were adhered to.

(3) There were no approvals required because the work conducted was for replacing redundant existing fence lines.

(4)(a) DPWI appointed a contractor for Allandale Management Area and for Pollsmoor & Goodwood Regional Office artisan and offender labour was utilised.

(4)(b) A competitive price quotation process was followed for purchasing of the material.

END.

Reply:

(a) (i) Floor plans are available for all our health care facilities. However, most of them are outdated due to the aging of many facilities. (ii) See below existing health facilities with adequate fire detection systems:

(b)-(c) Aging public health facilities remains a challenge and growing concern for the Department of Health. The short-, medium- and long-term focus is thus more on restoring many of these facilities to an acceptable state of operability. The National Department of Health is currently busy with the following interventions:

(i) CSIR is currently busy with an investigation into how to become more green in future and will include the OHS Compliance issues and fire detection systems for all the healthcare facilities.

(ii) Provinces have been requested to include the update of the floor plans and fire detection systems during the condition assessment audits of their facilities. This request is aligned with the requirements of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA).

In the same Act the User, which in this case is the Provincial Departments of Health, should annually revise its User Asset Management Plan (UAMP) in alignment with the guidelines provided by Public Works. The User Immovable Asset Management Plan (UAMP) for the Department of Health informs the budget allocation process in terms of the overall and annual strategic plans of the Department. The objectives of the UAMP are to:

• assess the utilisation of accommodation in terms of the Department of Health’s service delivery objectives.
• assess the functional performance of the accommodation.
• prioritise the need for repair, refurbishment or reconfiguration of all state-owned accommodation.
• plan for future accommodation requirements and
• secure funding for the acquisition and utilisation of assets according to the strategic objectives of the relevant department.

1. All major upgrades and new installations must cover the upgrading of the fire detection systems.

END.

Reply:

It should be noted that inmates who came forward with information about Thabo Bester were not whistle blowers with regard to the escape. The offenders referred to only claimed to know about the Thabo Bester escape after it was published in the media. The inmates were transferred out of Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in consideration of their safety.

As a matter of course, routine complaints and requests are taken daily from offenders in Units and registered in the G365 register. For protection of other inmates against officials and management the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS) is available daily in Correctional facilities to take complaints by and some requests of inmates, these inmates are attended to independently without monitoring and supervision of Correctional officials. Inmates are also assisted to open cases with the police where necessary.

The following whistle blower procedures are applied in DCS:

• Offenders who provide reliable information concerning any wrong doings by other offenders and officials are interviewed by the Unit Manager/ Head of Correctional Centre (HCC) and such inmates are given an option to be transferred out of those facilities or placed in isolation cells for own safety in terms of section 7 of Act 111 of 1998 as amended.

• Stipulations of the whistle-blowers policy of the Department implemented as the protected Disclosures Act 26 of 2000 which was effective in February 2001, state that their name/s should remain anonymous, identity should never be revealed and information should be limited to the Unit Manager/HCC and the investigators.

• Registered whistle blowers are assigned code names and an inmate registration. A whistle blower only interacts with a dedicated official in the holding correctional facility who is assigned to handle the whistle blower.

• Deployment of other experienced officials/Emergency Support Teams (ESTs) from other Centres in the Units where whistle blowers are incarcerated is also considered. Daily visits must be conducted by the Head of Correctional Centre and other Centre Managers.

• Clear and secure communication between the concerned officials and whistle blowers should be maintained at all times.

• Food for whistle blowers should be handled with care in cases where there might be information and suspicions that the offender might be in danger.

• Visits of whistle blowers should be monitored for safety reasons.

• Complaints and requests are taken daily from offenders in the Units and registered on G365 register. Offenders also have access to the Head of Centre and feedback is provided within seven days of the complaint.

• There are also Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (ICCVs) officials from the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS) that are available at Correctional Centres.

• Offenders have direct access to JICS via these officials. Offenders are free to register any complaint, concern or grievance to these ICCV officials for further handling with JICS.

• Offenders have access to telephones (landlines) and they are able to report their concerns directly to Departmental Investigation Unit (DIU), SAPS, the Presidential Hotline or Public Protector.

• Any official or HCC found to be abusing or threatening offenders that provide any information regarding corruption, abuse, fraud (any complaint) may be charged departmentally and criminally (SAPS).

• Immediate and prompt intervention and consequence management is prioritised and implemented at all levels.

• The placement of a locked suggestion / grievance box in all units that can only be accessed by HCC also assists in getting confidential information to keep inmates safe when they are whistle blowers.

• The office of the Regional Commissioner and the Management team continuously sensitise officials and offenders to refrain from activities that are embarrassing to the DCS and that are illegal in nature.

END.

Reply:

1. (a) The details of production levels on the farm with regard to citrus are as follows:

1. Size in hectares under production: 309 hectares.
2. An estimated total of 130 000 cartons of citrus were harvested in 2014/15 for export market.

(b) The Department does not have records relating to revenue generated during the 10 years before being transferred to the beneficiaries.

2. (a) (i) The details of livestock that was kept on the farm are limited to the following:

• 50 heifers and 2 bulls that were received from the Industrial Development Cooperation Nguni scheme. The remaining portions of the grazing land are leased out.
• (II)The Department does not have records relating to revenue generated during the 10 years before being transferred to the beneficiaries.

(b) (i) 188 permanent workers lost their jobs.

(ii) Between 400 to 600 seasonal workers lost their jobs.

Reply:

a) The Bill was withdrawn to address the inputs received from stakeholders during the Parliamentary consultation processes. Additionally, the Department also considered other developments which have taken place in the gas industry over time. These were found to be crucial for reflexion in the legislation going forward.

b) The Bill will be introduced to Parliament after following the prescribed broad stakeholder consultation.

Reply:

a) The National Department of Human Settlement’s procurement allocations.

(aa) In respect of 2021-22 financial year, the National Department of Human

Settlements procured over fifty five percent (55%) of goods and services

from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4.

i) The procurement allocation is R 60 988 816,96

ii) Procurement from co-operatives R 0,00

iii) Township enterprises R 2 154 021,48 and

iv) Rural enterprises R 2 162 825,54.

