Questions and Replies
19 June 2023 - NW2021
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) has she found are the (i) detailed estimates and (ii) all important variables of the long-term damage of the KwaZulu-Natal floods on the sugar sector, (b) total number of farmers ceased operations and exited the market due to losses incurred in the floods, (c) is her department doing to help the specified farmers, (d) are the details of other crops that were affected by the KwaZulu-Natal floods and (e) actions have been taken to support the affected farmers?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2186
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with his department’s 2030 Human Resources Health Strategy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The 2030 Human Resources for Health Strategy is available and can be accessed on the National Department of Health’s website on the following link:
https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2030-HRH-Strategy-Final.pdf
Attached as Annexure 1 is a copy for ease of reference.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2256
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Whether there are any plans to build a clinic for the residents of Goba in Ward 11 in the Nkomazi Local Municipality; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Health, Goba in Ward 11 has an estimated population of 860. The nearest Primary Health Care (PHC) facility is 6km away in Mbangwane. The population size does not meet the norm of 8 000 - 10 000 which allows for a fixed PHC facility to be constructed. Currently, a mobile clinic is visiting the village once a month. The number of patients seen per visit are between 35 to 40.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2202
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
(1)In terms of his mandate to address the energy crisis in the short and medium term, what short-term measures are being considered to address the transmission capabilities to allow for increased availability of electricity; (2) what are the relevant details of the kind of models and solutions for transmission build-outs that have been developed for (a) maintenance and upgrades and (b) new builds?
Reply:
1. The short-term measures include the following:
-
- Eskom has completed the engineering planning and identified and scoped the relevant infrastructure projects that will enable connection of new generation in line with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and bid windows to come.
- Eskom has allocated a capital budget of R74.21 billion to the Transmission Division over the financial years 2024 to 2028. This is an increase from the previous figure of R59.9 billion and shows an appreciation for the urgent need to close the Transmission infrastructure gap.
- Eskom has embarked on various other measures to give some certainty that the projects will be delivered, such as reviewing manpower numbers, reviewing equipment supply, and looking at project development and construction capability.
- The recently established Energy NATJOINTS Workstream 10 is monitoring this programme closely and escalating matters that require unblocking, such as environmental approvals and rights of way approvals.
- Over and above these measures, Eskom is developing standard operating procedures to adopt best practices in network modelling that will allow for more renewable energy to be connected to existing infrastructure in exchange for moderate curtailment. This will be quicker than constructing new power lines and substations.
(2) what are the relevant details of the kind of models and solutions for transmission build-outs that have been developed for (a) maintenance and upgrades and (b) new builds?
REPLY
For maintenance and upgrades, Eskom uses a combination of outsourced and in-house capabilities, providing services such as servitude, transformer, and switchgear maintenance.
Eskom’s Enterprises business is geared up for some of this specialised work.
(2)(b)
For new build:
- The same as the above applies, even though the volume of in-house is much smaller.
- Eskom will use a combination of the multiple package system (engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM)). Contracts for these services already exist.
- Eskom will use the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) methodology, sometimes called “turnkey”. This method is expected to reduce the administrative burden of multiple procurement and project management. One contract for these services has been issued to the market, and a second one is in the preparation stage.
- Eskom will also use the owner’s engineer (OE) method of project development and project management. A contract for these services is under evaluation
19 June 2023 - NW1988
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) social responsibility programmes have been implemented by Kalgold Mine near Kraaipan in the North West in the past 10 years and (b) measures have been put in place to deal with defaulting mines that do not support their local communities?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2216
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, acknowledging in the recent State of the Nation Address that the Government does not create jobs, but merely has to create the environment for businesses to create jobs and that it was small business that would be creating the majority of jobs needed to kick-start job creation in the Republic, but that nothing has yet been done to tackle the onerous labour legislation and regulations to free up small businesses to create jobs, (a) what are the reasons that nothing has been done and (b) on what date does she intend to tackle the onerous regulatory environment?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
a) As means of addressing the onerous labour legislation and regulations to free up small businesses to create jobs, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has activated several interventions which include, undertaking a dedicated exercise to identify and review legislation and reforms that impede on Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and co-operatives’ growth. The update has so far embarked on the initial process of consultations focused on the primary users of this legislation namely, municipalities who are the sphere of government that must implement business licensing by-laws. A total of 29 pieces of regulatory impediment legislations have been identified across the three spheres of government that will culminate with a clear implementation and action plans for action. This exercise was conducted in partnership with key stakeholders in the ecosystem. These stakeholders include but not limited to the following:
- Departments of Economic Development across all nine (9) provinces.
- South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
- The Social Protection Community and Human Development Cluster.
- Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
- Department of Home Affairs.
- Districts and local municipalities.
The DSBD is also implementing the initiatives that are also aimed at lessening regulatory barriers for SMMEs and co-operatives which the Pilot Administrative Simplification Programme (PASP) and Municipal Performance Monitoring. The program aims to ease the strain that prolonged processing delays have on businesses and public resources. Administrative simplicity will help with process improvement at municipality level. The initiative entails exposing the municipality stakeholders and users to a five (5) days’ workshop for optimisation of processes. Some of the municipalities that have already benefitted from this initiative include amongst others, the Ray Nkonyeni (Ugu District), Ubuhlebezwe (Harry Gwala District), and the City of Umhlathuze Local Municipalities (King Cetshwayo District). The Department is also:
- In the process of developing a Municipal Red-tape-Reduction Dashboard which will support Municipalities to track all the administrative bottlenecks for urgent attention.
- Rolling out the Red Tape Reduction Awareness workshops whose purpose is to create awareness and instil the culture of intolerance towards red tape. A total of twenty-five (25) municipalities have already participated in these workshops during the 2022-23 financial year.
- Hosting the Inter-Provincial Task Team (IPTT) on red tape reduction and ease of doing business. The IPTT is a quarterly platform for the DSBD, Provincial Departments of Economic Development, COGTA, Red-Tape Reduction Committee at the Presidency, key entities to SALGA to identify and discuss approaches to address systematic red tape issues that impacts SMMEs / co-operatives. This platform is also utilised to exchange best practices, foster peer learning, and build a community of best practice, this session is hosted quarterly. As a result, important sectoral problems for action are escalated for action. So far, about sixteen (16) IPTT meetings and workshops were held during. Some of the successes of the IPTT include amongst others, addressing bottleneck in the National Department of Transport policies of clearing the backlog in the tourism operating license applications. Over two hundred and twenty-seven (227) renewals have been processed.
b) The DSBD has already started an in-depth review of the regulatory barriers affecting small enterprises and the urgent need for regulatory change regarding the Businesses Act of 1991 and the Licensing of Business Bill. The Department has, so far, determined that there are twenty nine regulatory impediments that need to be addressed at the national, provincial, and local levels of government in the upcoming fiscal years. This project will concentrate on implementing these specific remedies, options, and reforms across the three spheres of government. The Businesses Amendment Bill that addresses some of the regulatory impediments will be presented to Parliament during the current financial year (2023-24). After the review of the twenty nine regulatory impediments the an implementation plan will be developed and presented to Cabinet after consultations have been finalised with the affected institutions by the end of the current financial year.
19 June 2023 - NW2255
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What are the reasons that the Figtree Clinic at Ward 11 in the Nkomazi Local Municipality was left in a dilapidated state since it was constructed without any maintenance and/or upgrades despite the increase in the population it serves; (2) whether there are any plans to upgrade the specified clinic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The Figtree clinic is not dilapidated. A major renovation was last done in 2017 and minor maintenance is done as and when the need arises. The current challenges are that it still has a pit latrine and the fence that has become worn.
The clinic has an average monthly headcount of 2445 visits, which equates to an average of 122 patients per day. It has 4 consultation rooms and uses the nurses’ home as an extension to accommodate the facility manager’s office and HIV testing, screening and counselling services.
2. Mpumalanga Department of Health has identified forty (40) projects for comprehensive maintenance and Figtree Clinic is one of the clinics to benefit. The renovation of the first batch of health facilities started in April to June 2023. Fig Tree clinic is falling under the second batch which will start from July to September 2023.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2234
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(a) What intervention measures have been put in place to support officials who are found to have been suspended unfairly and/or without valid reasons and are then called back to work without any disciplinary hearings and (b) which forms of assistance have been provided to the HR Manager at Tswelopele Correctional Center and placed at Community Corrections after she filed complaint?
