Questions and Replies
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 - NW1444
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he has been able to verify reports that Mr Thabo Bester was able to move in and out of the Mangaung Correctional Centre way before his escape from the specified facility to conduct his private businesses; if not, is he investigating the specified claims; if so, has he identified the individuals responsible for the breach of correctional services operational procedures?
Reply:
The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services learned about these allegations through media reports and immediately instituted an investigation into the above matter through the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services. The National Commissioner then appointed investigators who are currently busy with all allegations related to inmate Thabo Bester and his escape.
Arrests have been effected and certain individuals are undergoing court processes based on criminal charges in relation to inmate Bester.
END
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 - NW1858
Horn, Mr W to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What are the costs to date to her department related to the national intervention into the administration of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, with reference to national government departments and the specified municipality?
Reply:
The total costs to date incurred by the Department in relation to the national intervention into the administration of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality are R 2, 006 283, 13.
End.
19 June 2023 - NW1846
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether, with regard to the construction of security walls at the (a) Goodwood Regional Office, (b) Allandale Correctional Centre and (c) Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, the designs were approved in reliance on the Project and Construction Management Professions Act, Act 48 of 2000; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the appointed (i) civil engineer and (ii) safety agent for all mentioned sites; (2) whether the specified designs were done in reliance on the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) Whether he will furnish Mr J Engelbrecht with a copy of the approvals for all mentioned sites; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether a competitive tender process was followed for the procurement of (a) a contractor and (b) material for all mentioned sites; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
(1)(a) No, the mentioned wall is a pre-cast vibracrete wall. Installation was done as per domestic pre-cast installation, therefore, no civil engineer was required. However, the manufactures’ specifications were adhered to for the installation and training was provided by the supplier on site. No safety agent was appointed. However, health & safety regulations were adhered to.
(1)(b) In the case of Allandale Correctional Centre, the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI) appointed a service provider for the installation of the wall. A shop drawing, specification and construction method were provided. See attached as “Annexure 1”. There was no safety agent appointed. However, Health & Safety Regulations are being adhered to.
(1)(c) For Pollsmoor Maximum Correctional Centre a shop drawing was designed and signed by the Manufacturer’s Professional Engineer and specifications with construction methodology were provided. See attached as “Annexure 2”. There was no safety agent appointed however Health & Safety Regulations are being adhered to.
(2) In respect of all three sites, existing fence lines were being replaced by a new type of fence which is the pre-cast walling. Therefore, with respect to Environmental impact studies there wasn’t any registered, however, the necessary installation specifications were adhered to.
(3) There were no approvals required because the work conducted was for replacing redundant existing fence lines.
(4)(a) DPWI appointed a contractor for Allandale Management Area and for Pollsmoor & Goodwood Regional Office artisan and offender labour was utilised.
(4)(b) A competitive price quotation process was followed for purchasing of the material.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW1611
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
Noting how numerous facilities do not have floor plans and/or adequate fire detection systems in place, (a) what is the current status of healthcare facilities regarding this in each province, (b) what measures will he put in place to resolve the issue and (c) on what date will he ensure intervention with resolve is enacted?
Reply:
(a) (i) Floor plans are available for all our health care facilities. However, most of them are outdated due to the aging of many facilities. (ii) See below existing health facilities with adequate fire detection systems:
(b)-(c) Aging public health facilities remains a challenge and growing concern for the Department of Health. The short-, medium- and long-term focus is thus more on restoring many of these facilities to an acceptable state of operability. The National Department of Health is currently busy with the following interventions:
(i) CSIR is currently busy with an investigation into how to become more green in future and will include the OHS Compliance issues and fire detection systems for all the healthcare facilities.
(ii) Provinces have been requested to include the update of the floor plans and fire detection systems during the condition assessment audits of their facilities. This request is aligned with the requirements of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA).
In the same Act the User, which in this case is the Provincial Departments of Health, should annually revise its User Asset Management Plan (UAMP) in alignment with the guidelines provided by Public Works. The User Immovable Asset Management Plan (UAMP) for the Department of Health informs the budget allocation process in terms of the overall and annual strategic plans of the Department. The objectives of the UAMP are to:
- assess the utilisation of accommodation in terms of the Department of Health’s service delivery objectives.
- assess the functional performance of the accommodation.
- prioritise the need for repair, refurbishment or reconfiguration of all state-owned accommodation.
- plan for future accommodation requirements and
- secure funding for the acquisition and utilisation of assets according to the strategic objectives of the relevant department.
- All major upgrades and new installations must cover the upgrading of the fire detection systems.
END.
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 - NW1881
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What new and actionable solutions has the Government undertaken to ensure that prisoners who bring to light abuses suffered at the hands of wardens and prison management are protected whilst still incarcerated in such prisons, especially where the transfer to another facility is not an option, as seen in the Thabo Bester case where prison whistle-blowers are now being targeted and their lives threatened?
Reply:
It should be noted that inmates who came forward with information about Thabo Bester were not whistle blowers with regard to the escape. The offenders referred to only claimed to know about the Thabo Bester escape after it was published in the media. The inmates were transferred out of Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) in consideration of their safety.