April 2023

In respect of 2022/23 financial year, the National Department of Human Settlements procured over ninety seven percent (97%) of goods and services

from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4.

i) The procurement allocation is R 23 334 019,86

(ii) Procurement from cooperatives R 0,00

(iii) Township enterprises R 2 162 825,54 and

(iv) Rural enterprises R 327 122,75.

1. Entities Reporting to the Minister

2. Community Schemes Ombud Service: The Community Schemes Ombud Service does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. However, the Community Schemes Ombud Service has since determined that it spent (i) R42 374 176 (74%) on small-, medium- and micro-enterprises during the (bb) 2021/22 financial year.

3. Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority: The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority has advised the Department that it did not record any percentage procurement spend for (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises (ii) Cooperatives, (iii) Township and (iv) Rural Enterprises during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.

4. Social Housing Regulatory Authority: The Social Housing Regulatory Authority spent eighty-five percent (85.61%) on (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year. No percentage procurement spent for (ii) Cooperatives, (iii) Township and (iv) Rural Enterprises has been recorded by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.

5. Housing Development Agency: The Housing Development Agency does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. The Housing Development Agency targets procurement spend on women, youth and persons with disabilities in line with Government’s empowerment object. The results are as follows:

• 1. Procurement spent targeted at businesses owned by women amounting to R536 025 527. 97 (8.12%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
  2. Procurement spent targeted at businesses owned by youth amounting to R334 757 829. 86 (2.92%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
  3. Procurement spent on businesses owned by persons with disabilities amounting to R124 981 016. 18 (0.53%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.

6. National Housing Finance Corporation: The National Housing Finance Corporation does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. However, during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year, the National Housing Finance Corporation targeted the procurement of goods and services from Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) firms level 1 to 4. Due to the nature of competition and service required it is not always practical to purchase goods and services from the targeted B-BBEE levels. The National Housing Finance Corporation procured over seventy five percent (75%) from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4, specifically:

1. Level 1: R62 195 048.84 (66%)
2. Level 2: R4 168 264.19 (4%)
3. Level 3: R5 407 730.74 (6%)
4. Level 4: R6 880 403.03 (7%)

7. National Home Builders Registration Council: The National Home Builders Registration Council does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. However, the National Home Builders Registration Council can report actual procurement expenditure as follows:

1. Procurement spent on businesses owned by women amounting to R4 187 541.17 (18%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
2. Procurement spent on businesses owned by youth amounting to R1 261 913.85 (7%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
3. Procurement spent on businesses owned by persons with disabilities amounting to (0.3%) R12 289.37 during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.

Reply:

The NDPWI does not own or manage any state and/or municipal lodges or resorts in the following local municipalities:

(a) Metsimaholo Local Municipality; and

(b) Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1976 (Written Reply) Mrs. T P Msane (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:

The draft reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1976 (Written Reply) is submitted for your consideration.

The input has been provided by the Bloemfontein Regional Office and Real Estate Management Services Business Unit.

I hereby attest that the information provided in response to NA PQ 1976 is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge.

________________________

MS. T ZULU

REGIONAL MANAGER: BLOEMFONTEIN

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MR. M MABINJA

ACTING-DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL: REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DATE:

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

________________________

MS. N MAKHUBELE

ACTING-DIRECTOR GENERAL

DATE:

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION NO. 1976 (Written Reply) Mrs. T P Msane (EFF) asked the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

Draft reply supported / not supported/ comments

_____________________

MS. B SWARTS, MP

DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

Draft reply approved / not approved/ comments

__________________________

MR. S ZIKALALA, MP

MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

DATE:

 

 

Reply:

a) The Title Restoration Project is an ongoing project of the government that aims to restore ownership to beneficiaries of state-subsidised houses, that have since 2016 consistently been planned and budgeted for, in the annual provincial business plans.

b) It is the department’s policy to hand over title deeds to beneficiaries as soon as possible to avoid loss or damage. The issuing of title deeds by political heads depends on their priorities and availability.

The Minister of Human Settlements will thus continue to issue title deeds to beneficiaries as part of the ongoing work of government, depending on her availability and priorities.

Reply:

a) I reported that the South African government allocated R47 billion to fund approximately 900 000 NSFAS beneficiaries in the 2023 academic year. This represents a 7% increase in the number of students that are eligible for NSFAS compared to the previous fiscal year. In 2023 academic year, an inflation linked increase of 5% was also applied on all allowances (excluding living allowances). Living allowance increment across the board NSFAS was R 1 650 per month.

Different entities or institutions have responded differently to crises of food security, and food bank projects were developed in most cases, to illustrate:

1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology has an interim food support programme wherein students are supported with food parcels and vouchers.

2. University of Cape Town provides care packs with non – perishable food items and toiletries from donated goods and donated vouchers.

3. Central University of Technology introduced the Thusanang project aimed at assisting all students who are financially challenged and academically deserving, particularly those without any form of financial support such as loans or bursaries during their period of studies.

4. Durban University of Technology initiated the Phakimpilo (Serve life) programme which commenced in 2020 during lockdown period. The programme provided spar vouchers to mostly postgraduate students.

5. University of Fort Hare introduced a food programme to assist students identified, assessed, and approved to receive assistance.

6. University of the Free State has food banks on all three campuses that provide nutritious food packages to students on a weekly basis. UFS launched a vegetable garden initiative that provides fresh vegetables that are distributed in addition to the standard items included in the food parcels.

7. University of Johannesburg provides a student meal assistance programme which offers meal packs to qualifying students.

8. University of KwaZulu-Natal has established a Food Security Task Team to develop a strategy and action plan that will realise the vision of one meal a day for every student going forward. Currently, limited food parcels/ meal vouchers are available to students on referral/ request.

9. University of Limpopo has through the Hands of compassion – donations to needy students provided a Soup kitchen or a meal a day offered during the examination period.

Food parcels are also available to non-funded students.

10. University of Mpumalanga was approached by a non-profit organization, Kago Yabana Foundation to provide free meals to needy students for a period of one month.