Reply:
(a) The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has the Disciplinary Code and Procedure which provides guidance in dealing with alleged acts of misconduct. Officials who are accused of committing serious misconduct are placed on precautionary suspension with full pay as a measure to ensure a fair and uninterrupted/ interference free investigation to ultimately determine the facts of an allegation.
Before placing the officials on suspension, the Executing Authority examines the seriousness of the allegations after which, if nececessary, serves the official with a contemplation of suspension letter. The official is afforded an opportunity to respond within a specified period. Based on the supporting evidence, and the official’s response or evidence, the executing authority decides whether to suspend or consider alternative placement.
The Department reviews suspensions on a regular basis to ensure that sufficient reason still exists for the precautionary suspension to remain in place.
(b) The Human Resources Manager referred to was suspended in 2019 for Section 95 allegations of fraud/maladministration. The case was investigated and the official was found guilty and issued with a final written warning. During the review of her suspension it was decided to alternatively place her at Social Reintegration to prevent any interference with evidence as, due to her role as HR manager, she had direct access to administration and evidence implicated in the case.
In addition, services of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) are available to all officials for emotional and psychological support. All officials in the Department are made aware of the services offered.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2095
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
(a) What are the reasons that he withdrew the Gas Amendment Bill [B9-2021] on 8 September 2022 after the specified Bill was taken through public hearings in Parliament and (b) by what date does he intend to reintroduce the Bill?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2116
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether her department is implementing any initiatives and/or programmes targeted specifically at fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural communities, given that entrepreneurship is a recognised catalyst for economic growth; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?”
Reply:
I have been advised:
That the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is implementing the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural and township communities. The TREP goal is to overcome the legacy of economic exclusion by creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial activity and providing dedicated business support to enterprises in rural and township areas including access to funding. TREP supports all small enterprises operating in townships and rural areas to grow their businesses. The programme assists small enterprises with the acquisition of business-related equipment, tools or machinery and working capital. Furthermore, the DSBD is rolling out a network of incubators to ensure that Business Development Support is accessible to small enterprises and co-operatives operating in unserved and underserved areas such as townships and rural area.
Our financial products through Sefa also prioritise rural enterprises as seen in the Sefa disbursements below:
Audited Performance over the past financial years |
|||||
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2022/23 (Estimated) |
2023/24 (Target) |
|
Disbursements to enterprises located in rural towns and villages (R’000) |
R371 151 |
R563 051 |
R977 100 |
R766 765 |
R938 636 |
19 June 2023 - NW2153
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether, following the Tourism Budget Vote in 2019, during which a number of recommendations were made to the former minister, such as ensuring that the 2019-2024 Strategic Plans for her department and SA Tourism are anchored on increasing participation of citizens in villages, townships and small towns, as well as explicit programmes and/or projects which prioritise such areas of society, she has found that these recommendations have been achieved; if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department that it has projects in rural areas, villages, townships and small towns across all the line function branches of the Department. Projects include amongst others:
- Infrastructure products /development;
- Skills development;
- Enterprise development;
- Experience enhancement; and
- Market access.
SA Tourism also has a focus on grading of establishments as well as support for bidding and hosting of business events in rural areas, villages, townships and small towns in our country.
19 June 2023 - NW2120
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the reasons that the SA Tourism officials who caused her department to incur expenditure in relation to the aborted Tottenham Hotspur deal are not being held personally liable to repay the wasteful and fruitless expenditure?
Reply:
I have been informed by SA Tourism that there was no fruitless expenditure identified in relation to the proposed Tottenham Hotspur deal.
As a result, there was no disclosure in the entity’s submitted financials.
This forms part of the Internal Audit investigation.
19 June 2023 - NW2148
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Considering that a number of provinces in the Republic have been hit by cholera which has led to the death of more than 23 persons in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, with 48 more persons in hospital, by what date did his department first become aware of the crisis around unsafe and undrinkable water in the specified area; (2) what steps, other than the current measures that have been implemented, has his department taken since it first became aware of the specified issue; (3) whether, in light of a cholera outbreak in 2023, he has found that this is related to the deterioration of the quality of governance in the past two decades; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The incident is currently under investigation, the outcome thereof will be shared upon finalisation .
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2235
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
In light of the millions of Rand that are paid by her department to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as one of its implementing agencies, what (a) oversight mechanisms have been put in place for projects that are implemented by the DBSA and (b) mechanisms have been put in place to build internal capacity to end the reliance of implementing agencies?
Reply:
(a) What oversight mechanisms have been put in place for projects that are implemented by the DBSA.
I have been informed that the Department has the following governance structures in place to oversee the work undertaken by the DBSA on behalf of the Department:
- Project Progress Meetings – Chaired by the Deputy Director-General supported by project teams from both the Department and DBSA.
- Project Steering Committee Meetings - Chaired by the Director-General supported by project teams from both the Department and DBSA.
- The Department also ensures that there are project steering committee and technical meetings established and convened for each individual project. These meetings guide individual project implementation and monitor progress on site. The Department further conducts site visits to each project to monitor progress.
- Additionally, the Department receives written monthly and quarterly reports from the DBSA.
- DBSA is required to seek concurrence from the Department at each stage, i.e. stages as outlined in the Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management, prior to moving on to the next stage.
- I have also instituted monthly meetings with the DBSA for oversight purposes.
(b) What mechanisms have been put in place to build internal capacity to end the reliance of implementing agencies.
The agreed oversight mechanism in terms of the existing Service Level Agreement has not been fully implemented and is therefore under review.
This is, now, being rectified by, first, bringing skilled Built Environment Specialists into the Department to build the internal capacity.
19 June 2023 - NW2136
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity
Whether he has been apprised of the true nature of his responsibilities and powers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) exactly are his key performance areas and (b) legislative and administrative powers have been transferred to his Office?
Reply:
The Minister is appraised of his responsibilities. On the 26 May 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa, invoking Section 97 of the Constitution, signed a proclamation which transferred to the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity certain powers and functions entrusted by the Electricity Regulation Act (Act No 4 of 2006.
President Ramaphosa transferred to the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity all powers and functions contained in Section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act, which were previously entrusted to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.
In addition, the President transferred relevant powers and functions set out in Section 34(2) of the Electricity Regulation Act which are necessary to direct the procurement of new generation capacity and ensure security of supply.
19 June 2023 - NW1976
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
What intervening steps have been taken with regard to state and/or municipal lodges and resorts in the (a) Metsimaholo Local Municipality and (b) Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality that are left to further deteriorate while not generating any income?
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:
19 June 2023 - NW2187
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with the 2017 Tambo Memorial Hospital Report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Honourable Member is kindly requested to specify what report she is referring to exactly (the proper name of the report), to enable the Minister to respond to this question appropriately.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW1985
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Considering that financial insecurity has over the past years caused numerous problems pertaining to food insecurity for university students and noting that with the rising cost of living on a daily basis, the situation could only be exacerbated, what (a) steps has his department taken to date to resolve the crisis of food insecurity for university and tertiary students and (b) different and specialised interventions in different facilities has his department implemented over the years to curb the frustration and inhumane conditions?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW1981
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1) Whether the Local and National Government is responsible to report any evictions of homeless persons to her department, if not what is the position in this regard? (2) Whether she has been informed that the City of Cape Town has evicted homeless persons living along the FW de Klerk Boulevard; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what plans has her department put in place to allocate decent housing to the evicted homeless persons?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW1923
Arries, Ms LH to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether she has been informed of the complaints by King MisuZulu that he is being micro-managed by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps has she taken to (a) mediate the relationship and (b) ensure that the King is allowed to function without undue interference by the provincial government?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2146
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)In light of the urgent need at the time to attend to the babies who were placed in cardboard boxes, what has been the position of his department in this regard; (2) whether any action will be taken against the specified nurses who placed newborn infants in cardboard boxes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the reasons that his department does not have contingency plans in place in all hospitals, such as emergency incubators in the event that such a problem arise?
Reply:
Background to the reply:
A hospital that has the deliveries of 56 babies at a time, would generally require a minimum of approximately 25 Midwives at a particular time to ensure maximum coverage. This means that these midwives would have to take care of the 56 newborn babies, while also continuing to monitor the new arrival and those mothers who are in the active stage of labour. In this situation these nurses must ensure that the mothers and their newborn babies receive quality clinical care which would not result in unnecessary litigations. At this hospital, the picture derived from the letter that was received from MEC about this incident, it means that this was the reality at the time. The nurses, like all workers, are at times faced with acute shortage of resources, because of the sudden (unexpected rise in service demands) and at times these sudden increases outstrip the actual resource envelope. The nurses at this time were faced with the hard choice of either leaving the babies on unrestrained on the beds, with a risk of them falling or creating safe mechanism of keeping them safe and unharmed/unhurt).