As a matter of course, routine complaints and requests are taken daily from offenders in Units and registered in the G365 register. For protection of other inmates against officials and management the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS) is available daily in Correctional facilities to take complaints by and some requests of inmates, these inmates are attended to independently without monitoring and supervision of Correctional officials. Inmates are also assisted to open cases with the police where necessary.
The following whistle blower procedures are applied in DCS:
- Offenders who provide reliable information concerning any wrong doings by other offenders and officials are interviewed by the Unit Manager/ Head of Correctional Centre (HCC) and such inmates are given an option to be transferred out of those facilities or placed in isolation cells for own safety in terms of section 7 of Act 111 of 1998 as amended.
- Stipulations of the whistle-blowers policy of the Department implemented as the protected Disclosures Act 26 of 2000 which was effective in February 2001, state that their name/s should remain anonymous, identity should never be revealed and information should be limited to the Unit Manager/HCC and the investigators.
- Registered whistle blowers are assigned code names and an inmate registration. A whistle blower only interacts with a dedicated official in the holding correctional facility who is assigned to handle the whistle blower.
- Deployment of other experienced officials/Emergency Support Teams (ESTs) from other Centres in the Units where whistle blowers are incarcerated is also considered. Daily visits must be conducted by the Head of Correctional Centre and other Centre Managers.
- Clear and secure communication between the concerned officials and whistle blowers should be maintained at all times.
- Food for whistle blowers should be handled with care in cases where there might be information and suspicions that the offender might be in danger.
- Visits of whistle blowers should be monitored for safety reasons.
- Complaints and requests are taken daily from offenders in the Units and registered on G365 register. Offenders also have access to the Head of Centre and feedback is provided within seven days of the complaint.
- There are also Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (ICCVs) officials from the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services (JICS) that are available at Correctional Centres.
- Offenders have direct access to JICS via these officials. Offenders are free to register any complaint, concern or grievance to these ICCV officials for further handling with JICS.
- Offenders have access to telephones (landlines) and they are able to report their concerns directly to Departmental Investigation Unit (DIU), SAPS, the Presidential Hotline or Public Protector.
- Any official or HCC found to be abusing or threatening offenders that provide any information regarding corruption, abuse, fraud (any complaint) may be charged departmentally and criminally (SAPS).
- Immediate and prompt intervention and consequence management is prioritised and implemented at all levels.
- The placement of a locked suggestion / grievance box in all units that can only be accessed by HCC also assists in getting confidential information to keep inmates safe when they are whistle blowers.
- The office of the Regional Commissioner and the Management team continuously sensitise officials and offenders to refrain from activities that are embarrassing to the DCS and that are illegal in nature.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW1511
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) With reference to her reply to question 14 on 8 March 2023, what are the relevant details of the (a) production level on the farm with regard to citrus in terms of the (i) size in hectare that was under production and (ii) tons produced and (b) revenue generated during the past 10 years before being transferred by her department to the new beneficiaries. (2) what are the details of the (a)(i) livestock that was kept on the farm and (ii) revenue generated from the livestock during the past 10 years before being transferred to the new beneficiaries and (b) number of (i) permanent and (ii) seasonal workers who lost their jobs?
Reply:
1. (a) The details of production levels on the farm with regard to citrus are as follows:
- Size in hectares under production: 309 hectares.
- An estimated total of 130 000 cartons of citrus were harvested in 2014/15 for export market.
(b) The Department does not have records relating to revenue generated during the 10 years before being transferred to the beneficiaries.
2. (a) (i) The details of livestock that was kept on the farm are limited to the following:
- 50 heifers and 2 bulls that were received from the Industrial Development Cooperation Nguni scheme. The remaining portions of the grazing land are leased out.
- (II)The Department does not have records relating to revenue generated during the 10 years before being transferred to the beneficiaries.
(b) (i) 188 permanent workers lost their jobs.
(ii) Between 400 to 600 seasonal workers lost their jobs.
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 - NW1699
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether she will furnish Mr J Engelbrecht with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her in terms of the percentages allocated to (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises and (iv) rural enterprises with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of the set-aside policy of the government in fostering an inclusive and diverse economic landscape in the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023.
Reply:
a) The National Department of Human Settlement’s procurement allocations.
(aa) In respect of 2021-22 financial year, the National Department of Human
Settlements procured over fifty five percent (55%) of goods and services
from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4.
i) The procurement allocation is R 60 988 816,96
ii) Procurement from co-operatives R 0,00
iii) Township enterprises R 2 154 021,48 and
iv) Rural enterprises R 2 162 825,54.
April 2023
In respect of 2022/23 financial year, the National Department of Human Settlements procured over ninety seven percent (97%) of goods and services
from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4.
i) The procurement allocation is R 23 334 019,86
(ii) Procurement from cooperatives R 0,00
(iii) Township enterprises R 2 162 825,54 and
(iv) Rural enterprises R 327 122,75.
1. Entities Reporting to the Minister
2. Community Schemes Ombud Service: The Community Schemes Ombud Service does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. However, the Community Schemes Ombud Service has since determined that it spent (i) R42 374 176 (74%) on small-, medium- and micro-enterprises during the (bb) 2021/22 financial year.
3. Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority: The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority has advised the Department that it did not record any percentage procurement spend for (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises (ii) Cooperatives, (iii) Township and (iv) Rural Enterprises during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
4. Social Housing Regulatory Authority: The Social Housing Regulatory Authority spent eighty-five percent (85.61%) on (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year. No percentage procurement spent for (ii) Cooperatives, (iii) Township and (iv) Rural Enterprises has been recorded by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
5. Housing Development Agency: The Housing Development Agency does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. The Housing Development Agency targets procurement spend on women, youth and persons with disabilities in line with Government’s empowerment object. The results are as follows:
-
- Procurement spent targeted at businesses owned by women amounting to R536 025 527. 97 (8.12%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
- Procurement spent targeted at businesses owned by youth amounting to R334 757 829. 86 (2.92%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
- Procurement spent on businesses owned by persons with disabilities amounting to R124 981 016. 18 (0.53%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
6. National Housing Finance Corporation: The National Housing Finance Corporation does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. However, during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year, the National Housing Finance Corporation targeted the procurement of goods and services from Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) firms level 1 to 4. Due to the nature of competition and service required it is not always practical to purchase goods and services from the targeted B-BBEE levels. The National Housing Finance Corporation procured over seventy five percent (75%) from suppliers and service providers who are on B-BBEE level 1-4, specifically:
- Level 1: R62 195 048.84 (66%)
- Level 2: R4 168 264.19 (4%)
- Level 3: R5 407 730.74 (6%)
- Level 4: R6 880 403.03 (7%)
7. National Home Builders Registration Council: The National Home Builders Registration Council does not have specific targeted procurement spend allocations for the procurement categories mentioned by the honourable member. However, the National Home Builders Registration Council can report actual procurement expenditure as follows:
- Procurement spent on businesses owned by women amounting to R4 187 541.17 (18%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
- Procurement spent on businesses owned by youth amounting to R1 261 913.85 (7%) during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
- Procurement spent on businesses owned by persons with disabilities amounting to (0.3%) R12 289.37 during the (aa) 2021/22 financial year.
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 - 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 - 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 - NW1730
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a)Whether, noting that the 2024 elections are looming, she intends to hand over title deeds as she did in August 2021 shortly before the Local Government Elections were held; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (b) whether any similar projects were completed between the last elections and the upcoming elections during the so-call off-elections seasons, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
a) The Title Restoration Project is an ongoing project of the government that aims to restore ownership to beneficiaries of state-subsidised houses, that have since 2016 consistently been planned and budgeted for, in the annual provincial business plans.
b) It is the department’s policy to hand over title deeds to beneficiaries as soon as possible to avoid loss or damage. The issuing of title deeds by political heads depends on their priorities and availability.
The Minister of Human Settlements will thus continue to issue title deeds to beneficiaries as part of the ongoing work of government, depending on her availability and priorities.
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 - NW1688
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will furnish Mr M Bagraim with a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement allocation of (a) her department and (b) every entity reporting to her in terms of the percentages allocated to (i) small-, medium- and micro-enterprises, (ii) cooperatives, (iii) township enterprises and (iv) rural enterprises with a view to evaluating the effectiveness of the set-aside policy of the Government in fostering an inclusive and diverse economic landscape (details furnished) in the (aa) 2021-22 financial year and (bb) since 1 April 2023?
Reply:
(a),(b)(i),(ii),(iii),(iv)(aa),(bb) Please refer to the table below.
(i) SMME |
(ii) Cooperative |
(iii) Township Enterprises |
(iv) Rural Enterprises |
(a) Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 Financial Year (FY) |
|||
0% The Department did not set procurement allocations (targets). |
|||
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury. |
|||
(i) SMME |
(ii) Cooperative |
(iii) Township Enterprises |
(iv) Rural Enterprises |
(b) Deeds Registration Trading Account |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
0% The entity did not set procurement allocations (targets). |
|||
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury. |
|||
(b) Commission on Restitution of Land Rights |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
89% |
0% |
1.27% |
76% |
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
70.69% |
0% |
0% |
1.21% |
(b) Office of the Valuer General |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
84.77% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
16.5% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(b) Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
0% ITB did not set procurement allocation targets. |
|||
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury. |
|||
(b) National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
0% NAMC did not set procurement allocation (targets). |
|||
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
0%: The 2017 Preferential Procurement Regulations (including Regulation 4: prequalification criteria/ set-aside) were successfully challenged in court and replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. In view of the above, since April 2023 the Department does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury. |
|||
(b) Agricultural Research Council (ARC) |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
0%: ARC did not set procurement allocation targets. |
|||
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
0%: The new Preferential Procurement Regulations 2022 that came into effect from 16 January 2023 compels government institutions to evaluate bids based on specific Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) objectives. Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable. |
|||
(b) Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) |
|||
(aa) 2021/22 FY |
|||
30% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
20% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
(b) Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP) |
|||
(aa) 2022/23 FY |
|||
OBP currently only tracks 2 parameters with respect to procurement and based on the BBBEE Framework, i.e., (i) Black owned companies; and (ii) woman owned companies. OBP only approved the enterprise supplier development policy in Quarter-4 of 2022/2023. For the financial year 2022/2023, 45% Black owned businesses and 15% women owned businesses.” |
|||
(bb) Since 1 April 2023 |
|||
0%: Effective 16 January 2022 Regulation 4 (Pre-qualification criteria) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017 is no longer applicable and was replaced by the Preferential Procurement Regulation 2022 which is currently in force. In view of the above, since April 2023 the OBP does not apply the pre-qualification criteria/set-aside in line with the 2022 Regulations issued by National Treasury. |
19 June 2023 - NW1879
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
What methods have been put in place by her department to ensure that traditional leaders have the (a)power and (b) means to contribute and work closely with municipalities towards the successful completion of houses for beneficiaries in tribal lands?