12. Nelson Mandela University signed an MOU with Tiger Brands who provide contents for nutrition packs for indigent students. This MOU has been in place since 2003.

13. North – West University supplies food hampers to needy students

14. University of Pretoria’s Student Nutrition and Progress has been in practice since 1990.

15. Sefako Makgatho University has a vibrant food security project called Hands of Compassion established in 2016 to assist students who are not beneficiaries of any financial support.

16. Stellenbosh University has a main food project called #Move4food which is focused on assisting in emergency situations and is usually a once-off financial assistance.

17. Tshwane University of Technology has established the Food Hamper Crisis intervention programme.

18. University of Venda provides food parcels through its project Thohoyazie. It also has a

Social Responsibility Fund, which is intended to assist needy students, coordinated by

the Convocation and Alumni Office. Students are assisted as and when they approach the university for assistance. During the second semester 2020, the university received food parcels donated by the Professional Provident Society Foundation and handed them to indigent students.

19. University of the Western Cape provides ad-hoc food support programs for residence students, sports athletes and for emergency relief, especially during the examination period.

20. University of the Witwatersrand supports gardens and a daily meal programme.

The following TVET Colleges also provide food parcels to their students: Goldfields College, False Bay College, Northlink College and South Cape TVET College.

Reply:

1. The query was forwarded to the City of Cape Town to provide a reply and the City responded as follows “Local Government has no statutory obligation nor constitutional responsibility to report any eviction to which it may be a party nor court ruling of any nature, to the Ministry of Human Settlements which has no mandate nor oversight role in this regard” Whilst this may be the case, the National Department of Human Settlements (NDHS) is of the view that the City should have requested for assistance from it to address this matter within the framework of cooperative governance, as per chapter 3 of the constitution.

2. The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has not informed the NDHS of such evictions.

The NDHS will not encroach into the functional responsibility of another sphere of government, but it stands ready to provide assistance to the the CoCT via the Emergency Housing Programme when requested to do so.

Reply:

(a),(b)(i),(ii),(iii),(iv)(aa),(bb) Please refer to the table below.

(i) SMME	(ii) Cooperative	(iii) Township Enterprises	(iv) Rural Enterprises
(a) Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
(aa) 2021/22 Financial Year (FY)
0% The Department did not set procurement allocations (targets).
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury.
(i) SMME	(ii) Cooperative	(iii) Township Enterprises	(iv) Rural Enterprises
(b) Deeds Registration Trading Account
(aa) 2021/22 FY
0% The entity did not set procurement allocations (targets).
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury.
(b) Commission on Restitution of Land Rights
(aa) 2021/22 FY
89%	0%	1.27%	76%
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
70.69%	0%	0%	1.21%
(b) Office of the Valuer General
(aa) 2021/22 FY
84.77%	0%	0%	0%
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
16.5%	0%	0%	0%
(b) Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB)
(aa) 2021/22 FY
0% ITB did not set procurement allocation targets.
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury.
(b) National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC)
(aa) 2021/22 FY
0% NAMC did not set procurement allocation (targets).
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury.
(b) Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
(aa) 2021/22 FY
0%: ARC did not set procurement allocation targets.
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
0%: The new Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 that came into effect from 16 January 2023 compels government institutions to evaluate bids based on specific Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) objectives. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable.
(b) Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB)
(aa) 2021/22 FY
30%	0%	0%	0%
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
20%	0%	0%	0%
(b) Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP)
(aa) 2022/23 FY
OBP currently only tracks 2 parameters with respect to procurement and based on the BBBEE Framework, i.e., (i) Black owned companies; and (ii) woman owned companies. OBP only approved the enterprise supplier development policy in Quarter-4 of 2022/2023. For the financial year 2022/2023, 45% Black owned businesses and 15% women owned businesses.”
(bb) Since 1 April 2023
0%: Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable and was replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. In view of the above, since April 2023 the OBP does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury.

Reply:

a) The National Department of Human Settlements has subsidy-linked programmes designed to provide support and assistance in all types of settlements along the continuum where ownership or rental tenure option can be exercised. From a communal land and human settlements development perspective, the definitive role and demarcated interface between the Department and traditional leaders is expressly defined within some of our programmes and one such programme is the Rural and Communal Land Rights Subsidy Programme.

The programme was developed specifically to assist households in areas with communal tenure to access housing subsidies. The programme provides housing subsidies for housing development on communal land registered in the name of the state or which will be held by community members subject to the rules or custom of that community under their traditional authority.

Under this programme, a beneficiary community member provides proof of uncontested land tenure rights and qualifies for a new order tenure right on the portion of land allocated to him or her by a recognised Traditional Council.

The powers and duties of the land administration committee of the community is exercised and performed by the Traditional Council. The housing subsidy may be utilised for the development of internal municipal services, house building, upgrading of existing housing structures, upgrading of existing services where no alternative funding is available.

b) With respect to role players and decision-making processes, a Traditional Council must in terms of the Traditional Leaders and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No 41 of 2003), co-operate with any relevant Municipal Ward Committee and must meet at least once a year with its traditional community to give account of its activities and needs. There are five role-players within the implementation of the Rural and Communal Land Rights Subsidy Programme; namely, the National Department, the Provincial Department, Municipalities, Traditional Councils; and the Land Administration Committee which came into effect after the promulgation of Communal Land Rights Act (CLaRA).

In addition, the Department has a programme called First Home Finance (FHF), previously known as the Financial-Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP). The objective of this programme is to assist households by providing a once-off down payment to qualifying households to acquire a new house or an existing house or a vacant residential serviced stand. In communal administered land or in rural settings, the FHF subsidy is provided to a qualifying beneficiary through Permission To Occupy (PTO) right that are issued by the government or an officially recognised traditional authority.

In cases where a prospective beneficiary is not in possession of such a PTO, such beneficiary may still buy a PTO-linked housing stand and build their house on it using the FHF subsidy in combination with a housing loan. No subsidy shall be provided nor may building works proceed without the written approval of the Administrator/ Chief of the land in question.