1.. The Minister of Health stated during the interview about this incident that the unfortunate incident of placing the newborn babies in the cardboard boxes instead of cribs is unacceptable and apologised to the families of the newborn babies. The position of the department, which is in line with standard clinical practice, is that not all the newborns delivered will require incubators. Incubators are used in situations where the new-born baby is sick and requires supportive machine or continuous oxygen for survival. Healthy new-born babies may require crip/ basinet, not a permanent arrangement but, as a backup support in case the mother is unwell to take care of the baby, need to take a bath or go to the toilet. In general, where both the mother and the baby are well, babies are safe to be kept on the mothers’ chest in what is called Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).
2. The Provincial Department of Health instituted the investigation on the matter and the details will be made available when the report has been finalised.
3. Contingency plans are in place in all hospitals; however, contingency plans are developed based on the average delivery rates per facility. The department has a plan in place for the procurement of essential equipment in all the hospitals, however there are times where the sudden increase in the number of patients such as admissions cannot be preplanned. The contingency measures in place include the enforcement of the referral system, which ensures that a hospital that cannot manage the situation for various reasons, including the lack of capacity such as equipment, human resources etc, such a hospital can refer the patients to the next facility which has capacity. The report from the province indicated that Mahikeng Hospital had a capacity of 16 incubators and 31 cribs and on the night in question, which is enough for the normal day to day management of the workload. The report from the province further indicates that on the day in question, 56 babies were delivered, thus outstripping the available capacity. This means that 47 babies had been placed in accordance with proper prescribed procedures, leaving the nurses to place 09 babies in cardboard boxes. It is reported that four babies were placed in card boxes and others were placed two babies in each crib.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2011
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) progress has been made in facilitating the (i) aggregation and (ii) co-funding models and (b) time frames have been set in this regard?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2188
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether considering the demonstrable challenges rural municipalities face in delivering essential services and the resulting drain on the agricultural sector, her department has any plans in place to prioritise and safeguard the agro-processing industry, that is a linchpin of economic growth and job creation, if not, does the non-existence of the plans not risk exacerbating economic inequalities; if so, what are the details of the safety-net provisions?
Reply:
Yes. The agro-processing industry is considered a priority in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), which is a social compact signed between government and industry in May 2022. The grounds for prioritising the agro-processing industry are as follows:
- The agro-processing industry has the potential to stimulate and spur demand for raw materials from the agricultural industry through backward and forward linkages. Demand for raw materials creates output markets, with the potential to increase income for farmers. As a result, farmers are encouraged to bring fallow land into production, which in turn creates demand for raw material downstream and contributes to job creation upstream. The value-add and food processing mitigate post-harvest losses.
- Whilst the AAMP is a sectoral plan, the contribution of government towards “competitive agricultural and agro-processing sectors, driving market-oriented and inclusive production to develop rural economies, ensures food-security, and create employment and entrepreneurial”, is articulated in the AAMP as follows:
Pillar-1: Resolving policy ambiguities and creating an investment-friendly climate:
Increase transformation of, and worker-ownership in agriculture, food and beverage value chains, actively support black-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and women food processors and retailers by lowering barriers to entry.
Pillar-2: Creating enabling infrastructure:
A key challenge facing rural areas is the acute lack of economic infrastructure, both bulk and on-farm infrastructure. In mitigation, the President established an Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency to coordinate and align the development of bulk infrastructure (electricity, water, rail, road, ports, etc.) by the three spheres of government. Accordingly, the Infrastructure Office has developed a 203-project pipeline, costed at R1.8 trillion. About 13 of these infrastructure projects are directly located within the agriculture and agro-processing space such as processing facilities, irrigation schemes and fresh produce markets. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has budgeted R2.15 billion to support and develop farmers with production inputs and on-farm infrastructure.
Pillar-3 Comprehensive support, development finance, and extension services:
Efficient and effective advisory technical services are critical to the development of agro-processing activities in rural areas. Accordingly, researchers recommend participatory approaches geared to assist producers and agro-processors to restore their natural resource base, increase agricultural production, productivity, and value-add and equally, ensure compliance with mandatory food manufacturing standards and regulations. DALRRD is currently strengthening extension and advisory machinery through retraining and resourcing of Agricultural Extension Practitioners (AEP). DALRRD and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDA) have recruited more than 3 500 AEP as part of providing comprehensive support to producers and agro-processors. In total, the number of AEPs recruited will be 10 000. The move is expected to improve the ratio of AEPs to producers toward an acceptable standard.
Pillar-4: Ensuring food security, expanded production and employment creation:
The agricultural sector contributes about 2.8 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, when food manufacturing is taken into consideration, the sector’s contribution to GDP could be as high as 7 percent. Similarly, the agricultural sector employs about 888 000 people whilst the agro-processing industry employs 264 029 people. An increase in agricultural production through the utilization of land under the Traditional and Cultural Council will expand the raw material base required downstream for value-add. The AAMP estimates that a 10 percent increase in the utilisation of land under Traditional and Cultural Councils, which is equivalent to 481 380 hectares is expected to create 501 000 job opportunities. The number is higher when factoring downstream jobs.
Pillar-5: Market access - domestic and export:
Access to markets is the lifeblood of agribusinesses operating in rural areas. Infrastructure backlogs in rural towns entail high transaction costs for producers and agro-processors. On the domestic front, the National Treasury (NT) is implementing the 30% set-aside geared to ensure penetration of small and medium producers into State institutional markets. Moreover, various municipalities are investing resources to revamp and revitalise fresh produce markets. On the export side, the recently signed Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfTCA) provides opportunities for growth and development of rural economies. The AAMP underscores the importance of maintenance of the current global markets and sourcing new markets.
Pillar-6 Import replacement and expanded agro-processing exports:
Localization strategy is a critical pillar of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). The thrust of localization efforts is to increase productivity while entrenching inclusive economic growth.
Programme |
Intervention Plan |
Rural industrial development |
|
19 June 2023 - NW2097
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total number of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since 1 January 2020; (2) whether there has been any fatal adverse effects; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the common adverse effects; (3) (a) how (i) accessible are the processes of reporting adverse effects and (ii) does his department ensure that the public knows how to report such adverse effects and (b) what total number of the reported cases were investigated?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2409
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Given his familiarity with the history of the Republic and the fact that the majority of those who want to participate in the economy are quite poor, what are the reasons that his department has not addressed the challenges faced by artisanal miners and small-scale miners, such as their inability to reach the provincial offices where they are expected to submit applications and their inability to pay for the necessary environmental licences, by (a) decentralising the application processes and (b) working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment?
Reply:
(a). The current system of lodging applications for mining licenses is ELECTRONIC. The DMRE launched an online system, referred to as SAMRAD Online Application System, in 2014 where all applications for mining licenses are lodged. Furthermore, the online system was launched to make it easier for companies and individuals to lodge applications in the comfort of their company offices or homes.
(b). The DMRE through the Small-Scale Mining directorate has been assisting Artisanal Small -Scale Mining (ASM) miners through providing financial provision for rehabilitation to qualifying Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA). The environmental licenses are evaluated and granted by the DMRE (Competent Authority) whilst the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (Appeal Authority) deals with objections and appeals of environmental licenses.
19 June 2023 - NW2353
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What number of (a) staff are employed in each Provincial Heritage Resource Authority and (b) vacancies exist in each province?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development does not have Provincial Heritage Resource Authority unit within its approved organisational structure.
(a),(b) Falls away.
19 June 2023 - NW2328
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism
Given that besides stringent visa processes, crime is another barrier standing in the way of tourist attraction over the past few years, especially in destinations such as Mpumalanga which has seen a rise in tourist hijackings recently, what steps has her department taken to (a) ensure tourist safety and (b) convince tourists that the specified hijackings were isolated incidents and not a common occurrence, in order to encourage tourism in the specified province?
Reply:
(a) Tourism is a concurrent function in the Constitution.
The Department together with provinces, the private sector and law enforcement agencies developed a Tourism Safety Strategy in 2018. The 2018 Strategy has not yet been fully implemented and was revisited on 29 May 2023 at a Dialogue to implement it and action was agreed on outstanding issues. The strategy implementation is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department and SAPS.
The Tourism Safety Forum will now meet quarterly.