Reply:
a) The National Department of Human Settlements has subsidy-linked programmes designed to provide support and assistance in all types of settlements along the continuum where ownership or rental tenure option can be exercised. From a communal land and human settlements development perspective, the definitive role and demarcated interface between the Department and traditional leaders is expressly defined within some of our programmes and one such programme is the Rural and Communal Land Rights Subsidy Programme.
The programme was developed specifically to assist households in areas with communal tenure to access housing subsidies. The programme provides housing subsidies for housing development on communal land registered in the name of the state or which will be held by community members subject to the rules or custom of that community under their traditional authority.
Under this programme, a beneficiary community member provides proof of uncontested land tenure rights and qualifies for a new order tenure right on the portion of land allocated to him or her by a recognised Traditional Council.
The powers and duties of the land administration committee of the community is exercised and performed by the Traditional Council. The housing subsidy may be utilised for the development of internal municipal services, house building, upgrading of existing housing structures, upgrading of existing services where no alternative funding is available.
b) With respect to role players and decision-making processes, a Traditional Council must in terms of the Traditional Leaders and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No 41 of 2003), co-operate with any relevant Municipal Ward Committee and must meet at least once a year with its traditional community to give account of its activities and needs. There are five role-players within the implementation of the Rural and Communal Land Rights Subsidy Programme; namely, the National Department, the Provincial Department, Municipalities, Traditional Councils; and the Land Administration Committee which came into effect after the promulgation of Communal Land Rights Act (CLaRA).
In addition, the Department has a programme called First Home Finance (FHF), previously known as the Financial-Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP). The objective of this programme is to assist households by providing a once-off down payment to qualifying households to acquire a new house or an existing house or a vacant residential serviced stand. In communal administered land or in rural settings, the FHF subsidy is provided to a qualifying beneficiary through Permission To Occupy (PTO) right that are issued by the government or an officially recognised traditional authority.
In cases where a prospective beneficiary is not in possession of such a PTO, such beneficiary may still buy a PTO-linked housing stand and build their house on it using the FHF subsidy in combination with a housing loan. No subsidy shall be provided nor may building works proceed without the written approval of the Administrator/ Chief of the land in question.
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 - 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 - 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 - NW1736
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Since electric geysers are usually the highest electricity-consuming appliances in homes accounting to 30% to 40% of electricity used, what are the full details of the (a) roll-out of solar geysers to date, (b) feedback on their effectiveness of the specified geysers to date and (c) (i) plans and (ii) time frames of the roll-out of solar geysers going forward?NW1979
Reply:
a) The provision and roll-out of solar geysers is undertaken by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the National Department of Human Settlements (NDHS) is collaborating with the DMRE in this regard.
To respond to the rising cost of living and energy poverty, I have announced that subsidised houses will be provided with solar panels in all new housing projects at 500W per housing unit. This is effective from the 1st of April 2023. At 500W, this home solar system is envisaged to cover lighting and provide energy to basic home appliances such as radio, television, Wi-Fi and refrigerator. Through this intervention, it is expected that the subsidised home solar system will contribute to the reduction of the total cost of electricity-consuming appliances in homes.
b) The NDHS has not rolled out any solar geysers, therefore it cannot provide feedback on the effectiveness thereof.
c) (i) The NDHS has held discussions with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) which are envisaged to culminate into a collaboration that will be expressed in a Memorandum of Agreement, for the installation of 6000 solar geysers in the Eastern Cape province.
c) (ii) The time frames for the roll-out of the solar geysers is expected to take place within the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years and will be confirmed in the Memorandum of Agreement between the two Departments.
19 June 2023 - NW1760
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) total number of transactions were approved by the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa in each (i) province and (ii) district for the blended finance programme in the past three financial years and (b) commodities are being approved and at what costs for each transaction?
Reply:
The Black Producers Commercialisation Programme (BPCP) pilot phase was launched in November 2018. The programme was suspended by April 2019 to undertake a review and assessment of the model. No approvals were recorded during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 financial years. The Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) was re-launched in October 2022.