Reply:

No. I have not been informed of the complaints the Honourable Member is referring to. The Department of Traditional Affairs has accordingly referred the matter to the KZN Office of the Premier and we will await their feedback in this regard.

End.

Reply:

(a),(i) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in collaboration with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), implemented the National Red Meat Development Programme (NRMDP) from 2013. The NRMDP is a market aggregation facilitation programme that affords livestock developing farmers an opportunity to upscale their participation in the marketing of their livestock.

Farmers are capacitated on the various market channels, grading, classification, pricing and other formal market details. The programme supports household livestock farmers to develop the institutional capacity in rural areas through the establishment of custom feeding infrastructure and the facilitation of livestock auctions that empowers farmers to condition their animals using the aggregation model to make them ready for the market. The programme has benefited over 10 000 farmers to date.

Currently, DALRRD is working with its State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs) namely, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), NAMC and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) to finalize the legal tool that will enable the expansion of this programme.

As outlined in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), DALRRD through round table discussions with the sector key role players including the industry is developing production schemes that will also upscale aggregation models. The engagements are at advance stages on prioritised production schemes like red meat, cotton and citrus.

(a),(ii) DALRRD is implementing the Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) as a co-funding instrument between government and the private sector. It should be noted that the Department is currently working with both the Land bank and the Industrial Development Cooperation. It is envisaged, as negotiations are unfolding that most if not all commercial banks will participate in the scheme, thus freeing some resources to be used in the development of small-scale producers.

(b) These programmes are already being implemented.

Reply:

1. The COVID 19 Vaccination programme started on 17 February 2021. According to the Electronic Vaccination Data System the total number of COVID 19 vaccines administered for the period 17 February 2021 and 5 June 2023 are 38 977 115.

2. Yes, three deaths resulting from Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) following administration of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have been causality linked to the vaccine. The common adverse events following immunisation includes fever, pain at the injection site, pain, nausea, local reaction, headache, fatigue, dizziness and chest pain.

3. (a) An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) can be reported three ways a) on the MedSafety app b) at any private or public health facility on the MedSafety app or on a paper-based form emailed to [email protected] c) on the COVID-19 hotline (now the National Health Hotline). The NDoH in collaboration with SAHPRA has widely communicated to the public how to report AEFI, including on social media, training of health care workers and on various webinars/media engagements. Only serious and severe AEFI are investigated; 3075 clinically significant AEFI have been reported and the investigations are either underway or concluded. It should be noted that the majority of AEFI are found to be related in time, but not causally linked, to immunisation.

(b) A total of 49 claims have been received by the Covid-19 Vaccine Injury No Fault Compensation Scheme. All the claims have been adjudicated by the Adjudication Panel and finalised.

Breakdown:

Claims – No evidence of temporary or permanent disability	30	R0.00
Claims – Death benefit (R150,000.00) each	3	R450,000.00
Claim – Permanent Disability	1	R171,000.00
Claims – Temporary Disability	2	R45,000.00
Claim – Private Doctor consultation	1	R5,600.00
Claims – re-directed to Sisonke Trial – vaccinate before 17 May 2021	6	R0.00
Claims – assessed – wait for additional information	6	R0.00
TOTAL	49	R671,600.00

END.

Reply:

a) The provision and roll-out of solar geysers is undertaken by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the National Department of Human Settlements (NDHS) is collaborating with the DMRE in this regard.

To respond to the rising cost of living and energy poverty, I have announced that subsidised houses will be provided with solar panels in all new housing projects at 500W per housing unit. This is effective from the 1st of April 2023. At 500W, this home solar system is envisaged to cover lighting and provide energy to basic home appliances such as radio, television, Wi-Fi and refrigerator. Through this intervention, it is expected that the subsidised home solar system will contribute to the reduction of the total cost of electricity-consuming appliances in homes.

b) The NDHS has not rolled out any solar geysers, therefore it cannot provide feedback on the effectiveness thereof.

c) (i) The NDHS has held discussions with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) which are envisaged to culminate into a collaboration that will be expressed in a Memorandum of Agreement, for the installation of 6000 solar geysers in the Eastern Cape province.

c) (ii) The time frames for the roll-out of the solar geysers is expected to take place within the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years and will be confirmed in the Memorandum of Agreement between the two Departments.

Reply:

The Black Producers Commercialisation Programme (BPCP) pilot phase was launched in November 2018. The programme was suspended by April 2019 to undertake a review and assessment of the model. No approvals were recorded during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 financial years. The Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) was re-launched in October 2022.

(a)(i),(ii),(b) 2022-2023 financial year - implementation period: November 2022 to 31 March 2023

Client Name	Province	Districts	Commodities	Number of Client Approvals	Total Approvals (Loan and Grant)
Sefale Letsitsa	Free State	Lejweleputswa	Grains and Livestock	1	R7 130 400
Ntethe Farming CC		Thabo Mofutsanyana	Grains, Beans and Livestock	1	R19 998 307
Mandla Simon Mahlangu	Gauteng	Tshwane	Grains and Livestock	3	R1 402 300
Simphiwe Gift Mashiyana					R467 408
Sen-thaba Agriculture and Projects (Pty) Ltd					R1 340 208
Shakazi Farming	KwaZulu- Natal	uMgungundlovu	Sugarcane	2	R5 150 000
Kalajan Investments (Pty) Ltd		iLembe			R8 923 920
Lemo David Chaba	Limpopo	Capricorn	Livestock	2	R784 683
Motitoane Mabena		Waterberg			R203 850
Avoxeni Farms CC	Mpumalanga	Gert Sibande	Grains and Livestock	1	R5 325 420
Sibusisiwe Sugar Estate (Pty) Ltd		Ehlanzeni	Sugarcane	1	R39 806 692
Baleti Estate (Pty) Ltd			Nuts and Avocados	1	R26 261 121
Andre Smith	Northern Cape	ZF Mgcawu	Livestock	8	R415 571
Coenraad Van Wyk					R389 391
Danie Farmer					R406 168
Fritz Du Plessis					R10 141 591
Jakob Bok					R1 183 578
Jannie J Van Der Westhuizen					R13 226 906
Myra Jo-Ann Bezuidenhout					R3 274 070
Smith Boerdery Trust					R3 563 006
BL Smith Boerdery CC			Livestock Raisins Pecan nuts Lucerne	2	R11 895 360
Wathita Abafazi in Farming (Pty) Ltd					R12 627 166
Eilerd Driving and Training Academy CC		Frances Baard	Livestock	1	R8 959 595
Kalahari Lankgewacht Investments (Pty) Ltd			Livestock and Pecan nuts	1	R6 313 073
Andries Farmer		Namakwa	Livestock	2	R3 839 002
Elsies Vlak (Pty) Ltd					R1 169 238
Samuel Ivan Visser		Pixley Ka Seme	Livestock	1	R913 508
Dithabo Projects and Other (Pty) Ltd	North West	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District	Livestock	2	R3 077 304
Loago Boerdery (Pty) Ltd					R1 877 029
Eben Hazer Boerdery (Pty) Ltd	Western Cape	Cape Winelands	Table Grapes	1	R55 361 600
Total Approvals and Disbursements (Loan and Grant)	30	R255 427 466