The Department has budgeted to train 2000 Tourism Monitors in the 2023/24 Financial Year.
(b) In partnership with the private sector, we will launch a safety app and operational centre where monitoring will be done.
19 June 2023 - NW2048
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Given the notable migration of major agribusinesses from small towns due to declining municipal services, does her department perceive this as an opportunity to refocus resources towards fostering innovative, independent, and small-scale farming enterprises that could invigorate local economies and increase resilience against such service disruptions; if not, why is such a market-oriented strategy being overlooked; if so, what are the details of the strategic redirection?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2180
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Health
(1)(a) What is the name of each town in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality that has (i) functional clinics and (ii) no clinics and (b) how regularly do the health professionals visit each town that has no clinics; (2) what number of (a)(i) ambulances are available in the specified municipality and (ii) towns are serviced by each ambulance and (b) where is each ambulance stationed; (3) whether each ambulance (a) is roadworthy and (b) has a valid licence; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) The following towns has functional clinics; Kamieskroon, Kharkams; Leliefontein ; Hondeklipbaai (Fixed clinics);
(ii) Towns (small settlements) with no clinics: Kheis; Lepelsfontein; Spoegrivier; Tweerivier; Klipfontein ;Soebatsfontein; Nourivier; Rooifontein; Kamassies and Paulshoek.
(b) The Health Professionals in mobile clinics visit these 10 smaller settlements twice a month.
2. (a) (i) Two (2) ambulances are allocated to Kamiesberg Local Municipality.
(ii) These ambulances service all towns within the municipality.
(b) All ambulances are stationed in Garries which is a centrally located town within the municipality.
3. (a) All ambulances are roadworthy and undertake roadworthy tests annually.
(b) All ambulances have valid licences.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2104
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Notwithstanding the settlement agreement that was approved by the Gauteng High Court on 26 July 2019 in favour of former miners and their dependants which led to the establishment of the Tshiamiso Trust, the beneficiaries and/or their survivors are still struggling to secure silicosis compensation from the gold mines, what (a) has he found to be the extent of the total number of beneficiaries affected and (b) steps has his department taken to ensure that the mines honour the settlement agreement and give the affected miners, who form part of the backbone of the economy, what is due to them?
Reply:
The Department of Mineral of Resources and Energy (DMRE) is legislatively not responsible for compensation of employees. There are two Departments in the Republic of South Africa that are responsible for compensation of employees. These are the Department of Health and the Department of Employment and Labour. Silicosis compensation is specifically the responsibility of the Department of Health through the administration of the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODMWA) as amended.
The Tshiamiso Trust is established under the National Department of Health, through its Statutory Body called The Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases, which is responsible for compensation of all occupational lung diseases incurred by mineworkers and ex-mineworkers.
However, the DMRE supports the respective Departments on their respective programmes including on compensation.
19 June 2023 - NW2244
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he has been informed that more than 100 nurses were offered employment at the Jubilee District Hospital during the recent cholera outbreak and that after working for 12 hours they were asked to go home since there was no more work for them, yet the specified hospital is short-staffed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps he will take to intervene in the matter?
Reply:
The Minister was not informed about the 100 nurses who were offered employment at the Jubilee District Hospital during the recent cholera outbreak.
According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, a group of 137 Nurses presented at the Hospital on the 22nd of May 2023. It is not clear who had made arrangements for the group to come to the hospital as there was no formal arrangement for them to come to the facility.
The group presented themselves to the Assistant Manager Nursing indicating that they have been instructions to report for duty. The Assistant Manager Nursing, without first verifying the status of the said nurses, allocated them to the wards where 41 of them commenced duties immediately. When the matter was brought to the CEO's attention some hours later the same day, the CEO immediately rescinded the allocation as the presence of the nurses at the facility could not be accounted for.
This matter is currently being investigated by the district. Once the investigations are finalized, details shall be provided, and the recommendations will provide the possible way forward.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2016
Mogale, Mr T to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Considering that financial insecurity has over the past years caused numerous problems pertaining to food insecurity for university students and noting that with the rising cost of living on a daily basis, the situation could only be exacerbated, what (a) steps has his department taken to date to resolve the crisis of food insecurity for university and tertiary students and (b) different and specialised interventions in different facilities has his department implemented over the years to curb the frustration and inhumane conditions?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2121
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to the assertion of the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in the State of the Nation Address on 9 February 2023 that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), cooperatives and informal businesses will drive growth and create jobs in the Republic’s ailing economy, (a) what are the reasons that she has not yet taken any steps to reduce regulatory impediments for SMMEs and cooperatives to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses and (b) by what date does she intend to introduce amending legislation in this regard in the National Assembly?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
a) In order to take steps towards reducing the regulatory impediments for SMMEs and Co-operatives, the DSBD in partnership with key stakeholders like South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic), Foundations and Think Tanks embarked on the following processes:
- Conducted extensive research and rapid literature review to- identify key regulatory impediments, analyse them and design best methods and interventions, as well as strategies that could be adopted to address those impediments.
- Through this research, the DSBD has identified 29 major regulatory barriers that this project will focus on the implementation of specific remedies, options, and reforms at National, Provincial and Local levels of government in the coming financial years.
- The findings of the research have been piloted in selected municipalities to test their efficacy.
- These findings were also used as a resource to support the work of the Red Tape Reduction Committee at the Presidency.
b) In the 2021-22 financial year period the DSBD started the process of reviewing the Businesses Act (No.71) of 1991 and the Licensing of Business Bill 2013 and will be introducing the Businesses Amendment Bill to Cabinet in the second quarter.
19 June 2023 - NW2098
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Following the reported crisis of food shortages at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital earlier in the month, what intervention measures were implemented to date to resolve the crisis other than the visit by the Member of the Executive Council of Health for Gauteng to the specified hospital; (2) how is his department monitoring the day-to-day status of the hospital and other hospitals facing similar concerns; (3) what (a) total number of other hospitals have reported similar concerns over food shortages and (b) are the names of such hospitals; (4) what (a) was the initial cause of the food shortage crisis at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and (b) is the long-term solution of his department to avoid the specified situation from occurring again in future?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2147
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, considering that the North West Health Department has sought action against its employees who were on duty when newborn babies were put in cardboard boxes instead of incubators and/or cribs at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital with one of the issues being that the acting chief executive officer was not made aware of the improvisation, this is an admission that hospital management is not aware of crucial shortages in their hospital and that the only way to be aware of this is if the nurses inform them directly; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No. This is not an admission that management is not aware of the critical shortage of the hospital management is aware of the crucial shortages in their hospital. The hospital management relies on the subordinates who are responsible for day to day running of their sections to alert them if there is any crucial shortages of supplies and equipment in their respective sections. This is standard management practice. It is true that they become aware of the shortages when nurses inform them directly, through relevant management processes.
19 June 2023 - NW2107
Tlhomelang, Ms KB to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
What (a) steps has her department taken to provide a path for women and youth, who are trying their best to provide for their families through small-, medium- and micro- enterprises and informal businesses, to enter the small business sector successfully and (b) type of resources including venture capital and/or starter packs are available to such entrepreneurs?”
Reply:
I have been advised:
(a)&(b) That During the 2022-23 financial year, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) developed the Gender, Youth and Disability (GEYODI) Strategy. The strategy was developed in consultation with stakeholders in the gender, youth and persons with disabilities ecosystem. The aim of the strategy is to mainstream women and youth participation in the mainstream economy. One of the objectives of this strategy is “to provide entry points for increased inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities into all SMME, co-operatives and informal businesses financial and non-financial interventions.” The GEYODI strategy is aligned with the revised 2019-24 Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) of minimum 40% target for women, 30% for youth and 7% for persons with disabilities in all programmes and interventions of the Small Business Development (SBD) Portfolio (the DSBD, the Small Enterprise Development Agency [Seda] and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency [sefa]).
Furthermore, the DSBD through Seda is administering the SheTradesZA Hub whose aim is to assist South African women entrepreneurs to increase their competitiveness and connect to regional, and global market. Some of the results that can be observed include the increase in jobs created and the increase in sales revenue.
The Department is collaborating with other stakeholders to transform the retail sector by ensuring that women entrepreneurs get opportunities to place their products on the shelves of major retails domestically and internationally. For example, we have major retails like Pick n Pay and Clicks stores that have listed some of the products from our beneficiaries.
The localisation programme that is the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme (SEMSP) programme has supported women entrepreneurs to commercialise their products in order to meet industry standard and quality.