(a)(i),(ii),(b) 2022-2023 financial year - implementation period: November 2022 to 31 March 2023
Client Name |
Province |
Districts |
Commodities |
Number of Client Approvals |
Total Approvals (Loan and Grant) |
Sefale Letsitsa |
Free State |
Lejweleputswa |
Grains and Livestock |
1 |
R7 130 400 |
Ntethe Farming CC |
Thabo Mofutsanyana |
Grains, Beans and Livestock |
1 |
R19 998 307 |
|
Mandla Simon Mahlangu |
Gauteng |
Tshwane |
Grains and Livestock |
3 |
R1 402 300 |
Simphiwe Gift Mashiyana |
R467 408 |
||||
Sen-thaba Agriculture and Projects (Pty) Ltd |
R1 340 208 |
||||
Shakazi Farming |
KwaZulu- Natal |
uMgungundlovu |
Sugarcane |
2 |
R5 150 000 |
Kalajan Investments (Pty) Ltd |
iLembe |
R8 923 920 |
|||
Lemo David Chaba |
Limpopo |
Capricorn |
Livestock |
2 |
R784 683 |
Motitoane Mabena |
Waterberg |
R203 850 |
|||
Avoxeni Farms CC |
Mpumalanga |
Gert Sibande |
Grains and Livestock |
1 |
R5 325 420 |
Sibusisiwe Sugar Estate (Pty) Ltd |
Ehlanzeni |
Sugarcane |
1 |
R39 806 692 |
|
Baleti Estate (Pty) Ltd |
Nuts and Avocados |
1 |
R26 261 121 |
||
Andre Smith |
Northern Cape |
ZF Mgcawu |
Livestock
|
8 |
R415 571 |
Coenraad Van Wyk |
R389 391 |
||||
Danie Farmer |
R406 168 |
||||
Fritz Du Plessis |
R10 141 591 |
||||
Jakob Bok |
R1 183 578 |
||||
Jannie J Van Der Westhuizen |
R13 226 906 |
||||
Myra Jo-Ann Bezuidenhout |
R3 274 070 |
||||
Smith Boerdery Trust |
R3 563 006 |
||||
BL Smith Boerdery CC |
Livestock Raisins Pecan nuts Lucerne |
2 |
R11 895 360 |
||
Wathita Abafazi in Farming (Pty) Ltd |
R12 627 166 |
||||
Eilerd Driving and Training Academy CC |
Frances Baard |
Livestock |
1 |
R8 959 595 |
|
Kalahari Lankgewacht Investments (Pty) Ltd |
Livestock and Pecan nuts |
1 |
R6 313 073 |
||
Andries Farmer |
Namakwa |
Livestock |
2 |
R3 839 002 |
|
Elsies Vlak (Pty) Ltd |
R1 169 238 |
||||
Samuel Ivan Visser |
Pixley Ka Seme |
Livestock |
1 |
R913 508 |
|
Dithabo Projects and Other (Pty) Ltd |
North West |
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District |
Livestock |
2 |
R3 077 304 |
Loago Boerdery (Pty) Ltd |
R1 877 029 |
||||
Eben Hazer Boerdery (Pty) Ltd |
Western Cape |
Cape Winelands |
Table Grapes |
1 |
R55 361 600 |
Total Approvals and Disbursements (Loan and Grant) |
30 |
R255 427 466 |
Reporting period: 1 April 2023 to 15 May 2023
Client Name |
Province |
Districts |
Commodities |
Number of Client Approvals |
Total Approvals (Loan and Grant) |
Bokamoso Boatlegile Farming (Pty) Ltd |
Free State |
Mangaung |
Grains and Livestock |
1 |
R15 671 865 |
Sebolelo Miriam Khoabane |
Lejweleputswa |
Grains and Livestock |
1 |
R2 809 881 |
|
Setjhoka Farming (Pty) Ltd |
Gauteng |
Tshwane |
Grains and Livestock |
2 |
R1 402 008 |
Kholekile Marinkie Ntuli |
R519 208 |
||||
Simphiwe Gift Mashiyana |
0 |
R0 |
|||
Mirror Ball Investments 128 (Pty) Ltd |
Kwazulu Natal |
uThukela |
Vegetables |
1 |
R5 913 024 |
Kalajan Investments (Pty) Ltd |
iLembe |
Sugarcane |
0 |
R0 |
|
PJ Snyders |
Northern Cape |
ZF Mgcawu |
Livestock |
1 |
R1 031 882 |
PA Dorper Boerdery (Pty) Ltd |
Livestock Raisins Pecan nuts Lucerne |
1 |
R15 064 794 |
||
Myra Jo-Ann Bezuidenhout |
Livestock |
0 |
R0 |
||
Billy Rodney Kotze |
John Taolo Gaetsewe |
Livestock |
1 |
R9 248 565 |
|
Dithabo Projects and Other (Pty) Ltd |
North West |
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati |
Livestock |
0 |
R0 |
Crispy Crop (Pty) Ltd |
Western Cape |
West Coast |
Vegetables |
1 |
R7 856 400 |
Total Approvals and Disbursements (Loan and Grant) |
9 |
R59 517 627 |
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 - NW1893
Zondo, Mr S S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Considering that South African universities often come under criticism due to their financial mismanagement, blatant corruption, and the credibility of the qualifications obtained and/or lack thereof, what active steps does his department take to ensure that they follow up on the specified concerns and address them, since a threat to the credibility of domestic qualifications simply means that our higher education system in its entirety will eventually come under scrutiny?