Reporting period: 1 April 2023 to 15 May 2023

Client Name	Province	Districts	Commodities	Number of Client Approvals	Total Approvals (Loan and Grant)
Bokamoso Boatlegile Farming (Pty) Ltd	Free State	Mangaung	Grains and Livestock	1	R15 671 865
Sebolelo Miriam Khoabane		Lejweleputswa	Grains and Livestock	1	R2 809 881
Setjhoka Farming (Pty) Ltd	Gauteng	Tshwane	Grains and Livestock	2	R1 402 008
Kholekile Marinkie Ntuli					R519 208
Simphiwe Gift Mashiyana				0	R0
Mirror Ball Investments 128 (Pty) Ltd	Kwazulu Natal	uThukela	Vegetables	1	R5 913 024
Kalajan Investments (Pty) Ltd		iLembe	Sugarcane	0	R0
PJ Snyders	Northern Cape	ZF Mgcawu	Livestock	1	R1 031 882
PA Dorper Boerdery (Pty) Ltd			Livestock Raisins Pecan nuts Lucerne	1	R15 064 794
Myra Jo-Ann Bezuidenhout			Livestock	0	R0
Billy Rodney Kotze		John Taolo Gaetsewe	Livestock	1	R9 248 565
Dithabo Projects and Other (Pty) Ltd	North West	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati	Livestock	0	R0
Crispy Crop (Pty) Ltd	Western Cape	West Coast	Vegetables	1	R7 856 400
Total Approvals and Disbursements (Loan and Grant)	9	R59 517 627

Reply:

Yes. It is true that agribusiness migratory patterns result in unemployment and food insecurity for households that were directly benefiting from such establishments. It is also true that the opportunity should be seized to promote more self-employment within the sector. Of the nine objectives defined in the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), five objectives as highlighted below aim to broadly address the concerns raised in this question:

• Promote transformation in agriculture and agro-processing sectors;
• Increase food security in South Africa;
• Accelerate the opening of markets and better access conditions;
• Enhance competitiveness and entrepreneurial opportunities through technological innovations, infrastructure development and digitalization; and
• Create effective farmer support, agro-processing, food wholesale and retail incentives.

The work done through various committees is focused on developing integrated development plans to address and attain the broader strategic intent for inclusive economic growth.

Reply:

In terms of section 27 (1) the Higher Education Act, it is the Council of a public higher education institution which must govern the institution. In respect of financial mismanagement or presumed corruption, especially where an institution does not comply with conditions linked to allocations from money appropriated by Parliament, Minister may request the Council to comply. In terms of Section 42, should the Council not comply within a predetermined timeframe, Minister may withhold payments of further allocations.

The Higher Education Act further provides that the Minister may:

1. issue a directive to the council of a public higher education institution if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the Council or the management of that public higher education institution is involved in financial impropriety, or the public higher education institution is being otherwise mismanaged.
2. appoint an independent assessor if circumstances arise at a public higher education institution that involve financial or other maladministration of a serious nature; or seriously undermine the effective functioning of the public higher education institution.
3. appoint an administrator, if an audit of the financial records of a public higher education institution or the report by an independent assessor or any other report or information reveals financial or other maladministration of a serious nature or serious undermining of the effective functioning of the public higher education institution.

The Minister has intervened in several institutions by appointing independent assessors to conduct investigations into various allegations of mismanagement and other maladministration; and where reports reveal maladministration of a serious nature, administrators have been appointed to identify and initiate processes and initiatives that restore proper governance and management. In addition, directives have been issued to some institutions to direct on steps to be taken to remedy various deficiencies that would have been identified.

In the instance of compromised qualifications, the Minister may request the Council of Higher Education to provide conduct quality assurance on the relevant qualification/s and thereafter act on the recommendations provided by the CHE.

Reply:

1. The KwaZulu Natal Province has reported that a total of 550 beds have been provided at the Crystal Valley Shelter.

2. (a) The province has also reported that there was an open tender process, and the tender was referenced as Bid No. HDA / KZN /2022/005.

(b) The province reported that the households were relocated from various Mass Care Centres and all the details are in the tender referenced as Bid No. HDA /KZN/2022/005. Attached are the “SBD 1 Part A Invitation to Bid” and “Tender Opening Form”

Reply:

a) I reported that the South African government allocated R47 billion to fund approximately 900 000 NSFAS beneficiaries in the 2023 academic year. This represents a 7% increase in the number of students that are eligible for NSFAS compared to the previous fiscal year. In 2023 academic year, an inflation linked increase of 5% was also applied on all allowances (excluding living allowances). Living allowance increment across the board NSFAS was R 1 650 per month.

Different entities or institutions have responded differently to crises of food security, and food bank projects were developed in most cases, to illustrate:

1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology has an interim food support programme wherein students are supported with food parcels and vouchers.

2. University of Cape Town provides care packs with non – perishable food items and toiletries from donated goods and donated vouchers.