The SBD Portfolio is supporting the Presidential 40% commitment – Women Economic Assembly (WECONA) by facilitating capacity building of women entrepreneurs to equip them to take up opportunities through government procurement processes. To date Seda has supported and trained more than 3000 women entrepreneurs from across the country through capacity building workshops.
The DSBD is also supporting women and youth who are operating in the informal sector through the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP). The aim of the IMEDP is to empower informal businesses by allocating tools of trade to the value of R10 000 in order to build their asset base. These informal businesses are given an opportunity to formalise their businesses and participate in the mainstream economy. In the last financial year 2022/23 we have supported approximately 2500 women, youth and people with disabilities.
The Department is also rolling out the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) whose purpose is to stimulate innovation amongst youth owned businesses. The primary objective of the programme is to provide the necessary financial support through sefa’s 50/50% blended finance and non-financial support through Seda’s Business Development Support service (BDS) to youth start-ups to promote innovation and enable them to acquire digital capability for competitiveness and viability. The Youth Challenge Fund seeks to provide financial and non-financial support to young entrepreneurs.
The following is a breakdown of financial support for women and youth during the 2022-23 Financial Year:
Measure |
Annual Target |
Q1 Achieved |
Q2 Achieved |
Q3 Achieved |
Q4 Achieved |
Year-to-date Achieved |
% Achieved per annual target |
Facilities disbursed to women-owned businesses |
R801 million |
R195 million |
R212 million |
R268 million |
R253 million |
R928.7 million |
116% |
Facilities disbursed to youth-owned enterprises |
R601 million |
R128 million |
R157 million |
R149.6 million |
R130 million |
R566 million |
94% |
19 June 2023 - NW2047
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, given the imperative balance between economic development through mining activities and the preservation of land and agricultural viability in Mpumalanga, her department has accurate data indicating the extent of arable land compromised due to mining operations in the province; if not, does the absence of such data not point to a potential oversight in reconciling economic progress with sustainable land management; if so, what are the specific details on the land loss and its long-term implications for agriculture and rural development in the region?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2142
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether, considering that the former Minister shared in her Budget Vote of 2017 that in the 2016-17 financial year the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) disbursed just over R1 billion to small-, medium- and micro enterprises and co-operatives, which benefited approximately 44 000 enterprises, although for the third quarter of the 2022-23 financial year SEFA approved R249 million in loans and disbursed only R550 million in loans, thereby achieving only 41% of its performance targets, she has assessed this as a regression in her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?”
Reply:
I have been advised that:
The table below outlines the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) loan book performance in the referenced years:
Financial Year |
Approvals |
Disbursements |
# of SMMEs Financed |
# of Jobs Facilitated |
FY2016/17 (Audited numbers) |
R827 million |
R1, 076 billion |
43 211 |
55 997 |
FY2022/23 (un-audited numbers) |
R1, 706 billion |
R2, 427 billion |
74 762 |
104 547 |
So, it is clear that Sefa has not regressed – infact it has more than doubled its disbursements from 2016/17 to 2022/23 . To break down this further and for the financial year ending 31 March 2023, the Minister indicated in her budget speech that sefa through its development finance interventions and programmes, cumulatively financed 74 762 SMMEs and Co-operatives and disbursed R2.4 billion to these enterprises.
Through these disbursements, sefa was able to reach:
• 74 486 black owned SMMEs to the value of R2.1 billion.
• 15 535 youth owned SMMEs to the value of R564 million.
• 72 651 women owned SMMEs to the value of R928 million.
• 2 953 township based SMMEs to the value of R541 million.
• 66 302 rural-based SMMEs to the value of R952 million.
Collectively, these funding interventions have created 32 665 new jobs and sustained 71 882 existing jobs.
This performance is by no means reflecting a regress in the performance of sefa at the end of the financial year ending in 31 March 2023.
19 June 2023 - NW1938
Makesini, Ms M to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
a) By which date will low-cost housing be provided for the community of Mount Fletcher? b) whether the municipality submitted any requests to build houses to her department; if not what is the position in this regard, if so what is the status of the request, any other relevant details. MINISTRY HUMAN SETTLEMENTS REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Private Bag X645, Pretoria, 0001. Tel: (012) 421 1309, Fax: (012) 341 8513 Private Bag X9029, Cape Town, 8000. Tel (021) 466 7603, Fax: (021) 466 3610 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION NUMBER: PQ 1938: (NW2201E) DATE OF PUBLICATION: 19 MAY 2023 1938. Ms MM Makesini (EFF) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements a)By which date will low-cost housing be provided for the community of Mount Fletcher? b) whether the municipality submitted any requests to build houses to her department; if not what is the position in this regard, if so what is the status of the request, any other relevant details. 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:
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
19 June 2023 - NW2119
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
With reference to the recent appointment of the acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, what are the (a) details of the background and verification checks that were performed before the specified person was appointed to the specified position, and (b) reasons that the specified person was not suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the most recent allegations?
Reply:
(a) What are the details of the background and verification checks that were performed before the specified person was appointed to the specified position.
I have been informed by SA Tourism, in terms of its policy, upon appointment into the organisation the following suitability checks were conducted on the person:
• Educational qualifications;
• Previous employment references;
• Identity documentation;
• Criminal record;
• Judgment and bankruptcy orders;
• Previous employment history;
• Pre-employment testing, where it is an inherent requirement of the job; and
• Any other relevant information deemed necessary.
In line with internal mechanisms for assessing the suitability checks and disclosure of interests, the acting CEO was found suitable for an executive management role at SATourism.
As a member of executive management within SA Tourism and having been subjected to these checks, the Board resolved to appoint her as Acting CEO.
(b) What are the reasons that the specified person was not suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the most recent allegations.
The Interim Board was not aware of the allegations at the stage of appointment. The initial enquiry into the matter showed evidence that the Acting CEO followed a process for approvals to accept the invitation by Qatar Airways in 2022.
As such, the Board made the decision to retain her in the acting position subject to the completion of an ongoing investigation into the matter by SA Tourism’s Internal Audit division. This investigation will determine whether all internal policies as well as the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act were followed. The Board will review the outcomes of the investigation to determine what further steps are required.
19 June 2023 - NW2128
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
With reference to her announcement during her department’s budget vote that 2.5 million small-, medium- and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) currently employ almost 8 million people in the Republic, what are the details of the material support that her department offers to lessen this burden on struggling SMMEs as they often struggle to access and benefit from the services of agencies such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency?”
Reply:
I have been advised:
That the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) has a wide footprint in the country that consists of fifty-three (53) branches and fifty-six (56) co-location points with the intention to widen access to Seda services in underserviced and rural South Africa. The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) is working with Seda in increasing awareness across various regions by deploying additional resource in Seda’s access points as well as co-locations. This will assist in addressing the issue of SMMEs travelling far to access Seda services. A Business Development Services mapping exercise has been undertaken to identify other stakeholders that are also providing similar services to establish partnerships with them and offer services on the entity’s behalf. Furthermore, to broaden the net wider, the use of virtual platforms is considered as an opportunity where Seda provides interaction opportunities for clients to attend online training and webinars. Seda has adjudicated seventy-eight (78) and signed contracts with fifty-two (52) access points during the 2022-23 financial year as shown below. Eighty (80) access points will be contracted by the end of the 1st quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.
Seda will continue to expand service delivery to rural communities through various modalities whilst striking a sound balance between community needs, budget availability and collaboration with ecosystem partners.
During the 2022-23 financial year, Seda has reached 68 117 SMMEs and Co-operatives through entrepreneurship awareness sessions throughout the country. Pop-Up Markets that are hosted in collaboration with our strategic partners also assist to raise awareness and promote the services and benefits offered by Seda. Seda organised 39 Pop-Up markets in 2022-23 financial year. Following are a few recent examples:
- Seda Namakwa branch conducted their Pop-Up market from 28 February 2023 to 1 March 2023 where various clients exhibited their products and services. Eighteen (18) exhibitors were in attendance.
- Seda ZF Mgcawu branch hosted the Pop-Up Market from on 2-3 March 2023 in Upington.
- The Nkangala Branch held a Pop-up market on 17 March 2023, in Delmas, and twenty-five (25) SMMEs exhibited their products and services in partnership with Victor Khanye Local Municipality and Standard Bank.
- Seda Limpopo hosted a Pop-Up market in collaboration with the Groblersdal Mall in February 2023.