Reply:
In terms of section 27 (1) the Higher Education Act, it is the Council of a public higher education institution which must govern the institution. In respect of financial mismanagement or presumed corruption, especially where an institution does not comply with conditions linked to allocations from money appropriated by Parliament, Minister may request the Council to comply. In terms of Section 42, should the Council not comply within a predetermined timeframe, Minister may withhold payments of further allocations.
The Higher Education Act further provides that the Minister may:
- issue a directive to the council of a public higher education institution if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the Council or the management of that public higher education institution is involved in financial impropriety, or the public higher education institution is being otherwise mismanaged.
- appoint an independent assessor if circumstances arise at a public higher education institution that involve financial or other maladministration of a serious nature; or seriously undermine the effective functioning of the public higher education institution.
- appoint an administrator, if an audit of the financial records of a public higher education institution or the report by an independent assessor or any other report or information reveals financial or other maladministration of a serious nature or serious undermining of the effective functioning of the public higher education institution.
The Minister has intervened in several institutions by appointing independent assessors to conduct investigations into various allegations of mismanagement and other maladministration; and where reports reveal maladministration of a serious nature, administrators have been appointed to identify and initiate processes and initiatives that restore proper governance and management. In addition, directives have been issued to some institutions to direct on steps to be taken to remedy various deficiencies that would have been identified.
In the instance of compromised qualifications, the Minister may request the Council of Higher Education to provide conduct quality assurance on the relevant qualification/s and thereafter act on the recommendations provided by the CHE.
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 - NW1654
Mphithi, Mr L to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1) Regarding temporary accommodation for the victims of the KwaZulu Natal Floods, what total number of victims were provided accommodation at the Crystal Valley Shelter; (2) Whether her department will furnish Mr L Mphithi (a) the relevant details of the comprehensive tender process in relation to the specified shelter and (b) all details related to how the total value of the relocation amounts to R18 million; if not why not, in each case; if so what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
1. The KwaZulu Natal Province has reported that a total of 550 beds have been provided at the Crystal Valley Shelter.
2. (a) The province has also reported that there was an open tender process, and the tender was referenced as Bid No. HDA / KZN /2022/005.
(b) The province reported that the households were relocated from various Mass Care Centres and all the details are in the tender referenced as Bid No. HDA /KZN/2022/005. Attached are the “SBD 1 Part A Invitation to Bid” and “Tender Opening Form”
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 - NW1822
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will provide a standard protocol for the maintenance of agricultural colleges in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has found that all colleges are adhering to the required standards and protocol; if not, what measures has she put in place to impose compliance; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether there have been colleges that were given notices for not complying with the required standards; if not, why not; if so, which colleges?
Reply:
1. No. The day-to-day management of Colleges of Agriculture is currently with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture.
2. Falls away.
3. Falls away.
19 June 2023 - NW1922
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Whether his department has looked into the extent of the problems brought up by students who are subjected to Southpoint due to the failure to provide student accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons that his department has not (a) banned Southpoint from doing business in the Republic and (b) taken control of its properties to guarantee that students have a safe and healthy place to live?
Reply:
South Point are private providers of student accommodation and support several universities in the Western Cape and Gauteng. The Department is not aware of complaints about South Point and has not received any complaints from students on accommodation provided by South Point. Hon. Marais is requested to provide more details about the complaints so that further investigations can be conducted, and comprehensive response be provided.
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 - 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 - NW1824
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the relevant details of funding provided by her department to private companies that are responsible for supporting emerging farmers with technical support for each commodity and in each province throughout the Republic in the past 10 financial years; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with a detailed report on the progress made through such support for each (a) farm, (b) commodity and (c) specified financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. None. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development did not in the last 10 years [2013-2023], provide funding to private companies that were responsible for technical support to emerging farmers either in terms of the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RADP) or the current Land Development Support (LDS) Programme. Currently, the Department has a partnership with commodity organisations registered with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and collects levies in accordance with Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, No. 47 of 1996.
2. No, since no funding support was provided to private companies as indicated above.
(a),(b)(c) Falls away.
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 - 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 - 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 - NW1609
Chirwa-Mpungose, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
With reference to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital that had their cooling systems compromised in December 2022 when copper piping supplying the theatres with water was stolen, what (a) other incidences of this nature have occurred at other healthcare facilities across the Republic and (b) has he done in response to the rising security and crime threat at public facilities?
Reply:
a) The National Department of Health has been informed by the Gauteng Department of Health about the stolen copper pipes/cables at Charlotte Maxeke, Steve Biko and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. There were other similar incidents that were reported by the Free State Department of Health regarding copper pipes being stolen from the following hospitals:
- Bongani hospital (Welkom)
- Boitumelo hospital (Kroonstad)
- Thebe hospital (Harrismith)
- Monapo hospital (Qwa Qwa)
- Elizabeth Ross hospital (Qwa Qwa)
- National hospital (Bloemfontein)
- Universitas hospital (Bloemfontein)
- JS Maroka hospital (Thaba Nchu)
- Mohau hospital (Hoopstad)
All these incidents were reported to the nearest police stations and case numbers were issued accordingly.
b) Minster of Health has appointed Ministerial Task Team for safety and security in all public health facilities. The purpose of the task team was to assess the effectiveness of security measures and make recommendations. The task team has conducted security assessments at all public health facilities. Subsequently reports were drafted with the following recommendations:
- Improve security infrastructure like perimeter fencing and security guard rooms.