3. Central University of Technology introduced the Thusanang project aimed at assisting all students who are financially challenged and academically deserving, particularly those without any form of financial support such as loans or bursaries during their period of studies.

4. Durban University of Technology initiated the Phakimpilo (Serve life) programme which commenced in 2020 during lockdown period. The programme provided spar vouchers to mostly postgraduate students.

5. University of Fort Hare introduced a food programme to assist students identified, assessed, and approved to receive assistance.

6. University of the Free State has food banks on all three campuses that provide nutritious food packages to students on a weekly basis. UFS launched a vegetable garden initiative that provides fresh vegetables that are distributed in addition to the standard items included in the food parcels.

7. University of Johannesburg provides a student meal assistance programme which offers meal packs to qualifying students.

8. University of KwaZulu-Natal has established a Food Security Task Team to develop a strategy and action plan that will realise the vision of one meal a day for every student going forward. Currently, limited food parcels/ meal vouchers are available to students on referral/ request.

9. University of Limpopo has through the Hands of compassion – donations to needy students provided a Soup kitchen or a meal a day offered during the examination period.

Food parcels are also available to non-funded students.

10. University of Mpumalanga was approached by a non-profit organization, Kago Yabana Foundation to provide free meals to needy students for a period of one month.

11. Nelson Mandela University signed an MOU with Tiger Brands who provide contents for nutrition packs for indigent students. This MOU has been in place since 2003.

12. North – West University supplies food hampers to needy students

13. University of Pretoria’s Student Nutrition and Progress has been in practice since 1990.

14. Sefako Makgatho University has a vibrant food security project called Hands of Compassion established in 2016 to assist students who are not beneficiaries of any financial support.

15. Stellenbosh University has a main food project called #Move4food which is focused on assisting in emergency situations and is usually a once-off financial assistance.

16. Tshwane University of Technology has established the Food Hamper Crisis intervention programme.

17. University of Venda provides food parcels through its project Thohoyazie. It also has a Social Responsibility Fund, which is intended to assist needy students, coordinated by the Convocation and Alumni Office. Students are assisted as and when they approach the university for assistance. During the second semester 2020, the university received food parcels donated by the Professional Provident Society Foundation and handed them to indigent students.

18. University of the Western Cape provides ad-hoc food support programs for residence students, sports athletes and for emergency relief, especially during the examination period.

19. University of the Witwatersrand supports gardens and a daily meal programme.

The following TVET Colleges also provide food parcels to their students: Goldfields College, False Bay College, Northlink College and South Cape TVET College.

Reply:

1. Key intervention to ensure continuity of protein supply was to substitute meat with beans which is also a source of protein.

(2) (a) Only one hospital reported food shortages.

(b) Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

3.(a) The initial cause was the supplier is contracted to supply a number of hospitals in Johannesburg South with the inclusion of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital and one of the facilities failed to make a payment on time and the supplier stopped food supply in all facilities, including those whose contractual obligations were met.

(b) A long term solution would be to have more suppliers who are having a mix of items on contract, rather than depending on one supplier for most items. Moreover to construct a cold-room to keep buffer stock for reserves rather than daily deliveries.

END.

Reply:

1. No. The day-to-day management of Colleges of Agriculture is currently with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture.

2. Falls away.

3. Falls away.

Reply:

South Point are private providers of student accommodation and support several universities in the Western Cape and Gauteng. The Department is not aware of complaints about South Point and has not received any complaints from students on accommodation provided by South Point. Hon. Marais is requested to provide more details about the complaints so that further investigations can be conducted, and comprehensive response be provided.

Reply:

Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has accurate data on the extent of loss of arable land due to mining in Mpumalanga. The information is based on recorded and considered applications lodged in terms of the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, 1970 (Act No. 70 of 1970). Based on analysis of applications reviewed for the 2020 and 2021 financial years, the extent of agricultural land in hectares lost to mining is as follows:

Year	Hectares lost to mining
2020	3 445,254
2021	2769.784
Total	6215,038

Agricultural activities in the form of cropping and grazing land for livestock facilitate food security and provision of rural community income. The loss of mentioned agricultural land impacts negatively on the growth of the agricultural sector.

The loss of agriculture land in the long-term is being mitigated by the introduction of the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill (PDALB) which promotes planning between the various affected sectors in a coherent and transparent manner, but specifically to safeguard arable land for continued food security without compromising each sector’s economic contribution i.e. by delineating high potential farming land.

Reply:

Following extensive discussion of the Ukraine-Russia crisis and its impact on Africa and other developing countries, a group of seven African Presidents agreed to undertake a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia. The objective of the Mission is to promote the importance of peace and to encourage the parties to agree to a diplomacy-led process of negotiations. This initiative includes diverse voices from the Continent on the conflict, consisting of Comoros (current Chair of the African Union), the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.

It is the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and not the Democratic Republic of Congo that is part of the peace initiative

Reply:

South Africa continues to participate in the United Nations General Assembly’s Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on the Security Council, both in its capacity, as a sovereign member state, and as a member of the African Group. South Africa believes that there must be a common acknowledgment, particularly by those member states maintaining the status quo in the Security Council that the international political and economic system remains unequal, unfair and unjust.

South Africa continues to advocate for the urgent reform of the Council, based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which calls for two permanent seats, and five non-permanent seats and the abolishment of the veto. However, for as long as it exists, it is a privilege, which should be extended to all new permanent members.

South Africa has consistently called for text-based negotiations to register progress, especially since there are no negotiations in the IGN. Rather, the IGN has been characterised by the delivery of Group statements and statements made by member states in their national capacities. The Co-Chairs of the IGN developed a Revised Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters” which has been updated in May 2023 following several rounds of consultation. This document provides a preliminary basis for text-based negotiations. In addition, the IGN has now also established a specific website to act as a repository of the recordings of the webcasts as well as of the letters, decisions, statements of Member States, and other documents related to the IGN process.