- The Mopani Branch in conjunction with the district and local municipalities hosted two (2) Pop-up markets and one (1) in Waterberg on 31 March 2023.
- Small Business Development Portfolio (DSBD, Seda and sefa), in collaboration with Exxaro, hosted a three-day mall activation at Lephalale Mall, Limpopo, from 24-26 March 2023. Twenty-two (22) local entrepreneurs from the manufacturing, arts and craft, agriculture, and service sector participated in the exhibition.
- Pop-Up markets were held in the Brits Mall with ten (10) SMMEs and Letlhabile Mall with fifteen (15) SMMEs exhibiting. Both events were held on the 31 March 2023 and ending on 1 April 2023.
During the 2022/23 financial year, Seda trained more than fifteen thousand one hundred and nineteen (15,119) SMMEs on various programmes and courses. These includes courses amongst many other Basic Business Skills, Business Start-Up 1, Cybercrimes, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Awareness, Food Safety, Quality Management System (QMS), SARS Incentives, Export Awareness, Costing, Empretec, Business Planning, Business Model Canvas, Community Public Private Partnership, Art of Pitching, Customer Care, Retail Management, Design Thinking, Green Economy, etc. Training are needs based and often presented in collaboration with our partners. Below are a few examples:
- The Seda ZFM branch conducted a 3-day Farm management training with small scale farmers in the small-town agricultural town of Keimos. The training helped by upskilling them on the management activities and responsibilities involved in running an agri-business. Basic activities involved in the agri-management process were explained by providing examples and scenarios.
- Seda Thabo Mofutsanyana Branch partnered with the Department of Correctional Services with the aim of developing a capacity program for inmates based in Bethlehem prison. The Provincial Regional Facilitator conducted self-mastery training attended by twenty-seven (27) inmates over 3 days.
- Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) in partnership with the Motheo TVET College hosted a Financial Symposium on 8 March 2023 in Bloemfontein. The Seda Provincial Office and Mangaung Branch, together with sefa, attended the session with other stakeholders namely, Nedbank, NEF, and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) to present offerings to the audience. Ten (10) Seda clients from the district exhibited their products and services.
- Seda Joburg Branch collaborated with EkasiLab from the Innovation Hub to roll out design clinic training in Soweto and Kagiso for approximately thirty (30) Small Businesses. Seda covered the cost of training and EkasiLab provided venues and catering.
- Seda Gert Sibande Branch has partnered with Coca-Cola to train fifteen (15) businesses. The training took place in February 2023. Coca-Cola offers a three(3)-meter container valued at R150 000 and a Fridge to the Spaza Shops in rural and township areas.
- The Innovation and Technology unit of the the dtic, DSBD in partnership with Seda Thabo Mofutsanyana Branch invited prospective entrepreneurs with innovative ideas from Setsoto and Dihlabeng Local Municipalities to attend the innovation workshop. The workshop was held in Bethlehem and Ficksburg (Ntsu Secondary School, Comp High School, Seda Bethlehem office and Ficksburg hall) from 14-15 March 2023. The purpose of the workshops was to unearth technologies from the communities and townships of the district, create networking platforms for technology development and commercialisation and present technology offerings of the the dtic. More than a hundred (100) participants attended the session in four (4) different venues including two high schools in Bethlehem.
Seda has an Export Orientation Course (EOC) which focuses on Export Development. These courses focus on the business with the aim of helping the business assess its export readiness. The training targets SMMEs that have the intention and the potential to enter the export business or those already involved in exports but wanted to strengthen their knowledge in this field of business.
The SheTrades programme is a partnership between the International Trade Centre (ITC), DSBD and Seda to promote Women’s Entrepreneurship. ITC SheTrades has set up a Hub in South Africa to help South African women entrepreneurs increase their international competitiveness and connect to national, regional, and global markets through the SheTradesZA Hub. The primary objective of the Hub is to connect at least 10 000 women owned businesses to markets by 2024. This is part of South Africa’s contribution to ITC's goal of connecting three million women entrepreneurs to markets by 2023.
A total of 3003 women have registered as at the end of March 2023. Through the programme, women-owned businesses will be able to:
- Connect to potential buyers, investors, suppliers, business support organizations and SheTrades partners.
- Learn skills to boost business potential through free e-learning courses, on-site workshops, and webinars.
- Receive support to attend national, regional, and international trade fairs.
- Get chances to participate in B2B meetings.
- Access to investment opportunities.
- Increased visibility and larger network in international markets.
Seda has also forged three key skills development partnerships namely:
- A 3-year partnership with the National Skills Fund (NSF) to benefit 14 000 beneficiaries for a total budget of R 592 275 000. The aim of the project is to recruit unemployed graduates with Accounting and Business Management qualifications to be trained on New Venture Creation, Coaching, and Mentorship Programme to enhance their skills to provide support to Micro Enterprises. Seda will use coaching as an innovative methodology to facilitate and reinforce learning and development support to Micro Enterprises and the unemployed graduates will be trained on new venture creation as well as business coaching to enable them to transfer skills & knowledge to Micro Enterprise owners.
- Seda and W&R Seta signed an agreement to support one thousand (1000) Tuckshops, General Dealers to the value of R 9 975 000.
- In 2021, DSBD, Seda and Merseta signed Agreement for Merseta to release a discretionary grant to Seda to the value of R 50 million. The funding will be provided in phased approach over a 3-year period. The purpose is to train Small Enterprise in the Automotive Trade Sector as well as facilitate Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL).
In addition to the above, Seda through its Learning Academy has also developed different training programmes. These programmes are credit bearing and accredited by the Services Seta. Quality training aims to assist organisations of all types to implement and operate the QMS to increase effectiveness, consistency, and customer satisfaction, explain the benefits of implementing QMS and understand the quality, management principles. Whilst Food safety introduces Food Safety, Understand Pre-Requisite programme, HACCP and HACCP principles and Implementing a Food Safety Management System (SANS 22000:2019.).
Seda has an Entrepreneurship in Schools Programme that encourages learners to consider entrepreneurship as an alternative career to employment. The main objective of the programme is:
- To influence the mindset of learners by encouraging them to become job creators instead of job seekers once they leave the schooling system.
- To equip learners with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed to start and manage their businesses; and
- To improve entrepreneurial activity amongst the learners and educators.
Seda is also in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development’s (UNCTAD)
Division of Investment and Enterprise United Nation’s Empretec training Programme.
- Empretec is a six (6) day programme aimed based on a unique Harvard University methodology focusing on behavioural approach to entrepreneurship.
- The programme is interactive, experience and self-assessment based and takes 25-30 participants per workshop. Participants learn by doing.
- Participants on this programme receive an UNCTAD endorsed certificate.
- Programme develops Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) such as opportunity seeking, persistence, goal setting, risk taking, fulfilling commitments, planning etc. for participants.
Seda has a dedicated programme, The Basic Entrepreneurship Skills Development (BESD) which was jointly developed by Seda and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development via Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) since 2012. GIZ left the programme in December 2016. The programme is funded by the National Skills Fund for an amount of R84 million. The BESD approach utilises coaching as an innovative methodology to facilitate and reinforce learning and development support to emerging entrepreneurs. A total of 260 undergraduates and 1998 Emerging Entrepreneurs successfully completed the training initiative.
19 June 2023 - NW2204
Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) (a) What are the details of each Category (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) C municipality in each province that has functioning firefighting services for structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires and (b) which of the specified municipalities (i) have their own fleet and (ii) rely on rentals; (2) what are the details of each Category (a) A, (b) B and (c) C municipality in each province that has no firefighting services? NW2501E
Reply:
Figure 1 below provides details of the municipalities across the country regarding
1. What are the details of each Category (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) C municipality in each province that has functioning firefighting services for structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires and (b) which of the specified municipalities (i) have their own fleet and (ii) rely on rentals;
(2) what are the details of each Category (a) A, (b) B and (c) C municipality in each province that has no firefighting services?