- Installation of security technology like CCTV camera systems, access control and alarm systems.
- Development of standardised security framework.
- Effective security contract management to hold Service Providers accountable.
- Regular security patrols at public health facilities by SAPS especially in hotspot facilities.
- Deployment of police reservists at hotspot public health facilities.
- Implementation of intelligence driven security measures at hotspot facilities
- Escort of EMS by SAPS to hotspot communities.
In this regard, memorandum of understanding was entered into between SAPS and NDoH to ensure regular patrols and deployment of police reservists.
Ministerial task team meet on regular basis to monitor the implementations of the recommendations and to assist provinces with any required security intervention.
END.
19 June 2023 - NW1655
Mphithi, Mr L to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(a) What are the full, relevant details of and reasons for the delay in the Mooikloof Mega City Project?
Reply:
According to information sourced from the developer, Balwin Properties and Infrastructure South Africa, the Mooikloof Mega City Residential Development is at an advanced stage of development.
Since the gazetting of the project in 2020, Infrastructure South Africa has worked with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and Balwin Properties to unlock various approvals including the Service Level Agreements, regulatory approvals and key infrastructure connection challenges which caused delays in the construction of the first phase. There were further delays with regard to the environmental approvals for the Eastern Link sewer, however, authorization has been granted and Infrastructure South Africa continues to support the unblocking of such regulatory approvals.
The availability of bulk infrastructure enabling development is a challenge that is experienced across the country, including the Mooikloof Mega City Residential Development.
However, parallel to the construction of the apartments, upgrades to some bulk infrastructure are in progress. Upgrades to the Hill Waste Water Treatment Works are completed and upgrades to Garsfontein road are in progress. Furthermore, Balwin Properties is implementing bulk infrastructure upgrades to the value of R 138 million at present.
Infrastructure South Africa is still engaging City of Tshwane Metro, (who is responsible for the implementation of bulk infrastructure), to develop possible funding mechanisms towards addressing the challenge of bulk infrastructure.
In addition, Infrastructure South Africa has conducted structured engagements with the National Treasury and Development Finance Institutions to put in place mechanisms, within the current legal framework, to provide fiscal support for bulk infrastructure requirements. These processes are envisaged to continue for some time, as different options are being considered, that will unlock funding for bulk infrastructure in the medium to long-term.
The developer gave assurance that the current delays on the project are within their control.
19 June 2023 - NW1847
Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1)Whether the construction of security walls at the (a) Goodwood Regional office, (b) Allandale Correctional Centre and (c) Pollsmoor Correctional Centre was approved as a priority on the Infrastructure Plan which was submitted to the National Treasury for the (i) 2022-23 and (ii) 2023-24 financial years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether he will furnish Mr J Engelbrecht with the total expenditure for the construction of the specified security walls; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether municipal approval was obtained prior to the commencement of the construction of the security walls; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a & c) No, Goodwood Regional Office and Pollsmoor Correctional Centre’s installation of vibracrete walls does not fall into the respective financial years as stipulated in the above question. It is for this reason it does not appear on the infrastructure plan.
(1)(b) Allandale Correctional Centre’s installation work is being done by Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and therefore does not appear on the infrastructure plan of the Department of Correctional Services
(2) The total expenditure incurred was for the purchase of building material as follows:
- Pollsmoor Management Area - R490 000.00;
- Allandale Management Area – R 866 844.60;
- Goodwood Management Area – R324 000.51
Own resources were utilised for construction of the walls at Goodwood and Pollsmoor Management Areas. In Allandale Management Area DPWI is assisting with the use of a service provider for the construction.
(3) According to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards, Act No.103, 1977 section 2 subsection 3 does not bind the State in submitting building plans to the Municipality.
END.
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 - 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 - NW1804
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Considering the continued attacks and killings of staff members of the University of Fort Hare (UFH) amidst allegations of corruption in that institution, what measures has he put in place to ensure the safety of whistle-blowers and staff members at UFH?
Reply:
I am concerned about the safety of students and staff members at all the institutions of higher learning.
Following certain outbursts by senior management in the media, I have tabled the protection of whistle blowers on the agenda for discussion with the Council of the University of Fort Hare.
The University of Fort Hare has in the interim confirmed that the Council expedited the finalization and approval of the Whistleblowing Policy and Procedures, through which any information brought forth would be investigated in a fair and regulated manner. We are advised that the policy makes provision for protection of staff members and students who have alerted the university to corrupt conducts and acts.
15 June 2023 - NW2313
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
How were the African Heads of States nominated that will lead the peace initiative to Russia and Ukraine, considering that some of the countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo have been unstable for many years?