In support of the realisation of the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the Africa We Want, and the continent’s ambition to Silence the Guns, South Africa continues to call for the Council’s urgent reform, and the need to correct the historical injustices committed against the African continent. Our engagement will remain focused on highlighting that, through broad and extensive engagement, underpinned by the spirit of multilateralism, dialogue and negotiation, member states can find pathways to convergence. South Africa will emphasise that political divergences should not be the reason for holding back progress.

Reply:

(a). The National Arts Council (NAC) has successfully implemented its third Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PES++++++----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------P4). There has been no mismanagement of the PESP4. We opened our call on the 20 February 2023, and closed on the 31 March 2023, and recently announced on the 31st May 2023. This was a record implementation in terms of time (considering the number of applications received). The NAC team worked very hard in ensuring that they do not miss the deadline to announce the dates.

This hard work paid off, as it resulted in the entity announcing the list of 637 successful beneficiaries. Below is an important summary of PESP 4.

Applications Received	Applications Approved	Shortfall	% Funded
4752	637	4115
R5 087 253 146,79	R182 400 000,01	R4 904 853 146,79	4%

At the recent industry announcement held on 31 May 2023, the industry gave positive feedback to the NAC on the turnaround of the entity in implementing its programmes as well as communicating with the industry. There was not even a single complaint from any stakeholder.

As per the above table, The NAC continues to appeal to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Sport, Arts and Culture to attend to the issue of budget limitations related to the sector. The NAC funds seven (7) arts disciplines in the country, and as long as the entity can only fund 4% of the value of applications received, the extreme frustration of our sector will continue. The NAC worked with the Department to further ensure there were no beneficiary duplications between the two entities.

(b). The NAC continues to clarify to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee that there is no scandal related to the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. All funds have been accounted for and the good work of the MNPO continues. Which is to benefit artists across the provinces of South Africa. There has been continued engagement between the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) and the leadership of the NAC to assist them in concluding their audit.

We are proud of the transformative nature of our strategic programmes, in particular the meaningful contribution of the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra to the smaller and Marginalized provinces.

Reply:

During negotiations following PSCBC Resolution No. 01 of 2018, extensive costing of various modes of implementation was undertaken. The final cost estimate of the mode finally implemented, was that the compensation of employees (CoE) baseline for provincial education departments was set to increase by R347 million, after the first leg of a 0.3% increment in 2018/19 with the increase in 2019/20 being R1094 million following the second leg increment completing the 0.5%. 

Reply:

1. (a) Have access to

(i) connectivity and (ii) WiFi

A total of 80% of the public schools have access to Internet connectivity. The majority of these schools are connected using 3G/LTE that is not ideal for teaching and learning. As part of the Phase 1 of the SA Connect, a total of 594 have access to broadband connectivity.

(iii) computer laboratories

Each province has its own ICT strategy on how the schools are provided with ICT resources for teaching and learning. It should be noted that provinces such as Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape have provided learners with ICT devices. It is based on this notion that provinces are gradually moving away from the fixed computer laboratories to mobile ICT solutions. Furthermore, provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga are providing schools with classroom technologies such as Smartboards and projectors.

(b) Do not have access

(i) Internet and (ii) WiFi

The remaining 20% of schools have no access to Internet connectivity.

(iii) computer laboratories

Provinces have developed their implementation plans, however, their allocated budget is not sufficient to make sure that all the public schools are provided with ICT resources 

2. Plans to ensure that all schools have access to:

(i) internet and (ii) WiFi

The SA Connect Phase 2 was approved by Cabinet on 28 January 2022 for implementation. As part of this phase the government will provide 18036 public schools with Internet connectivity. It should be noted that these schools will be provided with limited data bundles. The Basic Education Sector has already submitted the names of the schools to Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

(iii) computer laboratories

Each province has its own ICT strategy on how the schools are provided with ICT resources for teaching and learning. The provincial implementation plans are linked to their voted budget that is allocated to provide schools with ICT resources as part of teaching and learning.  

3. Professional Development Programmes that aim to improve computer literacy for teachers are currently in operation

The Basic Education Sector is training teachers on how to create and publish courses online using Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). The training is aimed at providing educators with instructional design skills, pedagogical and technological skills that are the building block in order to infuse ICT in the classroom. It should be noted that the computer literacy skills are embedded in the Moodle LMS training.

Furthermore, the Basic Education Sector is also training teachers with a just-in time professional development interventions on how to use the Open Educational resources that are loaded on their ICT devices and various online platforms.

Reply:

1. It is acknowledged that there is a need for ongoing capacity building of educators that teach Mathematics in content knowledge and pedagogy.

Currently, the appraisal of educators is undertaken according to the Quality Management System (QMS) as informed by Collective Agreement No. 02 of 2020.  Since 2022 was the first full year of the implementation of QMS, an analysis of the educator scores for the 2022 appraisal cycle is in progress, and will be finalised once the data is available from National Treasury.  Given the latter, the proportion of educators rated as acceptable in terms of Collective Agreement No, 02 of 2022 cannot be verified.

2. The Minister does not believe that teachers can teach acceptably well without a basic minimum of subject knowledge.

Teachers who lack basic content knowledge in a subject, are identified and subjected to training and support, to improve their knowledge and skills in the identified subjects.

The QMS as an appraisal process is driven by all members of the School Management Team (SMT).

The appraisal of teachers is undertaken by the SMT, and is based on five (5) performance standards as follows:

1. Creation of a positive learning and teaching  environment;
2. Curriculum knowledge, lesson  planning and presentation;
3. Learner assessment and achievement;
4. Professional development; and
5. Extra-mural and co-curricular participation.

The appraisal of a Post Level 1 Educator is undertaken across a range of 12 criteria and 38 descriptors within the above five (5) performance standards.  Contextual factors of the school are also considered where these have been identified.  In this regard consideration is given to the following:

• The nature of the contextual factor;
• The level of its impact on the educator’s performance; and
• The extent to which the educator was able to mitigate such impact.

The QMS also provides a basis to recognise good performance and address underperformance through targeted interventions that could be school-based or provided through external support.