LIMPOPO PROVINCE |
|||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
|
Mopani District Municipality |
|
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
19 fire appliances |
None |
|
Capricorn District Municipality |
Lepelle-Nkumpi Blouberg Molemole |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
12 fire appliances |
None |
|
Polokwane Local Municipality |
Polokwane |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
31 vehicles |
None |
|
Waterberg District Municipality |
Bela-Bela Lephalale Mogalakwena Modimolle |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
08 fire appliances |
None |
|
Sekhukhune District Municipality |
Elias Motsaoledi LM Ephraim Mogale Fetakgomo Tubatse LM Makhuduthamaga |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
15 fire appliances |
None |
|
Vhembe District Municipality |
Musina Thulamela Makhado Collins Chabane |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
16 fire appliances |
None |
Western Cape Province |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Garden Route DM |
Garden Route DM |
Veld fires |
13 fire appliances |
None |
Hessequa |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
9 fire appliances |
None |
|
Knysna LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
11 fire appliances |
None |
|
Kannaland LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 fire appliances |
None |
|
Bitou LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
9 fire appliance |
None |
|
Oudsthoorn LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 fire appliances |
None |
|
George LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
10 fire appliances |
None |
|
Mossel Bay LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
18 fire appliances |
None |
|
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
WEST COAST DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY |
West Coast DM and Matzikama LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
28 fire appliances |
None |
Swartland LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 fire appliances |
None |
|
Saldanha LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
12 Fire appliances |
None |
|
Bergrivier LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
9 fire appliances |
None |
|
Cederberg LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 fire appliances |
None |
|
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Central Karoo District |
Beaufort West LM Prince Albert LM Laingsburg LM
|
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 fire appliances |
None |
Overberg District |
Theewaterskloof LM Cape Agulhas LM Swellendam LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
24 Fire Appliances |
None |
Overstrand LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
24 Fire Appliances |
None |
|
City of Cape Town Metro |
City of Cape Town Metro |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
395 Fire Appliances |
None |
Cape Winelands District Municipality |
Cape Winelands DM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
26 Fire Appliances |
None |
Stellenbosch LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
20 Fire Appliances |
None |
|
BreedeValley LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
8 Fire Appliances |
None |
|
Witzenberg LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
7 Fire Appliances |
None |
|
Langeberg LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
8 Fire Appliances |
None |
|
Drakenstein LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
13 Fire Appliances |
None |
KWAZULU NATAL |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
UMgungundlovu District |
uMshwathi; uMngeni; Mpofana; Impendle; Mkhambathini; Richmond |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
18 Fire Appliances |
None |
Msunduzi LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
12 Fire Appliances |
None |
|
UGU District |
Umzumbe LM Umuziwabantu LM Umdoni Fire LM Ray Nkonyeni LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
8 Fire appliances |
None |
Harry Gwala District |
Ubuhlebezwe LM Nkosazana Dhlamini Zuma LM Greater Kostad LM uMzimkhulu LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
13 Fire Appliances |
None |
ILembe District |
Mandeni LM KwaDukuza LM Ndwedwe LM Maphumulo LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
8 Fire Appliances |
None |
King Cetshwayo District |
Umfolozi LM uMhlathuze LM Umlalazi LM Mthonjaneni LM Nkandla LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
22 Fire Appliances |
None |
eThekwini Metro |
eThekwini Metro |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
118 Fire Appliance |
None |
FREE STATE PROVINCE |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Moqhaka LM |
Moqhaka LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Metsimaholo LM |
Metsimaholo LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Ngwathe LM |
Ngwathe LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
6 |
None |
Mafube LM |
Mafube LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Maluti a Phofong LM |
Maluti a Phofong LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Dihlabeng |
Dihlabeng |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Nketwane |
Nketwane |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Phumelela |
Phumelela |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
Mantsopa |
Mantsopa |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Setsoto |
Setsoto |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Xhariep District Municipality |
Kopanong LM Letsemeng LM Mohokare LM Nala LM |
No Fire Services rendered |
0 |
None |
Lejweleputswa District Municipality |
Tokologo LM Tswelopele LM Masilonyane LM Nala LM |
No Fire Services rendered |
0 |
None |
Matjhabeng LM |
Matjhabeng LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 |
None |
Northern Cape |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Gamagara LM |
Gamagara LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
11 |
None |
Ga Segonyana LM |
Ga Segonyana LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 |
None |
Joe Morolong LM |
Joe Morolong LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
John Taolo Gaetsewe DM |
John Taolo Gaetsewe DM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Namakwa District Municipality |
Hantam LM Kamiesberg LM Karoo Hoogland LM Khai-Ma LM Richtersveld LM Nama Khoi LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Frances Baard District Municipality |
Sol Plaatje LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 |
None |
NORTH WEST PROVINCE |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Madibeng LM |
Madibeng LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Rustenburg LM |
Rustenburg LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
8 |
None |
Kgetleng LM |
Kgetleng LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Mogwase LM |
Mogwase LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Moretele LM |
Moretele LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
Mahikeng LM |
Mahikeng LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Naledi LM |
Ditsobotla LM Ratlou LM Ramotshere Moiloa LM Tswaing LM Naledi LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality |
Kagisano-Molopo LM Lekwa-Teemane LM Taung LM Mamusa LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
12 |
None |
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
GAUTENG PROVINCE |
||||
Merafong City LM |
Merafong City LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
4 |
None |
Mogale City LM |
Mogale City LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Rand West LM |
Rand West LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Emfuleni LM |
Emfuleni LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Lesedi LM |
Lesedi LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Midvaal LM |
Midvaal LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
City of Tshwane Metro |
City of Tshwane Metro |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
19 |
None |
City of Ekurhuleni Metro |
City of Ekurhuleni Metro |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
14 |
None |
City of Johannesburg Metro |
City of Johannesburg Metro |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
11 |
None |
EASTERN CAPE |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Amathole District Municipality |
Great Kei LM Mbhashe LM Mnquma LM Ngqushwa LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
9 |
None |
Amahlathi LM |
Amahlathi LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
|
Raymond Mhlaba LM |
Raymond Mhlaba LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Alfred Nzo District Municipality |
Alfred Nzo District Matatiele LM Umzimvubu LM Winnie Madikizela Mandela LM Ntabankulu LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
5 |
None |
Chris Hani District Municipality |
Emalahleni AB Xuma Intsika Yethu Inxuba Yethemba Enoch Mgijima Sakhisizwe |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Joe Gqabi District Municipality |
Walter Sisulu LM Senqu LM Elundini LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
0 |
None |
OR Tambo District Municipality |
Mhlontlo Nyandeni Port St Johns Ingquza Hill |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
King Sabata Dalindyebo |
King Sabata Dalindyebo |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
Sarah Baartman District Municipality |
Blue Crane Route Beyers Naude LM Makana Sunday's River Valley Kouga Ndlambe Koukamma |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
17 |
None |
Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality |
Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
19 |
None |
Buffalo City Metro Municipality |
Buffalo City Metro Municipality |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
14 |
None |
MPUMALAMGA PROVINCE |
||||
MUNICIPALITY |
AREA JURISDICTION |
PROVISION OF SERVICE |
CURRENT FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
LEASED FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES |
Msukaligwa LM |
Msukaligwa LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
|
Govan Mbeki LM |
Govan Mbeki LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
Lekwa LM |
Lekwa LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
Mkhondo LM |
Mkhondo LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
Chief Albert Luthuli LM |
Chief Albert Luthuli LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Dr Pixly Ka Seme LM |
Dr Pixly Ka Seme LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
0 |
None |
Dipalaseng LM |
Dipalaseng LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
0 |
None |
Bushbuckridge LM |
Bushbuckridge LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
3 |
None |
City of Mbombela LM |
City of Mbombela LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
15 |
None |
Thaba Chweu LM |
Thaba Chweu LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
0 |
None |
Nkomazi LM |
Nkomazi LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
2 |
None |
Victor Khanye LM |
Victor Khanye LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Thembisile Hani LM |
Thembisile Hani LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Emalahleni LM |
Emalahleni LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Emakhazeni LM |
Emakhazeni LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Dr JS Moroka LM |
Dr JS Moroka LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
Steve Tshwete LM |
Steve Tshwete LM |
structural, mountainous, veld and/or hazmat fires |
1 |
None |
End
19 June 2023 - NW1955
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
In light of the fact that after lengthy and expensive public hearings that were held across the Republic, his department withdrew the Gas Amendment Bill, citing changes in the industry that had an impact on the Bill’s finalisation, (a) what exactly are the developments and (b) how do they affect the Bill; (2) whether the goal of creating and/or revising legislation should not be to precisely govern the sector and any advancements within it as opposed to just adjusting legislation to cater for how the industry is evolving; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2137
Ntlangwini, Ms EN to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity
Whether, with regard to his recent indication that it is not possible to guarantee that load shedding will be over by the end of this year, in his engagements with relevant stakeholders there is any work done towards resolving the matter of load shedding completely; if not, why not; if so, what are the timelines?