Reply:
Following extensive discussion of the Ukraine-Russia crisis and its impact on Africa and other developing countries, a group of seven African Presidents agreed to undertake a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia. The objective of the Mission is to promote the importance of peace and to encourage the parties to agree to a diplomacy-led process of negotiations. This initiative includes diverse voices from the Continent on the conflict, consisting of Comoros (current Chair of the African Union), the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
It is the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and not the Democratic Republic of Congo that is part of the peace initiative
15 June 2023 - NW2338
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) In view of numerous studies that have shown that more than 50% of teachers in the Republic lack basic levels of mathematics content knowledge, how does she justify the fact that more than 99% of educators are rated as acceptable which is defined in terms of the collective Agreement No. 2 of 2020 as a level of performance that is acceptable and satisfies the minimum expectations; (2) whether she has found that a teacher satisfies minimum expectations and can teach acceptably if s(he) lacks basic content knowledge; if not, how is it that 99% of all teachers are rated as acceptable and/or higher despite widespread evidence and government acknowledgement that teachers lack basic content knowledge; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. It is acknowledged that there is a need for ongoing capacity building of educators that teach Mathematics in content knowledge and pedagogy.
Currently, the appraisal of educators is undertaken according to the Quality Management System (QMS) as informed by Collective Agreement No. 02 of 2020. Since 2022 was the first full year of the implementation of QMS, an analysis of the educator scores for the 2022 appraisal cycle is in progress, and will be finalised once the data is available from National Treasury. Given the latter, the proportion of educators rated as acceptable in terms of Collective Agreement No, 02 of 2022 cannot be verified.
2. The Minister does not believe that teachers can teach acceptably well without a basic minimum of subject knowledge.
Teachers who lack basic content knowledge in a subject, are identified and subjected to training and support, to improve their knowledge and skills in the identified subjects.
The QMS as an appraisal process is driven by all members of the School Management Team (SMT).
The appraisal of teachers is undertaken by the SMT, and is based on five (5) performance standards as follows:
- Creation of a positive learning and teaching environment;
- Curriculum knowledge, lesson planning and presentation;
- Learner assessment and achievement;
- Professional development; and
- Extra-mural and co-curricular participation.
The appraisal of a Post Level 1 Educator is undertaken across a range of 12 criteria and 38 descriptors within the above five (5) performance standards. Contextual factors of the school are also considered where these have been identified. In this regard consideration is given to the following:
- The nature of the contextual factor;
- The level of its impact on the educator’s performance; and
- The extent to which the educator was able to mitigate such impact.
The QMS also provides a basis to recognise good performance and address underperformance through targeted interventions that could be school-based or provided through external support.
15 June 2023 - NW2337
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What is the estimate of the total annual additional costs that will be incurred by her department for moving from the 1% notch increase to the 1,5% notch increase in educator salaries?
Reply:
During negotiations following PSCBC Resolution No. 01 of 2018, extensive costing of various modes of implementation was undertaken. The final cost estimate of the mode finally implemented, was that the compensation of employees (CoE) baseline for provincial education departments was set to increase by R347 million, after the first leg of a 0.3% increment in 2018/19 with the increase in 2019/20 being R1094 million following the second leg increment completing the 0.5%.
15 June 2023 - NW2312
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she and/or the Government intends to declare the Ambassador of the United States of America a persona non grata based on two occasions that he communicated incorrect information to the South African public without following proper procedure, causing fear and doubt in the capabilities of the State; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date?
Reply:
On 12 May 2023, the Department dèmarched US Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety for a meeting with Minister Naledi Pandor, where the Minister expressed South Africa’s deep disappointment and outrage about the manner in which Ambassador Brigety had convened a press conference on 11 May 2023, and levelled allegations regarding the sale of ammunition by South Africa to Russia, via the US sanctioned Russian naval vessel, Lady R. The Minister strongly condemned the actions of the Ambassador, which were particularly distasteful, especially so soon after the visit to Washington by the Special Envoys appointed by President Ramaphosa. The envoys were well received by all US interlocutors and discussions were productive.
In this context, the press conference held by the US Ambassador was counter to the spirit of the engagement with senior officials and politicians in Washington DC. The Minister informed the US Ambassador that South Africa respects all conventions on arms sales through the provisions outlined in the National Conventional Arms Control Act (NCACA), and if there was any violation of our laws, criminal charges would be laid if evidence is provided. Following the Minister’s address to Ambassador Brigety, he informed the senior officials that he would issue an unreserved public apology.
The President’s office reiterated that no concrete evidence has been provided to support the claims made by Ambassador Brigety, and that the investigation had been initiated before the Ambassador publicly announced his accusation. It was further indicated that the retired judge appointed to head the investigation, would use any evidence US intelligence officials could provide over the alleged sale of ammunition.
Following the meeting between Minister Pandor and US Ambassador Brigety and the telecon with Secretary of State Blinken, as well as the subsequent meeting between the ANC and Ambassador Brigety, wherein the latter reiterated his apology, it is not contemplated that any further steps will be taken with regard to his removal.
Regarding the terror alert from the US Embassy, the latter is of the view that their actions were in accordance with their duty/constitutional obligation to warn American citizens of credible threats to safeguard US Government employees and citizens. We had at the time voiced our strong objection to the way the alert had been issued.