Reply:

1. The PSL is an associate member of SAFA.
2. The JLC meets on an ad-hoc basis to discuss matters of common interest between SAFA and the PSL. During the periods mentioned there were no matters of common interest that required the whole committee to meet, however during the same period there were a number of bilateral meetings between the two CEO’s and there were also a number of bilateral meetings between the president of SAFA and the Chairman of the PSL.

Reply:

There has so far been no diplomatic engagement with Uganda regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. South Africa is guided by its Constitutional principles that seeks to promote and respect the human rights of all people. This includes members of the LGBTQIA community. We are concerned about the developments in Uganda, which would impose severe criminal sanction on people because of their sexual orientation and gendered identities. We are equally concerned by the erosion of women’s human rights in large parts of the globe, including in the United States, where women’s reproductive rights are being curbed. Here again, we will use the appropriate diplomatic channels and fora to raise our concerns on these matters.

 

Reply:

(1). The total number of incidents received and processed by the South Africa Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) as part of implementing the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999, over the past 3 financial years (2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023) is eighty-six (86) as shown in the Table below. This includes contraventions, accidental finds, and other non-contravention complaints. Each Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PHRA) is responsible for the management of contraventions within their respective areas of remit in implementing the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999. As such SAHRA does not maintain a record of contraventions where SAHRA was not the responsible authority or otherwise not involved.

	2020/2021	2021/2022	2022/2023	Total
Incidents Reported per year	17	25	44	86

 

(2). In terms of Section 51 of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999, SAHRA does not administer penalties as this fall within the scope of the Department of Justice.

(3). Indicated in the table below is the Five (5) cases that have been escalated for further legal action in collaboration with SAHRA.

Case	In terms of	Prosecution Status	Details
Theft from the Transnet Museum in George	Theft Report	Prosecuted	The accused was found guilty and sentenced to a year in jail.
Albion Dog Cart	Contravention of section 32 (19) of the NHRA	Escalated to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office and DPCI	A warrant of arrest (J51) will be filed for the accused which will be exercised should the accused enter into South Africa. The report will be filed after the 19 June 2023
Nelson Mandela Collection	Contravention of section 32 (19) of the NHRA	Escalated to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office and DPCI	Case likely to be recommended to the NPA; decision will be communicated to SAHRA in due course.
Beauchamp – Proctor Medals	Contravention of section 32 (19) of the NHRA	Escalated to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office and DPCI	Decision to prosecute will be communicated by 19 June 2023
Alexis Preller Artwork	Theft Report	Escalated to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office and DPCI	DPCI recovered the painting from an auction house. The owner of the painting requested for transferral to a suitable location; artwork was handed over to Pretoria Art Gallery for Protection and Conservation

 

Reply:

In responding to these questions, SAFA have submitted a closeout report of the Legacy Trust which responds to the amounts spent and documents that detail the work done by the Legacy Trust, see the Financial Overview as at 28 February 2022

(a). TOTAL EXPENDITURE: R 610,754,230

(b). ORIGINAL INVESTMENT: R 450,762,916

Income:

• Interest received: R 160,060,913

• Other income: R 56,112

 

TOTAL INCOME (SUB Total): R 160,117,025

TOTAL INCOME (+ Original) R 610,879,941

Expenditure

• Admin & Related: R 69,478,409

• Grants paid: R 541,275,821

(c). AVAILABLE BALANCE: R 125,711

See attached document below :

 

 

Reply:

On 12 May 2023, the Department dèmarched US Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety for a meeting with Minister Naledi Pandor, where the Minister expressed South Africa’s deep disappointment and outrage about the manner in which Ambassador Brigety had convened a press conference on 11 May 2023, and levelled allegations regarding the sale of ammunition by South Africa to Russia, via the US sanctioned Russian naval vessel, Lady R. The Minister strongly condemned the actions of the Ambassador, which were particularly distasteful, especially so soon after the visit to Washington by the Special Envoys appointed by President Ramaphosa. The envoys were well received by all US interlocutors and discussions were productive.

In this context, the press conference held by the US Ambassador was counter to the spirit of the engagement with senior officials and politicians in Washington DC. The Minister informed the US Ambassador that South Africa respects all conventions on arms sales through the provisions outlined in the National Conventional Arms Control Act (NCACA), and if there was any violation of our laws, criminal charges would be laid if evidence is provided. Following the Minister’s address to Ambassador Brigety, he informed the senior officials that he would issue an unreserved public apology.

The President’s office reiterated that no concrete evidence has been provided to support the claims made by Ambassador Brigety, and that the investigation had been initiated before the Ambassador publicly announced his accusation. It was further indicated that the retired judge appointed to head the investigation, would use any evidence US intelligence officials could provide over the alleged sale of ammunition.

Following the meeting between Minister Pandor and US Ambassador Brigety and the telecon with Secretary of State Blinken, as well as the subsequent meeting between the ANC and Ambassador Brigety, wherein the latter reiterated his apology, it is not contemplated that any further steps will be taken with regard to his removal.

Regarding the terror alert from the US Embassy, the latter is of the view that their actions were in accordance with their duty/constitutional obligation to warn American citizens of credible threats to safeguard US Government employees and citizens. We had at the time voiced our strong objection to the way the alert had been issued.

Reply:

1. SAFA indicates that Mr. David Notoane was given all the necessary and possible support during the qualifying matches. It is paramount that we highlight that most of the Under 23 players come from the PSL teams. Therefore, the availability of players was dependant on the PSL clubs releasing them. SAFA submitted several requests to the PSL on behalf of Coach Notoane. Unfortunately, the PSL clubs could only release their players during the FIFA Window periods. This automatically restricted the number of camps that the team could have. So, we gave the coach the maximum possible training days. For the matches against Togo, home and away, the team camped for the full periods which were requested by Coach Notoane. It was the same situation with the matches (home and away) against Congo. The coach was also given all the technical support that he requested which included a Physical Trainer, Video Analyst, Goalkeeper Coach, Team Doctor, Physiotherapist and Masseur.

2. SAFA has indicated that they cannot speak on behalf of the Mr. Notoane. The Ministry also does not get involved with administrative matters of National Federations.