Reply:
The Minister presents regular updates to the Cabinet and to the public through the weekly NECOM briefings on the state of generation and our capacity to address the frequency and intensity of loadshedding. Whilst every effort is been made to ensure that we reduce loadshedding, there is no definitive timeline, as this is, inter alia, a function of improvement to generation capacity of the Eskom installed fleet, on boarding of renewable energy and success of the Demand Side Management (DSM) programme.
Whereas many of the interventions being pursued will results in overall improvement to the demand-supply equilibrium, it remains premature to suggest load shedding will be over by the end of year. It is worth noting that generation performance showed improvement from the preceding two weeks (22 May 2023 – 06 June 2023) The average available generation improved by 631MW from 28382 MW to 29013 MW (07 June 2023 to 19 June 2023).
Between 15 May 2023 and 15 June 2023, Eskom’s unavailable plant capacity due to unplanned breakdowns (UCLF), Partial Load Losses (PLLs), and outage delays has decreased by 3580 MW from 18 255 MW to 14 765 MW. These improvements in generation plant performance have resulted in an upward trend in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and a reduction in the severity of load shedding from daily stages 4-6 to stage 3 for the period under review, largely the stage 3 was applicable to evening peaks, with the remaining part of the day with no load shedding. EAF for June is trending above 60%. Generation last achieved 61.39% EAF in August 2022.
19 June 2023 - NW2135
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether she has taken any steps to ensure that the (a) Director-General and (b) Deputy Director-General of Destination Development face consequence management regarding what happened to Manyane Lodge and many other similar projects where no consequences management took place; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
a) I have been informed that the audit outcome for the 2018/2019 financial year identified fruitless and wasteful expenditure in relation to the implementation of the infrastructure projects, included was the NW – Manyane Lodge Project. The AGSA recommended that management should investigate the circumstances related to the reported expenditure.
b) The Accounting Officer, in consultation with the then Executive Authority, Minister Kubayi, commissioned a forensic investigation in line with Section 38(1) of the PFMA which defines the following responsibilities in relation to the fruitless and wasteful expenditure:
- Section 38 (1) (c) (ii) The accounting officer must take effective and appropriate steps to prevent fruitless and wasteful expenditure;
- Section 38 (1) (g) The accounting officer must on discovery of fruitless and wasteful expenditure, immediately report, in writing, particulars of the expenditure to the relevant treasury; and
- Section 38 (1) (h): The accounting officer must take effective and appropriate disciplinary steps against any official in the service of the department or constitutional institution who makes or permits fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
c) The forensic investigation yielded that certain officials did not comply with the requirements of Section 45(a) to (c) of the PFMA which obligate the following in relation to the responsibilities of other officials:
- Section 45 (a) An official in a department must ensure that the system of financial management and internal control established for that department is carried out within the area of responsibility of that official;
- Section 45 (b) An official in a department is responsible for the effective, efficient, economical and transparent use of financial and other resources within that official’s area of responsibility; and
- Section 45 (c) An official in a department must take effective and appropriate steps to prevent, within that official’s area of responsibility, any unauthorised expenditure, irregular expenditure and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
d) The reported findings also went into each official’s own alleged transgressions per project.
e) The Deputy Director-General who was responsible for the programme, at that time, has since retired from the public service effective July 2020. Similarly, the responsible Accounting Officer at the time of the projects, also left the public service in 2015. All other implicated officials are undergoing disciplinary processes, which are at various stages.
f) The current Accounting Officer reported this matter to the South African Police Services (SAPS) in September 2020 and it is currently under further investigation processes by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, also known as The Hawks. Furthermore, the Accounting Officer has initiated the process of civil claims against the implementing agents through the State Attorney in July 2020 and July 2021.
g) It is important to note that both the current Accounting Officer and Deputy Director-General: Destination Development were not implicated in the outcome of the investigation, because they were not involved in the project.
19 June 2023 - NW2053
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What are the details of the steps that have been taken to ensure that the (a) individual arrested in Tanzania and brought back to South Africa is, in fact, Thabo Bester, and is in fact the same person sentenced as the so-called Facebook rapist and (b) specified individual is in fact the person who was incarcerated, and then escaped from custody, at the Mangaung Correctional Facility?
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
19 June 2023 - NW2185
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)(a) What are (i) the age demographics of all nurses employed in the public health sector and (ii) their specialisation as a percentage of each category and (b) in which provinces are they employed; (2) what is the (a) current vacancy rate for all the specified nursing specialties in each province and (b) envisaged time frame to fill the vacant positions?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) In accordance with the Persal data set as extracted for the month of May 2023 below is the table of the age demographics of all nurses employed in the public health sector and
(ii) Persal does not provide the breakdown percentage of each specialized category since they are all grouped under category specialty
(b) The data also specifies the Provinces in which they are employed-
Professional Nurse (Specialized) 2023 |
|||||
Province |
25-34yrs |
35-44yrs |
45-54yrs |
55-64yrs |
*above 65 |
Eastern Cape |
87 |
376 |
652 |
586 |
7 |
Free State |
12 |
100 |
345 |
378 |
1 |
Gauteng |
293 |
1105 |
1693 |
1448 |
28 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
386 |
1975 |
2545 |
1689 |
12 |
Limpopo |
109 |
527 |
1072 |
1160 |
8 |
Northern Cape |
16 |
55 |
154 |
154 |
11 |
Mpumalanga |
57 |
293 |
578 |
431 |
4 |
North West |
59 |
282 |
535 |
406 |
14 |
Western Cape |
225 |
673 |
912 |
631 |
6 |
Total |
1244 |
5386 |
8486 |
6883 |
91 |
* Aged above 65 are regulated in accordance with the Public Service Regulation and Act- to employ professionals over the age of 65
(2) (a) Current vacancy rate for all the specified nursing specialties in each province and
Nursing Specialty Vacancy Rate |
||
Province |
Vacant |
Vacancy rate % |
Eastern Cape |
498 |
13.0% |
Free State |
46 |
2.8% |
Gauteng |
1096 |
15.2% |
KwaZulu-Natal |
1984 |
22.7% |
Limpopo |
340 |
10.2% |
Mpumalanga |
170 |
9.1% |
Northern Cape |
120 |
33.0% |
North West |
318 |
19.1% |
Western Cape |
488 |
13.6% |
Total |
5060 |
15.7% |
(b) The Department is unable to state the envisaged time frame to fill the vacant positions due to general budget cuts that negatively affects the Compensation of Employment (CoE) a specific date of when the specified challenges will be eradicated. However, it can confirm that measures are applied across Provinces to prioritize filling of vacant posts where the budgets permit.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW2077
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
In light of the fact that the contract awarded to Turkish firm, Karpowership, to provide 1,220MW of energy to the Republic has been stalled by legal action and environmental concerns from nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) which seem to naturally block development instead of encouraging responsible development, what has the Government done to positively bring the NGOs to the table and on board to avoid them pulling in opposite directions and preventing much-needed development?
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.
19 June 2023 - NW2117
De Villiers, Mr JN to ask the Minister of Small Business Development
Whether her department has undertaken any review and/or study to determine the extent to which small-, medium- and micro enterprises (SMMEs) benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement between the Republic and the United States of America; if not, why not; if so, (a) to what extent have SMMEs benefitted from the AGOA in the past three years and (b) what total number of jobs have been created and sustained due to the AGOA?”
Reply:
I have been advised:
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has not undertaken a review as part of its research undertaking on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The DSBD and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) participated in the South Africa-United States of America (SA-USA) meeting to discuss matters related to the AGOA. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) communicated that they will be conducting assessment on how (extent to which and the impact of) AGOA has assisted/supported growth in the Chemical and Textile Sectors (and other sectors); as well as domestic programmes (funding and capacity building) aimed at supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMME) exporters.
AGOA is currently set to expire in 2025. SA is jointly with the African Union lobbying for extension beyond 2025. DSBD and the dtic will embark on a consultation process to formulate a country position on AGOA ahead of the negotiations to ensure that South African SMMEs interests are covered in the new agreement.
(a)&(b) Not applicable.
19 June 2023 - NW2236
Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism
In light of how her department will be implementing 29 community-based tourism projects at the cost of R84 million for the 2023-24 financial year, which initiatives has she put in place to train the community to run their facilities, instead of having a management company playing the central role in training communities as is the case with Platfontein?
Reply:
I have been informed that the Department, in the past, did not do social facilitation for infrastructure projects.
I have, now, instructed the Department to use and implement the existing social facilitation process, as approved by Cabinet in 2021.